JPH06308420A - Laser device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the preventing effect of dew condensation with respect to an optical element and to eliminate the inconvenience of a using time by providing an optical unit obtained by sealing the optical element in a light transmissive medium, detecting the dew condensation of the optical unit and driving a dew condensation elimination means. CONSTITUTION:The almost L-shaped optical unit 21 integrally formed of a glass is provided in an optical system forming the optical path of a laser beam. On the unit 21, a plane total reflecting mirror surface 22, a translucent mirror surface 23 arranged in parallel with the mirror surface 22 and a condensing lens surface 25 are formed. Besides, a dew condensation sensor 26 and a dew condensation eliminating mechanism 27 are provided near it. Then, when a dew condensation state is detected by the sensor 26, the dew condensation at a part exerting an effect on a final laser output is eliminated by spraying air toward the neighborhood of the mirror surfaces 22 and 23 and the lens surface 25 of the unit 21 from respective spray nozzles 32 based on the detection signal of the sensor 26 and blowing waterdrops off.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser device for irradiating a target object with laser light.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a laser device, as shown in FIG. 11, a resonator 1 for generating a laser beam and a guide light source 2 for emitting a guide light of visible light are provided in a main body of the laser device.
Is provided, and an optical system 6 including mirrors 3 and 4 and a lens 5 for guiding the laser light emitted from the resonator 1 and the guide light emitted from the guide light source 2 to the emission port of the laser device main body is provided. Has been. Here, the mirror 3 which is spaced apart and opposed to the resonator 1 is formed of a total reflection mirror, and the mirror 4 which is spaced apart and opposed to the guide light source 2 is formed of a semi-transmissive mirror.

The laser light emitted from the resonator 1 is totally reflected by the mirrors 3 and 4, and then is condensed by the condenser lens 5 at the emission port of the main body of the laser device and the guide emitted from the guide light source 2. The light passes through the semi-transmissive mirror 4 and is guided to the optical path of the laser light, and is condensed at the emission port of the laser device body by the condenser lens 5 like the laser light.

Further, the entrance end of the laser probe is connected to the emission port of the laser device body. The laser light emitted from the resonator 1 and the guide light emitted from the guide light source 2 pass through the laser probe attached to the emission port of the laser apparatus main body and are applied to the target object.

[0005]

By the way, the mirrors 3 and 4 and the lens 5 in the main body of the laser device are installed in the internal space of the main body of the laser device in an exposed state, so that they can be directly exposed to the air in the main body of the laser device. There is. Therefore, for example, when the laser device main body is carried from a cold place such as the outdoors in winter to a warm indoor place, dew condensation occurs on the surfaces of the mirrors 3 and 4 and both surfaces of the lens 5, and the mirrors 3 and 4 and the lens 5 become clouded. I have a problem to do.

Here, for example, the reflecting surface of the total reflection mirror 3,
When water droplets adhere to both surfaces of the semi-transmissive mirror 4 or both surfaces of the condenser lens 5 and water droplets adhere, the transmission of the laser light and the guide light is blocked at the condensation portion,
Since the intensity of the laser light or the guide light emitted from the emission port is smaller than the preset value, the laser beam or the guide light may not be normally emitted from the emission port.

Therefore, in the conventional structure, the cover of the main body of the laser device is opened to promote the ventilation of the optical system 6 in order to accelerate the drying of the water droplets from the dew condensation portions of the mirrors 3 and 4 and the lens 5. And let it air dry, mirrors 3, 4
Alternatively, it is necessary to apply hot air to the dew condensation portion of the lens 5 using a hair dryer or the like to dry it. However, the laser device cannot be used until the cloudiness due to the dew condensation on the mirrors 3 and 4 and the lens 5 disappears, which is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to enhance the effect of preventing dew condensation on an optical element arranged on the laser optical path in the laser apparatus main body, and to provide the laser apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a laser device that can eliminate the inconvenience when using the main body.

[0009]

According to the present invention, at least a part of an optical element arranged on a laser optical path in a laser device body is sealed in a glass or a transparent medium having a refractive index equivalent to that of glass. Optical unit formed integrally with the optical unit, detecting means for detecting the dew condensation on the optical unit, removing means for removing the dew condensation on the portion that affects the final laser output due to the dew condensation on the optical unit, and the detecting means And a control means for driving the removing means based on the dew condensation detection signal.

