Modular Laser Beam Combining for Adjustable Urology Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holmium laser systems for urological procedures have limited settings for pulse energy, pulse frequency, and pulse width, restricting treatment options for clinicians.
Innovation Solution
The development of laser modules with independently drivable laser-producing assemblies, optical resonators, and printed circuit board assemblies that allow for the combination of multiple input laser beams to produce an output laser beam with customizable pulse energy, pulse width, and pulse repetition frequency, enabling expanded treatment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser-producing assemblies are combined to expand treatment options, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is divided into multiple independently drivable laser-producing assemblies, each capable of generating laser beams with specific parameters. This segmentation allows clinicians to select and combine different assemblies to achieve desired treatment outcomes, thereby expanding adaptability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The laser module integrates multiple laser-producing assemblies within a single device, enabling it to perform multiple functions and provide various treatment options. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to deliver different pulse energies, frequencies, and widths through a unified platform, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple laser beams are combined with laser optics, then pulse energy and frequency control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser optics combine multiple input laser beams from different laser-producing assemblies into a single output beam with customizable parameters. By merging the optical paths and controlling the combination through a printed circuit board assembly, the system achieves precise control over pulse energy, width, and repetition frequency while integrating these functions into a cohesive unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through independently drivable laser-producing assemblies and adjustable optical combining, allowing real-time modification of pulse parameters. This dynamic capability enables clinicians to optimize treatment settings on-the-fly, improving ease of operation while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable
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 solution enhances the flexibility of laser systems by allowing for the creation of output laser beams with varied pulse repetition frequencies, pulse widths, and energies, thereby expanding treatment options for urological procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The optical resonator includes a gain medium set among resonator optics configured to direct light through the gain medium for amplification of the light by stimulated emission
Implementation Method 2
The laser optics is configured to independently combine two or more input laser beams produced by the plurality of laser-producing assemblies into an output laser beam having a pulse energy, a pulse width, or a pulse repetition frequency resulting from a combination of the two-or-more input laser beams
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are laser modules for laser systems and methods thereof that expand options for clinicians when using lasers in medical procedures such as holmium lasers in urological procedures. A laser module includes independently drivable laser-producing assemblies, laser optics, and a driver for driving the laser-producing assemblies. Each laser-producing assembly includes an optical resonator having a gain medium set among resonator optics for directing light through the gain medium for amplification of the light by stimulated emission. The laser optics combines two or more input laser beams produced by the laser-producing assemblies into a combined laser beam having a pulse energy, a pulse width, or a pulse repetition frequency resulting from a combination of the two-or-more input laser beams. The laser optics also directs at least a portion of the combined laser beam through an outlet of the laser module as an output laser beam.