Patent ID: 12216323

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” and “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in a stated value or characteristic.

For ease of description, portions of the disclosed devices and/or their components are referred to as proximal and distal portions. It should be noted that the term “proximal” is intended to refer to portions closer to laser cavities of the laser device, and the term “distal” is used herein to refer to portions further away from the laser cavities of the laser device, e.g., toward an end of a laser fiber that outputs a laser energy. Similarly, extends “distally” indicates that a component extends in a distal direction, and extends “proximally” indicates that a component extends in a proximal direction. Additionally, terms that indicate the geometric shape of a component/surface refer to exact and approximate shapes.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a medical laser system10. The medical laser system10includes one or more laser cavities30a-30d(one laser cavity30shown inFIGS.3A and3B), each laser cavity capable of outputting an output laser beam (or laser light). Each of the one or more laser cavities30a-30dincludes a high reflecting window36a-36dat a proximal end, an output coupler window32a-32dat a distal end, and a chromium thulium holmium-doped YAG (CTH:YAG) laser rod34a-34ddisposed between respective high reflecting windows36a-36dand output coupler window32a-32d. CTH:YAG lasers are lamp-pumped (flash-lamp-pumped) Ho:YAG lasers, having a pulse width in the range of approximates 100 microseconds to approximately 2-3 milliseconds. Wavelengths of the lasers are approximately 2.14 μm, and may have a highest pulse energy of greater than 5 Joules at a pulse width of one millisecond. CTH:YAG lasers may be efficiently operated at a repetition rate at less than or equal to approximately 25 Hertz, with a maximum average power for each laser cavity being approximately 30 Watts. To ablate tissue and create a high enough heat to destroy objects, such as kidney stones, it is necessary to increase the repetition rate by using multiple laser cavities, each laser cavity having a CTH:YAG laser rod (e.g.,34a-34d). Combining laser energy generated from each laser cavity may provide an overall repetition rate of up to approximately 80 Hertz, and an average maximum power of greater than 100 Watts. Ensuring the laser energy generated from each laser cavity is coupled into the fiber and reaches the target tissue facilitates generating these high-power outputs. Thus, it is important to properly align the laser cavities, mirrors, and other elements as described herein.

Each CTH:YAG laser rod34a-34dgenerates an output laser beam for each of the cavities30a-30d, which is directed to a corresponding relay mirror20a-20d(e.g., first mirrors) along a laser path C. For example, the output laser beam is output from cavity30ato mirror20a; from cavity30bto mirror20b; from cavity30cto mirror20c; and from cavity30dto mirror20d, with each output laser beam traveling along corresponding laser paths C. Each output laser beam is reflected from a respective one of the relay mirrors20a-20dto a Galvo mirror40(e.g., second mirror) along respective laser paths B. For example, an output laser beam is reflected from relay mirror20ato Galvo mirror40along laser path B. Galvo mirror40reflects each output laser beam along a same optical path A (e.g., laser path A) to a beam splitter50and a beam combiner60. Galvo mirror40is configured to rotate about an axis to face each of relay mirrors20a-20dand receive output lasers from each laser cavity30a-30d. The beam combiner60combines the output laser beams from the one or more cavities30a-30dand may further combine an aiming beam from an aiming beam source (e.g., an aiming beam source701inFIG.7). The combined laser beam is passed along laser path A to a coupling lens111of coupling lens assembly100(FIG.2B). The coupling lens111couples the output laser beam and matches the output laser beam to an output fiber70, to be transmitted to a delivery location. Coupling lens111may be any material suitable for coupling the laser light to output fiber70, including but not limited to a sapphire. Coupling lens111may have a diameter of approximately 18 mm, but is not limited thereto.

To help ensure proper output and to help avoid damage to the medical laser system10, and injuries to the user and/or the patient, the medical laser system10may be calibrated prior to use. The calibration and alignment of the medical laser system10may help ensure that the output laser from the one or more laser cavities30a-30dproperly reflects off each mirror and are coupled through coupling lens111into the output fiber70. After the alignment using the procedures described herein, fine-alignments of medical laser system10may be reduced to finalize the alignment. The alignment procedures of the present disclosure also may help technicians and operators service laser systems in the field, without requiring the systems to be sent off-site for service, and/or may reduce the time for calibrating medical laser systems10before delivering these systems to customers.

