Selectable Laser Diode Arrays for Multi-Wavelength Surgical Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining laser energy from individual low-power laser diodes into a high-power composite beam is challenging, particularly for surgical applications requiring different properties such as wavelength, pulse width, beam size, and shape, which are not adequately addressed by existing laser diode bars.
Innovation Solution
A surgical laser system comprising an array of laser diodes, a fiber bundle, and a tubular sheath, where laser diodes are configured to output discrete beams that are combined through a fiber bundle and delivery fiber, allowing for adjustable properties like wavelength, intensity, and beam shape through selective activation of laser diode subsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple low-power laser diodes are combined to achieve high power output, then the desired power level is achieved, but the difficulty of combining laser energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the laser source into multiple independent low-power laser diodes (e.g., 1-3 W each) that are individually coupled to separate optical fibers. This segmentation allows each diode to operate independently while contributing to the overall high-power composite beam, simplifying the combination process compared to merging few high-power sources directly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical fibers carrying laser energy from individual laser diodes are combined into a single composite beam delivery system. The patent describes combining laser energy from multiple fibers to create a high-power composite beam (e.g., more than 100 W) that can be delivered through a unified delivery fiber or array of fibers.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser diode bars are used for high power applications, then simple design and high efficiency are achieved, but wavelength flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent laser diodes instead of fixed laser diode bars, enabling the same platform to operate across different wavelength ranges (e.g., 800-1100 nm, 1200-1600 nm, 1700-2100 nm). Each laser diode can be selected or activated based on the specific surgical application requirements, providing universal adaptability while maintaining the simplicity of diode laser technology.
3Measurement precision
If single semiconductor laser diodes are used for specific wavelengths, then wavelength precision is achieved, but power output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser energy from multiple single-mode or few-mode laser diodes (each providing precise wavelength control) into a high-power composite beam. By aggregating the output of several low-power, wavelength-precise diodes, the system achieves both wavelength accuracy and high power output (e.g., 100 W or more) that neither could provide alone.
4Device complexity
If fixed beam properties are used for laser delivery, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different surgical applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of beam properties including wavelength, power level, pulse width, and beam shape by selectively activating different laser diodes and adjusting their operating parameters. This dynamic configurability allows the same laser system to adapt to various surgical procedures (e.g., cutting, coagulation, ablation, lithotripsy) without requiring multiple fixed systems.
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
Enables the delivery of customized laser energy with varying properties suitable for diverse surgical procedures, enhancing precision and efficiency by adjusting power, wavelength, and beam shape, thereby improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an array of laser diodes that are configured to output laser energy
Implementation Method 2
The fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers and has a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from the array of laser diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical laser system includes an array of laser diodes that are configured to output laser energy, a fiber bundle, a delivery fiber, and a tubular sheath. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers and has a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from the array of laser diodes. The delivery fiber includes a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from a distal end of the fiber bundle. The tubular sheath defines a lumen, in which at least a portion of the delivery fiber is disposed. The tubular sheath is insertable into a working channel of an endoscope or a cystoscope. A distal end of the tubular sheath is configured to deliver laser energy discharged from the delivery fiber into a body of a patient.