Ophthalmic Laser Scanner With Orthogonal Lens Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic laser scanners are cumbersome and costly due to the need for complex optics to correct aberrations caused by high field angles and off-axis scanning, making manual positioning difficult and increasing system weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner design that scans the focal point in three dimensions using movable optical elements along orthogonal axes, eliminating the need for scanning mirrors and corrective optics by maintaining an on-axis laser beam, and incorporating a refractive block to extend focal length without increasing the f-number, allowing for manual docking and reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If scanning mirrors are used to angularly deflect and scan the laser beam over an extended range, then the laser can be scanned across the cornea, but high field angles create significant aberrations (astigmatism, coma) requiring complex corrective optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the scanning mirrors from the optical system, replacing them with a galvanometer-controlled rotating lens assembly. This removes the source of high field angle aberrations while maintaining the ability to scan the laser beam across the corneal surface through controlled rotation and tilting of the lens assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scanning mirror system with a galvanometer-driven lens rotation mechanism. The galvanometer provides precise angular control of the lens assembly, enabling beam scanning through electromagnetic actuation rather than mechanical mirror deflection, thereby reducing optical aberrations.
2Manufacturing precision
If corrective optics are added to correct aberrations from high field angles and off-axis scanning, then aberration correction is achieved, but the weight of the system increases to five kilograms or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate corrective optics by eliminating the scanning mirrors that generate the aberrations in the first place. The galvanometer-controlled lens assembly maintains on-axis beam propagation throughout the optical path, preventing the generation of astigmatism and coma that would otherwise require additional corrective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding corrective optics to fix aberrations after they are created by off-axis scanning, the patent inverts the approach by designing a system that prevents aberration generation through on-axis beam propagation. The scanning function is achieved through lens rotation and tilting rather than beam deflection at high angles.
3Manufacturing precision
If corrective optics are included to correct aberrations, then optical performance is improved, but the cost of the system increases by tens of thousands of dollars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive corrective optics by removing the scanning mirrors that create the aberrations. This simplifies the optical design to primarily a focusing lens assembly controlled by a galvanometer, significantly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing costs while maintaining diffraction-limited performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex corrective optical elements with a simpler, more affordable galvanometer-controlled lens assembly. The system achieves the same functional outcome (aberration-free scanning) using less expensive components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
4Weight of moving object
If the weight of the laser scanner is reduced by removing corrective optics, then manual positioning becomes feasible, but motorized gantries and safety electronics are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy corrective optics and motorized gantry systems from the design, reducing the system weight to a level that enables straightforward manual positioning. The galvanometer-controlled lens assembly is lightweight and can be manually oriented and focused without requiring complex motorized positioning infrastructure.
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 reduces the weight and cost of ophthalmic laser scanners, enabling manual positioning and minimizing scan time by optimizing focal point scanning along linear paths with oscillatory motion, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the complexity of the surgical system.
Implementation Method 1
optics for scanning the focal point in three dimensions. The optics include optical elements for scanning the laser beam along three orthogonal axes and an optical element which extends the focal plane of the optics away from the focusing lens(es)
Implementation Method 2
an optical element within the optics of the laser scanner is adapted to effectively increase the focal length of an included focusing element without increasing the f number of the focusing element. Preferably, the refractive index of this optical element is greater than one
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner is disclosed. The laser scanner comprises a laser source, a first optical element, and a focusing element. The first optical element is adapted to move along the optical axis of light from the laser source. The focusing element receives laser light from the first optical element and is adapted to move orthogonally to the optical axis. Optionally, the focusing element may include multiple focusing lenses. A first focusing lens may be adapted to move along a first axis which is orthogonal to the optical axis. A second focusing lens may be adapted to move along a second axis which is orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first axis. The laser scanner may also include a second optical element which receives light from the focusing element and is adapted to effectively increase the focal length of the focusing element without increasing its f number.