Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering radiation therapy to treat disorders in patients are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining imaging data of a target in a patient, irradiating the target with a laser beam directed at the target based on the obtained imaging data, and activating a photodynamic therapy agent in the patient with the laser beam. The target can be subcutaneous, cutaneous, or have both subcutaneous and cutaneous portions.

Abstract: A method of increasing the multi-photon absorption cross-section of a porphyrin-based photosensitizer by attaching at least one TPA-chromophore at the meso- or beta-positions of a porphyrin structure of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer, and at least one intersystem crossing enhancing substituent to meso- or beta-positions of a porphyrin structure of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer, to thereby increase multi-photon absorption cross-section of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer to at least about 30 GM units at about its maximum wavelength for two-photon absorption. The TPA-chromophore is selected from a group of ?-conjugated structures. The resulting porphyrin-based photosensitizer absorbs two photons of radiation in the range of about 700 nm to about 1300 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions comprising multifunctional (usually bi- or tri-functional) agents that incorporate a targeting moiety, a photo dynamic therapy (PDT) moiety (either one or two photon), and an optional imaging agent (such as a chromophore, contrast agent, etc.).

Abstract: A method of increasing the multi-photon absorption cross-section of a porphyrin-based photosensitizer by attaching at least one TPA-chromophore at the meso- or beta-positions of a porphyrin structure of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer, and at least one intersystem crossing enhancing substituent to meso- or beta-positions of a porphyrin structure of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer, to thereby increase multi-photon absorption cross-section of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer to at least about 30 GM units at about its maximum wavelength for two-photon absorption. The TPA-chromophore is selected from a group of &pgr;-conjugated structures. The resulting porphyrin-based photosensitizer absorbs two photons of radiation in the range of about 700 nm to about 1300 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detection and visualization of an infrared laser beam using an optically transparent or opaque solid medium doped with at least one active chromophore dye molecule to provide conversion of infrared radiation to visible light by means of two or three-photon absorption followed by emission of a visible photon is provided. A method of verifying mode-lock in mode-locked infrared laser sources and measuring the temporal and spatial shape of ultra short laser pulses having pulse durations between a few femtoseconds and hundreds of picoseconds is also provided.