Surgical Laser Self-Alignment via Optical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical laser alignment systems rely on manual techniques, which are time-consuming and prone to errors due to temperature-induced drift in galvanometers, leading to inaccuracies in positioning the laser beam during vision correction procedures.
Innovation Solution
An automatic self-alignment system using a laser source, beam steering device, partially reflective surface, focusing optics, and optical detector to direct the laser beam along an alignment pathway, sense coordinates, and generate position offsets for precise alignment, reducing thermal fluctuations and setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment techniques are used to position the laser beam, then the alignment process can be performed with simple equipment, but the alignment time is excessive and positioning precision deteriorates due to temperature-induced drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting the laser beam position using a CCD camera and quad-cell detector, and autonomously adjusting galvanometer mirror positions through feedback control, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors laser beam position using optical detectors and automatically adjusts beam steering device positions based on detected deviations from target coordinates, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision while reducing alignment time
2Ease of operation
If galvanometers are used to direct the laser beam, then the laser can be positioned at specific locations within the eye, but temperature-induced drift causes positioning accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical detectors (CCD camera and quad-cell) to continuously monitor the actual laser beam position and feeds this information back to the control system, which automatically adjusts galvanometer mirror positions to compensate for thermal drift and maintain positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment adjustments with an automated optical detection and control system that uses electronic feedback to maintain precision, eliminating the need for operators to manually compensate for thermal effects
3Measurement precision
If frequent alignment procedures are performed to compensate for thermal drift, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the treatment time increases due to repeated alignment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous monitoring of laser beam position through optical detectors and continuous feedback control, eliminating the need for periodic interruption of treatment for realignment, thereby maintaining precision while ensuring uninterrupted treatment delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs autonomous realignment through feedback control during treatment, automatically compensating for thermal drift without requiring operator intervention or treatment interruption, thus maintaining accuracy while maximizing treatment throughput
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 system enables accurate and rapid alignment of the laser beam, reducing setup time and improving the precision of laser vision correction procedures by automating the alignment process, allowing for more frequent alignments and minimizing thermal drift effects.
Implementation Method 1
the partially reflective surface located within the alignment pathway partially reflects the laser beam towards alignment positions on the surface of an optical detector
Implementation Method 2
The optical detector is operable to sense the coordinates associated with a portion of the surface of the optical detector illuminated by the partially reflected laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an alignment system operable to align a laser associated with a laser vision correction system. One embodiment of the alignment system comprises a laser source, a beam steering device, a system controller, a partially reflective surface, focusing optics, and an optical detector. The laser source generates a laser beam that the beam steering device receives and redirects along either a surgical pathway or an alignment pathway. The system controller couples to the beam steering device and directs the beam steering device to choose which pathway to be utilized. Additionally, the system controller may control the pulse repetition rate, intensity, beam profile and alignment of the laser beam. The partially reflective surface, within the alignment pathway, partially reflects the laser beam towards alignment coordinates on the surface of the optical detector. Focusing optics, if needed, may further be utilized to focus the partially reflected laser beam on the surface of the optical detector. The optical detector senses the coordinates associated with the illuminated portion of the surface of the optical detector. The system controller compares the coordinates associated with the alignment coordinates and the sensed coordinates and generates a position offset which is used to align the laser beam/steering device.