[0010]

By forming at least a part of the optical element disposed on the laser optical path in the main body of the laser device into glass or a transparent medium having a refractive index equivalent to that of glass to integrally form the optical unit. , Enhances the effect of preventing dew condensation on the optical elements arranged on the laser optical path in the laser device main body, drives the removing means by the control means based on the dew condensation detection signal from the detecting means, and finally causes dew condensation on the optical unit. Condensation on the part that affects the laser output is removed.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the entire laser apparatus. Reference numeral 11 is a main body of the laser apparatus, and 12 is a laser probe detachably connected to the main body 11 of the laser apparatus.

A laser probe connecting portion 13 and an output measuring portion 14 are provided on the outer surface of the case of the laser device body 11. The incident end of the laser probe 12 is detachably connected to the laser probe connecting portion 13. Further, the output end of the laser probe 12 is detachably connected to the output measuring unit 14 when setting the laser output.

Further, a resonator 15 for generating a laser beam is provided inside the laser apparatus body 11, and the laser beam emitted from the resonator 15 is connected to the laser probe connecting portion 1 of the laser apparatus body 11.
3, an optical system 16 that forms an optical path leading to the emission port of 3, a control unit 17 that performs various kinds of processing of the entire laser device and monitors an abnormal state, and cooling that circulates cooling water to cool the resonator 15 that generates heat. A container 18, a compressor 19, a power supply unit 20 and the like are built in.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical system 16 forming the optical path of the laser light is integrally formed of glass and is substantially L-shaped.
A letter-shaped optical unit 21 is provided. A flat inclined surface 21 a is formed at one end of the optical unit 21. A total reflection coating is applied to the inclined surface 21a, and a total reflection mirror surface 22 corresponding to the total reflection mirror 3 in FIG. 11 is formed.

The total reflection mirror surface 22 is formed by the resonator 1
5 are arranged so as to face each other at a distance. The optical unit 21 is arranged such that the inclined surface 21a intersects the optical axis direction of the laser light emitted from the resonator 15 at an angle of 45 °.

Further, the central portion of the optical unit 21 (L
A flat inclined surface 21b arranged parallel to the total reflection mirror surface 22 is formed at the corner portion of the character. This slope 2
A semi-transmissive coating is applied to 1b, and a semi-transmissive mirror surface 23 corresponding to the semi-transmissive mirror 4 in FIG. 11 is formed. On this semi-transmissive mirror surface 23, a guide light source 24 that emits a guide light composed of visible light is arranged so as to be separated and opposed.

At the other end of the optical unit 21, the end face shape is processed into a convex lens shape, and a condenser lens surface 25 corresponding to the condenser lens 5 in FIG. 11 is formed. And
The laser light emitted from the resonator 15 is totally reflected by the total reflection mirror surface 22 and the semi-transmission mirror surface 23 of the optical unit 21, and then the laser device body 1 by the condenser lens surface 25.
The guide light emitted from the guide light source 24 while being condensed at the emission port of the laser probe connecting portion 13 of No. 1 is transmitted through the semi-transmissive mirror surface 23 and guided to the optical path of the laser light, and is collected similarly to the laser light. The laser device body 1 is formed by the optical lens surface 25.
The light is focused on the emission port of the first laser probe connecting portion 13.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a dew sensor (detection means) 26 is provided in the vicinity of the total reflection mirror surface 22, the semi-transmission mirror surface 23, and the condenser lens surface 25 of the optical unit 21. A dew condensation removing mechanism (removing means) 27 is provided.

The dew condensation sensor 26 is provided with two comb-shaped electrodes 28 and 29 as shown in FIG. Each comb-shaped electrode 28, 29 is provided with a substantially comb-shaped tooth surface 28a, 29a, respectively. These comb-shaped tooth surfaces 28a,
Two comb-shaped electrodes 28 having a shape in which 29a are engaged,
29 are arranged facing each other. In this case, the electrodes 28,
The distance between the 29 is set to about 0.5 mm.

