Patent Grant
11626276
The invention relates to intense pulse light (IPL) technology, and particularly to an IPL reflector that increases output energy and life time of the device.
Intense pulse light (IPL) technology is known for the treatment of vascular lesions. The technology is based on irradiating skin surface with filtered light produced by flash lamp and directed to the output window by reflector. The energy is generated in pulse manner with typical pulse duration from 1 ms to 100 ms.
IPL technology was later improved by cooling the skin with transparent gel. In another development, spectrums of the light and pulse width have been modified for treatment of pigmented lesions and hair removal.
The main problem of IPL is that light generated by the flash lamp plasma is emitted in all directions and cannot be focused to a small spot. The spectrum of the flash lamp is very broad starting from UV light and ending in the infrared range. Most of the light spectrum is absorbed by a lamp quartz envelope or by the electrode or electrodes, which reduces the life time of lamp dramatically. Multiple reflections of photons inside the reflector also decrease energy output and increase light absorption inside the reflector assembly. Typical conversion of electrical energy to the optical output is in the range of 10-20%. Strong light absorption by the electrode material results in spattering of electrode material and its concretion on the lamp envelope that significantly reduces the life time of the lamp and limits the electrical energy.
The present invention seeks to provide a device for delivering filtered optical energy from a flash lamp to the treated skin surface, as is described more in detail hereinbelow.
In one embodiment, the reflector surface may be made of a material that reflects part of the spectrum used for the treatment and absorbs the non-therapeutic part of spectrum. Typically, the ultraviolet spectrum and part of the visible spectrum (e.g., 400-550 nm) are not used in the treatment and are filtered. Absorption of this part of the lamp spectrum reduces the absorption by the electrodes and reduces heating and destruction of the electrodes. In the prior art, a typical reflector for IPL is coated with silver, which has a high reflection in a broad spectrum. In contrast, in the present invention, without limitation, gold coating or titanium nitride is used to absorb UV and part of the visible spectrum.
In another embodiment, the reflector, or a portion thereof, has an electrode protector with a shape that reflects the light from the electrode area toward the central part of the reflector, thereby minimizing exposure of electrodes.
Both embodiments can be combined to maximize output of optical energy and extend lamp life time.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Reference is now made to
Without limitation, IPL device 10 includes a flash lamp 11, which may be a linear flash lamp, and a light guide 12, which may be a sapphire light guide, for guiding the light from the flash lamp to the area to be treated.
Flash lamp 11 may include an anode electrode 22 and a cathode electrode 23, and an envelope 21 defining a cavity. The envelope 21 may be any material used in the manufacture of flash lamps (e.g., without limitation, a quartz envelope such as titanium-doped quartz). The cavity can be filled with any gas used in the manufacture of flash lamps (e.g., without limitation, xenon, krypton, or any combination thereof).
The IPL device 10 may include a reflector 13, which may be a water cooled reflector, for reflecting light from the flash lamp 11 to the area to be treated.
In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, IPL device 10 may include one or more electrode protectors, such as electrode protectors 14 and 15. One non-limiting structure of the electrode protectors is shown in
Reference is now made to
In this embodiment, a reflective filter 24 is disposed on the surface of light guide 12. Additionally or alternatively, a reflective coating 25 is disposed on the surface of reflector 13. In this embodiment, the reflector surface of reflective filter 24 or reflective coating 25 may be made of a material, such as without limitation, without limitation, gold coating or titanium nitride, which reflects part of the spectrum used for the treatment and absorbs the non-therapeutic part of spectrum. Typically, the ultraviolet spectrum and part of the visible spectrum (e.g., 400-550 nm) are not used in the treatment and are filtered. Absorption of this part of the lamp spectrum reduces the absorption by the electrodes and reduces heating and destruction of the electrodes.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090234343 | Behrakis | Sep 2009 | A1 |
