US20140242538A1 - Radiation source and light guiding device - Google Patents

Radiation source and light guiding device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140242538A1
US20140242538A1 US14/349,416 US201214349416A US2014242538A1 US 20140242538 A1 US20140242538 A1 US 20140242538A1 US 201214349416 A US201214349416 A US 201214349416A US 2014242538 A1 US2014242538 A1 US 2014242538A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
light
section
mixing element
monocore
light conductor
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US14/349,416
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English (en)
Inventor
Bruno Senn
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Ivoclar Vivadent AG
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Ivoclar Vivadent AG
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Assigned to IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG reassignment IVOCLAR VIVADENT AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SENN, BRUNO
Publication of US20140242538A1 publication Critical patent/US20140242538A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
    • A61C19/003—Apparatus for curing resins by radiation
    • A61C19/004—Hand-held apparatus, e.g. guns
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/02—Optical fibres with cladding with or without a coating
    • G02B6/02042—Multicore optical fibres
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/04—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4201—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details
    • G02B6/4204—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms
    • G02B6/421—Packages, e.g. shape, construction, internal or external details the coupling comprising intermediate optical elements, e.g. lenses, holograms the intermediate optical component consisting of a short length of fibre, e.g. fibre stub
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/42—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
    • G02B6/4298—Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements coupling with non-coherent light sources and/or radiation detectors, e.g. lamps, incandescent bulbs, scintillation chambers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a radiation source, preferably for medical or dental-medical use, in particular a light curing device for the polymerization of dental materials, according to the preamble of claim 1 , as well as to a light conductor device for a radiation source or a light curing device of this kind, according to the preamble of claim 15 .
  • light does not only stand for electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range but also for electromagnetic radiation in the UV and near infrared range.
  • these terms shall also include other illuminants and radiation sources, in particular semiconductor radiation sources, emitting visible light, UV and/or near infrared light which—for reasons of better readability—shall not be listed throughout the text. Even when it is sometimes only referred to light curing devices, it is to be understood by somebody skilled in the art that the corresponding statements also apply to other radiation sources in the same manner and need to give reference to them, too.
  • Light curing devices of this kind have been known for a long time.
  • Multiple fiber light conductors that are also referred to as multicore light conductors, have the advantage of offering a substantially improved bending property.
  • the dentist is thus able to impart the desired shape to the light conductor on the end side thereof in order to maintain the light emission or exit at the desired, partially deep-seated position.
  • a single LED or a single LED chip is used as the light source, light emission takes place primarily on the upper side of the LED chip that typically has a size of approximately 1 mm 2 . If a multicore light conductor that typically has a diameter of 6 to 13 mm, is installed in front of the LED chip, the main light emission typically only impinges on the 6 or 7 inner fibers, whereas only a very small portion of the outer optical fibers are utilized.
  • a collecting lens at the light entry side end of the optical fibers.
  • the additional provision of a collecting lens means two further optical boundary surfaces with the respective reflections so that the degree of efficiency decreases.
  • the invention is based on the object of producing a radiation source preferably for dental or dental-medical use, in particular a light curing device for the polymerization of dental materials, according to the preamble of claim 1 , as well as a light conductor device, according to the preamble of claim 15 , that, on the one hand, can be produced easily and cost-effectively and can be used universally, and, on the other hand, can be handled more ergonomically especially with medical, preferably dental applications, and whose light color and/or emission spectrum and/or spectral radiant power of the emitted radiation can be adapted to the purpose of use and case of application without the light emission or easy handling suffering any damage.
  • the invention achieves a very high degree of light mixing—in connection with a very simple and cost-effective design and without increasing the space requirements or the overall length—, and thus by using light sources, in particular LEDs, which differ with respect to their light color and/or their emission spectrum and which can be controlled separately from one another a corresponding device can be provided whose light color and/or emission spectrum and/or spectral radiant power of the emitted radiation can be adapted to the purpose of use and case of application without the light emission or easy handling suffering any damage.
  • the invention is particularly favorable that due to the combination of monocore and multicore light conductors, the advantages of both of them can surprisingly be achieved without the disadvantages to be expected.
