Abstract: In a method, a laser pump module is set to a first power mode and pump energy is output at a first power level through the activation of a first subset of laser diodes. Laser light is emitted from a gain medium at the first power level in response to absorption of the pump energy. An operator input corresponding to a power mode setting is received. The laser pump module is switched to a second power mode and pump energy is output at a second power level through the activation of a second subset of the laser diodes. Laser light is emitted from the gain medium at the second power level in response to absorption of the pump energy.

Abstract: In a method, a laser pump module is set to a first power mode and pump energy is output at a first power level through the activation of a first subset of laser diodes. Laser light is emitted from a gain medium at the first power level in response to absorption of the pump energy. An operator input corresponding to a power mode setting is received. The laser pump module is switched to a second power mode and pump energy is output at a second power level through the activation of a second subset of the laser diodes. Laser light is emitted from the gain medium at the second power level in response to absorption of the pump energy.

Abstract: A pump module comprises a power source, a plurality of laser diodes, a controller and light combining optics. The laser diodes each have an activated state and a deactivated state. The laser diodes receive current from the power source and output light when in the activated state and do not receive current from the power source when in the deactivated state. The controller switches the plurality of laser diodes from a first power mode, in which a first subset of the laser diodes is in the activated state, to a second power mode, in which a second subset of the laser diodes is in the activated state, responsive to a power mode setting. The light combining optics are configured to combine the light from the activated laser diodes and output the combined light as pump energy. A laser system comprises a pump module and a gain medium. The pump module is configured to output pump energy having a wavelength that is within a wavelength range of 874-881 nm.

Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of monitoring optical fibers to determine if an optical fiber cap on the optical fiber is in imminent danger of failure. The laser system includes a photodetector for converting returned light from the optical fiber cap to an electronic signal for comparison to a trigger threshold value known to be indicative imminent fiber cap failure. The returned light can be the main laser treatment wavelength, an auxiliary wavelength such as an aiming beam or infrared wavelengths generated by a temperature of the optical fiber cap. In the event the electronic signal reaches the trigger threshold value, the laser system can be temporarily shut-off or the power output can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for ligating a uterine artery in a patient generally includes a suture transfer tool, suture transfer darts, and one or more sutures. Others systems and implants are described herein for treating and/or eliminating fibroids or fibrous masses in males and females.

Abstract: A medical laser system and related methods of monitoring optical fibers to determine if an optical fiber cap on the optical fiber is in imminent danger of failure. The laser system includes a photodetector for converting returned light from the optical fiber cap to an electronic signal for comparison to a trigger threshold value known to be indicative imminent fiber cap failure. The returned light can be the main laser treatment wavelength, an auxiliary wavelength such as an aiming beam or infrared wavelengths generated by a temperature of the optical fiber cap. In the event the electronic signal reaches the trigger threshold value, the laser system can be temporarily shut-off or the power output can be reduced.

Abstract: A medical laser system having a telescope and a laser unit, wherein the laser unit includes an optical fiber for performing medical surgical procedures, and a telescope designed to view a target area during the medical procedure and to illuminate the target area. The telescope includes a tubular case, an optical train, an integrated optical filter, and an optical fiber to provide illumination. The telescope can be connected to a camera to allow for viewing the target area on a monitor. Alternatively, the telescope can end in an eyepiece. The integrated optical filter blocks a selected laser light wavelength such that the laser light does not overexpose or damage the camera. The integrated optical filter can include an integrated flat filter or integrated coated lens.

Abstract: A single monolithic semiconductor substrate comprises a first side and a second side. The first side includes an air bearing surface. A laser integrates with the first side. The laser has an emission facet substantially co-planer with the air bearing surface. A contact pad on the second side electronically bridges to the laser.

Abstract: A multifunction endoscope handle comprises a body cover, a first body cover extension and a second body cover extension. The body cover comprises distal and proximal ends with a waist of therebetween. The proximal and distal end circumferences part each larger than the waist circumference. The body cover also comprises an outer surface tapering from the distal and proximal ends to the waist. Both of the first and second body cover extensions extend radially outwardly directions from the outer surface of the body cover. In some embodiments the proximal circumference is larger than the distal circumference. The outer surface is preferably a smoothly tapering outer surface. The body cover may comprise a plurality of ports at a proximal portion thereof.

