Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing hair is disclosed. The method includes the step of producing at least one pulse of incoherent electromagnetic energy. The incoherent electromagnetic energy is then coupled to an area of surface of the tissue that includes more than one hair follicle. The method may alternatively include the step of applying a gel on a surface of the tissue to cool the tissue. The energy heats the hairs and hair follicles, without heating the tissue. The apparatus includes a source of pulsed incoherent electromagnetic energy. The source is located within a housing, and a coupler directs the incoherent electromagnetic energy to the surface of the tissue. In an alternative arrangement a gel disposed on the surface of the tissue such that the gel cools the tissue but is not adjacent, and does not cool, the hair follicle.

Abstract: A method of laser surgery, comprising the steps of selecting lasers whose output radiation has appropriate extinction lengths in the tissue to be ablated, coagulated, and/or shrunk, and directing radiation from those lasers coaxially and substantially simultaneously at the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for diagnostic and composite treatment of a wide range of solid tumors. More particularly, the invention relates to an efficient apparatus and method for diagnosing and simultaneously treating certain types of cancer with photodynamic therapy and pulse heating.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment device for coagulating blood in blood vessels underlying an epidermal layer is disclosed having an incoherent light source operable to provide a pulsed light output for treatment and a driver circuit, including a switch capable of being electrically turned on and being electrically turned off to thereby provide a first interval of light, connected to the light source to control the pulse width and delay between pulses.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment method is disclosed wherein a cooling gel is applied to a treatment area to cool the surface of the area, providing a pulsed light output for the treatment and directing the pulsed light output to the treatment area. The light may be directed by a light guide, either flexible or rigid. The light may be incoherent. The angle or spectrum of the light applied to the skin may be controlled. A dye may be dissolved in the light guide, and the light guide may be made of several optical fibers fused together at their ends.