Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a specimen: that includes an optical transmitter for transmitting light from a laser source; an optical probe configured to receive the light from the optical transmitter and to apply the light upon emission from an optical exit to the specimen; a position detector adapted to detect a position of the optical probe in a longitudinal direction and to output a signal indicative of the position or of a change in the position relative to a surface forward of the optical probe; a drive coupled to the optical probe and adapted to controllably adjust a position of the optical probe in the longitudinal direction; and a feedback controller adapted to receive the signal from the position detector and to control the drive to control the position to keep the optical probe at substantially a constant position relative to the surface forward of the optical probe.

Abstract: A system (10) for ocular ultramicrosurgery a ring (12) for immobilising eye (14) of a patient. The incision point (P) on the eye (14) for surgical tools is marked by a marker (16) that is generated by intersecting tire beams of lasers (104 and 106). The intersection point of the laser beams is fixed in space. In order to move the patient's eye (14) so that point (P) coincides with that fixed point in space, the patient's head (52) is fixed to a head positioner (24). The head positioner is operated by a surgeon (26) through joystick (34) and computer (32) to ensure registration of point (P) and the point designated by the intersecting laser beams. All surgical tools used in the system (10) are supported, positioned and operated or worked by a tool support and positioning system (18). The system (18) comprises a stereotactic manipulator (20) and a tool translation table (22) which is supported on the manipulator (20).