Laminated Laser Window with SiO2 Coating for Biocompatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biocompatible window materials for mid-IR wavelength lasers, such as CO2 lasers, are either expensive or lack effective, easily applicable coatings, limiting their use in medical applications due to concerns over biocompatibility and transmissivity.
Innovation Solution
A laminated laser window with a nanometric-thick SiO2 outer layer is used in conjunction with inner layers like Ge, GeAs, CdTe, ZnSe, NaCl, or KCl, ensuring transparency for wavelengths between 3.5 and 12 micrometers, and allowing passage of CO2 laser light, while maintaining biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If diamond is used as a window material for mid-IR wavelength lasers, then light transmission is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite window structure combining diamond with alternative materials (such as silicon carbide, sapphire, or zinc selenide) to achieve both high light transmission in the mid-IR range and cost effectiveness. The diamond layer is used only where absolutely necessary for laser transmission, while cheaper materials handle other functional requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies diamond coating or diamond layers only in specific localized areas where high laser transmission is critical, rather than using solid diamond throughout the entire window. This localized application maintains the essential light transmission function while dramatically reducing material costs compared to a full diamond window.
2Ease of manufacture
If alternative materials like Ge, GaAs, CdTe, ZnSe, NaCl, or KCl are used instead of diamond, then cost is reduced, but biocompatibility becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biocompatible coating layer (such as diamond-like carbon, silicon oxide, or other biologically inert materials) on the surface of the alternative window materials. This intermediary layer serves as a barrier between the potentially non-biocompatible bulk material and the biological tissue, enabling cost-effective materials to be used while maintaining safety for medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the bulk window material is made from cost-effective alternatives (Ge, GaAs, CdTe, ZnSe, NaCl, or KCl) while the surface is coated with biocompatible materials. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the optical properties of the alternative materials while the biocompatible coating ensures safety for medical use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If SiO2 is used as a window material for mid-IR wavelengths, then biocompatibility is improved, but light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions SiO2 not as the primary window material but as a thin biocompatible coating layer on top of the main window material. This thin intermediary layer provides the necessary biocompatibility protection while being thin enough to allow most of the mid-IR laser light to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between biocompatibility and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses SiO2 in the form of a thin film or coating rather than as a thick window material. This thin film approach allows the biocompatible material to fulfill its protective function while minimizing its impact on light transmission, as thin films are more transparent to mid-IR wavelengths than bulk materials.
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 provides a cost-effective, biocompatible window configuration that enhances light transmission for mid-IR wavelengths, addressing biocompatibility and cost concerns, and enabling safe medical applications, particularly in CO2 laser treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an outer layer of SiO2 with a thickness of less than 100 micrometers, preferably 100-150 nm. The window is thereby configured to allow passage of light having said wavelengths therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an inner layer transparent to light having wavelengths between 3.5 micrometers and 12 micrometers
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated laser window having an inner layer transparent to light having wavelengths between 3.5 micrometers and 12 micrometers and having as an outer surface a nanometric-thick outer layer of SiO2. The window allows the passage of light within this wavelength range, for example from a CO2 laser. In The SiO2 outer layer maintains biocompatibility when used in laser devices for insertion into externally accessible bodily cavities.