According to an exemplary embodiment, coupling lens assembly100may be configured to move coupling lens111in the x-, y-, and z-directions during the alignment procedures to ensure proper alignment of the out laser beam. As shown inFIG.2A, coupling lens assembly100includes a housing100a,100bto house a base frame101. Housing100a,100bmay include a proximal-most portion100aand a distalmost portion100bconnected via screws or other fastening devices. Proximal-most portion100amay include a recess or cavity configured to receive base frame101and other elements of coupling lens assembly100. Distalmost portion100bmay be attached to proximal-most portion100aafter base frame101is inserted into the cavity of proximal-most portion100a, thereby fixing base frame101within the cavity of housing100a,100b. A fiber ferrule107, which may attach to a proximal-most end of fiber70and which may connect fiber70to coupling lens assembly100, may be attached to a distal end of housing100a,100b. Fiber ferrule107may connect to a connector of fiber70, such as an SMA connector or other similar connector for connecting fiber70to coupling lens assembly100.

With reference toFIGS.2B and2C, adjusting screws104,105, and106may cause elements of coupling lens assembly100to move, thereby causing coupling lens111to move in the x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. The x-direction axis defines a horizontal direction, and the y-direction axis defines a vertical direction. Coupling lens111is generally circular in cross-section and is supported by a lens holder103. It will be understood that coupling lens111may be any shape suitable for coupling the output laser to fiber70. Lens holder103is generally rectangular in cross-section, but is not limited thereto. Lens holder103is disposed between two vertical walls102a,102bof a stage plate102. Walls102a,102bextend in a vertical direction. One of vertical walls102a,102bincludes adjusting screw105. According to an example, adjusting screw105is provided within an opening of wall102band is configured to move relative to stage plate102along an x-axis. Adjusting screw105may move transverse to vertical walls102a,102band may cause lens holder103to move relative to walls102a,102b, thereby moving lens111in the x-direction. For example, rotating adjusting screw105in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) may cause lens holder103to move to the right along the x-axis, and rotating adjusting screw105in a second direction, opposite the first direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) may cause lens holder103to move to the left along the x-axis. Adjusting screw105may move the lens holder103(e.g., by pushing or pulling against lens holder103via a threaded connection), or adjusting screw105may cooperate with a biasing member (e.g., a spring), which may provide a biasing or urging force against lens holder103in a direction toward adjusting screw105.

Stage plate102is disposed between two horizontal walls101a,101bof base frame101. One of walls101a,101bincludes adjusting screw104. According to an example, adjusting screw104is provided within an opening of wall101aand is configured to move relative to base frame101along a y-axis. Adjusting screw104may move transverse to horizontal walls101a,101b, and may cause stage plate102to move relative to walls101a,101b, thereby moving stage plate102, lens holder103, and lens111in the y-direction. For example, rotating adjusting screw104in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) may cause stage plate102to move downwards along the y-axis, and rotating adjusting screw104in a second direction, opposite the first direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) may cause stage plate102to move to upwards along the y-axis. Adjusting screw104may move stage plate102directly (e.g., by pushing or pulling against stage plate102via a threaded connection), or adjusting screw104may cooperate with a biasing member (e.g., a spring), which may provide a biasing or urging force against stage plate in a direction toward adjusting screw104.

Adjusting screw106and springs108(e.g., biasing members) may be used to position base frame101within housing100a,100b. Springs108may be positioned at a proximal end of base frame101, and adjusting screw106may be positioned at a distal end of base frame101. Springs108may urge or bias base frame101in a distal direction relative to housing100a,100b, and screw106may provide an opposing force in an opposite direction, i.e., in the proximal direction. Rotation of screw106may move screw106proximally and distally relative to housing100a,100b, which may allow base frame101to move proximally and distally (i.e., in the z-direction) relative to housing100a,100b. For example, rotating adjusting screw106in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) may cause base frame101to move proximally along the z-axis, and rotating adjusting screw106in a second direction, opposite the first direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) may cause base frame101to move distally along the z-axis. Since base frame101is located within housing100a,100b, sidewalls of housing100a,100bmay define a path along the z-axis along which base frame101may move, such that base frame101slides along the z-axis. Once the proper alignment of lens111is achieved, screws109and110may be tightened to maintain a position of101,102, and103within housing100a,100b. For example, screws109and112(FIG.2C) may be provided on either side of base frame101in the x-direction and may secure a position of base frame101to housing100a,100band/or a baseboard (not shown) of medical laser system10. Screws110are provided at opposite corners on a distal end face of lens holder103and may secure a position of lens holder103to stage plate102once an appropriate position of lens holder103is achieved. It will be understood that screws104,105,106,109, and110may be operated by hand, e.g., using a thumb and a forefinger, and/or screws104,105,106may include a recess to receive a tool, such as an end of a screwdriver or similar tool to cause rotational movement of screws104,105,106,109, and110in their respective openings. The screw threads on each of screws104,105,106,109, and110may enable the rotational movement to result in translational movement of each screw104,105,106,109, and110. It will be understood that the screws described herein may be any fastening mechanism such as thumb screws, clamps, or any other fastening mechanism not to one of ordinary skill in the art.

