Abstract: An optical beam delivery configuration includes zoom lens means (30) and beam scanning means (44) defining an optical path (20) for a light beam. The beam scanning means is disposed after the zoom lens means in the direction of beam delivery. The zoom lens means (30) is arranged to receive a collimated incident light beam (23) on the optical path, and to be adjustable to determine the fluence of the beam when it is incident on the beam scanning means, while maintaining its collimation on exit from the zoom lens means. The beam scanning means (44) is arranged to laterally scan the beam at a downstream treatment location (50) while maintaining the beam's collimation and orientation at the location.

Abstract: Crystal housing apparatus for adjustably positioning cooperating non-linear optical crystals in a laser beam generating system, includes a housing (50) with entry (60) and exit (62) windows for respective laser beams, respective holder means (72, 74, 76) to retain respective crystals within the housing in optical alignment with the windows, and means (86) mounting the respective holder means for individual fine rotational adjustment of the crystals about respective axes. Individual temperature control elements (120) are mounted in association with the respective holder means for controlling the temperature of the respective crystals and means (110, 114) is provided for effecting the fine rotational adjustment of the crystals.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that limits rotation of the ocular globe of an eye, to facilitate alignment of an instrument with the axis of astigmatism of the eye. The apparatus includes fixation target means (12) for locating in the field of view of the eye so that the eye may fixate on the target. The fixation target means includes or consists of at least one elongate component (16). Also disclosed is a corresponding method, and method and apparatus for supplying visual feedback to an operator during refractive surgery of an eye of a patient.

Abstract: Linearly polarised laser pulses are variable attenuated by rotating a plate (20) with respect to the optical axis (10). A second plate (21) may be arranged in a symmetrical manner to compensate for offset of the pulse from the optical axis (10). A feedback system may be used to control the orientation of the plates (20, 21) to achieve the desired intensity. The plates (20, 21) may comprise uncoated glass substrate, and are suitable for attenuating high energy pulses such as those used in eye surgery.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing ultraviolet laser ablation of a surface, eg. an eye surface, including a laser delivery system (7) having a laser source (1) for generating a laser beam (2) and optics for applying the laser beam to the surface to be ablated, means (20, 20?) for providing a compatible liquid (32) in contact with the surface (4a) to be ablated, in a position whereby said laser beam (2) is applied to said surface through the liquid, wherein the laser beam is of a wavelength that substantially is not absorbed by the liquid.

Abstract: An optical beam delivery configuration includes zoom lens means (30) and beam scanning means (44) defining an optical path (20) for a light beam. The beam scanning means is disposed after the zoom lens means in the direction of beam delivery. The zoom lens means (30) is arranged to receive a collimated incident light beam (23) on the optical path, and to be adjustable to determine the fluence of the beam when it is incident on the beam scanning means, while maintaining its collimation on exit from the zoom lens means. The beam scanning means (44) is arranged to laterally scan the beam at a downstream treatment location (50) while maintaining the beam's collimation and orientation at the location.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface by laser ablation to modify selected regions of the surface, while other regions of the surface not to be substantially ablated are protected from the laser beam by a masking fluid, wherein the masking fluid comprises a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable pyrido benzoxazine compound or derivative thereof effective as a masking agent.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for measuring the surface profile of a sample. The method and apparatus provide light from a light source through a beam splitter to form two split beams, direct the split beams onto a sample surface and a reference surface respectively, reflect the split beams back through the beam splitter, and direct the split beams towards an imaging system. A surface profiling apparatus for measuring the surface profile of the sample is also provided. The apparatus includes a light source for generating a source beam, beam splitting means positioned in the path of the source beam for splitting the source beam into split beams, a reference surface, a sample surface allowing the split beams to traverse separate paths and return to the beam splitting means, reference surface positioning means for positioning the reference surface, and viewing means for imaging combined beams.