Abstract: For limiting the maximum radiation intensity of a radiation source, in particular a laser, a transparent breakdown cell (4, 10, 17) with defined breakdown threshold value is placed within the ray path of the radiation source (2, 8, 15).

Abstract: A shock wave generator for the fragmentation of concrements, having a light-pulse-transmiting light guide and a converter arranged at the distal light guide end and having an ionization surface which, when a light pulse impinges, initiates a shock wave in the surrounding fluid, as well as having a shock wave outlet zone. In order to increase its efficiency and durability, the generator is constructed such that the ionization surface extends obliquely sloped with respect to the beaming axis of the impinging light pulse and the shock wave outlet zone is arranged in the direct shock wave beaming area of the ionization surface, thereby permitting a largely unhindered, low-loss propagation for the shock wave to the application point.

Abstract: Sensitive components of a laser such as a resonator mirror, a decoupling mirror or the like, are protected against an initial laser beam surge caused by the ignition of a laser with an arc discharge lamp, by a beam interrupting switch having two switch sections each carrying a filter or shutter switchable into a laser beam path in response to an arc discharge lamp ignition pulse. For a beam interruption the filters or shutters are located directly in front of and directly behind of a lasing element as viewed in the beam path direction. The switch sections are operated by a shifting mechanism responsive to the ignition pulse to bring the switch sections into the beam path and to a control signal to bring the switch sections out of the beam path or into a beam releasing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fragmentation of a solid body surrounded by a fluid, in particular in a living being, by means of acoustic shock waves which are induced by the light of a laser. A reflector for acoustic waves focuses the shock waves onto the body. In the region of the reflector, an element is provided which consists of a material absorbing the laser light, and onto which the laser light is directed, so that the plasma state triggering the acoustic shock wave develops at the surface of the element. The apparatus thus has the advantage that even under unfavorable conditions acoustic shock waves can be generated with certainty at every laser pulse.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an application part for rigid or flexible endoscopes having a viewing channel and a working channel extending parallel to the viewing channel, with the working channel being equipped with a guide as well as a defined stop for a fiber optic waveguide, which can be inserted and coupled with a laser light source, and the working channel having optics for concentrating the laser light emerging from the fiber optic waveguide onto a punctiform area. The part of the working channel surrounding the punctiform area is formed as shock wave reflector. Further, a flushing channel is provided, the outlet opening of which is at least partially directed onto the face of the optics from which the light emerges.

Abstract: A detachable connection between a light-guide fiber and a laser suited particularly for medical purposes comprises two coupling elements. In the light exit opening of the first coupling element an optical coupling system is arranged which is connected to the former and can be adjusted parallel and/or perpendicularly to the optical axis. The first coupling element comprises a device for generating an axial force on the second coupling element. Between the first and second coupling elements, contact surfaces with high thermal conductvity are provided, by means of which heat is transferred in the coupled condition from the second coupling element to the first coupling element.

Abstract: For operating a laser at different wavelengths, at least one of the two mirrors of the oscillator is subdivided into two or more regions with different spectral reflectivity, where each region reflects only one of the emission wavelengths of the laser medium and is largely permeable for the remaining emission wavelengths. Each such region can be inserted separately into the ray path of the laser.