Abstract: A light applicator (27) for medical applications is proposed whose diffusor (1) comprises diffusion regions (7, 8, 9) with paraboloidal boundary surfaces (11, 12) This configuration of the diffusor (1) permits a particularly good homogenization of the distribution of light along the longitudinal axis of the diffusor (1).

Abstract: A photodynamic therapy (PDT) method to treat primary sites of hyperproliferative tissue and induce long term, tumor specific immunity for regression and eradication of distant metastases is disclosed. The improved treatment regimen comprises the partial or fractional application of PDT with several applications, spaced in time, to permit a patient's immune system to react to dead tissue generated by each fractional application. Once activated, the immune system can help reduce or eliminate secondary stage tumors and metastasis stage tumors.

Abstract: Compositions of dendrimer-photosensitizer complexes including therapeutic molecules, and methods for their synthesis and use are disclosed. The therapeutic molecules and the photosensitizers are each covalently attached to the dendrimer at its end-groups, essentially randomly. Upon exposure to radiation of a suitable wavelength, the photosensitizers are activated to break up the dendrimer structure and thus release the therapeutic molecules. In a preferred embodiment, the end-groups of the dendrimer are replaced with or covalently connected to therapeutic molecules and photosensitizers. In a further preferred embodiment, targeting molecules may also be attached to the dendrimer to create a more accurate treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for microstructuring an optical waveguide having a first cross-sectional region with a first refractive index, a second cross-sectional region with a second refractive index, and a boundary region in the transition from the first to the second cross-sectional region, in which the optical waveguide is exposed to laser radiation in the form of at least one ultra-short single pulse or a sequence of pulses with a defined energy input, whereby the radiant exposure takes place in such a manner that a modification of at least one optical property of the optical waveguide takes place at at least one defined portion of the boundary region.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical liposomal formulations are described for photodynamic therapy comprising a, hydrophobic porphyrin photosensitizer, a monosaccharide and one or more synthetic phospholipids, which are stable in storage especially through freeze-drying process. The liposomal formulations provide therapeutically effective amounts of the photosensitizer for intravenous administration. In particular derivatives of chlorins and bacteriochlorins, such as temoporfin, are, hydrophobic photosensitizers whose efficacy and safety are enhanced by such liposomal formulations. The formulation can be efficiently freeze-dried preserving the size of the liposomal vehicles, and the content of a therapeutically effective amount of the photosensitizer, due to the selection of phospholipids and monosaccharides. The invention also relates to liposome compositions formed upon reconstitution with an aqueous vehicle.

Abstract: An active endoscopic system is disclosed containing an electromagnetic radiation system located at the distal end of the endoscopic device allowing for variable intensity application of desired wavelengths in the application of PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) over a broad area. The power sources are varied according to the needs of a specific application. Various attachments and configurations may be used to enhance performance of a desired application, including but not limited to multi-balloon systems for centering the apparatus or limiting the treatment area, fiber optics for directly viewing the treatment area, vacuum systems for waste removal, tubes for delivering aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or other photosensitizers, and other fiber optics for illumination of treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of low mode/oligomode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Oligomode fibers or groups/bundles of oligomode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for improving the safety of directionally sensitive medical and industrial applications, such as laser applications, and cutting or surfacing tools. A system of electromagnetic radiation safety beam emitters and detectors is used to prevent a user from directing or positioning an application device, such as an electromagnetic beam source or high-power water jet, to areas outside a predefined application area and also to prevent operation of an application beam should persons or objects intersect a security boundary. In a first preferred embodiment, one or more safety beam emitters are placed in or near a treatment area, and a “safety beam” produced by the emitter is preferably directed toward the preferred position of the source of the application beam. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety beam emitter(s) is directed toward the application area of the source, and the detectors detect radiation reflected from the application area.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for the treatment of early stage wounds, i.e. those wounds that have resulted in little or no breach of the skin tissue. The invention utilizes non-ablative laser or non-coherent electromagnetic radiation applied to a stage one or two wound to stimulate wound healing, destroy viral and bacterial bodies, and prevent the development of such wounds into higher stage wounds. An appropriate wavelength is chosen from the range of 193 nm to 10.6 microns, and is delivered at a power density of about at least 1 W/cm2 over a predetermined treatment duration typically in the range of 1 second to 3 minutes. To achieve the desired energy density, radiation is typically delivered at a power between 1 Watt and 15 Watts, with an average power of 5–10 Watts. Early stage wounds that can be addressed with this invention include but are not limited to spider or other insect bites, bee stings, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy.

Abstract: A system for opening bivalves employing pivot action to drive a sharp stainless steel knife blade through a shellfish is provided. Key components are the knife blade which is securely connected to a pivot shaft that is anchored in two pivot support posts. The cutting support board, which functions as the base, has raised walls, a raised central section to support each bivalve and a spout in front of the pivot shaft to pour off collected fluids from the opened shellfish. For stability and ease of positioning of the system short feet are attached at the four corners and one in the center of the support base.