Abstract: A near-field optical apparatus having one or more solid state lasers and an aerodynamically shaped slider which comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers. The optical head comprising a single semiconductor substrate including a first region which defines a slider having an air bearing surface, and at least one second, laser region which defines a diode laser, with the diode laser having an emission face which is substantially co-planar with the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A near-field optical system having one or more solid state lasers and an aerodynamically shaped slider which comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers. The optical head comprising a single semiconductor substrate including a first region which defines a slider having an air bearing surface, and at least one second, laser region which defines a diode laser, with the diode laser having an emission face which is substantially co-planar with the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A near-field optical apparatus having one or more solid state lasers and an aerodynamically shaped slider which comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers. The optical head comprising a single semiconductor substrate including a first region which defines a slider having an air bearing surface, and at least one second, laser region which defines a diode laser, with the diode laser having an emission face which is substantially co-planar with the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A near-field optical system having one or more solid state lasers and an aerodynamically shaped slider which comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers. The optical head comprising a single semiconductor substrate including a first region which defines a slider having an air bearing surface, and at least one second, laser region which defines a diode laser, with the diode laser having an emission face which is substantially co-planar with the air bearing surface. A slider region of the semiconductor substrate includes an air bearing surface, adjacent the p-clad layer, which is aerodynamically structured and configured to define a slider.

Abstract: A hybrid magnetic-optical head apparatus wherein one or more solid state lasers, magnetic field biasing elements, magnetic sensing elements, and an aerodynamically shaped slider comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material into an optical head. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser and magnetic elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers or magnetic elements. The hybrid magnetic-optical head apparatus includes a magnetic-optical function region having a semiconductor laser and at least one magnetic element. Preferably, the magnetic-optical function region of the substrate includes a magnetic field biasing element associated with the semiconductor laser, as well as a magnetic sensing element.

Abstract: A hybrid magnetic-optical head apparatus wherein one or more solid state lasers, magnetic field biasing elements, magnetic sensing elements, and an aerodynamically shaped slider comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material into an optical head. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser and magnetic elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers or magnetic elements. The hybrid magnetic-optical head apparatus includes a magnetic-optical function region having a semiconductor laser and at least one magnetic element. Preferably, the magnetic-optical function region of the substrate includes a magnetic field biasing element associated with the semiconductor laser, as well as a magnetic sensing element.

Abstract: A near-field optical system having one or more solid state lasers and an aerodynamically shaped slider which comprise a single integrated, monolithic device fabricated from the same base semiconductor material. The monolithic optical head can be quickly and easily attached to the read arm of an optical read/write device without requiring attachment of separate laser elements, and without micropositioning or use of optical microscopy for positioning the lasers. The optical head comprising a single semiconductor substrate including a first region which defines a slider having an air bearing surface, and at least one second, laser region which defines a diode laser, with the diode laser having an emission face which is substantially co-planar with the air bearing surface.

Abstract: Various aspects of multiple-channel light transmitting systems are disclosed. The system may include a multiple-wave length light source, a demultiplexer; a modulator, and a wavelocker. The wavelocker is configured to drive the light source such that said multiple wavelengths coincide with the ITU grid. The system may also include other elements including a locker or a mode-locking servo, where the servo is configured to adjust the mode locking method frequency to coincide with the spacing of the ITU grid. Further additional elements may include an optical amplifier or an equalizer. The equalizer may include a filter whose transmission function varies with wavelength.

Abstract: An optical recording medium including a substrate, a metal underlayer deposited over the substrate wherein the underlayer has a substantially low thermal conductivity, a recording layer over the metal underlayer, and a transparent protective layer over the recording layer.

Abstract: A multilayer, direct-overwrite, magnetooptic recording element comprises first and second layers of magnetic materials having different magnetic coercivities and Curie temperatures. According to the invention, one of the two magnetic layers is doped with zirconium. The addition of zirconium has the effect of substantially lowering the Curie temperature of the doped layer, thereby enlarging the Curie temperature differential between the magnetic layers. The zirconium additive also has the effect of stabilizing the magnetic properties of the doped layer.

Abstract: A multilayer, direct-overwrite, magneto-optic recording elment comprises first and second layers of magnetic materials having different magnetic coercivities and Curie temperatures. Such layers are spaced apart by an intermediate layer comprising a readily polarizable non-magnetic metal. The intermediate layer serves to control the degree of magnetic exchange interaction between the magnetic layers, and prevents the constituents of the magnetic layers from diffusing between such layers.