Prismatic Beam Steering for Laser Misalignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for applying electromagnetic energy, such as lasers, for skin resurfacing often suffer from misalignment issues, which can lead to inefficient treatment and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a source of electromagnetic energy, a collimator, and a pair of prisms (Risley prisms) that can be rotated to correct for beam misalignment relative to the optical axis of downstream optical elements, ensuring precise alignment and effective energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser beam is used for skin resurfacing treatment, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but beam misalignment occurs which reduces treatment precision
Solution Approach 1:
A beam alignment system is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser source and the treatment area. This system includes alignment markers visible through the treatment tip and corresponding alignment features on the treatment surface, which together mediate the alignment process and enable precise beam positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system enables self-alignment functionality where the beam automatically aligns with the treatment area through the visual markers and alignment features. The system serves itself by providing intuitive visual guidance that allows operators to achieve precise alignment without requiring complex mechanical adjustment procedures or specialized training.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment mechanisms are added to correct beam misalignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual alignment markers and alignment features serve as intermediary elements that simplify the alignment process. Instead of requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses these visual intermediaries to guide beam alignment, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with an optical/visual alignment system. The alignment markers and features provide a non-mechanical method for achieving precise beam positioning, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical components and reducing overall device complexity.
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 effectively corrects for beam misalignment, ensuring that the electromagnetic energy is applied precisely and efficiently, thereby improving the effectiveness of skin resurfacing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical element is configured to correct for misalignment of the beam relative to the optical axis of the second optical element
Implementation Method 2
a collimator configured to receive the beam from the source
Implementation Method 3
If water is the primary chromophore, cellular and interstitial water absorbs light energy and transforms the light energy into thermal energy
Implementation Method 4
water absorbs light energy and transforms the light energy into thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to Devices-a device for applying electromagnetic energy and related methods. A device includes a source configured to provide a beam of electromagnetic energy, a collimator configured to receive the beam from the source, a first optical element, and a second optical element having an optical access. The first optical element is positioned between the collimator and the second optical element. The first optical element is configured to correct for misalignment of the beam relative to the optical axis of the second optical element.