A laser cavity30, which is an example of laser cavities30a-30d, is illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B. Laser cavity30includes a base plate301, a base302configured to support a mirror mount303for a reflecting window (e.g., reflecting windows36a-36dofFIG.1) at a first end of base plate301, and a mirror mount304configured to support an output coupler window (e.g., output coupler32a-32dofFIG.1) at an opposite end of base plate301. An insulating plate305may be positioned on a top surface of base plate301and between base302and mirror mount304in the proximal-distal direction. Proximal and distal end walls306a,306b, respectively, and sidewalls307a,307bmay protrude from a top surface of insulating plate305. Walls306a,306b,307a,307bmay ensure proper positioning of a laser pumping chamber308, which includes the CTH:YAG laser rod configured to generate each laser beam (e.g., laser rods34a-34dinFIG.1). Laser pumping chamber308may be secured to insulating plate305via screws at proximal and distal ends. Screw openings (not shown) in insulating plate305which receive the screws securing laser pumping chamber308to insulating plate305may also receive screws for securing second alignment devices403(seeFIG.5B). As shown inFIG.3B, laser pumping chamber308may be removed during calibration to position second alignment devices403(see,FIG.5B) as will be described herein.

FIG.4illustrates a first alignment device401and an example position of first alignment device401(a proximal first alignment device401aand a distal first alignment device401bare shown inFIG.6) for aligning medical laser system10. First alignment device401may be an elongate member with a neck portion at one end (e.g., a top end as shown inFIG.4). The neck portion may allow a user to grasp first alignment device401using a thumb and a forefinger and may also inform the user which end (i.e., the end opposite the neck portion) is to be attached to the baseboard (not shown) of medical laser system10. An opening402is formed in first alignment device401and may allow laser light to pass therethrough during an alignment procedure. A diameter of opening402may be equal to or greater than approximately 1 millimeter (mm) and less than or equal to approximately 2 mm, and a center of opening402may be positioned approximately 35 mm to approximately 40 mm from a bottom end of alignment device401, i.e., an end opposite the neck portion. In some examples, the center of opening402may be approximately 38.1 mm from the bottom end of alignment device401. In some instances, a diameter of opening402in proximal first alignment device401amay be different than a diameter of opening402in distal first alignment device401b. The bottom end of first alignment device401may be attached to the baseboard (not shown) of medical laser system10, to which Galvo mirror40, relay mirrors20a-20d, and other members of laser system10are secured. For example, proximal and distal first alignment devices401a,401bmay be attached to the baseboard of medical laser system10along laser path A, as shown inFIG.4. For example, distal first alignment device401amay be positioned distally of relay mirrors20a-20d, and proximal first alignment device401bmay be positioned proximally of relay mirrors20a-20d, such that both the first and second alignment devices401a,401bare positioned along laser path A. An aiming laser beam may be directed into the medical laser system10along laser path A via, e.g., a connector201attached to coupling lens assembly100. As will be described herein, the aiming beam may assist in aligning various elements, including mirrors, of medical laser system10. Three types of fibers may be used for alignment, based on the type of fiber to which medical laser system10is to be coupled. For example, the core diameters of the three fibers is approximately 910 μm for a first fiber, approximately 365 μm for a second fiber, and approximately 273 μm for a third fiber. The concentricity of each core is within approximately 15 μm, or within approximately 10 μm of the design. The natural aperture (NA) of each fiber is approximately 0.22.

