Laser beam alignment devices, systems, and methods
AssigneeAdvanced Medical Optics, Inc.
InventorMichael S. Gray
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An alignment tool for a laser beam delivery system includes a base having one or more registration elements and an alignment optic operably coupled to the base. The alignment optic has a fluorescent element and a front surface. The fluorescent element is configured to fluoresce when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation produced by a laser. The front surface includes a reflective surface and an alignment mark. The reflective surface is configured to specularly reflect the electromagnetic radiation, while the alignment mark, which is centrally disposed within the reflective surface, is configured to diffusely scatter the electromagnetic radiation.
Claims20
A laser beam delivery system for an ocular surgery, comprising:
- a laser configured to produce a beam of electromagnetic radiation;
- a first mirror;
- and
- a first alignment optic, comprising:
- a fluorescent element configured to fluoresce when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation produced by the laser;
- and
- a front surface comprising a reflective surface and an alignment mark, the reflective surface configured to specularly reflect at least a portion of the laser beam, the alignment mark centrally disposed within the reflective surface and configured to diffusely scatter at least some of the electromagnetic radiation of the laser beam;
- and
- a first site configured to removably receive either one of the first mirror and the first alignment optic, so that at least a portion of the laser beam reflects in a predetermined direction.
A method of aligning a laser beam delivery system for an ocular surgery, the method comprising:
- providing a laser beam;
- providing a first mirror and an alignment tool, the alignment tool comprising:
- a fluorescent element configured to fluoresce when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation produced by the laser;
- and
- a front surface comprising a reflective surface and an alignment mark, the reflective surface configured to specularly reflect the electromagnetic radiation, the alignment mark centrally disposed within the reflective surface and configured to diffusely scatter the electromagnetic radiation;
- mounting the alignment tool at a first location;
- directing the laser beam onto the alignment tool so as to cause a first portion of the radiation in the laser beam to diffusely scatter and a second portion of the radiation in the laser beam to specularly reflect;
- in response to the reflected portion, adjusting the alignment tool until the portion of the laser beam is reflected in a predetermined direction from the first location;
- and
- removing the alignment tool and mounting the first mirror at the first location so that the laser beam is reflected in the predetermined direction by the mirror.
The method of claim 10, further comprising, in response to the sensed laser beam, adjusting the location laser beam on the front surface.
An alignment tool for a laser beam delivery system, comprising:
- a base including one or more registration elements;
- an alignment optic operably coupled to the base, the alignment optic comprising:
- a fluorescent element configured to fluoresce when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation produced by a laser;
- and
- a front surface comprising a reflective surface and an alignment mark, the reflective surface configured to specularly reflect the electromagnetic radiation, the alignment mark centrally disposed within the reflective surface and configured to diffusely scatter the electromagnetic radiation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.