Abstract: The present invention provides improved diffusion tips for optical fibers and methods of making the same. Nanoporous silica clad optical fibers are used to make fibers having integrally formed diffusion tips and diffusion tips that can be fused to other fibers. The disclosed diffusers can be fabricated to be cylindrical with light diffusing along its length, spherical with light radiating outwardly in a spherical pattern, or custom shaped to illuminate irregular surfaces or volumes. Gradient and step index properties can also be achieved. Several fabrication methods to achieve the desired effects are described. The problems in the prior art methods associated with epoxy, such as curing, bond strength, embrittlement, power handling limitations, and refractive index matching are avoided.

Abstract: A method and material for self-cleaning of the teeth and mouth using a source of light in the visible range in conjunction with a photosensitive oral hygiene composition possessing a broad absorption spectrum in the visible range. The invention selectively eliminates harmful bacteria by use of a photosensitive agent and a light source. The present invention involves the use of a light-providing dental device to activate a photosensitive agent and destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents or deters oral diseases, inflammations, and infections.

Abstract: A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds is disclosed. A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds and other moderate or low energy multiple wavelength applications is disclosed. Interchangeable diode laser cartridges are used. Each cartridge contains a diode laser, which consists of at least one diode or diode array or some combination thereof. Typically, each diode laser cartridge is tuned to a different wavelength. Multiple cartridges, however may be tuned to the same wavelength for some applications One or more cartridges are attached to the system base unit simultaneously. The cartridges may be powered in series or in tandem for different applications. Selectively powering these cartridges causes light to be emitted at a certain wavelength or wavelengths. Selection of cartridges is facilitated by a drug identification scanner which scans drug activation wavelength information into the system.

Abstract: A device and method are presented wherein a common drug for a particular treatment is given to the patient in an inactive form. The drug can be administered systemically or topically. The activity of the drug is regulated by photoactivatible fullerene molecules to which the drug is complexed. When the drug is encapsulated in or attached to the photoactivatible fullerene molecule, it is inactive. However, when the inactive drug complex is subjected to selective irradiation, the complex is broken and the drug is released in an active form. Treatment can be administered over a wide range of body areas, both internally and externally. The selectivity allows the drug in non-treatment areas to remain inactive, and then be removed or passed harmlessly from the body. The present invention facilitates drug treatment administration by allowing very specific treatment while minimizing the side effects.

Abstract: A multiplexed medical diode laser system is described that increases power available for applications that require approximately 760 nm or shorter wavelength radiation. Radiation from a diode laser emitter or emitter group is multiplexed with radiation from other diode laser emitters or emitter groups into a single fiber. The diode laser emitters or emitter groups are injected intermittently with current by transistors and thus, a quasi-cw diode laser source particularly useful for PDT is available. Since the radiation is multiplexed, diode laser emitters or emitter groups can be operated at optimal duty factors and generate less thermal energy, thereby increasing efficiency and power output of the system while maintaining at least near cw output. In a preferred embodiment, large peak and average output powers are obtained with a combination of fast switching transistors that regulate the duty factor of diode laser emitters or emitter groups, and suitable optics that multiplex the outputs.

Abstract: A device that simultaneously incises an area and cauterizes the desired tissue. The device incorporates laser energy by some means into a mechanical scalpel so that the incised area is cauterized as well. For example, a laser source is coupled by some means to an optically transparent blade such as a diamond knife. The diamond knife is appropriately coated so that radiation only exits at desired areas. In another example, optical fibers are embedded into a sharp edge blade scalpel with means to couple to a suitable radiation source.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention provides a medical laser delivery system that incorporates fluid delivery channels within the optical fiber structure so as to bring fluids directly to the site of laser power delivery. The channel or channels may pass through either the fiber core or the cladding. The fluids delivered to the site may serve to cool or irrigate the tissue during high power laser treatment. In addition, the fluid passed through the channel can be a drug or any substance that increases the tissue's photosensitivity to the laser energy. The need for an external fluid delivery device is eliminated. Treatment with the system is minimally invasive. Treatment and irrigation of the treatment site can be administered through a single fiber thereby limiting the entry puncture to the gauge of the fiber. The solid core fiber coupled with direct irrigation allows effective high-power density laser treatment.

Abstract: In the present invention a laser treatment system is provided that can be used in any clinical environment without the necessity of personal safety equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides a large amount of control to the operator/technician and the patient. The present invention combines mechanical and optical methods to protect operators and patients from undesired exposure to laser radiation. According to this approach, safe, portable and fixed embodiments that are useful in a large variety of applications, which are now possible. Several examples are described.

Abstract: Planar waveguide devices are described which function as elements of a soliton transmission communications system operating at a selected central wavelength. These devices have at least one optical channel waveguide whose core has a refractive index and dielectric constant with a dependence on the optical signal intensity which can balance a negative dispersion in the waveguide at dimensions compatible with monomode transmission of the selected central wavelength. It is a property of such a waveguide that if the input is an optical soliton, the output will also be a soliton. Such circuits are useful at the input and output of a soliton transmitting fiber as part of a high bit-rate (broadband) communications system.

Abstract: A fiber optic transmission system for high laser power transmission is described. A micro-structure, whose pre-determined features are characterized by a preferred shape, depth, and peak-to-peak distance, is introduced into an input end surface of an optical fiber. Such micro-structure reduces Fresnel reflection at the modified optical fiber end surface improving the damage threshold at the surface. Micro-structuring of the optical fiber output end surface in a similar fashion further enhances transmission of high laser powers. A method is disclosed where the optical fiber end surfaces are structured into a pre-determined micro-structure by a suitable stamp. The micro-structure increases the damage threshold of each optical fiber end surface, raising it closer to the theoretical damage threshold of the material within the fiber and thereby increases transmission of high laser power density that is available at a work or treatment site.