Abstract: A protective bib-garment system is described wherein a bib is detachable from the garment it protects, but can not rotate around the wearer's neckline. It thereby provides better protection and safety for the user. The bibs are easily attached or removed for separate cleaning when soiled. The danger of the user choking by having the bib rotate and tighten around the neck is generally removed. Better protection of the underlying garment is also achieved by keeping the bib anchored in front of the user. The system includes bib-ready garments in a wide range of styles, substantially any garment that could be worn by a bib user and is modified to accept the bib portion. These garments can be worn without the bibs and undergarments are protected from outside view or contact by the overlapping garment-bib interface attached to the inside surface of the garment.

Abstract: An improved device and method to pump fiber lasers in order to enhance performance and reliability is provided. A fiber laser is bent into a coil having a moderate curvature so as to avoid radiation losses. A cladding is partly polished to produce coupling surfaces along the length of the spring-like coil. Radiation emitters are imaged with one or more micro lenses that are attached to the coupling surface. In a preferred embodiment, banks of high power laser diodes are utilized as pump sources. Coupling surfaces are preferably created along the length of the fiber at intervals where pump radiation from the previous pump edge has been absorbed. Although the system may be used to pump single mode fibers, the preferred application is to pump multimode fibers, having greater core diameters and higher luminescent capacity, wherein only a single cladding can be used.

Abstract: Water-soluble mono-PEGylated tetrapyrrole derivatives are disclosed, having a formula given by formula 1, 2, or 3 in the specification. A method to produce the above water-soluble mono-PEGylated compounds is also disclosed, comprising an interaction of a tetrapyrrole with an aminopolyethylene glycol containing a functionalized terminal fragment, as well as their use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Individually marked contact lenses for protection of one's eyes from harmful radiation are provided. Contact lenses are coated or treated to be absorptive or reflective to a preselected wavelength or wavelengths. The lenses contain one or more identification areas on each lens to demonstrate that the lenses are being worn and to indicate the proper applications with which the lenses should be used and/or the wavelengths for which the lens is protective. The identification area, which should be visible when worn to third parties and/or the person wearing the lenses, consists of markings such as colored bands or shaded areas in the region around the iris. Different colors or color patterns of the markings indicate which wavelengths the lens protects against. Other safety features may include fluorescent markers, added features and devices to facilitate placement and retention in the eye, pick-up or release.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to accurately treat sites on an eye's retina employing computer based image generation, processing and central control means in conjunction with diode laser sources and optical fibers. The system and method accurately determine geometry of a treatment zone of a specific eye's fundus and adjust a treatment beam to irradiate the treatment zone with minimal coverage of adjacent well tissue. The treatment zone or zone is accurately determined with digital processing of angiographic data and slit lamp image data. This information is integrated with information on the treatment beam characteristics to better match treatment beam coverage with minimal overlap with healthy areas of the fundus. Additionally preferred embodiments also have the ability to automatically track eye movement and switch the beam source depending on eye movement, adjusting the beam spot area in real time.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for manufacturing optical fiber preforms utilizing microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. Precursor gas is introduced to the face of a vertically mounted dielectric rod, and a plasma is struck by means of simultaneous excitation of an E01 type wave and an H type wave with rotating linear polarization. The silica rod is positioned so that its face is at the bottom of the tube. Precursor gas is delivered from a position below the face of the silica rod, and microwave energy, which travels through the rod to the rod face, is delivered from a source positioned above the rod. With this configuration, a uniformly dense plasma localized on the face of the rod can simultaneously deposit both a pure or doped core and a doped cladding. It is also useful for creating waveguides, preform cores for use as substrates in creating optical fiber preforms, capillaries and ceramic rods.

Abstract: An illuminating emergency device or system having indicators that effectively communicate escape routes in highly dangerous industrial environments and commercial safety systems is disclosed. An optical fiber is manufactured in a way to emit controlled and patterned radiation along its length. This is realized by coupling a predefined amount of radiation guided by the fiber per length unit out of the fiber core into the cladding and jacket. The present invention advances a concept of partially illuminating fibers, especially partially illuminating fibers providing one or more illumination colors and illuminating fibers capable of changing illumination color to indicate the status of an emergency route. The invention further provides the inclusion of novel fiber lasers for illumination purposes and methods to obtain a relatively homogeneous illumination at the diffusion sites, as well as discreet illumination patterns.

Abstract: A handpiece for topical application of electromagnetic radiation is disclosed, consisting of a single monolithic transparent block covered by a semitransparent coating on the faces of the block not directed toward a treatment site. The block and coating are transparent to visible radiation, allowing the user a direct view of the treatment site. At the same time, for the safety of the user and a patient, the monolithic block has a coating of radiation blocking or absorbing material to selectively prevent treatment radiation from harming a user or patient. In a preferred embodiment, an optical fiber or fiber bundle coupled to a suitable power source is directly molded into the monolithic block. This invention is useful for a broad variety of laser applications, including the treatment of dermatological diseases and paint removal. The simple monolithic structure allows the device to be portable and practical in open environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of single mode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Single mode fibers or groups/bundles of single mode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: A high speed, high duty cycle, linear, optical scanning device suitable for optical coherence tomography, optical coherence microscopy and confocal microscopy is presented. For the microscopy applications stable, periodic scanning is achieved by using a rotary mirror array, having a rotational symmetry and mirrors tilted at a small angle with respect to the rotational plane. The rotary mirror array is rotated at a constant speed. For the tomography application periodic modulation of the optical path-length of the reference beam is controlled by the rotation of the rotary mirror array.