Integrated Ophthalmic Laser Source for Flap Creation and Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LASIK systems require separate femtosecond and excimer lasers, which occupy more space, are costly, and have disadvantages such as high voltage requirements, use toxic gases, and are affected by environmental conditions, necessitating complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state laser source that integrates femtosecond and nanosecond pulse capabilities, using a single laser system to perform both flap creation and ablation procedures, eliminating the need for separate lasers and their associated drawbacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate femtosecond and excimer lasers are used, then both flap creation and ablation can be performed, but the system occupies more space and costs more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines femtosecond and nanosecond laser capabilities into a single laser source system. The laser source generates both femtosecond pulses (for flap creation) and nanosecond pulses (for ablation) using shared components including the laser medium, pump source, and optical resonator, thereby reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining dual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser source is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between femtosecond and nanosecond pulse modes. The system can create flaps using femtosecond pulses and perform ablation using nanosecond pulses, eliminating the need for separate specialized lasers and reducing space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate femtosecond and excimer lasers are used, then both flap creation and ablation can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges femtosecond and excimer laser functionalities into a single integrated system. By sharing expensive components such as the laser medium, pump source, and optical resonator between femtosecond and nanosecond operations, the overall system cost is reduced compared to purchasing and maintaining two separate laser systems
Solution Approach 2:
The laser source provides universal functionality for both flap creation and ablation procedures. The system can operate in femtosecond mode for flap creation and switch to nanosecond mode for ablation, eliminating the need to invest in multiple specialized laser systems and reducing overall equipment cost
3Productivity
If excimer lasers are used, then ablation can be performed, but high voltage requirements and toxic gas usage are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser system by using nanosecond pulse duration instead of traditional excimer laser parameters. This allows ablation to be performed without requiring high voltage requirements or toxic gas usage, while maintaining effective ablation capability through controlled nanosecond pulse delivery
4Productivity
If excimer lasers are used, then ablation can be performed, but environmental conditions affect performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laser operational parameters from traditional excimer laser settings to nanosecond pulse mode. This parameter change enables ablation performance that is less sensitive to environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, improving reliability while maintaining productivity
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 integrated laser source reduces space and cost requirements while avoiding the limitations of excimer lasers, providing efficient and reliable ophthalmic surgical capabilities with improved environmental stability.
Implementation Method 1
The amplifier amplifies the laser pulses by amplifying the femtosecond pulses and generating and amplifying the nanosecond pulses. The amplifier further generates the nanosecond pulses by Q-switching.
Implementation Method 2
The nanosecond pulse portion includes a frequency converter that converts near infrared wavelengths to ultraviolet wavelengths to yield ultraviolet nanosecond pulses. The femtosecond pulse portion includes a frequency converter that converts near infrared wavelengths to ultraviolet wavelengths to yield ultraviolet femtosecond pulses.
Implementation Method 3
During surgery, a femtosecond laser photodisrupts corneal tissue to create a flap.
Implementation Method 4
Then, an excimer laser (such as a 193-nanometer laser) ablates the tissue with nanosecond pulses to reshape the corneal stroma to correct the refractive error.
Data Source
AI summary
A laser source for an ophthalmic surgical system includes a femtosecond seeder, an amplifier, a femtosecond pulse portion, a nanosecond pulse portion, and one or more switches. The femtosecond seeder generates femtosecond pulses. The amplifier amplifies laser pulses, which include the femtosecond pulses and nanosecond pulses. The amplifier amplifies the laser pulses by amplifying the femtosecond pulses and generating and amplifying the nanosecond pulses. The femtosecond pulse portion alters and outputs the femtosecond pulses, and the nanosecond pulse portion alters and outputs the nanosecond pulses. The switches receive the laser pulses from the amplifier, and direct the laser pulses to the femtosecond pulse portion or the nanosecond pulse portion. In other embodiments, the laser source includes a femtosecond seeder and a nanosecond seeder that generates the nanosecond pulses.