Multi-Core Fiber Clocking for Multi-Spot Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alignment methods for multi-core fibers with multi-spot laser beam patterns in surgical laser systems suffer from high tolerances, leading to angular misalignments and decreased coupling efficiency and power uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving projecting multi-spot laser beam and multi-core fiber patterns onto a sensor, identifying rotational misalignment, and rotating the multi-core fiber to align the patterns using digital imaging and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current alignment methods are used for multi-core fibers with multi-spot laser beam patterns, then the alignment process is simple, but the alignment precision is poor leading to angular misalignments and decreased coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to capture and visualize both the multi-spot laser beam pattern and the multi-core fiber pattern. This mediator enables precise alignment by providing a visual reference that directly shows the relative positioning and angular misalignment between the laser spots and fiber cores, allowing for accurate adjustment without complex computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system implements feedback by using the sensor to continuously monitor the alignment status and providing visual information about the misalignment. This feedback loop allows operators to adjust the fiber or laser positioning and immediately observe the improvement in alignment, enabling iterative refinement to achieve optimal coupling efficiency.
2Reliability
If high tolerances are present in the alignment system, then the device is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the coupling efficiency and power uniformity decrease due to angular misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor-based alignment system performs preliminary alignment before final assembly and fixation of the optical components. By visualizing the multi-spot pattern and multi-core pattern overlap in advance, the system allows for correction of angular misalignments before the components are permanently fixed, ensuring high coupling efficiency is achieved prior to final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables adjustment of angular parameters (rotation and tilt) of the multi-core fiber relative to the laser beam pattern. By changing these angular parameters and observing the effect on pattern overlap through the sensor, operators can optimize the alignment to achieve maximum coupling efficiency and power uniformity across all cores.
3Measurement precision
If real-time alignment visualization is implemented, then the alignment accuracy improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor creates a visual copy or representation of the laser beam pattern and fiber core pattern, allowing operators to see an optical image of the alignment status without requiring complex computational imaging or advanced sensors. This optical copying approach provides real-time visualization using relatively simple optical components and sensor technology.
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 real-time direct visualization and alignment of multi-spot laser beam patterns with multi-core fibers, improving coupling efficiency and power uniformity by compensating for small changes in optical device tilt during fixation.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a laser beam corresponding to a multi-spot laser beam pattern from a laser source onto a sensor
Implementation Method 2
projecting a light beam corresponding to a multi-core pattern of the multi-core fiber onto the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for aligning multi-core fibers with multi-spot laser beam patterns of laser surgical systems. In particular, certain aspects provide techniques for aligning a rotational angle, or “clocking” angle, of a multi-core fiber with a fixed multi-spot laser beam pattern of a laser system utilizing digital imaging and analysis.