Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining fluorophores on objects, especially on the living ocular fundus, which makes it possible to reliably distinguish at least partially overlapping fluorophores of objects in excitation and/or fluorescence spectra even if fluorescence intensities are very low and to select them for analysis, and optionally create a two-dimensional representation. The object (4), e.g., the ocular fundus for ophthalmological examinations, is illuminated point to point with a pulsed laser (1) and excited to autofluorescence with two-dimensional extension. The transient fluorescence light created after excitation by each laser pulse is detected in time-correlated individual photon counting (11). From the time behavior of the fluorescence light determined by individual photon counting for each site of autofluorescence, the fluorescence decay time constants are calculated, and conclusions are drawn therefrom regarding the excited fluorophores in the object (4).

Abstract: The hollow guide is designed as a thin ceramic hollow tube which is guided in an outer tube while leaving a hollow space between the outer tube and the ceramic hollow tube, the outer tube being provided at its proximal end with a connecting part having a gas connection and receiving a focusing optical system. The ceramic hollow tube is guided in the outer tube through at least one mounting part arranged at the proximal end and at least one mounting part at the distal end, which in each case is supported locally with respect to the inner wall of the outer tube. The mounting parts are thus arranged so that free flow cross-sections to conduct the rinsing gas remain in the region of support, these being matched with the internal inner cross-section of the ceramic hollow tube, so that gas flow flowing past the ceramic hollow tube is produced both on the outside and on the inside.

Abstract: In an endoscope designed for laser lithotripsy use is made of a laser lithotripsy unit having a guide tube insertable in the barrel of the endoscope, which guide tube encloses a laser light guide which carries at its distal end a fused-on head to concentrate the beam. The laser light guide is guided in the guide tube so as to be axially displaceable and immobilizable, thus making it possible for the distance between the head and the concretion intended for destruction to be adjusted to obtain optimum energy transmission, the relevant conditions being maintained during the operation by virtue of the fact that the distal end of the guide tube for the lithotripsy unit is held in contact with the concretion.