  • the bad light mixing present in the case of multicore light conductors is completely avoided, as well as the only partial light impingement that is focused on the central optical fibers. It is not necessary to use a collecting lens or any other costly light mixing device on the entry side; rather it is possible to directly feed the light radiation emitted by the one or more LED chips to the monocore light conductor. Due to the comparatively large light entry surface, the light conductor completely absorbs the light radiation and guides it forward.
  • the present invention makes possible to homogenize and mix the light generated in a light generation device and to distribute it across the entire cross-sectional area of the light conductor such that at the exit of the light conductor an area can be illuminated homogeneously with respect to brightness and spectral distribution. In this way, it enables an effective, simple and low-loss coupling of the emitted light, that is generated in particular by several light diodes or other semiconductor radiation sources, into the light conductor.
  • more than one multicore section and/or more than one monocore section are connected with one another. This is favorable for example if the light conductor is very long and comprises positions along its extension at which is must be bent heavily. At said positions multicore and further monocore sections are formed then.
  • optical fibers typically offer a light yield that is 15% lower compared to monocore light conductors
  • LED chips of different colors and in fact without the need of using an additional collecting lens and further costly homogenization devices.
  • This also particularly applies for the three light conductor chips having different colors and being typically arranged in a triangle which, for instance, have emission maxima in the red, green an blue spectral areas and which can be used to produce any desired light color by additive light mixing.
  • the inventive solution can be integrated into any conventional device very cost-effectively and requiring only minimal changes to the construction. Furthermore, a very simple installation or exchange of light conductors in the medical or dental practice or, for instance, in the dental laboratory is possible. Moreover, the inventive solution is also very easy to maintain in the service workshop.
  • an unexpectedly high degree of homogenization with respect to the intensity distribution and the spectral emission curves across the entire exit surface of the optical fiber bundle can be achieved, in spite of the simple design and the very short overall length of the light mixing device, i.e. the very short light mixing distance within the light mixing element—in particular in connection with the state-of-the-art reflector arrangement in the light generation device of the devices—as well as due to the repeated phase transition and boundary surface interactions between solid and air and again solid in the light path of the optical path of a device of this kind, i.e.
  • a further advantage of the inventive solution is that the use of expensive fiber bundles comprising a randomized arrangement of the individual fibers will not be necessary anymore in the future, and in this way considerable savings can be made in the production of light conductor on the one hand, and, on the other hand, mechanical problems such as twisting and squashing of the fibers do not occur anymore due to the thermal expansion in use and in autoclaving.
  • the inventive solution enables a very easy and cost-effective provision of lighting devices or light curing devices whose emitted work spectra can be synthesized by means of additive light mixing of the spectra of light diodes comprising different emission spectra by electronically controlling the different light diodes respectively. It is especially surprising that in connection with the specific construction of the inventive solution using only the simplest optical means, a very high degree of homogenization can be achieved with respect to the intensity of light and emission spectra across the entire lighting cross section and at the same time the efficiency of the transmission of light can be improved and power dissipation can be reduced.
  • the inventive light mixing device can be positioned ideally with respect to the light diodes or semiconductor light sources.
  • the positioning parameters can be selected such that the entry surface of the light mixing element is located “out of focus” with respect to the respective focal points of the light diodes or reflectors assigned to the semiconductor radiation sources, and is, on the one hand, illuminated most comprehensively by the bundles of entry beams and that, on the other hand, the entry angle area of the incoming radiation exploits as completely as possible the entry or acceptance cone predefined by the numerical aperture of the light entry end of the light mixing element.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that one light mixing element of a small entire length which is in the order of magnitude of the diameter of the light mixing element is able to mix light from differently colored LED chips or semiconductor radiation sources of the different emission spectra thereof properly such that properly mixed light enters the multicore section of the light conductor and no variations in color can be detected across the light exit surface of the light conductor.
  • the transition between the monocore and the multicore section of the light conductor can be realized maintaining the index of refraction.
  • a glass-bonding adhesive or an adhesive cement can be used whose index of refraction corresponds to that of the optical material used for the light conductor.
  • a sleeve that especially preferably extends over the transition between the monocore and the multicore section.
