Laser Pulse Synchronization With Switchable Firing Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser pulse selection systems for ophthalmic procedures face challenges such as power loss, complexity, and cost, necessitating improved systems and methods for laser pulse control.
Innovation Solution
A laser system for ophthalmic procedures is developed, comprising a laser, an optical switching device, and a pulse picking controller. The pulse picking controller receives inputs from an input device, communicates optical switching control signals to the optical switching device, and selects between a synchronous firing timer and an asynchronous firing timer to control the emission of laser pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional laser pulse selection systems are used, then laser pulse control is achieved, but power loss occurs and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulse selection function from the main laser system by using an optical switch that can be independently controlled. This allows the laser pulse generation and pulse selection to be separated, reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining power efficiency. The optical switch is integrated into the laser medium cavity, allowing selective extraction of pulses without affecting the entire laser system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical switch as an intermediary component between the laser medium and the output. This optical switch acts as a mediator that can selectively transmit or block laser pulses based on control signals, enabling precise pulse selection without direct mechanical intervention in the laser cavity, thus reducing complexity while maintaining power efficiency.
2Power
If traditional laser pulse selection systems are used, then laser pulse control is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the pulse selection function to an independently controllable optical switch, the patent avoids the need for expensive complex mechanical pulse selection mechanisms. The optical switch can be manufactured separately and integrated into the laser system, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical switch is designed to be controllable by external control signals, allowing the system to self-regulate pulse selection without requiring complex feedback mechanisms or additional expensive components. This self-service capability reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If synchronous firing timer is selected, then laser pulses are synchronized with base repetition rate, but flexibility in pulse timing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic timer selection mechanism that allows switching between synchronous and asynchronous firing modes. The system can adaptively choose the appropriate timer type based on the specific surgical requirements, providing both synchronization reliability when needed and timing flexibility when required, without compromising either mode's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal functionality to support both synchronous and asynchronous firing timers. This multi-functional design allows the same laser system to serve different surgical applications with different timing requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable synchronization when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous firing timer is selected, then pulse timing flexibility is improved, but synchronization with base repetition rate is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timer operation mode based on real-time surgical needs. When asynchronous timing is selected, the system maintains the ability to revert to synchronous mode if needed, ensuring that reliability can be restored if synchronization becomes critical during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows changing the operational parameters of the timer system, switching between synchronous and asynchronous modes. This parameter change capability enables the system to optimize between timing flexibility and synchronization reliability depending on the specific surgical task being performed.
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 system effectively controls the emission of laser pulses, enhancing power and energy characteristics for ophthalmic procedures while reducing complexity and cost, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of ophthalmic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The laser is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in laser pulses
Implementation Method 2
The optical switching device is configured to switch between a first condition that allows laser pulses emitted by the laser to be output from the laser system and a second condition that prevents the laser pulses emitted by the laser from being output from the laser system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes a laser. The laser is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in laser pulses. The laser system includes an optical switching device configured to switch between a first condition that allows laser pulses emitted by the laser to be output from the laser system and a second condition that prevents the laser pulses emitted by the laser from being output from the laser system. The laser system includes a pulse picking controller configured to receive inputs from an input device and communicate optical switching control signals to the optical switching device based on the inputs. The pulse picking controller selects at least one of a synchronous firing timer or an asynchronous firing timer. The asynchronous firing timer causes a beginning of a pulse picking cycle to start based on receipt of an input of the inputs.