Variable Numerical Aperture Optical Fiber for Ophthalmic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic illumination devices face limitations in providing an expanded light pattern due to the size of conventional light sources, which restricts the miniaturization of optical fibers and increases the size of surgical instruments, necessitating larger incisions and compromising illumination performance during ophthalmic surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic illumination system featuring an optical fiber with a proximal portion having a numerical aperture of 0.5 or less and a distal portion with a numerical aperture of 0.6 or greater, allowing for an expanded light pattern by increasing the angular spread of the light beam, enabling efficient transmission of light with minimal loss, and facilitating integration into smaller surgical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional light sources are used, then light transmission is maintained at acceptable levels, but the optical fiber diameter must be 250 microns or greater, increasing instrument size and incision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the numerical aperture parameter of the optical fiber from conventional values to a specific range (0.2 to 0.6), which allows smaller fiber diameters while maintaining adequate light transmission. This parameter optimization enables miniaturization without sacrificing illumination performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tapered structure that changes the optical properties along the length of the fiber. By varying the core diameter and numerical aperture along the fiber length, it achieves expanded light pattern while maintaining compact fiber size
2Length of moving object
If the optical fiber size is reduced for miniaturization, then incision size is minimized, but the light beam focal point cannot be smaller than the optical fiber opening aperture, limiting illumination expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic light output by using a tapered fiber structure where the numerical aperture varies along the length. This allows the light pattern to expand dynamically from a small focal point while the fiber itself remains compact
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is segmented into different sections with varying core diameters and numerical apertures. The proximal section has different optical properties than the distal section, allowing independent optimization of light collection and expansion functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microsurgical instruments are integrated to minimize incisions, then instrument functionality is improved, but the instrument size increases requiring larger incisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function with the microsurgical instrument by integrating a compact optical fiber with variable numerical aperture directly into the instrument shaft. This consolidation allows multiple functions in a single miniaturized instrument
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 provides a wider illumination field within the eye, reducing the need for larger incisions and enhancing visualization during ophthalmic surgeries while maintaining light transmission efficiency, thus improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A light source and other illumination optics direct a light beam through an optical fiber of the illumination device
Implementation Method 2
An optical fiber with a proximal portion having a numerical aperture of 0.5 or less and a distal portion with a numerical aperture of 0.6 or greater, allowing for an expanded light pattern by increasing the angular spread of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber (170) for transmitting a light beam by a light source including a proximal portion (172) configured to receive the light beam from the light source (122), the proximal portion having a first numerical aperture, a distal portion (174) configured to emit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field (180), the distal portion having a second numerical aperture, and a central portion (176) extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the central portion having a third numerical aperture, The optical fiber is configured to receive the light beam at the proximal portion at the first numerical aperture and output the light beam from the distal portion at the second numerical aperture, wherein the second numerical aperture is greater than the first numerical aperture.