  • the sleeve offers the additional advantage of preventing a stiffness jump that reduces the load carrying capacity of the light conductor against shear stress due to a lateral attachment to the application location.
  • the forces introduced are at least partially transferred by the multicore section to the more rigid monocore section. Nevertheless, the bending property and flexibility of the front end of the light conductor is given on a large scale, i.e. at said location at which the bending property is essential in the practical application.
  • the sleeve consists preferably of metal, in particular of stainless steel, and comprises a wall thickness which amounts to less than a fifth, in particular less than a fifteenth of the diameter of the light conductor.
  • the sleeve can comprise a highly temperature-resistant plastic material, in particular a sulfone, etherketone or imid plastic material or plastic composite material—to which the light conductor is connected, preferably non-positively and/or in a firmly bonded manner. In this way, the required temperature resistance, mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the connection interface can be ensured on the one hand, and due to the elastic properties of the corresponding plastic materials a receptivity for thermal expansion movements and a limitation of thermal stresses can be achieved, on the other hand.
  • connection interface of this kind made of such a plastic material enables the targeted use of press fits and/or preloads between the connection interface and the light mixing element on the one hand which in this case can be connected to the connection interface preferably non-positively and/or in a firmly bonded manner, and on the other hand between the connection interface and the connection component to which the connection interface can be attached free of play and securely with respect to changes in temperature using a press fit and/or preloads.
  • a further transition occurs directly from the monocore section to the multicore section, i.e. without an air layer, and the index of refraction changes over the course of the transition by less than 50%, in particular by less than 20%.
  • the multicore section further has the advantage that the yield losses decrease in relation to the straight layout of the light conductor.
  • a heavily bent multicore light conductor typically offers lower attenuation than a monocore light conductor curved in the same radius so that according to the invention for the straight portion of the light conductor said light conductor type (Monocore) having the smallest losses thereat is combined with the light conductor type (Multicore) having the smallest losses for the curved area.
  • the multicore section comprises a bending or a cranked section, in particular adjacent to the light exit side end.
  • Such a design and arrangement considerably improves and facilitates the handling in use.
  • the light losses are kept small.
  • the monocore section comprises a length that at least corresponds to 5 times its diameter. It is to be understood that the length, however, is variable in both sections, for example comprises a length two times, three times, up to seven or even ten times the diameter.
  • the monocore and/or the multicore sections are conveniently formed in a conical manner, at least over a part of the lengths thereof, and in particular taper towards the end on the light exit side end.
  • the light conductor can be configured to be slimmer, thus improving the handling, for instance, in the mouth of a patient and/or the radiation energy, for instance, from a larger array of diodes can be concentrated on, for instance, a smaller handling surface.
  • both the monocore section and the individual fibers of the multicore section consist of a core glass and a cladding glass.
  • core glass and cladding glass strongly differ in their indices of refraction which leads to the desired total internal reflection.
  • Such a coaxial design of the light mixing element made of two different transparent materials, preferably of two types of glass, comprising different indices of refraction can reduce radiation losses in connection with total internal reflection and achieve a better guidance of the radiation.
  • the light mixing element mentioned here there is preferably a large difference between both indices of refraction of the core and cladding layer, which difference preferably amounts to 0.1 units.
  • a relatively large difference of this kind between both indices of refraction enlarges the numerical aperture of the light mixing element and also allows for a “catching” of incident light beams which differ substantially from the axis of incidence of the light entry surface of the light mixing element and thus ensures an enlargement of the entry cone for the radiation of the light generation device.
  • the angular area for the total internal reflection of the radiation transmitted in the light mixing element increases and the reflection coefficient is improved considerably.
  • other transparent inorganic materials or ceramics but also organic glasses with or without doping or transparent plastic materials can be used for core and/or cladding areas of the light mixing element.
  • a coating is provided at the outer surface of the monocore or the multicore section, but also at both sections, if necessary, that prevents light from exiting and is intransparent in this respect.
  • the coating can also be embodied so as to be metal-reflecting. Light losses within the light mixing element can be further reduced with the help of an additional reflective layer and at the same time the numerical aperture of the light mixing element can be increased considerably such that the angle of acceptance of the light entry cone of the light mixing element can be increased considerably.
