Resonant Optical Deflection Mirror for Ophthalmology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical deflection units for ophthalmological diagnosis and therapy systems are elaborate, expensive, and prone to wear and tear, with limitations in speed, control accuracy, and reproducibility, which can lead to distorted images and motion artifacts, especially when dealing with fast and precise scans of eye structures.
Innovation Solution
An optical deflection unit utilizing a non-contacting electromagnetic drive system with a deflection mirror oscillating between bearings, coupled with a position sensor and control unit to minimize positional deviations, enabling accurate and reproducible scan patterns while being cost-effective and durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical deflection units are used, then scanning and therapy functions can be performed, but the devices are elaborate, expensive, and prone to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical galvanometer scanners with a resonant oscillating mirror system driven by electromagnetic forces. The mirror oscillates at its natural resonant frequency, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical actuation and reducing wear and tear on mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical scanning systems with a resonant oscillation system directly addresses the reliability and complexity contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes periodic resonant oscillation of the deflection mirror to achieve scanning patterns. By driving the mirror at its natural resonant frequency, the system achieves efficient, repeatable, and wear-free periodic motion. This periodic action principle eliminates the continuous mechanical adjustment required in conventional systems, reducing complexity and improving durability.
2Productivity
If fast scanning is performed to capture eye structures within limited attention span, then productivity increases, but motion artifacts and image distortions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates position sensors that provide real-time feedback on the mirror's angular position during oscillation. This feedback enables precise control and correction of the scanning pattern, ensuring that even at high scan speeds, the desired scan geometry is maintained. The feedback mechanism compensates for any deviations, preventing image distortions and motion artifacts while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the natural resonant vibration of the mirror to achieve high-speed scanning. By operating at the resonant frequency, the mirror achieves maximum oscillation amplitude and speed with minimal driving force. This resonant vibration principle enables fast scanning while maintaining precision through the system's inherent stability at resonance, preventing motion artifacts.
3Measurement precision
If conventional galvanometer scanners are used to achieve precise control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the systems remain expensive and elaborate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical galvanometer scanners with a simpler resonant oscillating mirror system. The electromagnetic drive system combined with position feedback provides precise angular control without the complex mechanical assemblies of conventional galvanometers. This substitution maintains positioning accuracy while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror system utilizes its own natural resonant frequency for oscillation, requiring minimal external control energy. The system essentially drives itself at its natural frequency, with the control system only needing to initiate and maintain the oscillation rather than continuously adjust mechanical components. This self-service principle reduces the complexity of the drive system while maintaining precise positioning through feedback control.
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 provides a robust, cost-effective, and highly reproducible optical deflection unit capable of large deflections with reduced aging and temperature effects, enhancing the accuracy and speed of ophthalmological scans while minimizing distortions and motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection mirror, movable by means of non-contacting electromagnetic drives and oscillating around at least one rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical deflection unit for targeted radiation, e.g., produced by laser or superluminescent diodes, in scanning, ophthalmological measuring and therapy systems, comprises a deflection mirror, a position sensor and a control unit, which form a control circuit for minimizing the deviation of the actual positions, detected by the position sensor, from the desired positions of the deflection mirror, whereby the optical deflection unit comprises a deflection mirror, oscillatingly movable by means of non-contacting electromagnetic drives around at least one rotation axis, and which is positioned in the direction of the, at least, one rotation axis between at least two bearings. The optical deflection unit is designed may also be used for beam guidance in high and ultrahigh vacuum installations, such as UV and EUV exposure installations for semiconductor lithography.