Abstract: A proximity detector for the probe of a beam delivery apparatus of a laser system includes a probe having a face for confronting a target surface to be struck by the laser beam; means for directing a gauging light to the target surface; means for sensing the gauging light returning from the target surface to the probe; and means responsive to the means for sensing for generating a control signal representative of the position of the probe relative to the surface to enable the laser system to fire.

Abstract: A heart-synchronized pulsed laser system includes a laser; a device for sensing the contraction and expansion of a beating heart to be synchronized with the laser; a device, responsive to the device for sensing, for generating a trigger pulse; a control for positioning the leading edge of the trigger pulse during the contraction and expansion cycle of the heartbeat; a control for defining the width of the trigger pulse to occur during the heartbeat cycle; and a circuit responsive to the trigger pulse for firing the laser to strike the beating heart at the time indicated by the trigger pulse position and for the period indicated by the width of the trigger pulse.