  • a further aspect is that the reflection of the light radiation transmitted within the light mixing element takes place at two boundary surfaces in this exemplary embodiment and thus every light beam transmitted reflexively within the light mixing element is separated into two respective sub-beams that are offset relative to one another, into one first sub-beam which is partially totally reflected at the boundary layer between core and cladding of the light mixing element, and into a second light beam whose reflection occurs at the reflective outer layer of the light mixing element, thus improving the homogenization performance of the light mixing element even further.
  • the front end of the light conductor which end is part of the multicore section is curved at a given angle, for example at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the optical axis of the light source that impinges on the light conductor.
  • a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided to configure the front end of the light conductor in a flexible manner so that it can be bent depending on the case of application, for example by 90 degrees or even more than 90 degrees. In doing so, the handling in use in specific application situations can be further improved and facilitated, for instance in areas of the oral environment of a patient which are difficult to access.
  • the light conductor according to the invention is not only removable but also autoclavable. This plays a role particularly in the application within the scope of dental light conductors and endoscopes.
  • the mounting of the light conductor relative to the light source can be effected in any suitable manner, for example with the aid of a bushing that also enables the light conductor to be rotatable relative to the light source and to be removable.
  • a bushing that also enables the light conductor to be rotatable relative to the light source and to be removable.
  • all other design variations used between the light conductor and the light curing or lighting device, suggested heretofore in the state of the art can be combined with the inventive solution without any problems.
  • the connection interface between the light conductor and the light curing or lighting device can be adapted to the technical requirements in any desired way without the need for developing special solutions therefor.
  • the light conductor in a light curing device (or in a radiation source), wherein the light conductor is preferably twistable relative to the light curing device (or the radiation source), and is in particular supported thereon in a removable manner.
  • This twistability enables, for instance, a dentist to adapt the point of exit and the direction of exit of the light cone from the light conductor to the localization of the tooth surface to be treated.
  • the removability of the light conductor enables simple autoclaving thereof, independent of the light curing device (or the radiation source).
  • the space between the light entry end of the monocore section and the light source can be filled in any suitable manner, for example with silicone or another transparent compound whose index of refraction substantially corresponds to the index of refraction of the glass used so that only very small reflection losses arise at the media transition. It is also possible to grout the space with the transparent compound.
  • the monocore section comprises a length that corresponds to at least 1.5 times the diameter of the monocore section.
  • the monocore section and/or the optical fibers of the multicore section consist of a core glass and a cladding glass.
  • Such a coaxial design of the light mixing element made of two different transparent materials, preferably of two types of glass, comprising different indices of refraction can reduce radiation losses in connection with total internal reflection and achieve a better guidance of the radiation.
  • a relatively large difference of this kind between both indices of refraction enlarges the numerical aperture of the light mixing element and also allows for a “catching” of incident light beams which differ substantially from the axis of incidence of the light entry surface of the light mixing element and thus ensures an enlargement of the entry cone for the radiation of the light generation device.
  • the angular area for the total internal reflection of the radiation transmitted in the light mixing element increases and the reflection coefficient is improved considerably.
  • a coating at the outer surface of the monocore and/or the multicore section which coating prevents the exit of light from the light conductor and/or reflects the light impinging thereon.
  • Light losses within the light mixing element can be further reduced with the help of an additional reflective layer of this kind and at the same time the numerical aperture of the light mixing element can be increased considerably such that the angle of acceptance of the light entry cone of the light mixing element can be increased considerably.
  • a further aspect is that the reflection of the light radiation transmitted within the light mixing element takes place at two boundary surfaces in this exemplary embodiment and thus every light beam transmitted reflexively within the light mixing element is separated into two respective sub-beams that are offset relative to one another, into one first sub-beam which is partially totally reflected at the boundary layer between core and cladding of the light mixing element, and into a second light beam whose reflection occurs at the reflective outer layer of the light mixing element, thus improving the homogenization performance of the light mixing element even further.
  • both these sections are connected with one another at a transition with the aid of an adhesive cement and/or a glass-bonding adhesive that comprise a refraction index like glass.
