Variable-Pulse Laser Architecture for Multi-Width Treatment Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser devices are limited in their ability to output lasers with varying pulse widths, which is necessary for different medical treatments depending on the treatment region and type of lesion, as they often require lasers with the same wavelength but different pulse widths.
Innovation Solution
A laser device comprising a laser diode with a variable pulse pattern, a pre-amp optical unit with Pockels cells and amplifiers, and a control unit to set and control the pulse pattern, allowing for pulse widths ranging from 50 pico seconds to 100 nano seconds, enabling the output of pico-second, nano-second, or combined pulse patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser device uses fixed pulse width settings, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot meet the diverse treatment requirements for different lesions and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pulse width control by using a variable pulse pattern generator that can adjust pulse widths from picosecond to nanosecond ranges. The control unit dynamically selects and switches between different pulse patterns based on treatment requirements, enabling the laser device to adapt to various lesion types and depths without requiring multiple fixed devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter (pulse width) of the laser output by employing a pulse pattern generator that can produce pulses with variable widths. The control unit modifies the pulse width parameter within a specific time range (50 ps to 100 ns) to match different treatment needs, thereby achieving versatility through parameter adjustment rather than structural complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple laser types with different pulse widths are used, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the number of devices and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal laser device that can perform multiple treatment functions by incorporating a pulse pattern generator capable of producing various pulse widths (picosecond, nanosecond, and intermediate ranges). The control unit enables this single device to replace multiple specialized lasers by selecting appropriate pulse patterns for different lesion types, treatment depths, and clinical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality through dynamic pulse width adjustment. The variable pulse pattern generator and control unit allow the laser to switch between different pulse width regimes (from 50 ps to 100 ns) depending on the treatment needed, enabling one device to perform the roles of multiple fixed-pulse-width lasers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pulse width is extended to nanosecond range, then treatment options for deeper lesions increase, but the precision for superficial treatments may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pulse width selection to match treatment depth requirements. The control unit selects picosecond-range pulses for superficial lesions requiring high precision and nanosecond-range pulses for deeper lesions requiring greater penetration. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both precision and depth coverage without compromising either extreme.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pulse width parameter within a broad range (50 ps to 100 ns) to achieve different treatment depths. By adjusting this temporal parameter, the laser can deliver precise energy for superficial treatments or extended energy delivery for deeper lesions, thereby achieving versatility across different treatment depths while maintaining appropriate precision for each application.
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 device can output laser light with customizable pulse widths, enhancing treatment effectiveness by allowing for tailored pulse patterns suitable for specific lesions, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-amp optical unit configured to amplify the laser light output from the laser diode to a first energy level and including a plurality of Pockels cells
Implementation Method 2
a first amplifier configured to amplify the light passing through the first Pockels cell
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed laser device includes a laser diode configured to output laser light with a variable pulse pattern, a pre-amp optical unit configured to amplify the laser light output from the laser diode to a first energy level and includes a plurality of Pockels cells and a first amplifier, a second amplifier configured to amplify the laser light amplified to the first energy level to a second energy level, a third amplifier configured to amplify the laser light amplified to the second energy level to a third energy level, and a control unit configured to set a pulse pattern of the laser light output from the laser diode and control a driver of the laser diode, the first amplifier, the second amplifier, and the third amplifier based on the pulse pattern.