WO1992003186A1 - Systeme de reglage de focalisation de laser - Google Patents

Systeme de reglage de focalisation de laser Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992003186A1
WO1992003186A1 PCT/US1991/005647 US9105647W WO9203186A1 WO 1992003186 A1 WO1992003186 A1 WO 1992003186A1 US 9105647 W US9105647 W US 9105647W WO 9203186 A1 WO9203186 A1 WO 9203186A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
objective lens
laser beam
optical path
lenses
path means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1991/005647
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William D. Fountain
Original Assignee
Phoenix Laser Systems, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phoenix Laser Systems, Inc. filed Critical Phoenix Laser Systems, Inc.
Publication of WO1992003186A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992003186A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
    • B23K26/02—Positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impact; Aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
    • A61F9/008—Methods or devices for eye surgery using laser
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/08—Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
    • A61B2090/0804—Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/007—Methods or devices for eye surgery
    • A61F9/008—Methods or devices for eye surgery using laser
    • A61F2009/00844—Feedback systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to lasers and laser beam delivery systems, and in particular the invention is concerned with the focussing of a laser beam in a laser surgery system, such as for ophthalmic surgery.
  • parallel laser beam light typically approaches the objective lens assembly from the rear. This parallel light beam is focussed by the objective, to a prescribed focal plane in front of the objective.
  • focus depth adjustment is the need of the surgeon/user of the system to control focus depth for manipulating the point of focus in the tissue, as in ophthalmic surgery; when the surgeon/user's control is indirect, by means of a computer that effects direct control, fast-response changes in focussing depth (as well as in X and Y position) must be made.
  • To accomplish these fast-tracking adjustments via the objective lens would require a simplified, lightweight objective which could be subjected to very high acceleration. In many cases this is impractical at best.
  • beam splitters typically are used for several different diagnostic and analysis devices, such as imaging devices for enabling a surgeon to control the procedure while viewing the tissue in one or several modes.
  • Target illumination light and target-tracking functions may be folded in from a further axis or axes. If in such a multi-optical axis system the common objective lens is being adjusted in position for the purpose of moving the focus depth of the laser beam, as by the surgeon moving the point of focus to different depths, activities and data along the other split-off axes are also affected. For accuracy of data on some of these axes it might be required to compensate for each such movement of the objective lens. •
  • a laser beam delivery system particularly for surgical applications has an efficient and improved focus adjustment for controlling the depth at which the beam focusses on or in the target.
  • the focus adjustment system also has advantageous application to industrial processes.
  • an objective lens assembly at the front of the delivery system remains stationary with respect to the target, and focus depth is controlled by adjusting the separation between a pair of positive and negative lenses which are positioned a distance behind the objective lens along the laser beam delivery axis.
  • Beam splitters are located between the objective lens and the pair of focus adjustment lenses, and at least one additional optical path may be folded onto the laser beam path upstream of the objective lens, without passing through the pair of positive and negative lenses.
  • the laser axis and at least one further axis on which analysis, target imaging and/or other functions may be performed are joined together upstream of the objective lens, but downstream of the focussing lenses.
  • the laser beam may be manipulated as to the depth at which it is focussed at the target, without interrupting optics along the partially collinear analysis and imaging axis.
  • the objective lens assembly which may be quite massive, may not be relied upon for quick-response focussing during a surgical procedure which may require such responses.
  • the treatment laser beam approaching the pair of focussing lenses is nominally parallel, i.e. a parallel beam or very close to parallel.
  • the beam is made to diverge by the first, negative or concave lens, then brought back to parallel or near- parallel by the second, positive or convex lens.
  • the system focusses at a nominal or starting position on the target (e.g. the surface of the cornea in eye surgery) , after passing through the objective lens assembly.
  • the exiting beam from the convex lens becomes slightly divergent (or more divergent) and this has the effect of moving the focal point deeper at the target.
  • the pair of positive and negative lenses used in the system of the invention has not been unknown in other fields.
  • a pair of such lenses have been used as part of a so-called zoom system.
  • the optical use of the lens pair is somewhat different and it is particularly advantageous in simplifying and increasing the efficiency and reliability of a medical laser delivery system.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic overall system view showing one example of a surgical laser beam delivery system which may utilize the improvements embodied in the present invention.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are simplified schematic views showing a portion of the system of Figure 1, and illustrating an adjustment in the separation distance between a positive and negative lens in an optical path of the system, in order to effect a change in the depth at which laser beam focus is located.
  • Figure 1 shows a laser beam delivery system generally identified by the reference number 10.
  • the system 10 includes a laser source 12 producing a laser beam schematically indicated at 14.
  • the beam 14 passes through various beam delivery optics which may include, for example, a beam expander 16, a mirror 18 (which may be a turning mirror) , beam splitters 20 and 22 and an objective lens assembly 24.
  • a beam expander 16 which may be a turning mirror
  • beam splitters 20 and 22 and an objective lens assembly 24.
  • the depth focussing system of the invention is used in conjunction with ophthalmic surgery, and thus in
  • Figure 1 the beam is shown as converging to a focal point 26 at the corneal surface of the patient's eye 28. It should be understood, however, that the focus adjustment system described herein will find advantageous uses in other laser surgical processes and also in non-surgical industrial processes involving lasers.
  • the laser beam 14 follows an optical path or beam axis identified as 30 in the drawing.
