Abstract: A method for determining a peak fluence of an excimer laser includes scanning an excimer laser beam in a predetermined pattern on a film. The film can include a polymer layer atop a substrate including an upper layer having a first characteristic and a lower layer having a second characteristic detectably distinct from the first characteristic. The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of discrete points receiving incrementally greater numbers of pulses, at least one point receiving a sufficient number of pulses to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer. A breakthrough point is detected at which a smallest number of pulses was sufficient to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer, thereby exposing the lower layer to a detection of the second characteristic. A peak fluence of the excimer laser can then be determined from the number of pulses received at the detected breakthrough point.

Abstract: A method for assessing a performance of a laser system for use in corneal ablation is provided that includes directing a beam of laser shots onto a fluorescent indicator. The indicator is adapted to emit a first wavelength of light different from a second wavelength of light impinging thereon. The directing step is performed in a plane of a cornea of an eye desired to be ablated and also onto a cornea positioned at the corneal plane. Light reflected from the indicator is detected, and a difference between a detected light pattern from the camera and a predetermined ablation pattern desired to be made on the cornea is calculated. The predetermined pattern is then corrected to compensate for the calculated difference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking eye movement includes directing an incident light beam onto each facet of a pyramidal prism to produce a plurality of beams that form a plurality of light spots, at least two of the light spots having different diameters. The prism is translatable to effect a change in spacing of the light spots. Intensities of light reflected from the light spots is used to retain the light spots upon a pupil/iris boundary. A relative intensity of the spots indicates a change in pupil size. A second light spot positioned on a predetermined eye sector can also be used to calculate a pupil characteristic and an environmental effect on light received from the eye.

Abstract: A system for positioning an eye for laser surgery includes a first and a second radiation generator positioned, respectively, to emit a first line and a second line orthogonal to the first line, the line generators positioned in a predetermined relation to a laser surgical system. A position of the eye is adjustable along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the lines to achieve a positioning wherein the lines form a cross. The location of the cross is a preferred position for the eye relative to the laser surgical system for the laser surgery. Another embodiment comprises a first and a second spot generator positioned to project a first and a second spot onto an eye adjacent the clear cornea, between the clear cornea and the scleral rim. The eye position is adjustable for achieving a positioning wherein the spots are substantially vertically aligned.

Abstract: A zooming mechanism for use in an eye tracking system includes a pyramidal prism that has either a plurality of reflective facets or of transmissive facets meeting at an apex. An incident light beam directed onto each facet of the prism is reflected/refracted onto a planar surface substantially normal to the optical axis, to form a plurality of light spots arrayed about an optical axis. The prism is translatable along the optical axis between axial positions for altering a spacing of the light spots without substantially changing their size. Preferably the spots are directed onto a boundary defined by two adjoining surfaces of the eye having different coefficients of reflection. Reflected energy from each of the plurality of positions is detected, and a size of a pattern formed by the light spots is adjustable without substantially changing a diameter of the individual light spots.

Abstract: A system for positioning an eye for laser surgery includes a first and a second radiation generator positioned, respectively, to emit a first line and a second line orthogonal to the first line, the line generators positioned in a predetermined relation to a laser surgical system. A position of the eye is adjustable along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the lines to achieve a positioning wherein the lines form a cross. The location of the cross is a preferred position for the eye relative to the laser surgical system for the laser surgery. Another embodiment comprises a first and a second spot generator positioned to project a first and a second spot onto an eye adjacent the clear cornea, between the clear cornea and the scleral rim. The eye position is adjustable for achieving a positioning wherein the spots are substantially vertically aligned.