Pulsed Laser Power Sampling Using Optical Duty Cycle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the output of pulsed lasers, such as those used in ophthalmic procedures, face challenges due to the lag between electrical current modulation and laser output, leading to difficulties in accurately determining the duty cycle and power output.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a laser, sensors to convert output into electrical signals, an edge detector to identify pulse edges, an analog-to-digital converter to measure power output, and a controller to synchronize sampling based on detected pulse edges, allowing for accurate measurement of pulsed laser output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If laser output is determined based on the electrical signal used to drive the laser, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to lag between electrical current modulation and laser output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical detector as an intermediary component that directly measures the laser output光束 rather than inferring from electrical signals. The detector converts optical energy to electrical signals, providing accurate real-time measurement of actual laser output, eliminating the lag problem between electrical current modulation and laser output.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor continuously samples laser output to accurately monitor power, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity worsens due to high bandwidth electronics and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of laser output at the pulse frequency rather than continuous high-rate sampling. The system triggers measurements at each laser pulse event, obtaining representative power data without requiring continuous high-bandwidth electronics, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of pulse edges to trigger subsequent power measurements. By detecting the leading edge of each pulse first, the system can then sample the power output at the appropriate moment, ensuring accurate measurement without requiring continuous monitoring throughout the entire pulse cycle.
3Measurement precision
If continuous sampling of laser output is performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to high processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sampling periodically at each laser pulse rather than continuously. This event-driven approach captures all necessary power information at discrete pulse moments, eliminating the need for continuous processing and significantly reducing computational time while maintaining complete measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement information at critical moments (pulse triggers and power samples) rather than processing continuous streams of data. By taking out only the necessary samples at pulse events, the system achieves complete measurement with minimal processing time.
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
This system enables precise measurement of pulsed laser output, overcoming the limitations of previous methods by directly measuring laser power during pulses and reducing processing demands, thus providing accurate and efficient power control.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor positioned to sense output from the laser and configured to convert that output into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring pulsed laser output. An example system comprises a laser configured to emit output in pulses; at least one sensor positioned to sense laser output and configured to convert that output into electrical signals; an edge detector configured to detect at least leading edges of a plurality of laser pulses; an analog to digital converter configured to convert electrical signals from a sensor into digital signals indicative of laser power output; and a controller; wherein, based on the detection of at least the leading edges of the laser pulses, the controller is configured to obtain samples of laser power output during each of the laser pulses. The system may use the samples of laser power output in a feedback loop to automatically adjust laser power.