Further, one of the comb-shaped electrodes 28 is connected to the anode of the DC power supply 31 via the current detecting section 30, and the other of the comb-shaped electrodes 29 is connected to the cathode of the DC power supply 31.
When a water droplet W is formed between the comb tooth surfaces 28a and 29a due to dew condensation, the electrodes 28 and 29 are electrically short-circuited and a current flows, which is detected by the current detection unit 30. ing.

Further, the dew condensation mechanism 27 includes a total reflection mirror surface 22 of the optical unit 21, a semi-transmission mirror surface 23,
An injection nozzle 32 that blows air toward a portion near the condenser lens surface 25 is provided. This injection nozzle 32
Is connected to the compressor 19 via a ventilation path 33 as shown in FIG.

In this case, the compressor 1 is installed in the air passage 33.
9, a common passage 33a on the base end side connected to 9, and bifurcated branch passages 33b, 33 connected to the common passage 33a.
c are provided respectively. Then, the injection nozzle 32
Is connected to the tip of one branch passage 33b. Further, the tip end of the other branch passage 33c is connected to a cooling air blowing passage, which will be described later, formed in the laser probe 12.

Further, the laser probe 12 of the medical laser is used.
There is a case where a tip made of metal or the like is attached to the emitting end portion of and the treatment is performed by bringing the tip heated by laser light into contact with the lesion. In this case, the laser probe 12
A sheath is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the fiber through which the laser light passes, and a cooling air blowing path is formed in the gap between the fiber and the sheath. The tip of the branch passage 33c is connected to this air passage.

Further, a first electromagnetic valve 34 is provided in one branch passage 33b, and a second electromagnetic valve 35 is provided in the other branch passage 33c. Further, the first electromagnetic valve 34 includes a first valve drive unit (control means) 36,
The second electromagnetic valves 35 are connected to the second valve drive units 37, respectively. These first valve drive 3
6. The current detector 30 is connected to the second valve driver 37.

When the dew condensation state by the dew condensation sensor 26 is not detected by the current detecting section 30, the first electromagnetic valve 34 is kept closed and the second valve drive section 37 is kept open. Therefore, the cooling air supplied from the compressor 19 passes through the common passage 33a and the branch passage 33c, is further guided to the tip side through the air passage between the fiber of the laser probe 12 and the sheath, and is blown to the tip. Overheating of this chip is prevented.

When the dew condensation state of the dew condensation sensor 26 is detected by the current detection unit 30, this current detection unit 30 is used.
The first valve drive unit 36 switches the first electromagnetic valve 34 to the open state, and the second valve drive unit 37 switches the second valve drive unit 37 to the closed state based on the output signal from the switch. Therefore, the compressor 19
Air supplied from the common passage 33a and the branch passage 3
3b, is guided to the jet nozzle 32 side, and from each jet nozzle 32 to the total reflection mirror surface 22 of the optical unit 21,
Air is blown toward the vicinity of the semi-transmissive mirror surface 23 and the condenser lens surface 25 so that water droplets are blown off.

The output measuring section 14 has an output measuring port 38 as shown in FIG. This output measurement port 3
A heat radiating plate or a power sensor 39 is arranged inside the unit 8. Further, the tip of the laser probe 12 inserted into the output measurement port 38 has a substantially cylindrical output measurement adapter 40.
Is installed.

A door 41 for opening and closing a tip opening 40a of the output measuring adapter 40 is rotatably supported at a tip end of the output measuring adapter 40 about a support shaft 42.
The tip of the laser probe 12 inserted into the output measurement adapter 40 is held at a fixed position where it abuts the door 41. In this case, the door 41 is kept closed except when the laser output is set.

Then, when setting the laser output, the tip of the laser probe 12 is inserted into the output measuring adapter 40, and the output measuring adapter 40 is further inserted into the output measuring port 38 of the laser apparatus main body 11 to a predetermined insertion position.
As shown in FIG. 5, the door 41 is opened, the laser optical path is opened, and the emission end portion of the tip of the laser probe 12 is arranged so as to face the heat sink or the power sensor 39 at a distance. Therefore, in this state, the laser beam emitted from the emission end portion of the tip of the laser probe 12 is applied to the heat dissipation plate or the power sensor 39, and the laser output is measured.

