Abstract: A process for destroying relatively deep formations of unwanted sub-epidermal tissue by heating water in the formations with a laser to denature proteins therein. In an exemplary embodiment, a laser beam is operated to irradiate a target region of highly vascularized dermal tissue in a blood-circulating living being, such as a human. The laser light preferably has a wavelength of about 1.45-1.68 .mu.m. This operating parameter provides the laser beam with a low enough water absorption coefficient to facilitate adequate penetration in to the target area while still providing enough energy to heat water to a temperature capable of spatially conforming vascularized tissue in the target area.

Abstract: A process for treating relatively deep formations of undesirable sub-epidermal tissue by heating water in the formations with a laser to denature proteins therein. In an exemplary embodiment, a laser beam is operated to irradiate a target region of highly vascularized dermal tissue in a blood-circulating living being, such as a human. The laser light preferably has a wavelength of about 1.45-1.68 .mu.m. This operating parameter provides the laser beam with a low enough water absorption coefficient to facilitate adequate penetration in to the target area while still providing enough energy to heat water to a temperature capable of spatially conforming vascularized tissue in the target area.

Abstract: A target region of tissue is destroyed by saturating the region with light-absorbing material, reducing the temperature of the region, and disintegrating the region with a light source. One means for carrying out these steps is a multi-channel delivery needle having a primary transport line, a waveguide lengthwise connected to the primary transport line, and one or more auxiliary lines lengthwise connected to the primary transport line. The tubes and waveguide define a sharpened common end to assist the needle in entering the skin and penetrating flesh necessary to reach the target region.

Abstract: Coated objects are recycled by irradiation with a laser beam. The invention is applied to objects (such as documents) that include an entry surface, a surface coated with a coating (such as text or graphics printed with copier or printer toner), and a body interposed between the surface. A laser beam is directed toward a target region of the coated surface, traveling first through the object's entry surface and body, which are translucent or transparent to the wavelength of light contained in the laser beam. The laser beam generates a plasma shock wave at the target region of the coated surface, thereby discharging particles of the coating located near the target region. The discharged printed matter is discharged away from the object, thereby avoiding undesired impregnation of the coating into the object. Discharged coating may be recycled by collection and subsequent reuse.