Abstract: The apparatus includes a source of treatment radiation which is arranged to generate radiation at one of a plurality of radiation parameters (such as power levels), a control unit and a base unit. The control unit is arranged to removably dock with the base unit and includes a sensor which can sense one of a plurality of skin parameters, and an actuator for enabling a user to interface with the control unit. The control unit operates in a sensing mode, in which the control unit is undocked from the base unit to sense a parameter of skin to be treated (such as skin tone), and a control mode in which the control unit is docked to the docking unit and is arranged to select the power level of the radiation generated by the source.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a source of treatment radiation which is arranged to generate radiation at one of a plurality of radiation parameters (such as power levels), a control unit and a base unit. The control unit is arranged to removably dock with the base unit and includes a sensor which can sense one of a plurality of skin parameters, and an actuator for enabling a user to interface with the control unit. The control unit operates in a sensing mode, in which the control unit is undocked from the base unit to sense a parameter of skin to be treated (such as skin tone), and a control mode in which the control unit is docked to the docking unit and is arranged to select the power level of the radiation generated by the source.

Abstract: The control circuit comprises a charge pathway for charging a capacitor, and a discharge pathway for discharging the capacitor to a flash lamp, the charge pathway comprising a path including a sequence of conductors and electronic components which are common to and shared with part of the discharge pathway. The control circuit includes a selective channel for current flow from an electrical potential supply either via the charge pathway or via the discharge pathway. The use of such shared components reduces the size and weight of the control circuit and provides for faster charging and discharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: At least one electric discharge lamp capable of generating a broadband output pulse of a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum, the output pulse having a predetermined time interval and a predetermined total electrical energy input for the pulse, has a drive circuit for delivering energy pulses to the electrical discharge lamp, as well as a sensor for sensing an optical output from the discharge lamp; and a control mechanism for operating the drive circuit in response to variations in optical output detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A flashlamp drive circuit including a storage capacitor which is charged and selectively discharged in order to drive a flashlamp. A capacitor (116) is connected in parallel with each respective flashlamp (106) in a bank of flashlamps. Each capacitor (116) has a comparatively small capacitance so as to be capable of storing only a portion of the total energy pulse required to be delivered to the respective flashlamp (106). A controller, comprising a digital signal processor (118) and a microprocessor (120) is provided to control the operation of all of the flashlamps (106) in the bank via respective switch mechanisms (110). In use, each energy (or drive) pulse delivered to a flashlamp (106) is comprised of a plurality of smaller energy packets resulting from repeated charging and discharging of the respective capacitor (116).