Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting at least one component of a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a shield for the component, with this shield having a plurality of locations that are substantially transparent to an emission wave length of the light source. The shield is positioned such that during use of the light source, one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield is disposed between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for advancing the shield upon activation of the light source or an element thereof in order to be able to dispose a different one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated.

Abstract: A lens shield system for shielding a laser source of a system used for collecting capillary blood or fluid from skin, the lens shield comprising a strap apparatus releasably emplaceable around a member of a living being, the member having skin thereon and blood therein, and a lens shield member connected to the strap and disposed for receiving and for transmission therethrough of a laser beam from the laser source directed at the skin. A removable lens shield for shielding a laser source of a collection system used for perforating skin and collecting blood or fluid therein or therebeneath, the collection system in a housing, the lens shield comprising a body sized and configured for removable emplacement in the housing of the collection system between the laser source and the skin, and a window in the body through which the laser beam is transmissible prior to contacting the skin. A method for collecting fluid from a living being has been invented which uses the devices mentioned above.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a thermo-enzyme reaction, such as a polymerase chain reaction or other temperature-sensitive transformation of biological systems are provided. Electromagnetic energy is applied to a target to produce a rapid elevation in the temperature of at least a portion of the target. The electromagnetic energy can be laser energy provided via a laser beam supplied from one or more laser sources. The laser beam can have a wavelength in the infrared range from 750 nm to mm. The source of electromagnetic energy can be used in association with a microscope and/or objective lens to irradiate microscopic targets.

Abstract: A new laser perforator has been invented for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution apparatus for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.0 Joules, the perforation ranging in diameter between about 0.1 to about 2.0 millimeters, in depth between about 0.5 to about 4.0 millimeters, and ranging in width between about 0.05 to about 0.2 millimeters. A method is also disclosed for perforating skin for blood sampling.

Abstract: A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution means for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an operational member, particularly for use in an optical laser system for optically trapping and manipulating microscopic particles in a particle manipulation chamber. A flexure member, is provided which has a pair of substantially inflexible parallel members and four sets of flexible spring members. The pair of parallel members is maintained in a spaced relationship by the four sets of flexible spring members. Each of the four sets of flexible members has at least two parallel flexible elements which can be leaf springs or formed as a unitary part of the flexure member. The four sets of flexible spring members are in two groups of two flexible spring members with each of two of groups of flexible members having their two sets of flexible spring members positioned in a "V" shaped pattern. The apices of the "V" shaped patterns are positioned outwardly of each other forming a parallelogram having at least six sides and preferably a parallelogram having eight sides.

Abstract: A chamber is disclosed, as for example an optical manipulation chamber, which has a pair of spaced windows and a central core member between the windows. The windows are aligned in parallel planes and the central core member contains a plurality of compartments and channels. A radiation curable resin is used, in combination with injection ports, to form the channels and compartments. The configuration of the channels and compartments is placed on a mask having shielding and nonshielding regions. Radiation is passed through the mask as the resin is injected through the ports, thereby curing the resin which is exposed to the radiation. The channels and compartments can be accurately designed in minute detail.