FIGS.5A and5Billustrate a second alignment device403for assisting in aligning medical laser system10. Second alignment devices403may be positioned within each laser cavity30after the CTH:YAG laser rod is removed (FIG.3A). As shown inFIG.5B, second alignment devices403have an L-shaped base with a body portion extending from the base. As will be described herein, two second alignment devices403(a proximal second alignment device403aand a distal second alignment device403b) may be used in an alignment procedure. An opening404is formed in the body portion of each second alignment device403and may allow laser light to pass therethrough during an alignment procedure. A diameter of opening404may equal to or greater than approximately 1 mm and less than or equal to approximately 2 mm and a center of opening404may be positioned approximately 10 mm to approximately 15 mm from the base of alignment device403. In some examples, the center of opening404may be approximately 12.5 mm from the base of alignment device403. It will be understood that a diameter of opening404in proximal second alignment device403amay be different than a diameter of opening404in distal second alignment device403b. The L-shaped configuration of alignment device403may allow alignment device403to be positioned and removably fixed on the top surface of laser cavity30via screws or the like. Distal second alignment device403bis positioned to be flush against a proximal-most surface of distal end wall306b. Proximal second alignment device403ais positioned such that a proximal-most surface of proximal second alignment device403ais flush with a distalmost surface of proximal sidewall307b.

FIG.6illustrates a light source406configured to be used to align medical delivery system10. Light source406may include a cable having a distal end407, the distal end407may be configured to be connected to fiber ferrule107of alignment apparatus100(for example, distal end407may include a SMA connector). As will be described herein, an aiming light from light source406may be introduced into medical delivery system10along light path A to align medical delivery system10.

FIG.7illustrates an alignment and coupling of a laser guiding beam by medical laser system10from an aiming laser source701. Similar to the laser light from cavities30a-30d, the aiming laser beam is aligned to ensure the aiming laser beam is properly coupled into fiber70. A fiber (not shown) connecting aiming laser source701to medical laser system10may have a diameter of approximately 1 mm and a small divergence. The aiming beam may be a relatively low power light beam in the visual spectrum (approximately 650 nm) that enables an operator to visualize where the output beams from laser cavities30a-30dmay be fired. A portion of aiming light beam may be combined with the output laser by combiner60and may travel along laser path A. A portion of the aiming laser beam may also pass through combiner60and travel along a laser path D and may assist in alignment of aiming laser source701. For example, a pair of first alignment devices401c,401d, which may be similar to first alignment device401shown inFIG.4, including opening402, may be positioned along laser path D. As described above, opening402may have a diameter equal to or greater than approximately 1 mm and equal to or less than approximately 2 mm, and a diameter of opening402in first alignment device401cmay be different from a diameter of first alignment device401d. As will be described, first alignment devices401c,401dmay assist in aligning aiming laser source701.

A method of aligning the medical laser system10according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described. At the outset, coordinates of various elements of the medical laser system are described herein, reference for which should be made toFIG.3.

A first (e.g., initial) alignment procedure according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described. Connector201of the aiming laser beam is attached to coupling lens assembly100(shown inFIG.4) via fiber ferrule107of coupling lens assembly100. Alignment devices401aand401bare attached to the motherboard of medical laser system10along laser path A at positions proximal and distal to mirrors20a-20d, as shown inFIG.6. Coupling lens111is roughly aligned in the z-direction by moving coupling lens111in the z-direction such that the aiming laser beam is collimated along laser beam path A. To move coupling lens111in the z-direction, a user rotates adjusting screw106(FIG.2B) in a clockwise and/or a counterclockwise direction. Clockwise movement of adjusting screw106may overcome the biasing force of springs108and cause base frame101to move in the proximal direction. Counterclockwise movement of adjusting screw106may allow springs108to move or bias base frame101in the distal direction. Iterative rotations of adjusting screw106in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction are performed until the aiming laser beam is collimated along laser path A. The rough alignment of coupling lens111in the z-direction may be performed visually, and precise alignment of coupling lens111in the z-direction may be performed at a later step, described herein.

