Electron-beam-sustained discharge revisited - light emission from combined electron beam and microwave excited argon at atmospheric pressure

A novel kind of electron beam sustained discharge is presented in which a 12keV electron beam is combined with a 2.45GHz microwave power to excite argon gas at atmospheric pressure in a continuous mode of operation. Optical emission spectroscopy is performed over a wide wavelength range from the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) to the near infrared (NIR). Several effects which modify the emission spectra compared to sole electron beam excitation are observed and interpreted by the changing plasma parameters such as electron density, electron temperature and gas temperature.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

New method for detection of complex 3D fracture motion - Verification of an optical motion analysis system for biomechanical studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Fracture-healing depends on interfragmentary motion. For improved osteosynthesis and fracture-healing, the micromotion between fracture fragments is undergoing intensive research. The detection of 3D micromotions at the fracture gap still presents a challenge for conventional tactile measurement systems. Optical measurement systems may be easier to use than conventional systems, but, as yet, cannot guarantee accuracy. The purpose of this study was to validate the optical measurement system PONTOS 5M for use in biomechanical research, including measurement of micromotion.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A standardized transverse fracture model was created to detect interfragmentary motions under axial loadings of up to 200 N. Measurements were performed using the optical measurement system and compared with a conventional high-accuracy tactile system consisting of 3 standard digital dial indicators (1 μm resolution; 5 μm error limit).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that the deviation in the mean average motion detection between the systems was at most 5.3 μm, indicating that detection of micromotion was possible with the optical measurement system. Furthermore, we could show two considerable advantages while using the optical measurement system. Only with the optical system interfragmentary motion could be analyzed directly at the fracture gap. Furthermore, the calibration of the optical system could be performed faster, safer and easier than that of the tactile system.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The PONTOS 5 M optical measurement system appears to be a favorable alternative to previously used tactile measurement systems for biomechanical applications. Easy handling, combined with a high accuracy for 3D detection of micromotions (≤ 5 μm), suggests the likelihood of high user acceptance. This study was performed in the context of the deployment of a new implant (dynamic locking screw; Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland).</p

Fiberoptic 6-DOF Force-Torque-Sensing for Haptic Feedback in Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

In minimally invasive robotic surgery long and slender instruments are introduced into the body of the patient through small incisions or natural orifices. Robotics technology is applied in order to comply with the kinematic constraints of the fulcrum point, to increase the immersion for the surgeon by sensors and to increase dexterity by supplemental motion capabilities

The Aspect of Versatility in the Design of a Lightweight Robot for Surgical Applications

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MICA - A new generation of versatile instruments in robotic surgery

Robotic surgery systems are highly complex and expensive pieces of equipment. Demands for lower cost of care can be met if these systems are employable in a flexible manner for a large variety of procedures. To protect the initial investment the capabilities of a robotic system need to be expandable as new tasks arise. To oblige the needs of future robotic support in hospitals, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has developed the versatile robotic system MiroSurge for medical applications. This paper presents a 3 DoF instrument for Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery which is mounted to the hollow wrist of the DLR MIRO robot arm. The MICA instrument consists of a versatile drive train and a detachable task specific tool with its tool interface, shaft, 2 DoF wrist, 7 DoF force/torque sensor and the actuated functional end. With the current cabledriven tool, gripping and manipulation forces of above 10 N are feasible and dynamics is high enough for surgery at the beating heart

MiroSurge - ein innovatives Robotik-System für die minimal invasive Chirurgie

Ein vielseitig einsetzbares Telerobotersystem für die moderne endoskopische Chirurgie: MiroSurge, entwickelt am Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt