Single-Fiber Laser Probe With Roughened End-Face Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cables for surgical procedures, particularly in ophthalmic surgeries, face challenges in maintaining high laser coupling efficiency and illumination while being compact due to the need for separate fibers for laser and illumination, leading to fabrication complexity and thermal robustness issues.
Innovation Solution
A single fiber design with a core and outer cladding that transmits both laser and illumination light, where the end faces of the fiber are treated to increase illumination output angle through roughening or angling, allowing simultaneous transmission of both lights without affecting laser beam efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two separate fibers (laser fiber and illumination fiber) are tightly packed within a tube to minimize probe size, then the probe tip size is minimized for mini-invasive surgery, but the fabrication complexity increases and thermal robustness deteriorates due to plastic fiber and adhesive binding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser fiber and illumination fiber into a single integrated optical fiber probe. The probe includes a core for transmitting laser light and an outer cladding for transmitting illumination light, eliminating the need for separate fibers and their complex assembly. This integration reduces fabrication complexity while maintaining mini-invasive capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fiber probe performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits both laser light for surgical procedures and illumination light for visualization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fibers and adhesives, improving thermal robustness while maintaining compact probe size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate fibers are used for laser and illumination, then both functions can be performed, but the probe requires adhesive binding which reduces thermal robustness at high laser powers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser and illumination transmission into a single fiber structure without requiring adhesive binding. The integrated design eliminates thermal weaknesses associated with adhesives while maintaining high laser power capability, improving reliability at high temperatures.
3Volume of moving object
If the fiber cable is narrowed to minimize probe size, then mini-invasive surgery is facilitated, but laser coupling efficiency and illumination intensity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local structure of the optical fiber by providing a core for laser light transmission and an outer cladding for illumination light transmission. This local differentiation allows efficient laser coupling in the core while providing sufficient illumination in the outer cladding, maintaining both high laser coupling efficiency and adequate illumination intensity in a compact probe.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate fibers are used for laser and illumination, then both functions are achieved, but the probe requires a tube structure that increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges laser and illumination transmission into a single integrated optical fiber structure without requiring a tube to hold separate fibers. This eliminates the tube structure and associated complexity while maintaining dual-function capability through the core and outer cladding design.
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 enhanced illumination and maintains laser beam quality, enabling more compact and thermally stable optical fiber cables suitable for mini-invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
At least a surface area of the proximal end face or the distal end face of the fiber corresponding to the outer cladding is roughened
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber and a laser probe assembly with a probe tip that houses the fiber. In certain aspects, the fiber includes a core, an outer cladding surrounding the core, and an end face at a proximal and/or distal end of the fiber. The core is configured to transmit a laser light beam while the core and the outer cladding are both configured to transmit an illumination light. In certain aspects, a surface area of the end face corresponding to a cross-section of at least the outer cladding is treated with a roughening or polishing process to modulate an illumination light output angle of the fiber. Using a fiber that is configured to transmit a laser light beam as well as a wide-angle illumination light allows for a more compact fiber and probe tip, allowing for medical procedures that require a narrower probe.