The output measuring unit 14 is a laser probe 12.
Without attaching a tip to the emission end of the laser probe 12
It is used when the laser output is set in advance when the laser beam emitted from the laser probe 12 is radiated to the lesion portion in a state where the emitting end portion of the laser beam is separated from the lesion portion to perform treatment.

When setting the laser output, the output measuring unit 14
The emission end of the laser probe 12 is connected to the laser probe 12, and the output of the laser light emitted from the tip of the laser probe 12 is measured so that the correct output value is displayed on the operation panel (not shown) of the laser device main body 11. Is set.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, when the laser device main body 11 is used, the resonator 15 and the guide light source 24 are driven. The laser light emitted from the resonator 15 is totally reflected by the total reflection mirror surface 22 and the semi-transmission mirror surface 23 of the optical unit 21 as shown by the arrow in FIG. It is focused on the emission port of the laser probe connecting portion 13 of the laser device body 11. Further, the guide light emitted from the guide light source 24 passes through the semi-transmissive mirror surface 23 and is guided to the optical path of the laser light, and similarly to the laser light, the condenser lens surface 25 causes the laser probe connecting portion 13 of the laser apparatus main body 11 to be guided. Is condensed at the exit port of.

Further, when the laser device main body 11 is used, water drops W due to dew condensation adhere between the comb-shaped tooth surfaces 28a and 29a of the dew condensation sensor 26, and the electrodes 28 and 29 are electrically short-circuited so that a current flows. When the current state is detected by the current detector 30, the dew condensation removing mechanism 27 is driven.

In this case, the first electromagnetic valve 34 is opened by the first valve driving section 36 based on the output signal from the current detecting section 30, and the second valve driving section 37 is operated by the second valve driving section 37. 37 is switched to the closed state. Therefore, the air supplied from the compressor 19 passes through the common passage 33a and the branch passage 33b and is guided to the ejection nozzle 32 side, and from each ejection nozzle 32, the total reflection mirror surface 22 and the semi-transmission mirror surface 23 of the optical unit 21. Then, air is blown toward a portion near the condenser lens surface 25, and water droplets are blown off.

In view of the above, in the above-described structure, the optical system 16 forming the optical path of the laser beam is provided with a substantially L-shaped optical unit 21 integrally formed of glass, and the optical unit 21 has a total reflection mirror surface. Since 22, the semi-transmissive mirror surface 23 and the condenser lens surface 25 are formed, the total reflection mirror 3, the semi-transmissive mirror 4 and the condenser lens 5 of FIG. 11 are respectively arranged on the optical path of the laser light as in the conventional case. Compared with the case, it is possible to reduce the number of portions that affect the laser output when dew condensation occurs. Therefore, the effect of preventing dew condensation on the optical elements arranged on the laser optical path in the laser device body 11 can be enhanced.

Further, when the dew condensation state by the dew condensation sensor 26 is detected by the current detection unit 30, the first valve drive unit 36 opens the first electromagnetic valve 34 based on the dew condensation detection signal from the dew condensation sensor 26. Switch to the state,
The final laser output is affected by blowing air from each jet nozzle 32 toward the total reflection mirror surface 22, the semi-transmission mirror surface 23 of the optical unit 21, and the vicinity of the condenser lens surface 25 to blow off water droplets. Since the dew condensation on the affected portion is removed, the time until the cloudiness due to the dew condensation on the optical unit 21 disappears can be shortened as compared with the conventional case, and the inconvenience when using the laser device main body 11 can be eliminated. .

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. As an optical unit 51 arranged on the optical path of laser light, a substantially L-shaped sealed glass container 52 is filled with optical oil 53, and the total reflection mirror 5 is filled therein.
4 and the semi-transmissive mirror 55 are arranged, and a condensing lens surface 56 whose end face is processed into a convex lens shape is formed at the tip of the sealed glass container 52. Here, the optical oil 53 has almost the same refractive index as glass, and for example, in the case of simply connecting communication optical fibers,
A material is used that is used for the connection part to reduce light loss at the connection part.

