Laser Pulse Control Using Sub-Pulse Capacitive Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser pulsing techniques for medical devices are limited in the variety of pulse profiles they can produce, often resulting in non-uniform output and issues like high voltage overshoot and amplitude degradation over pulse duration.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a time duration for capacitive discharge of a capacitor bank and generating sub-pulse control signals to modify the discharge events, allowing for modulation of sub-pulse periods and time durations to control the output laser pulse signal, thereby increasing peak output value time width and producing periodic peak output values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing laser pulsing techniques are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the pulse profile variety is limited and output uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser pulse into multiple sub-pulses by generating a train of sub-pulse control signals. Each sub-pulse corresponds to a discrete capacitive discharge event, allowing independent control of individual pulse components. This segmentation enables complex pulse profiles to be constructed from simpler sub-pulse building blocks, resolving the contradiction between pulse profile variety and control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic sub-pulse control signals to generate a train of sub-pulses with controlled repetition frequencies. By adjusting the period and frequency of these periodic control signals, various pulse profiles can be achieved, including continuous wave modes and pulsed modes with different duty cycles. This periodic action provides versatility in pulse profiling while maintaining relatively simple control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If single pulse control is used, then the control mechanism is simple, but amplitude degradation and voltage overshoot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements control mechanisms that monitor and adjust sub-pulse parameters to maintain consistent output energy across the pulse train. By using feedback control on the capacitive discharge process and sub-pulse generation, the system compensates for amplitude degradation and voltage overshoot effects, ensuring uniform output despite the complexity of multi-sub-pulse control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts sub-pulse parameters such as duration, frequency, and energy distribution during the pulse train to compensate for capacitive discharge characteristics. The control system modifies sub-pulse characteristics in real-time to maintain uniform output amplitude, addressing the reliability issue while accepting increased control mechanism complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If longer pulse duration is used, then more energy is delivered, but amplitude degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a long-duration pulse into multiple shorter sub-pulses, each delivering a portion of the total energy. This segmentation prevents the amplitude degradation that would occur in a single long pulse, as each sub-pulse maintains stable amplitude characteristics. The cumulative energy delivery of multiple sub-pulses achieves the desired total energy while preserving amplitude stability throughout the pulse duration.
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
This approach enables more versatile and controlled laser pulse profiles, reducing amplitude degradation and improving the uniformity of laser output, enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments like lithotripsy.
Implementation Method 1
defining, at a control device, a time duration of capacitive discharge of a capacitor bank to a laser device
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for controlling an output laser pulse signal of a medical device. A control device defines a time duration of capacitive discharge to a laser device. The time duration corresponds to an intended energy of the output laser pulse signal. The control device generates a plurality of sub-pulse control signals. The sub-pulse control signals define a series of capacitive discharge events of the capacitor bank. The control device modulates one or more of a sub-pulse control signal period or a sub-pulse time duration of the sub-pulse control signals to modify the capacitive discharge of the capacitor bank to the laser device during the time duration.