Variable Focal Intercept Lens System for Laser Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for machining objects using laser radiation, such as in ophthalmological procedures like fs-LASIK, face challenges in combining observation and laser scan devices, requiring a balance between large focal intercept for preparatory and evaluative modes and small focal intercept for treatment, while ensuring stereoscopic observation and avoiding lens interference during eye surgery.
Innovation Solution
A device with an observation device and a laser scan device using different lenses for varying focal intercepts, allowing for stereoscopic imaging during preparatory and evaluative modes and a compact setup during treatment, with a decoupling and coupling lens system to switch between modes, and opto-electronic modules for image transmission and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large focal intercept imaging system is used for preparatory and evaluative modes, then sufficient distance for instrument manipulation is achieved, but the device becomes too large and cannot be brought close to the object during treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focal intercept imaging system that can dynamically switch between a first focal intercept for preparatory/evaluative modes and a second focal intercept for treatment mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide sufficient manipulation distance when needed while enabling close proximity during laser treatment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameter of focal intercept between different operational modes. By adjusting the focal intercept from a first value (providing large working distance) to a second value (enabling close proximity), the system adapts to different operational requirements, allowing both sufficient manipulation space and close treatment positioning.
2Length of moving object
If a small focal intercept is used during treatment mode, then the device can be brought close to the object for compact setup, but sufficient distance for instrument manipulation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system dynamically adjusts the focal intercept based on the operational mode. During treatment mode, it switches to a smaller second focal intercept that enables compact device positioning close to the object, while during preparatory and evaluative modes, it switches to a larger first focal intercept that provides sufficient manipulation distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the focal intercept parameter between two distinct values depending on operational requirements. The first parameter value supports instrument manipulation with adequate working distance, while the second parameter value enables compact treatment positioning, allowing the system to optimize for either condition as needed.
3Device complexity
If a single lens system is used for both observation and laser scanning, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize for different modes (preparatory, treatment, evaluation) is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic lens configuration that can switch between different focal intercept settings. This dynamic capability allows the same imaging system to be optimized for preparatory mode with a first focal intercept, treatment mode with a second focal intercept, and evaluative mode with appropriate settings, maintaining versatility without requiring entirely separate lens systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple operational modes using a unified lens system that can adjust its focal intercept. This universal design allows the system to perform preparatory imaging, treatment imaging, and evaluative imaging with appropriate focal settings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across all modes.
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 ergonomic and efficient imaging and treatment by maintaining a large manipulation distance during preparation and a close distance during treatment, allowing for precise and safe laser scanning and observation, while avoiding lens interference and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
The laser radiation is focused on a focal point of a magnitude of just a few micrometers in the cornea. At the focal point a plasma is generated, which quickly vaporizes immediately adjacent tissue, causing a separation of the tissue at this location. This interaction between the laser radiation and the tissue is called photo-disruption.
Implementation Method 2
an observation device with an imaging system is used that has a focal intercept of >100 mm, to allow for images of sufficiently large sectors of the object and enough space for manipulations with instruments above the object
Data Source
AI summary
A device for machining an object by laser radiation, by photodisruption. The device includes an observation device for imaging the object and a laser scanning device by which the laser radiation is passed over a predetermined sector of the object for scanning the sector. The device includes the observation device with a first lens for imaging the object; the laser scanning device with a second lens, through which the laser radiation is guided, in which both lenses with regard to the dimension of the regions to be produced in the images and/or with regard to their focal intercept are different from each other. The device alternately images the respective region of the object in a first operating mode by the first lens and in a second operating mode by the second lens. It is thus possible to use in both operating modes a lens adapted to the intended imaging purpose.