Once coupling lens111is collimated in the z-direction, adjustment of coupling lens111in the x- and y-directions is performed. Adjusting screw105may be rotated clockwise and/or counterclockwise to cause lens holder103(and coupling lens111) to move in the x-direction. Adjusting screw104may also be rotated in clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions to cause stage plate102(and coupling lens111) to move in the y-direction. Iterative rotations of adjusting screws104,105in clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions is performed until the aiming laser beam passes through openings402in each of alignment devices401a,401band impinges on a center of Galvo mirror40. Once the aiming laser beam impinges on the center of Galvo mirror40, locking screws110are tightened to secure and maintain a position of stage plate102and lens holder103.

Once the aiming laser beam passes through openings402in each of alignment devices401a,401band impinges on Galvo mirror40, such that a distalmost face of Galvo mirror40is perpendicular to laser path A. Galvo mirror40is subsequently rotated about an x-axis (seeFIG.6) such that the aiming laser beam impinging on Galvo mirror40is reflected proximally along laser path A, i.e., back through openings402of alignment devices401a,401b. Subsequently, minor adjustments may be made in the z-direction via screws106and springs108to ensure proper alignment of lens111in the z-direction. For example, the refractive index between the material of lens111and the fiber may cause differences in the focal lengths. Yet, once lens111is aligned in the x- and y-directions, minor modifications based on the difference in focal lengths of the laser may be easily achieved.

The refractive beam indexes through coupling lens111of the aiming laser beam and the laser generated by laser cavities30a-30dare different due to the material of coupling lens111(e.g., a sapphire material). To ensure a proper output by laser fiber optical lens111may be adjusted such that a spot of light formed by the aiming laser beam may be formed at output coupler windows32a-32d, e.g., on a material placed adjacent each of output coupler windows32a-32dthat may enable a user to view the light spot. The aiming laser beam may be directed into medical laser system10as described herein. Coupling lens111may be moved along the z-direction via screw106and springs108until the spot of light is minimized, e.g., a smallest diameter. In other words, for each output coupler window32a-32d, the position of coupling lens111may be moved in the z-direction until the diameter of the spot of light on output coupler windows32a-32dis smallest, and screws112may be tightened to secure coupling lens111in the z-direction. In this manner, a position of coupling lens111in the z-direction may be secured which may optimize an output of the laser energy from the distal end of laser fiber70.

A second alignment procedure is performed after the aiming laser beam is used to properly position coupling lens111. The second alignment procedure ensures alignment of each laser cavity30a-30d. Laser pumping chamber308inFIG.3Ais removed from insulating base plate305, such that each laser cavity30appears as shown inFIG.3B. Second alignment device403is attached to a first laser cavity (e.g., laser cavity30a) as shown inFIG.5B. As described herein, one of the second alignment devices403is attached such that its proximal-most surface is flush with the distalmost surface of sidewall307b. Another of the second alignment device403is attached such that its distalmost surface is flush against the proximal-most surface of distal end wall306a. Each of second alignment devices403are attached via screws or similar fastening devices to a top surface of insulating base plate305(seeFIG.5B). The L-shaped configuration of second alignment devices403ensures openings404in each of second alignment devices is positioned along laser path C and in a same position as a CTH:YAG laser rod when laser pumping chamber308is attached to insulating plate305, shown inFIG.5A.

The aiming laser beam is introduced to medical laser system10by attaching connector407to fiber ferrule107, as described above. Elements of medical laser system10are moved such that the aiming laser beam passes from 407 along laser paths A, B, and C, and such that the aiming laser beam passes through opening404in each of second alignment devices403. To align the aiming laser beam to pass through openings404, Galvo mirror40and first relay mirror20aare rotated horizontally, e.g. about a y-direction axis, and first relay mirror20aand first laser cavity30aare rotated vertically, e.g., about an x-direction axis, as shown inFIG.5A. Iterative movements of Galvo mirror40, first relay mirror20a, and first laser cavity30aare performed until the aiming laser beam passes through openings404in each of second alignment devices403.

Once the aiming laser beam passes through opening404in each of second alignment devices403, reflecting window36aand output coupler window32aare adjusted. Reflecting window36ais adjusted such that the aiming laser beam is reflected from reflecting window36aand through opening404in the proximal-most second alignment device403. Reflecting window36ais adjusted such that the aiming beam reflected from a surface of window32apasses through opening402. This is achieved by rotating reflecting window36aand output coupler window32aindependently of each other horizontally, e.g. about the y-direction axis, vertically, e.g., about the x-direction axis (FIG.5A).