Further, the optical axis can be adjusted by providing an adjusting knob for adjusting the mirror angles of the total reflection mirror 54 and the semi-transmission mirror 55 above the sealed glass container 52. The total reflection mirror 5 is also included in the optical unit 51.
4, a semi-transmissive mirror 55, and a dew condensation sensor 26 and a dew condensation removing mechanism 27 are provided in the vicinity of the condensing lens surface 56 as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, also in this case, the optical system 16 forming the optical path of the laser beam is filled with the optical oil 53 in the sealed glass container 52 having a substantially L shape, and the total reflection mirror 5 is filled therein.
4 and the semi-transmissive mirror 55 are arranged, and the optical unit 51 having the condensing lens surface 56 whose end face is processed into a convex lens shape is provided at the tip of the hermetically sealed glass container 52. It is possible to reduce the number of portions having an influence on the laser output when dew is condensed, as compared with the case where the total reflection mirror 3, the semi-transmission mirror 4 and the condenser lens 5 of FIG. Therefore, the first
Similar to the embodiment described above, the effect of preventing dew condensation on the optical element arranged on the laser optical path in the laser device main body 11 can be enhanced.

FIG. 7A shows a first modified example of the dew condensation removing mechanism 27. This is because the heater 61 is provided in the vicinity of the total reflection mirror surface 22, the semi-transmission mirror surface 23, and the condenser lens surface 25 of the optical unit 21 of the first embodiment.
When the dew condensation state by the dew condensation sensor 26 is detected by the current detection unit 30, the heater 61 is energized based on the output signal from the current detection unit 30 to warm the optical unit 21, Condensation on the portion that affects the final laser output is removed.

FIG. 7B shows a second modification of the dew condensation removing mechanism 27. This is the high temperature cooling water (warm water) immediately after it is used to cool the resonator 15.
The bypass passage 62 for guiding the total reflection mirror surface 22 and the semi-transmission mirror surface 23 of the optical unit 21 of the first embodiment,
The dew condensation sensor 26 is provided near the condenser lens surface 25.
When the dew condensation state due to is detected by the current detection unit 30, the resonator 15 is cooled by opening the open / close valve on the upstream side of the bypass passage 62 based on the output signal from the current detection unit 30. Directs the high-temperature cooling water (warm water) immediately after being used for the purpose into the bypass passage 62,
The optical unit 21 is warmed to remove the dew condensation on the part that affects the final laser output.

Further, when the treatment is performed using the laser probe 12 without a tip, the emitted laser light spreads, and the treatment effect changes depending on the distance from the tip of the probe 12 to the lesion site which is the irradiation target. When such a laser probe 12 is inserted into a channel of an endoscope to perform treatment endoscopically, an image for observation displayed by the endoscope is displayed on the monitor 71 as shown in FIG. A control circuit is used.

An endoscopic image display section 72 and a distance display section 73 are provided on the screen of the monitor 71. Further, in the control circuit for image display, an image signal processing unit 74 for processing a video signal of an image observed by the endoscope, and the probe 1 based on an output signal from the image signal processing unit 74.
A distance calculation unit 75 that calculates the distance from the tip of No. 2 to the lesion that is the irradiation target is provided.

The image signal of the endoscope is processed by the image signal processing unit 74 so that an endoscopic image can be displayed on the endoscopic image display unit 72 of the monitor 71. Further, the distance calculation unit 75 detects the position of the laser probe L on the screen of the endoscopic image display unit 72, the spread of the guide light indicated by H in FIG. 8, the shape of the shadow formed by the guide light, and the like from the tip of the probe L. The distance to the lesion area is calculated and displayed on the distance display section 73 on the monitor 71. Then, the surgeon looks at this so that the laser probe 12
Adjust the putting in and out of.

Therefore, in this case, since the distance from the tip of the probe L to the lesion can be easily known by visually observing the distance display section 73 on the monitor 71, the laser probe 12 without a tip is used. It is possible to improve the work efficiency when performing treatment.

