Laser Coupling Lens Alignment Without Pulses or Thermal Paper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment procedures for medical laser systems are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to the use of laser pulses and thermal paper, which can damage optics and contaminate the system.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with a coupling lens assembly that can move in x-, y-, and z-directions, along with alignment features and an aiming laser generator, allows for precise alignment of the laser system without generating laser pulses or using thermal paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alignment procedures use laser pulses and thermal paper, then alignment can be performed, but alignment time is excessive (1-2 days) and safety risks increase due to potential damage to optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful elements (laser pulses and thermal paper) from the alignment procedure entirely. Instead of using laser pulses that can damage optics and thermal paper that generates contaminating particles, the invention uses a visible alignment laser beam that is safe and does not require consumable materials, thereby eliminating safety risks and reducing alignment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visible alignment laser beam as an intermediary tool to enable alignment without using the actual invisible medical laser beam. This intermediary allows operators to visually track and align the invisible laser path through alignment tools, making the process faster and safer without requiring high-power laser pulses.
2Measurement precision
If conventional alignment procedures use thermal paper to correct accuracy, then alignment precision can be improved, but particles are generated that contaminate and damage optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates thermal paper from the alignment process. Instead of using thermal paper that generates particles when the laser beam passes through it, the invention employs alignment tools with visible markers and a visible alignment laser beam that allow precise alignment without any consumable materials, thereby preventing particle generation and optical contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the disposable thermal paper with reusable alignment tools that have visible markers. These tools can be used repeatedly without generating contamination, eliminating the need to constantly replace thermal paper and preventing the accumulation of particles in the optical path.
3Ease of operation
If conventional alignment procedures use laser pulses from laser cavities, then alignment can be performed, but safety risks increase and optics can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the invisible medical laser beam into a visible alignment beam for alignment purposes. By using a visible wavelength laser specifically for alignment rather than the invisible high-power medical laser, the system transforms a potentially harmful situation into a safe and beneficial alignment process that preserves the medical laser optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a visible alignment laser beam as an intermediary that substitutes for the invisible medical laser beam during alignment. This intermediary allows the alignment process to proceed without exposing the optics to high-power laser pulses, eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining ease of operation through visual feedback.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces alignment time, enhances safety by eliminating the need for laser pulses and thermal paper, and improves the accuracy and precision of the laser system alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly is configured to move the lens in x-, y-, and z-directions
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path
Implementation Method 3
a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path
Implementation Method 4
a first mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes a first laser cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path, a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path, a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path; and a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly moves the lens in x-, y-, and x-directions.