Abstract: The invention involves a method for focusing light comprising the steps of: projecting at least one pulse of light onto the surface of the skin of a patient; collecting at least a portion of the light that is reflected from the skin of the patient; projecting the collected, reflected light onto a detector; and adjusting the projection of the pulsed light onto the surface of the skin of the patient in such a manner that the signal projected onto the detector is optimized. When the light pulse is properly focused, e.g., when it is characterized by the best focus, it can be used to provide energy to form an opening in the skin of the patient. When more than one pulse of light is required to form an opening in the skin of the patient, aligning the light prior to each pulse will improve the efficiency of formation of the opening.

Abstract: A method for using a multiplex sensor that provides enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. In this method, one or more parameters of a sample are measured by means of multiple spectroscopic techniques, and interferences from physiological and spectral variables are reduced or eliminated. One or more parameters of the sample are measured by means of at least two spectroscopic techniques, wherein the at least two different spectroscopic techniques are selected from the group consisting of: (a) infrared absorbance (b) scattering (c) emission (d) polarization, and (e) photoacoustics.

Abstract: A laser pulse communication system that orients a polarization analyzer to a state determined based on received laser pulses. The oriented state of the polarization analyzer allows a transceiver to obtain a replica of the transmitted laser pulses that are unbroadened by multiple reflections caused by inter-transceiver media. The obtained replica, therefore, has an enhanced signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A multiplex sensor and a method of use that provides enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. In this method, one or more parameters of the sample are measured by means of multiple spectroscopic techniques, and the interferences from physiological and spectral variables are reduced or eliminated. In one embodiment of the present invention comprises a multiplex sensor and a method of use that provides enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. One or more parameters of the sample are measured by means of at least two different spectroscopic techniques, wherein the at least two different spectroscopic techniques are selected from the group consisting of:(a) infrared absorbance(b) scattering(c) emission(d) polarization, and(e) photoacoustics.