Further, FIG. 9 shows a schematic structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope in which the laser probe 12 is inserted mainly for the purpose of treatment. Here, a horn-shaped microwave antenna portion 82 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope by a concave portion having a substantially cone shape.
The tip of a channel 83 formed in the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope is connected to the antenna portion 82. The channel 83 also serves as a microwave waveguide, and a microwave generator 87 is provided at the base end of the channel 83.
Are connected.

Further, an MRI head 84 incorporating a high frequency coil for magnetic resonance observation of a magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI) is arranged at the tip of the insertion portion 81. This M
The RI head 84 is an MRI signal processing device 8 outside the endoscope.
It is connected to a display 86 such as a monitor via the display device 5.

Then, when the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity, the MRI tomographic image on the plane shown by the dotted line in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 86. When the laser light is emitted from the laser probe 12, the laser light is reflected by the horn-shaped microwave antenna portion 82 and is applied to the lesion area. Since the optical path of the laser light reflected at this time substantially coincides with the tomographic plane of the MRI, it can be seen in the MRI image on the display 86 that the lesion is treated by the laser.

Further, the endoscope channel 83 also serves as a microwave waveguide, and the microwave generated by the microwave generator 87 passes through the channel 83 and is applied to the lesion area from the antenna section 82. The lesion area is heated by microwaves and heat treatment is performed. Therefore,
The combined use of the irradiation of laser light and the heating by microwaves promotes the therapeutic effect.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope for the purpose of diagnosis, into which the laser probe 12 is inserted. Here, a laser light transmitting / receiving device 91 and a microwave receiving device 92 are arranged on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope, respectively.

Further, an ultrasonic transducer 93 is arranged at the tip of the insertion portion 81. The ultrasonic oscillator 93 is connected to a display 86 such as a monitor via an ultrasonic signal transmitting / receiving device 94 outside the endoscope.

Therefore, in this case, an ultrasonic tomographic image is obtained instead of the MRI tomographic image of FIG. That is, the microwaves generated from the living body which is the diagnostic unit and entering the antenna unit 82 are received by the microwave receiving device 92 through the channel 83, signal processed, and the temperature information of the diagnostic unit is extracted and displayed on the display 86. To be done.

Further, the laser light output used here is not so large as to destroy the living tissue, and when the diagnostic portion is irradiated, a weak reflected light is generated in the diagnostic portion, which is used again by the laser probe 12. Then, the information is returned to the laser beam transmitter / receiver 91 to obtain information about cell division, oxygen concentration, etc. in the diagnostic section. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0054]

According to the present invention, at least a part of the optical elements arranged on the laser optical path in the laser device main body is hermetically sealed in glass or a transparent medium having a refractive index equivalent to glass. A portion where a formed optical unit is provided, dew condensation on the optical unit is detected by the detection unit, and the removal unit is driven based on the dew condensation detection signal from the detection unit to affect the final laser output by the dew condensation of the optical unit. Since the dew condensation is removed, it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing dew condensation on the optical elements arranged on the laser optical path in the laser device body, and it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience when using the laser device body. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire laser device main body.

3A is a schematic configuration diagram of a dew condensation sensor, FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing a dew condensation removing mechanism, and FIG. 3C is a schematic configuration diagram showing an injection air control unit of the dew condensation removing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a main configuration of an output measuring section.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part showing a usage state of an output measuring unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a main part showing a first modified example of the dew condensation removing mechanism, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a main part showing a second modified example of the dew condensation removing mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part showing an image display control circuit on a monitor.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope in which a laser probe is inserted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope in which the laser probe is inserted.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Laser device main body 21, 51 ... Optical unit, 2
6 ... Dew condensation sensor (detection means), 27 ... Dew condensation removal mechanism (removal means), 36 ... First valve drive section (control means), 6
1 ... Heater (removal means), 62 ... Bypass passage (removal means).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An optical unit integrally formed by sealing at least a part of an optical element disposed on a laser optical path in a main body of a laser device into glass or a translucent medium having a refractive index equivalent to that of glass. A detecting means for detecting the dew condensation on the optical unit; a removing means for removing the dew condensation on a portion of the optical unit that affects the final laser output by the dew condensation; and a dew condensation detection signal from the detecting means. A laser device comprising: a control unit that drives a removal unit.