Abstract: This invention discloses a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus and method for performing spectral imaging of a sample surface. A high repetition rate pulsed laser is employed to produce a train of laser pulses. The laser beam is then scanned by a scanning mechanism over a surface of the subject sample. Each laser pulse produces a LIBS signal from a specific position of the sample surface, which is then measured by a spectrometer device to obtain a LIBS spectrum. The position of the laser beam is recorded and correlated to the corresponding LIBS spectrum. A two dimensional (2-D) mapping of the sample surface to its LIBS spectra is acquired in this manner to construct a LIBS spectral image of the sample surface.

Abstract: There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through or in proximity to one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure.

Abstract: There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus with interactive user interface for treating biological tissue of an animal or human target. The user interface comprises intuitive graphic menus which allow the clinicians or practitioners to define the properties of the biological tissue through easily observable physical characteristics such as weight, skin color, and hair color of the patient. The central control unit of the phototherapy apparatus then automatically optimizes the parameters of the light source according to the properties of the biological tissue and generates an appropriate treatment protocol to produce the optimum phototherapy result.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for performing Raman spectroscopy in a scattering medium, where the scattering induced phase modulation is compensated by using a spatial light modulator to shape the wavefront of the laser beam. This allows the laser beam to be focused to a spot inside the inhomogeneous material with low distortion, thus stimulating Raman signal from the focus point for spectral analysis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a phototherapy apparatus for biological tissue (preferably skin tissue) treatment. The phototherapy apparatus comprises one or more light sources and a built-in ultrasonic imaging module. The ultrasonic imaging module provides a high-resolution image of the biological tissue from its surface layer to a depth of a few centimeters. The image is utilized to optimize the phototherapy procedure in parameters such as light intensity, wavelength, spot size, divergence angle, duration, repetition rate, duty cycle, etc. and to evaluate the effectiveness of the phototherapy procedure.

Abstract: This invention discloses a handheld Raman spectrometer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a smart IV bag with a structurally integrated optical tag for IV drug identification and monitoring. The optical tag comprises a flow cell with a fluid channel in communication with the IV bag to sample a portion of the IV fluid onto an optical surface embedded in the flow cell. The optical surface causes a light beam to interact with the sampled IV fluid to produce a spectroscopic signal. The spectroscopic signal is then analyzed to obtain the content and concentration information of the IV fluid. Unlike traditional IV bag labels, the optical tag provides real-time, in-situ monitoring of IV fluid content and concentration, which greatly reduces the risk of mislabeling induced IV error.

Abstract: A medical laser apparatus with a beam homogenizer for producing a uniform output beam profile. The beam homogenizer comprises a light pipe which expands the laser beam and mixes the laser light through total internal reflection as well as an optical diffuser to provide further control of the intensity distribution of the laser beam.

Abstract: A phototherapy and massage apparatus is disclosed for treating medical conditions in a patient's body cavity. The phototherapy and massage apparatus comprises a light source embedded in a hollow massage wand to produce therapeutic light. The massage wand can be inserted into the patient's body cavity to provide mechanical massage to the tissue inside. A portion of the massage wand is substantially transparent to the therapeutic light such that the therapeutic light can transmit through the massage wand to provide phototherapy to the same subject tissue.

Abstract: A precisely guided phototherapy apparatus for treating soft tissue injury, chronic pain, and promoting wound healing for both human and animal targets. The phototherapy apparatus comprises sensors for monitoring the intensity, position, and movement of the therapeutic light beam over the treatment area. The delivered light energy dosage is determined accordingly based on these parameters. The phototherapy apparatus further comprises a projector device for projecting markers on top of the treatment area. The markers represent the values of the delivered light energy dosage for assisting the practitioner or clinician in precisely controlling the phototherapy procedure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an auto configuring runway lighting system. The auto configuring runway lighting system comprises a plurality of lighting apparatus. Each lighting apparatus comprises a means for determining geographic location information of the lighting apparatus. A central controller communicates with the plurality of lighting apparatus to obtain the geographic location information and controls the status of the plurality of lighting apparatus based on the geographic location information.

Abstract: This invention relates to traffic signs which are optimized for night vision based navigation. The symbol/word of the traffic sign is designed to have a thick outline with different reflectivity relative to the background in the infrared wavelength region. As a result, the traffic signs are not only visible to the human eyes but also discernible under night vision equipment.

Abstract: An improved phototherapy apparatus for preventing and treating pressure ulcer and other abnormal skin conditions. The phototherapy apparatus comprises a flexible pad which can be built into or placed on top of a bed. A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) or laser light sources and a plurality of pressure sensors are embedded in the flexible pad. Each pressure sensor is associated with one LED or laser light source for monitoring the pressure endured by a specific body area of the patient. When a pressure above certain level is observed, the corresponding LED or laser light source is turned on to provide phototherapy treatment to the pressured area for preventing and treating pressure ulcer and other abnormal skin conditions.

Abstract: A spectroscopic diagnostic apparatus is disclosed as an aid for laser tattoo removal. The apparatus performs spectroscopic analysis of the tattooed skin before or during laser treatment, which provides composition information of the tattoo pigments and photometric information of the skin for optimizing laser treatment protocols automatically or manually. It also provides a simulated treatment result for the selected laser types.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for performing Raman spectroscopy in a scattering medium, where the scattering induced phase modulation is compensated by using a spatial light modulator to shape the wavefront of the laser beam. This allows the laser beam to be focused to a spot inside the inhomogeneous material with low distortion, thus stimulating Raman signal from the focus point for spectral analysis.

Abstract: A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.

Abstract: An LED lighting fixture compatible with existing incandescent lamp lighting fixtures. The heat produced by the LED light source is dissipated through a heat pipe into a ground hole to maintain an optimum operation temperature of the LED light source.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for deep tissue laser therapy, in which the phase of the laser light is spatially modulated to produce a modulated laser beam. The modulated laser beam is able to restore its intensity profile even after being scattered by the skin or the superficial layer of the tissue, allowing it to penetrate deep into the tissue to provide efficient therapeutic treatment.