Electrically Steerable Laser Probe Using Electro-Optic Crystal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser probes rely on mechanical approaches to steer light beams, which are inadequate in certain situations, limiting their directional control and precision.
Innovation Solution
A laser probe with an electro-optical beam steering cell that uses an electro-optical material to electrically steer light beams, allowing for precise control of the light beam direction through the application of voltages, enabling two-dimensional steering and adjustable divergence angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical approaches (bent tubes, rotated prisms, multiple optical fibers) are used to steer light beams, then the laser probe can change beam direction, but the directional control precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms (bent tubes, rotated prisms, multiple optical fibers) with an electro-optical crystal that uses applied voltage to control beam direction. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity and improves both precision and reliability by using electrical fields rather than physical movement or multiple discrete optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameters of the electro-optical crystal by applying different voltages, which directly alters the beam propagation direction. This parameter-based control method provides continuous and precise beam steering without mechanical intervention, resolving the contradiction between precision and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical beam steering mechanisms are used, then the laser probe structure is simple, but the adaptability to different directional requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with a single electro-optical crystal controlled by voltage inputs. This provides continuous adaptability to any beam direction within the crystal's operational range while maintaining a simple, integrated device structure without moving parts or multiple optical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fibers are used to direct beams in different directions, then the laser probe can achieve multi-directional emission, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical fiber and electro-optical crystal combination perform multiple directional functions by varying the applied voltage. Instead of requiring multiple separate optical fibers for different directions, the electro-optical crystal enables one fiber to emit beams in any required direction, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-directional capability.
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 improved directional control and precision in steering light beams, enabling applications such as ophthalmic surgery with clearer and less blurry light patterns, and can be adapted for various medical and non-medical uses.
Implementation Method 1
The beam steering cell is configured to receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the OE material to a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A laser probe for electrically steering a light beam includes a tubular-shaped housing, an optical waveguide, and a beam steering cell. The optical waveguide is disposed within an interior region of the housing and is configured to emit a light beam travelling in a first direction. The beam steering cell is disposed within the housing and comprises an electro-optical (EO) material. The beam steering cell is configured to receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the OE material to a second direction. The EO element has a shape of varying thickness such that a first portion of the light beam passes through a portion of EO element having a greater thickness than a second portion of the EO element passed through by a second portion of the light beam. The laser probe may be a directional laser probe or a multi-spot laser probe.