Rotary Aperture Beam Shaping for Precise Ophthalmic Laser Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic surgical systems face challenges in controlling the characteristics of laser energy delivery during vision correction procedures, leading to difficulties in achieving the desired treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A beam shaping apparatus with a rotatable element and a control system, including a stepper motor, is used to precisely control the shape, size, and intensity of the laser beam by aligning different apertures with the laser beam path, allowing rapid changes between laser pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a beam shaping apparatus with rotatable element is used to control laser beam characteristics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping apparatus is segmented into multiple discrete apertures of different sizes and shapes on the rotatable element, allowing selection of specific aperture configurations to achieve desired beam characteristics without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable element acts as an intermediary component between the laser source and the cornea, modifying the beam characteristics through selective aperture alignment rather than direct control of the laser source itself
2Productivity
If rapid aperture switching is implemented between laser pulses, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable element is pre-configured with multiple apertures at predetermined angular positions, each aperture designed to produce a specific beam characteristic when aligned with the laser path, eliminating the need for real-time calculation or adjustment during treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the rotational position of the rotatable element and provides feedback to ensure precise alignment of the selected aperture with the laser beam path, correcting any deviations to maintain reliability during rapid switching
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 control of laser energy characteristics, ensuring accurate and efficient laser-based vision correction procedures such as cataract surgery, PRK, PTK, LASIK, and LASEK, by preventing misalignment and optimizing tissue ablation.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet laser ablation results in photodecomposition of the corneal tissue, but generally does not cause significant thermal damage to adjacent and underlying tissues of the eye. The irradiated molecules are broken into smaller volatile fragments photochemically, directly breaking the intermolecular bonds.
Implementation Method 2
A beam shaping apparatus may be used to control the characteristics of the laser beam delivered to the target surface. For example, the beam shaping apparatus may control the shape, size, diameter, profile, and/or the intensity of the laser beam.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to control laser energy for ophthalmic surgery is disclosed. The apparatus may include a laser source configured to generate a laser beam. The apparatus may also include a beam shaping apparatus having a rotatable element positioned in a path of the laser beam. The rotatable element may have a plurality of apertures and may be rotatable about an axis of rotation. Further, the apparatus may include a control unit configured to generate one or more frequency pulse trains. In addition, the apparatus may include a motor configured to rotate the rotatable element to align one of the plurality of apertures with the path of the laser beam for changing or modifying a characteristic of the laser beam. The motor may be driven based on the one or more frequency pulse trains.