  • At least the monocore section is surrounded by a sleeve.
  • the sleeve at least partially extends over the transition between the monocore section and the multicore section so that at least a portion of the multicore section that follows the monocore section, is surrounded by the sleeve as well.
  • the diameter of the light conductor amounts to 6 mm to 13 mm.
  • the monocore and/or the multicore sections are formed in a conical manner at least over a portion of the lengths thereof.
  • the light conductor can be configured to be slimmer, thus improving the handling, for instance, in the mouth of a patient, and/or the radiation energy, for instance, from a larger array of diodes can be concentrated on, for instance, a smaller handling surface.
  • the light entry side end is located at the monocore section and that the light exit side end is located at the multicore section.
  • this embodiment is advantageous with respect to the design (offset angle, crank) of the light conductor or provision with a flexible end section.
  • the multicore section comprises a bending or cranked section.
  • a light exit surface of the multicore section extends at an angle of 2° to 90° relative to a light entry surface that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the monocore section.
  • the end on the light entry side of the monocore section comprises a connection interface to a light curing device or to the radiation source) with the aid of which a polymerizable dental material can be cured. This ensures flexible coupling and decoupling of the light conductor to the light curing device (or the radiation source) wherein the light conductor can be autoclaved separate from the device.
  • connection interface is formed by a bushing that can be connected with the light curing device (or the radiation source) positively and that is fixedly connected with the end on the light entry side of the monocore section.
  • the light mixing element can be configured in a rotationally symmetric way.
  • this represents an especially functional solution that further comprises an adaptation, to a large extent, of the optical properties of the light mixing element with respect to the homogenization performance at a given entire length, for instance an adaptation to the geometrically optical radiation paths that are predefined with respect to the light generation device, any necessary adaptations with respect to the numerical aperture relating to the light entry end of the light mixing element and between the light mixing element and fiber bundle of the light conductor.
  • curved wall sections or taperings in the cross-section of the light mixing element can influence and modify the angles of reflection of the light beams that are totally internally reflected within the light mixing element and the light homogenization within the light mixing element can be further improved by a larger number of wall reflections of the light.
  • the light mixing element can be configured cylindrically and preferably comprise a planar light entry and/or exit surface.
  • This design of the light mixing element can be realized technically in an especially simple manner and thus it can be produced very cost-effectively wherein, however, a high degree of homogenization with respect to the intensity distribution and the spectral emission curves across the entire exit surface of the optical fiber bundle can be achieved surprisingly.
  • the light entry and exit surface can comprise a polished surface and/or a surface coating or other reflection-reducing coatings and/or is impingeable by an immersion means.
  • a polished surface whose remaining surface roughness preferably amounts to a small fraction at most of the wavelenght of light used improves the transmission properties of the light mixing element and reduces light losses considerably.
  • a surface coating or other reflection-reducing coatings can be applied to the light entry and/or exit surfaces of the light mixing element. This measure can further reduce light losses when light passes through the light mixing element.
  • an immersion means such as an immersion oil, for instance silicone oil
  • an immersion oil for instance silicone oil
  • the index of refraction of the immersion means which is higher relative to that of air makes possible to further reduce light losses by boundary surface reflection and then again adaptations of the numerical aperture of the optical components connected to one another can be caused.
  • the light mixing element comprises at least one light-conducting core, preferably made of a core glass, comprising a first refraction index and a light-conducting cladding, preferably made of cladding glass, comprising a second refraction index, wherein the second refraction index is smaller—preferably by at least 0.1 units—than the first refraction index.
  • a coaxial design of the light mixing element made of two different transparent materials, preferably of two types of glass, comprising different indices of refraction reduces radiation losses in connection with total internal reflection and achieves a better guidance of the radiation.
  • the light mixing element mentioned here there is preferably a large difference between both indices of refraction of the core and cladding layer, which difference preferably amounts to 0.1 units.
  • a relatively large difference of this kind between both indices of refraction enlarges the numerical aperture of the light mixing element and also allows for a “catching” of incident light beams which differ substantially from the axis of incidence of the light entry surface of the light mixing element and thus ensures an enlargement of the entry cone for the radiation of the light generation device.
