Ophthalmic Laser Scanning Divergence for Vertical Tissue Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ophthalmological devices using pulsed laser beams struggle to efficiently make tissue cuts with a vertical component without requiring vertical displacements of the projection optics, which limits their ability to process eye tissue with complex cutting geometries.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an optical element that generates divergence of the laser beam dependent on the scanning angle, allowing for tilting of the scanning line without vertical shifting of the projection optics, using elements like wedge plates, prisms, lenses, or diffractive optical elements, and a control module to adjust these elements for precise tilting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vertical displacements of projection optics are used to make tissue cuts with vertical component, then cutting capability is improved, but processing speed deteriorates due to mechanical movement limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical displacement system of the projection optics with an optical system using variable focus lenses. Instead of physically moving the projection optics vertically to achieve different cutting heights, the system uses lenses with variable focal lengths to shift the focus position along the optical axis, thereby achieving vertical cutting components without mechanical movement of the projection optics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the focal length parameter of the projection optics dynamically during the cutting process. By adjusting the focal length of the projection lens, the focus position of the laser beam is shifted along the optical axis, enabling vertical cutting components. This parameter change allows rapid adjustment without mechanical displacement, improving processing speed while maintaining cutting versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If projection optics are vertically displaced to change focus height, then vertical cutting is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical cutting capabilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the projection lens serve multiple functions: it not only projects the laser beam for horizontal cutting but also, through variable focal length adjustment, shifts the focus position to enable vertical cutting components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vertical displacement mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining vertical cutting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If fast scanner system is used for beam deflection, then scanning speed is improved, but focus depth control deteriorates due to separation from projection optics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidfocus depth control

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fast scanning function with the projection optics system by placing the variable focus lens within or integrated to the projection optics. This allows the fast scanner to deflect the laser beam for high-speed scanning while the integrated variable focus lens simultaneously controls the focus depth, ensuring both high scanning speed and precise focus depth control without the limitations of separated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 processing of eye tissue with vertical section components by shifting the focus of the laser pulses based on scanning angle, allowing for precise cutting without moving the projection optics, thereby improving processing speed and accuracy for complex cuts.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical element is arranged in front of the projection optics, which optical element is set up to generate a divergence of the laser beam that is dependent on the scanning angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDivergence generation:

Implementation Method 2

The at least one optical element comprises, for example, a wedge plate, a prism, a lens, a diffractive optical element and / or an aspherical mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

projection optics for the focused projection of the laser beam or the laser pulses into the eye tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

a scanner system upstream of the projection optics for beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam or the laser pulses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam deflection:

Data Source

PatentEP2596773B1Device for machining eye tissue using a pulsed laser beam

Publication Date: 2015.05.13 SIE SURGICAL INSTR ENG

Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b

AI summary

The ophthalmological apparatus (1) has a projection optical system (10) for the focused projection of laser beam (L) into eye tissue (22). A scanner system (14) is arranged at upstream of projection optical system for beam-scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam in scan movement direction (s'), along a scan line (s). An optical element (13) is arranged at upstream of projection optical system to produce the divergence of laser beam depending on the scan angle.