  • Another, separate optical path or axis is indicated at 32 and is folded onto the optical path 30 of the laser beam by the beam splitter indicated at 20.
  • the drawing also shows a further optical path or axis 34 which is folded onto the path 32 at a downstream location by a further beam splitter 36.
  • the axis 32 is thus partially collinear with the beam axis 30, in the portion between the beam splitter 20 and the target or focal point 26.
  • the other optical axis 34 is similarly collinear, having been joined with the optical axis 32.
  • the optical axis 32 may be used for target tracking and the optical axis 34 may be used for imaging of the target.
  • the instruments and optical devices 38, 40 and 42 shown as examples in Figure 1 may produce for the surgeon or user a series of selectable and separately adjustable images for analysis of the target (such as the eye 28) or for otherwise gaining information used in making decisions regarding the surgery procedure to be undertaken or for monitoring the progress of the surgery as it progresses.
  • the optical paths or axes 32 and 34 although sharing some of the optics of the laser axis 30 such as the objective lens assembly 24 and the mirror 22, are for different purposes and handle different light rays from the system. They reflect light back toward the imaging instruments thus providing information for the surgeon/user. They may comprise viewing, tracking, and analysis channels which in many procedures will be desirable to adjust separately from the adjustments in focussing depth of the laser beam 14 itself. As the point of laser beam focus on the target is moved in the operating procedure, which may be by an automatic, programmed laser beam steering system, it often is not desired that those systems move along with the movements of the beam focal point.
  • the objective lens assembly 24 not be relied upon for simultaneous adjustments in Z-axis or focus depth for both the treatment laser beam and the non-treatment channels, at least not solely.
  • the objective 24 can be moved for other purposes, such as movement of the patient's eye 28 along the Z-axis, whereupon the position of the objective 24 can be adjusted to follow this movement of the patient. This will affect both the viewing channels (and tracking and analysis channels) and the laser beam delivery, in order to maintain a constant relationship between the eye and the objective 24.
  • Z-axis or focus depth adjustment is accomplished by a lens pair 44, including a first, negative or concave lens 46 and a second, positive or convex lens 48.
  • a lens pair 44 including a first, negative or concave lens 46 and a second, positive or convex lens 48.
  • the separation distance between the negative and positive lenses 46 and 48 will affect the degree of convergence or divergence of the beam exiting the downstream or convex lens 48. The closer the lens pair, the greater the divergence of the emerging exit beam, and thus the deeper the focus point will occur after passing through the objective 24.
  • the use of the lens pair 44 enables the laser beam delivery optics along the beam axis 30 to focus the operating or treatment laser beam 14 independently of and without affecting the imaging optics along the imaging axes 32 and 34.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 are schematic views showing the principle of operation of the focussing system just described.
  • Figure 2 shows components of the system at and near the objective lens assembly 24.
  • the laser beam 14 enters the first, concave lens 46 of the lens pair 44, is refracted to be divergent as indicated in Figure 2, and then is refracted back to near-parallel collimated condition downstream of the convex lens 48.
  • Figure 2 is intended to show a "normal" or "home” position of the lens pair 44, wherein parallel or close to parallel light is reflected off the beam splitter and off the mirror 22, whereupon it is focussed by the objective 24 to a desired focus depth, i.e. at the focal point 26 as shown.
  • the drawings show the system in conjunction with a laser beam for eye surgery, it should be understood that the item 28 can be a workpiece in an industrial process.
  • the emerging beam from the second, convex lens 48 need not be parallel or even essentially parallel in this "normal" position.
  • the arrangement illustrated and described is preferred because it makes the optics somewhat simpler with respect to other functions of the objective lens assembly 24, as relates to the non-treatment axes 32 and 34.
  • Figure 3 illustrates that, as the concave lens 46 is moved closer to the convex lens 48, e.g. via a movable stage device 50, the beam 14 between the two lenses, although it diverges at the same angle, passes through the convex lens 48 with, its extremal rays closer to the axis 30.
  • the convex lens has less effect in converging the beam, or in bringing it back toward collimation, and thus the beam will emerge still diverging somewhat in the configuration shown in Figure 3. This of course causes the beam to be brought to a focal point 26a farther from the objective and hence deeper into the target 28.
  • the order of the positive and negative lenses can be reversed, or a more complex ensemble of lens elements can replace the two elements described herein, or the positive lens, rather than the negative lens, can be the lens that is repositioned, or any combination of the preceding implementations can be used.
  • a pari of positive lenses can be used.
  • reflective elements curved mirrors
  • refractive elements can be used instead of refractive elements.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)
  • Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Un système d'amenée de faisceau laser est pourvu d'un dispositif de réglage de focalisation amélioré servant à régler la profondeur de focalisation du faisceau dans la cible. Une lentille de l'objectif (24) demeure stationnaire par rapport à la cible (26) et la profondeur de focalisation est réglée par l'intermédiaire du réglage de la séparation entre une paire de lentilles positives et négatives (46, 48) qui se situent à une certaine distance à l'arrière de la lentille de l'objectif, et au moins un trajet optique additionnel (34) est introduit dans le trajet du faisceau laser en amont de la lentille de l'objectif. Ainsi, l'axe du laser chirurgical et au moins un axe additionnel sur lesquels une analyse, la représentation en images d'une cible et d'autres fonctions sont effectuées, se rejoignent en amont de la lentille de l'objectif. De cette manière, le faisceau laser peut être focalisé à une profondeur donnée dans la cible sans interrompre les rayons optiques le long de l'axe partiellement co-linéaire. De plus, on ne compte pas sur l'ensemble d'objectif, qui peut être plutôt massif, pour effectuer une focalisation rapide au cours d'une procédure chirurgicale.
PCT/US1991/005647 1990-08-13 1991-08-08 Systeme de reglage de focalisation de laser WO1992003186A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US56723990A 1990-08-13 1990-08-13
US567,239 1990-08-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992003186A1 true WO1992003186A1 (fr) 1992-03-05

