Abstract: An apparatus and method for hair depilation using a beam of light, preferably a scanned continuous output diode laser beam, operating primarily in a range of wavelengths from 650-1000 nanometers is disclosed. The beam of light is focused by a handpiece such that the power density and energy density of the beam is sufficient for selective coagulation of dermal melanosomes and destruction of hair follicles adjacent to melanosomes. The beam is directed over the treatment area by any type of motorized mirror and lens-based scanning device such that the duration of exposure to the treatment area is limited to a fixed time interval according to the velocity of the beam moving across the treatment area, or a specified dwell time whereby the scanned beam is held at each position in the scan for a specified time duration, preferably in a pseudo-random sequence. The scanner connects to a contact member, at least a portion of which is held in contact with the skin, to provide a fixed focus and surface contact cooling.

Abstract: A high power optical system includes an array of a plurality of semiconductor laser diodes each having a light emitting surface. A plurality of optical fibers each has one end adjacent the light emitting surface of a separate one of the semiconductor laser diodes. A cylindrical lens extends transversely across the one end of each of the optical fibers to direct the light beam from the semiconductor laser diode into the optical fiber. The other ends of the optical fibers are bundled together so as to effectively emit a single beam of a power equal to the combined beams from each of the optical fibers. A delivery optical fiber has an end adjacent the bundled ends of the optical fibers. A lens system, which is between the bundled ends of the optical fibers and the delivery optical fiber, directs the large beam of light emitted from the bundled ends of the optical fibers into the delivery optical fiber.