Refracting Element Annular Radiation Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser treatment systems for the eye fail to deliver a consistent, uniform energy dose due to heat diffusion issues, resulting in non-uniform temperature profiles across the target zone, and existing methods for producing annular illumination patterns are difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A refracting element with a focal plane, comprising a series of concentric facets with varying heights and angles, is used to refract focused radiation, producing an annular pattern that counteracts heat diffusion and allows for greater control over the input laser beam, ensuring a uniform temperature profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a laser is applied to a target zone in the retina, then energy is delivered to coagulate the tissue, but heat diffusion causes non-uniform temperature profiles across the target zone
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple discrete beams arranged in a grid pattern, allowing independent control of energy delivery to different zones. This segmentation enables compensation for heat diffusion by adjusting individual beam parameters to achieve uniform overall temperature distribution across the target zone.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the target zone are treated with different local beam qualities and parameters. The system applies varying energy levels, spot sizes, and beam densities to different zones based on their specific thermal requirements, allowing precise control over the temperature profile to counteract heat diffusion effects.
2Ease of operation
If existing methods are used to produce annular illumination patterns, then some control is achieved, but the control over the input laser beam is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical optical elements with a spatial light modulator (SLM) that uses electronic control to shape and position laser beams. This substitution of mechanical optics with programmable electronic control simplifies the overall system while providing precise and flexible beam manipulation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination pattern and beam parameters are made dynamically adjustable through electronic control of the SLM. The system can change beam positions, sizes, shapes, and intensities in real-time without mechanical reconfiguration, enabling easy adaptation to different treatment requirements while maintaining simple system architecture.
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 achieves a consistent, uniform temperature profile across the target zone, approximating a top-hat profile, by refracting the radiation into an annular pattern, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of laser treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The refracting element receives the focused radiation, and refracts the focused radiation to produce refracted radiation having an annular pattern at the focal plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A system includes a focusing element configured to receive electromagnetic radiation coaxially and to focus the electromagnetic radiation to generate focused radiation. The system also includes a refracting element having an associated focal plane. The refracting element is configured to receive the focused radiation, and to refract the focused radiation to produce refracted radiation having an annular pattern at the focal plane. The system also includes a slit lamp having a receiving element to receive the refracted radiation.