Abstract: A device and method for underskin laser treatment that is minimally invasive, versatile and precise, that allows for underskin laser treatment with only minimal insertions into the area of treatment. For example, an entire area may be treated with one insertion. The device and method incorporates a standard insertion component making the system inexpensive and easy for doctors to use. In addition, the the invention allows users to get in direct contact with the treatment site, eliminating deleterious side effects encountered when treatment is administered to the skin surface. The device and method has applications in several areas of treatment. First, underskin treatment of aesthetic skin blemishes such as sagging and wrinkles can be performed with minimal external effects. Laser power is delivered directly beneath the skin, bypassing harmful exposure of the skin surface to the radiation.

Abstract: A planar waveguide device is described which can function as either a switching or power dividing element of a soliton transmission communication system operating at a selected central wavelength. The device has one input and two outputs and consists of two optical channel waveguides, in a coupler-like configuration, each of whose cores has a refractive index and dielectric constant with a dependence on the optical signal intensity which can balance a negative dispersion in the waveguide at dimensions compatible with monomode transmission of the selected central wavelength. It is a property of such waveguides that if the input to one channel waveguide is a temporal optical soliton, the output will also be a temporal soliton, and the output waveguide, or waveguides, from which it exits the device as well as the power of the switched or power divided signal at each output will be dependent upon the input soliton peak power.

Abstract: A laser non-ablative laser method that will accelerate and improve wound healing, particularly in situations where complicating factors are present. In particular, it is believed that the present invention produces selective papillary dermal injury which activates the production of fibroblasts and stimulates the synthesis of collagen to promote wound healing. Additionally, the likelihood of infection at the wound site is reduced by simultaneously employing a transparent wound cover that allows for small molecule permeation, while effectively preventing microbial invasion. To further enhance the healing process, the laser therapy can be preceded by mechanically scraping the surface of the wound to remove necrotic tissue. Additional methods may also be employed after the laser treatment to prevent tissue dehydration, to accelerate angiogenesis, and to increase the breakdown of dead tissue and fibrin.

Abstract: A portable in-bed exercising machine is provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight. The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a method and device for manufacturing a preform. The method involves arranging a starting body within a channel as defined by a vessel. Then, the channel is supplied with a reactive gas containing a coating material precursor. A resonator then generates a plasma zone within the channel. The starting body is aligned in the channel such that the plasma zone concentrically surrounds the starting body. The axial movement of the resonator relative to the starting body is controlled such that a desired layer of coating material precursor reactively deposits on the starting body to form the preform. The method suppresses deposition on the inside of the vessel via suppressing means, which may involve inducing nodes in the E-field at the vessel walls, or using an suppressing gas on the inner surface of the vessel, or a combination of the two. The present invention is also directed at a device to facilitate the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A frequency conversion diode beam combiner system is provided to multiplex several frequency converted laser beams and therefore keep the beam-quality of a single emitter. This multiplexing is physically impossible with free propagating beams. Both transformations, the frequency conversion and the beam multiplexing, must take place in one step in a single optical component or complex. This also aids the system to be very compact. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system delivers a single beam which consists of several multiplexed beams from the converted radiation of the diode laser emitters. The high power high beam-quality of this device is not reachable with current diode lasers. A broad range of visible and infra-red wavelengths is possible. The frequency conversion diode beam combiner system can replace high power continuous wave (cw) solid state lasers, because its design is scaleable, small and simple.

Abstract: A laser system and method are described that will improve dental treatments in small animals, particularly in situations where periodontal disease has progressed to the advanced stages of periodontitis and when dental pulp is exposed by fracture or disease. A laser system is employed to achieve enhanced precision by selectively ablating affected tissue without damaging the collateral tissue. The laser system is also capable of sealing the tubules and eradicating bacteria within the periodontium to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additional pre-treatment methods may be employed to further enhance the laser therapy.

Abstract: An optical working shaft system. The system includes a working shaft for insertion into a working tube of at least one of an endoscope and a catheter. The working shaft has a distal end defining a distal area in a vicinity thereof, and further includes: a device for radiating optical beams through the distal end; and a fluid for scattering the beams at least in the distal area. The fluid is operatively associated with the device for radiating such that, at least in the distal area, a path of the beams extends inside the fluid, the fluid further being effective as a coolant for removing waste heat generated by a scattering of the beams in the distal area.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of single-transverse-mode generation for waveguide lasers of various kinds having a large cross section of their active core and thus providing a possibility of efficient pump of the active core region. This results in a laser beam with enhanced power and high spatial quality for high efficiency coupling to standard single-mode optical fiber networks. It is found that a multimode waveguide having a central dip of special shape in the refractive index profile of its core is able to guide a higher order mode with sharp central peak of its field carrying the considerable part on the mode energy and whose width is well compatible with the width of the fundamental mode of standard single-mode fibers. The useful properties of this higher order mode can be employed to provide the single-transverse-mode regime of generation in optical fiber lasers, integrated optical micro-lasers and various semiconductor laser sources.

Abstract: An optical spectrum analyzer based on optical processing of the far field interference pattern from two beams irradiated by light transmitting waveguides is described. The spectrum analyzer can operate in UV, VIS, NIR and MIR ranges of spectrum and it can be based on either optical fibers (multimode or single-mode) or integrated optical waveguides. It has many important applications, for example, as a simple, compact and inexpensive spectrum analyzer used with fiber optic chemical and biological sensors.