Introduction

Devices for the spherical orientation of an optical element are commonly used in laser microsurgery applications, where precision is paramount. Current devices in the market are still operated manually, without motorizations nor computer assistance; these come with numerous disadvantages, such as low precision and safety, inability to take certain measurements (automatic execution of scanning movements, tremor filtering and movement reduction). The advent of new motorized laser steering devices has addressed these shortcomings; however they have their own limitations: 1) not suitable for use in combination with optical elements of the type intended to be crossed by the light beam, 2) rotation of the motors is strictly dependent on the transmission ratio selected, 3) require complex laser position control methods, 4) difficult to manufacture, and 5) prone to wear and malfunctions.

Technical features

The patented device addresses current market drawbacks, and can be produced in a simple and economical manner. The invention consists of an optical element adapted to interact with an incident light beam and a mechanism mounted on a supporting structure, capable of rotating a set of rotational axes perpendicular to each other. The device is equipped with electromagnetic actuators, which can drive one or more optical elements. Such optical elements may include a beam deflection plane mirror, a spherical mirror, any type of reflective surface, all types of optical lenses or a combination of different types of optical lenses and/or mirrors and/or beam deflection components and/or all types of optical elements with reflective/refractive surfaces. Different types of optical elements may be used i) to change the angle and direction of the light beam(s), ii) to focus the light beam(s) at a desired distance, and iii) to coupler light beams.

Possible Applications

• Laser surgery, microsurgery or tattoo removal;
• Precision laser engraving;
• May be used to create a computer-controlled laser scanner, allowing programmable laser scanning motions, precise laser pointing, and fast laser scanning;
• Can be operated remotely with any motion sensor, tablet, mouse, or similar devices.

Advantages

• Direct drive electromagnetic actuators provide fast and precise motions;
• Easy- to-manufacture, compact and small device;
• Open a line of view able to pass more two or more laser beams at once;
• Laser position control resolution below 50 µm.