  • the angular area for the total internal reflection of the radiation transmitted in the light mixing element increases and the reflection coefficient is improved considerably.
  • other transparent inorganic materials or ceramics but also organic glasses with or without doping or transparent plastic materials can be used for core and/or cladding areas of the light mixing element.
  • the light mixing element can comprise a reflection-enhancing coating or a reflective sleeve at its circumferential surface. Light losses within the light mixing element can be further reduced with the help of an additional reflective layer of this kind and at the same time the numerical aperture of the light mixing element can be increased considerably such that the angle of acceptance of the light entry cone of the light mixing element can be increased considerably.
  • a further aspect is that the reflection of the light radiation transmitted within the light mixing element takes place at two boundary surfaces in this exemplary embodiment and thus every light beam transmitted reflexively within the light mixing element is separated into two respective sub-beams that are offset relative to one another, into one first sub-beam which is partially totally reflected at the boundary layer between core and cladding of the light mixing element, and into a second light beam whose reflection occurs at the reflective outer layer of the light mixing element, thus improving the homogenization performance of the light mixing element even further.
  • the diameter of the light mixing element amounts to preferably between 2 mm and 20 mm, particularly preferably between 6mm and 15 mm, in particular between 8mm and 13 mm, and the length of the light mixing element is greater than 0.5 times the diameter, in particular greater than 0.8 times the diameter, and preferably smaller than 5 times the diameter, in particular smaller than twice the diameter of the light mixing element.
  • These dimensions represent an especially favorable constructive dimensioning with respect to the geometry of the light mixing element. In this way, an optimal mixing of light and homogenization can be achieved at minimized external dimensions.
  • the given diameters take account of the geometrical optical conditions with respect to the size of the light generation device and the entry diameter of the fiber bundle of the light conductor typically used in the given fields of medicine and dental medicine.
  • the light mixing device can comprise a connection interface—preferably made of a highly temperature resistant plastic material, in particular a sulfone, etherketone or imid plastic material or plastic composite material—to which the light mixing element is connected, preferably non-positively and/or in a firmly bonded manner, wherein the connection interface is connectable to one of the two, preferably in a self-aligned manner relative to the light conductor and/or the light generation device.
  • a connection interface preferably made of a highly temperature resistant plastic material, in particular a sulfone, etherketone or imid plastic material or plastic composite material—to which the light mixing element is connected, preferably non-positively and/or in a firmly bonded manner, wherein the connection interface is connectable to one of the two, preferably in a self-aligned manner relative to the light conductor and/or the light generation device.
  • connection interface can be connected to the light conductor and/or to the light generation device at or in the housing of the lighting or light curing device wherein the connection interface is preferably configured such that it adjust itself with respect to the light conductor and/or the light generation device and is thus positioned exactly within the beam path without the need for additional mounting and adjusting efforts.
  • the connection interface is produced at least to a large extent preferably from a highly temperature resistant plastic material, in particular a sulfone, etherketone or imid plastic material or plastic composite material.
  • connection interface of this kind made of such a plastic material enables the targeted use of press fits and/or preloads between the connection interface and the light mixing element on the one hand which in this case can be connected to the connection surface preferably non-positively and/or in a firmly bonded manner, and on the other hand between the connection interface and the connection component to which the connection interface can be attached free of play and securely with respect to changes in temperature using a press fit and/or preloads.
  • the light entry and/or light exit surfaces of the light mixing element can be formed in an aplanar manner.
  • the respective surfaces of the light mixing element in a slightly wavelike or undulated manner, for instance like the concentric, circular waves that arise in a water surface after a stone's throw.
  • incoming and outgoing light beams in contrast to a planar surface—are deflected slightly in an alternating manner in the radial direction of the light mixing element and are spread across a larger angular area, thus considerably increasing the light mixing effect of the light mixing element.
  • a similar effect could be achieved with a faceted surface design or with a Fresnel cut of the respective surfaces of the light mixing element at the front side.
