Abstract: A method and structure for energizing a flash lamp for producing a high energy light pulse, with the flash lamp energized by a flattened and extended current pulse. The method includes collecting and storing energy for delivery to the flash lamp when triggered. A triggering of the flash lamp resulting in a delivering of the collected and stored energy to the flash lamp in the form of an amplitude controlled (flattened) and duration controlled (extended) current pulse.

Abstract: A photo-thermal epilation apparatus enables the efficient delivery of a high energy light pulse of a sufficiently short duration to a selected follicle to effect permanent hair removal. The apparatus includes a flash lamp powered by a power supply module having an energy storage module interposed between the power supply module and the flash lamp. The energy storage. module, which has an output or network impedance matched to the flash lamp, produces a flattened and extended current pulse that is coupled from the energy storage module to the flash lamp in order to the energize the flash lamp to produce the desired high energy light pulse. An optical system, which includes a tapered needle-less probe, is included to receive the light pulse produced by the flash lamp and efficiently deliver the light pulse to a selected hair follicle to effect the photo-thermal epilation of the associated growth support tissue.

Abstract: Swabbing structures and methods of use are provided that enable a test surface to be swabbed, and subsequently facilitate a quantitative determination of the quantities of analyte collected from the test surface. The swabbing structures include a pre-wetted swabbing pad having a first surface structured for contacting and suitably swabbing the test surface to collect the analyte. Dried reagents are then brought into pressure contact with the swabbing pad, within a light-tight environment, to commence an assaying reaction. The assaying reaction may produce low level luminescent emissions that are detected and quantified to indicate the quantity or volume of analyte collected.