Laser beam multiplexer for enhanced refractive index writing in ocular tissues, boosting efficiency and control in laser eye surgery
Institute Reference: 2-20087
Background
Ophthalmic and optical materials often require fine-tuned modifications in refractive index to improve visual performance. Conventional methods for writing refractive index changes are slow and struggle with balancing energy delivery without damaging the materials. Pulsed laser technology is increasingly used in these applications, but efficient, non-damaging laser writing at practical speeds remains challenging.
Technology Overview
This innovation presents a spatio-temporal-angular beam multiplexer designed to enhance the writing of refractive index changes in optical materials like corneal tissues and hydrogels used in eye surgery. The system uses a pulsed laser to generate multiple differentiated laser beams from a single source. These beams are cross-sectionally divided and focused through a common objective lens, creating separate focal spots in the optical material. A controller ensures that the laser’s energy remains above the threshold for nonlinear absorption but below the damage threshold, enabling effective refractive index changes without compromising material integrity.
Benefits
The benefits of this innovative laser system are numerous and transformative. One of the key advantages is the increased speed it offers. By utilizing multiple laser beams to simultaneously write different regions, the system significantly accelerates the entire modification process. This capability is crucial, especially in medical applications where efficiency is directly tied to better patient outcomes.
Moreover, the system ensures enhanced efficiency by incorporating temporal and spatial beam offsets. These offsets help maintain a continuous refractive index modification process while effectively minimizing thermal damage that can occur when energy is not properly managed. This careful balance of power ensures that the material remains intact, achieving the desired modifications without unwanted side effects.
The improved control offered by this system allows for precise manipulation of refractive index changes across different depths and regions. This level of accuracy is particularly beneficial in applications that demand exact adjustments, such as in ophthalmic surgeries or the production of advanced lenses.
Additionally, the system’s scalable focus feature enables adaptive control of the focal spot, making it possible to write at multiple depths. This scalability enhances the versatility of the laser system, allowing it to create complex refractive structures that are not feasible with traditional single-layer focusing techniques. This adaptability opens new opportunities for designing intricate, high-performance optical materials.
Applications
This technology has a wide range of promising applications, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. In eye surgery, it can be used for highly precise laser procedures, such as corneal reshaping and the creation of implants that improve vision. These procedures demand the utmost accuracy, and this system’s ability to finely control laser beams makes it an ideal tool for such delicate work.
In the manufacturing of ophthalmic lenses, this technology enables the production of customized lenses with exact refractive properties, catering to the specific needs of patients. Whether for contact lenses or intraocular lenses, the ability to control the refractive index with such precision ensures superior visual performance.
Opportunity
The University of Rochester is open to exploring funded research collaborations, licensing agreements, and other partnership opportunities.