Laser Ablation Pattern Scanning With Concurrent ROI Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser ablation systems require users to define a beam trajectory before initiating a scan, limiting the ability to efficiently adjust or specify scan parameters during the execution of a scan.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for the processing of image data to generate location data, enabling users to control the operation of the laser and scanning components to execute scans in designated regions-of-interest while another scan is being performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the beam trajectory is defined before initiating a scan, then the scan can be executed with precise control, but the ability to adjust or specify additional scan parameters during scan execution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes image data to generate location data and identifies regions of interest before scan execution. This preliminary preparation enables flexible scan parameter adjustment during execution because the foundational spatial information is already prepared, allowing the control system to quickly generate new scan trajectories without complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The scan control system transitions from a static pre-defined trajectory approach to a dynamic system that can generate and execute new scan trajectories during scan execution. The system maintains a queue of scan commands and can insert additional scans between current scan lines, enabling real-time adaptability while managing complexity through structured command queuing
2Productivity
If a single scan is executed sequentially, then the control system remains simple, but the productivity and efficiency of analyzing multiple regions-of-interest are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates idle time between scans by implementing a continuous scan execution model. When one scan completes or reaches a suitable interruption point, the next scan in the queue immediately begins without system reconfiguration delays. This continuous operation maximizes productivity by keeping the laser and scanning components actively engaged in useful analysis work throughout the measurement cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scan trajectories and parameters are pre-calculated and queued before execution begins. This preliminary preparation of scan commands allows the system to execute multiple scans in rapid succession without real-time decision-making delays, significantly reducing the total time required to analyze multiple regions of interest while maintaining high productivity
3Measurement precision
If the laser ablates sample material, then compositional analysis can be performed, but the sample structure may be damaged or altered
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies laser ablation with high spatial precision by targeting specific regions of interest identified through image processing. The scan trajectory is carefully controlled to ablate only the necessary portions of the sample required for compositional analysis, minimizing damage to surrounding areas. This localized approach maintains sample structural integrity while achieving the measurement precision needed for accurate compositional analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled partial ablation by scanning the laser beam across the sample surface in defined trajectories rather than applying excessive energy that would cause deep penetration or structural damage. The scan parameters are optimized to remove only sufficient material for analysis, preserving the overall sample structure and composition stability while enabling precise compositional measurement
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
Enables efficient and flexible scanning operations by allowing users to specify and execute additional scans in different regions-of-interest simultaneously with ongoing scans, enhancing the capability for compositional analysis of samples.
Implementation Method 1
a laser configured to generate a laser beam having parameters suitable for ablating or otherwise dissociating a portion of the sample within the sample chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one scanning component configured to impart relative movement between the sample and the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ablation system, and method, facilitates the execution of user-defined scans (i.e., in which a laser beam is scanned across a sample along a beam trajectory to ablate or dissociate a portion of the sample) and enables the user define additional scans while a scan is being executed.