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1991/005647 WO1992003186A1 (fr) 1990-08-13 1991-08-08 Systeme de reglage de focalisation de laser

Country Status (3)

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CN (1) CN1059654A (fr)
AU (1) AU8432491A (fr)
WO (1) WO1992003186A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5620436A (en) * 1994-09-22 1997-04-15 Chiron Technolas Gmbh Ophthalmologische Systeme Method and apparatus for providing precise location of points on the eye
US6737607B2 (en) 2001-03-16 2004-05-18 Tip Engineering Group, Inc. Apparatus for laser cutting a workpiece
US20110028957A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 Lensx Lasers, Inc. Optical System for Ophthalmic Surgical Laser

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9504608B2 (en) * 2009-07-29 2016-11-29 Alcon Lensx, Inc. Optical system with movable lens for ophthalmic surgical laser
US8506559B2 (en) * 2009-11-16 2013-08-13 Alcon Lensx, Inc. Variable stage optical system for ophthalmic surgical laser
FR3034310A1 (fr) * 2015-04-01 2016-10-07 Alphanov Centre Tech Optique Et Lasers Appareil de chirurgie ophtalmique
EP3281598A1 (fr) * 2016-08-09 2018-02-14 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Dispositif et procédé de traitement cutané àbase de lumière

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4409979A (en) * 1979-11-28 1983-10-18 Lasag Ag Device for observing and treating the eye using a laser
GB2145533A (en) * 1983-08-22 1985-03-27 Lasertek Oy Laser apparatus for ophthalmic surgery

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4409979A (en) * 1979-11-28 1983-10-18 Lasag Ag Device for observing and treating the eye using a laser
GB2145533A (en) * 1983-08-22 1985-03-27 Lasertek Oy Laser apparatus for ophthalmic surgery

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5620436A (en) * 1994-09-22 1997-04-15 Chiron Technolas Gmbh Ophthalmologische Systeme Method and apparatus for providing precise location of points on the eye
US6737607B2 (en) 2001-03-16 2004-05-18 Tip Engineering Group, Inc. Apparatus for laser cutting a workpiece
US7297897B2 (en) 2001-03-16 2007-11-20 Antonios Nicholas Process for laser cutting a workpiece
US20110028957A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-02-03 Lensx Lasers, Inc. Optical System for Ophthalmic Surgical Laser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8432491A (en) 1992-03-17
CN1059654A (zh) 1992-03-25

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