US 2018/0021086 A1 · LASER-DIRECTED MICROCAVITATION

Abstract

Methods and systems for the controlled generation of bubbles in a medium having a liquid phase are generally provided. Laser pulses having a time-dependent pulse parameter controllable over their duration are generated. The medium is irradiated with the laser pulses with a radiant exposure sufficient to initiate microcavitation within the medium during each laser pulse. The time-dependent pulse parameter of each laser pulse is controlled according to a generally positive variation over the pulse duration such that the medium absorbs a greater quantity of energy from the laser pulse at an end of the pulse duration than at a beginning thereof. Such methods and systems may be used for various applications such as biology, medicine or material processing.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for the generation, in a medium having a liquid phase, of microcavitation bubbles of maximum volume controlled over at least twice a threshold radiant exposure, comprising:

using a laser system comprising a pulse shaping mechanism, generating one or more laser pulses, each laser pulse having a pulse duration between 1 ns and 5000 ns and an energy selected to deliver a radiant exposure sufficient to initiate microcavitation within the medium during said pulse duration, each laser pulse having a tailored amplitude profile selected to deliver a greater quantity of energy to the medium during an end portion of the pulse duration than during a beginning portion thereof;
and
irradiating the medium with the laser pulses.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Laser-directed microcavitation

Life of this patent

Laser-directed microcavitation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16