  • the light mixing device can be provided and configured for retrofitting a lighting device or a light curing device, and is mountable between the light conductor and the housing of the light generation device or the light curing device—preferably in a bushing. This creates the possibility of retrofitting existing lighting devices or light curing devices which are being used with the advantageous inventive light mixing device and thus improve their efficiency and retrofit them with the inventive advantages.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view through an embodiment of a light conductor according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view through a further embodiment of a light conductor according to the invention.
  • the light conductor 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a monocore section 12 and a multicore section 14 . Both sections 12 and 14 have the same outer diameter and merge with one another in a flush manner at a transition 16 .
  • the monocore section 12 is located adjacent to a light entry side end 18 of the light conductor 10
  • the multicore section 14 is located adjacent to a light exit side end 20 of the light conductor.
  • the monocore section extends in a straight manner and in the illustrated embodiment takes up a length of about three quarters of the length of the light conductor.
  • the multicore section 14 takes up the last, i.e. the front quarter of the light conductor and is curved adjacent to the end 20 , and in fact by about an angle of 60 degrees.
  • a light exit axis 22 correspondingly extends at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to a light entry axis 24 .
  • Both the monocore section 12 and the multicore section 14 comprise at the outside thereof a cladding 26 (not shown in detail) that is formed like a coating and that reflects light radiation impinging thereon from inside back inwards.
  • the monocore section is formed as a massive, rod-shaped light-conducting rod that is surrounded by the cladding 26 .
  • the multicore section 14 consists of a plurality of light-conducting or optical fibers 30 , for example 100 to 500 individual light-conducting fibers, as schematically indicated in FIG. 1 .
  • the multicore section 14 is formed in a rigid manner.
  • both sections 12 and 14 are connected with one another with the aid of a glass-bonding adhesive.
  • the light-conducting rod of the monocore section, the light-conducting or optical fibers 30 of the multicore section 14 , and the glass-bonding adhesive (not shown) have the same indexes of refraction, respectively, so that reflections at the phase boundaries are avoided, if possible.
  • the monocore section 12 comprises at its light entry side end 18 a plug-in sleeve 32 .
  • the light conductor 10 is supported in a plug-in manner at a corresponding socket of a light curing device, which socket is formed in a manner known per se and is not illustrated here.
  • the light entry into the light entry side end 18 takes place via a light source 34 that comprises a plurality of individual LED chips, some of which are illustrated in FIG. 1 , namely chips 36 and 38 .
  • the light exit of the light source 34 is bundled in a manner known per se by means of a reflector 40 .
  • the space 42 between the light source 34 and the end 18 is filled with silicone or another compound whose index of refraction approximates that of glass.
  • the chips 36 and 38 are installed on a cooling element 44 that dissipates the heat generated thereat.
  • the chips 36 and 38 comprise different emission maxima and preferably can be controlled separately.
  • the space 42 is filled with light of different colors.
  • the monocore section 12 there is a good light mixing in any case so that white light is fed into the optical fibers 30 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a further embodiment of the inventive light conductor.
  • the multicore section 14 is configured so as to be flexible in this example.
  • the optical light exit axis 22 extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the light entry axis 24 ; it is to be understood, however, that any other position, and even a redirection of nearly 180 degrees, is possible as well.
  • the transition 16 is surrounded by a sleeve 50 that serves to stiffen the transition and that prevents the adhesive cement provided at the transition from failing due to a strong mechanical load.
  • the light-conducting rod may be rotated as a whole by means of the light conductors 10 ; this is also possible in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 .
  • the embodiment according to FIG. 2 only one single chip 36 is provided as a light source 34 , said chip being centrally installed on the cooling element 44 .
  • the space 42 is quite small which is already favorable due to the fact that silicone typically produces higher light losses than glass.
  • the space 42 according to FIG. 1 is illustrated in an exaggeratedly long manner; in practice, the length of the space 42 amounts to, for example, one third or less of the diameter of the light conductor 10 .
  • the diameter of the light conductor amounts to 12 mm and according to FIGS. 2 to 5 mm, whereas it is to be understood that the diameter of the light conductor may take any suitable values without departing from the scope of the invention. This also applies to the length distribution between the monocore and multicore section.