Once the aiming laser beam reflected from reflecting window36apasses through opening404in the proximal-most second alignment device403and the aiming beam is reflected from window32athrough opening402, the second alignment procedure is performed for all additional laser cavities30(e.g., laser cavities30b-30d) of medical laser system10. In this manner, laser cavities30a-30dmay be properly aligned.

An alignment check may be performed on medical laser system10after laser cavities30a-30dare properly aligned. A power meter (not shown) may be attached to the output of coupling lens assembly100via ferrule107via a fiber (e.g., a fiber having a diameter of approximately 910 μm). Laser pumping channels308may be reattached to each of laser cavities30a-30d(FIG.3A), such that an output laser may be generated. Medical laser system10may be operated to generate the output laser energy at several different example energy levels. For example, medical laser system10may be operated to generate a low energy output laser, a high energy output laser, and a laser having a large heat dissipation. If the difference in output energy at the power meter for each generated energy level is less than a threshold value (e.g. 5%), the alignment of medical laser system10is confirmed.

Once alignment of the output laser is confirmed, optimization of the oscillation of the laser from each laser cavity30a-30dis performed. A fiber having a diameter of approximately 910 μm may be attached via ferrule107, and a laser may be generated by each laser cavity and delivered through the fiber (e.g., fiber70) to an energy sensor. Each mirror36a-36dmay be rotated to maximize the output energy of the laser from each laser cavity30a-30d. Additional fibers having smaller diameters may subsequently attach the power meter via ferrule107to monitor the change of delivered power or pulse energy from medical laser system10. For example, fibers having diameters of approximately 365 μm and approximately 273 μm may be attached to medical laser system10via ferrule107. The power meter may determine the output power through each of these fibers to ensure the coupling efficiency is with a specific range.

After the optimization of the laser oscillation is complete, an alignment and coupling of a laser guiding beam generated by aiming laser source701may be performed using the assembly ofFIG.7. The laser guiding beam may be an aiming beam or the like, and may be a colored beam (e.g., green, red, or the like) to assist a user to perform a medical procedure using the output laser beam. Aiming laser source701may be positioned on a mount (not shown) having two-dimensional translation and rotational freedom (e.g., can rotate and translate along the x- and y-axes). Aiming laser source701generates the aiming laser onto beam combiner60, such that the aiming laser enters medical laser system10at an angle approximately perpendicular to laser path A. First alignment devices401(c) and401(d) may be positioned along laser path D such that openings402of each first alignment device401(c) and401(d) are positioned along laser path D. A portion of the aiming laser passes through beam combiner. The mount for aiming laser source701may be rotated and translated in the x- and y-directions until the aiming laser passing through beam combiner60travels along laser path D and through opening402in each first alignment device401(c) and401(d). Subsequently, connector72of output laser fiber70is attached to medical laser system via ferrule107of assembly100. A distal end of output laser fiber70is aimed at a target700. If an image702(e.g., a light having a color corresponding to the color of the aiming laser beam) is shown on target700, then the alignment of aiming laser source701is confirmed and the aiming laser beam is properly coupled to output laser fiber70. Additional alignment of aiming laser source701may then be performed to optimize the output shape and brightness of the aiming laser beam from the distal end of output laser fiber70.

Based on the procedures described herein, elements of medical laser system may be properly aligned using an aiming laser beam without the need to generate laser pulses from each laser cavity and delivering the laser pulses to thermal paper. For example, “live” laser pulses generated by the laser cavities may only be necessary for optimizing the resonator oscillation and confirming the beam alignment. Further, the alignment devices provide repeatability and precision to the optomechanical parts and their installation. These devices also provide for improved accuracy over conventional alignment procedures and improve efficiency. Further, the skill required to perform these procedures may be reduced from the skill necessary to perform conventional alignment procedures.

It will be understood that reference is made to a number of cavities and/or mirrors in the medical laser system10. It will be understood that the devices are not limited to this number and may change according to the requirement of the medical laser system10. Further, while reference is made to a medical/surgical laser system, the alignment technique described herein is not limited to a medical/surgical laser system and may be used with any laser system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed device without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.