Multi-Core Fiber Probe Alignment for Precise Multi-Spot Laser Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-spot laser probes face challenges in accurately aligning laser spot patterns with fiber patterns, leading to potential damage to retinal structures and inefficiencies in procedures like pan-retinal photocoagulation, which require precise and efficient delivery of multiple laser spots.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF) with graded-index (GRIN) lens and a design that omits a portion of the outer cladding at the distal end to improve alignment and power handling, allowing for precise multi-spot laser beam delivery and general illumination, while simplifying manufacturing and enhancing thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple individual optical fibers are used to deliver multiple laser beams, then multi-spot laser delivery is achieved, but alignment precision between laser spot pattern and fiber pattern deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual optical fibers are merged into a single multi-core optical fiber cable where multiple cores are embedded within a common cladding structure. This integration ensures that the relative positions of the fiber cores remain fixed and precisely aligned with the laser spot pattern, eliminating alignment issues that would arise from using separate fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical fiber structure consisting of multiple cores embedded in a common cladding, forming a multi-core optical fiber cable. This composite structure maintains precise spatial relationships between the cores and enables accurate multi-spot laser delivery while simplifying the overall probe design.
2Productivity
If multiple individual optical fibers are used to deliver multiple laser beams, then multi-spot laser delivery is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual optical fibers are merged into a single multi-core optical fiber cable where multiple cores are embedded within a common cladding structure. This integration ensures that the relative positions of the fiber cores remain fixed and precisely aligned with the laser spot pattern, eliminating alignment issues that would arise from using separate fibers.
3Reliability
If coating is applied to the entire distal end of the optical fiber cable, then protection is improved, but thermal management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coating is applied selectively rather than uniformly across the entire distal end. By omitting the coating from a portion of the distal end, the patent enables improved thermal management and laser power handling in that specific region while maintaining protective coating on other portions where protection is needed.
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 MCF design ensures precise alignment and efficient delivery of multiple laser spots, reducing thermal issues and manufacturing complexity, thereby improving the speed and accuracy of ophthalmic procedures like pan-retinal photocoagulation.
Implementation Method 1
a graded-index (GRIN) lens configured to translate laser light from the distal end of the MCF to create a multi-spot pattern of laser beams on a target surface
Implementation Method 2
a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF) including a plurality of cores; a cladding formed of fused silica surrounding the plurality of cores
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores surrounded by a cladding and a coating surrounding the cladding, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding. The MCF further comprises a probe comprising a probe tip coupled with a distal end of the MCF and a lens located at a distal end of the probe tip. In some embodiments, the lens is configured to translate laser light from the distal end of the MCF to create a multi-spot pattern of laser beams on a target surface and a distal end of the MCF terminates at an interface with the lens.