Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; a collimating optical system spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the collimating optical system such that the collimating optical system refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Control modules for automatically adjusting a laser output based on a range to an object detected within a field of view are disclosed.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; a collimating optical system spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the collimating optical system such that the collimating optical system refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; an optical element spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the optical element such that the optical element refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Control modules for automatically adjusting a laser output based on a range to an object detected within a field of view are disclosed.

Abstract: Laser systems and methods having an ability to automatically adjust a laser output based on one or more of a state of an object detected within a field of view and a motion of the laser system are disclosed.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; an optical element spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the optical element such that the optical element refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Indwelling medical devices resistant to microbial colonization and other complications include devices having a coating on one or more surfaces comprising an effective amount or concentration of an oxygen liberating substance, such as ozone, and optionally, one or more other therapeutic agents. Devices may alternately include a sleeve or other means which allows one or more surfaces of the device to be flushed or insufflated periodically with ozone or another oxygen liberating substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting components to an optical bench is provided. The mount allows the components to be easily detached, realigned, and remounted at will. Components that can use the mount include, but are not limited to, mirrors, output couplers, windows, filters, lenses, optical fibers, nonlinear crystals, active and passive Q-switches, piezoelectric elements, apertures, laser gain media, and detectors. The optical component is mounted to an upright portion of the optical mount, the upright portion being mounted to a base plate. The base plate includes a heater, such as a resistive heater, that is used to solder the base plate to the optical bench. Preferably the heater is electrically coupled to a pair of contacts located on the upright portion of the mount, thus providing an easy method of coupling a power source to the heater.

Abstract: A diode pumped solid-state laser is disclosed having: a block of a lasing gain material with at least two optical surfaces and a cavity means positioned around the block to define a laser cavity which includes a mode shaping means to form an eliptical resonator mode between the optical faces within the block; a high aspect ratio pumping laser diode light source is positioned outside one of said optical faces; and a means to image the pumping light beam from said source to substantially match the elliptical resonator mode.