  • the monocore section alone may be at least eight times longer than its diameter.
  • the length of the multicore section 14 amounts to approximately two fifth of the total length of the light conductor 10 , and that of the monocore section correspondingly amounts to three fifth.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
US14/349,416 2011-10-06 2012-10-08 Radiation source and light guiding device Abandoned US20140242538A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11184195.3 2011-10-06
EP11184195.3A EP2579075A1 (de) 2011-10-06 2011-10-06 Stabförmiger Lichtleiter
EP12187017.4 2012-10-02
EP12187017.4A EP2581777A1 (de) 2011-10-06 2012-10-02 Lichtmischung
PCT/EP2012/069832 WO2013050589A2 (de) 2011-10-06 2012-10-08 Strahlungsquelle sowie lichtleiteinrichtung

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US14/349,416 Abandoned US20140242538A1 (en) 2011-10-06 2012-10-08 Radiation source and light guiding device

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JP (2) JP2014528802A (ja)
KR (2) KR20140101721A (ja)
CN (2) CN103974673B (ja)
BR (2) BR112014007800A2 (ja)
CA (2) CA2848185A1 (ja)
IN (1) IN2014CN02672A (ja)
MX (2) MX347483B (ja)
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USD810293S1 (en) 2017-01-20 2018-02-13 Garrison Dental Solutions, Llc Dental instrument
DE102017204503A1 (de) 2017-03-17 2018-09-20 Schott Ag Beleuchtungssystem mit flachem Leuchtabschnitt
JP2019115523A (ja) * 2017-12-27 2019-07-18 日機装株式会社 光照射装置
EP3603566B1 (en) * 2018-07-31 2020-11-25 3M Innovative Properties Company A dental light polymerization device
WO2021021408A1 (en) * 2019-07-29 2021-02-04 Bard Access Systems, Inc. Connection systems and methods for establishing optical and electrical connections through a drape
CN111818306A (zh) * 2020-07-17 2020-10-23 广州市华蓝佳声计算机科技有限公司 一种磁导式内窥检查仪
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US20140356804A1 (en) * 2011-10-06 2014-12-04 Ivoclar Vivadent Ag Light mixture
US10076390B2 (en) * 2011-10-06 2018-09-18 Ivoclar Vivadent Ag Light mixture
US10254535B2 (en) 2016-08-31 2019-04-09 Schott Ag Illumination system comprising heterogeneous fiber arrangement
US11589971B2 (en) 2018-11-14 2023-02-28 Garrison Dental Solutions, L.L.C. Dental curing light and method
US12102498B2 (en) 2018-11-14 2024-10-01 Garrison Dental Solutions, Llc Dental curing light and method
US11999647B2 (en) 2019-02-28 2024-06-04 Schott Ag Glass optical waveguide with variable cross section

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EP2579075A1 (de) 2013-04-10
CN104023668A (zh) 2014-09-03
WO2013050589A3 (de) 2013-05-30
CN103974673A (zh) 2014-08-06
RU2014117179A (ru) 2015-11-20
EP2581777A1 (de) 2013-04-17
US20140356804A1 (en) 2014-12-04
CN103974673B (zh) 2016-08-17
RU2589248C2 (ru) 2016-07-10
KR20140109361A (ko) 2014-09-15
RU2606933C2 (ru) 2017-01-10
MX2014003945A (es) 2015-04-13
BR112014007992A2 (pt) 2017-04-04
CA2848586A1 (en) 2013-04-11
MX2014003385A (es) 2014-10-24
CA2848185A1 (en) 2013-04-11
WO2013050587A1 (de) 2013-04-11
EP2764391A2 (de) 2014-08-13
WO2013050589A4 (de) 2013-08-01
KR20140101721A (ko) 2014-08-20
MX347483B (es) 2017-04-27
US10076390B2 (en) 2018-09-18
JP2014528802A (ja) 2014-10-30
IN2014CN02672A (ja) 2015-07-03
WO2013050589A2 (de) 2013-04-11
RU2014117972A (ru) 2015-11-20
BR112014007800A2 (pt) 2017-04-18
JP2014528307A (ja) 2014-10-27

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