Abstract: A laser system (called a UV Dermablator) and method that enables a clean, precise removal of skin while minimizing collateral damage to the skin underlying the treated region. The depth of ablation can be controlled via feedback from the physiology of the skin, namely the infusion of blood into the area of excision when skin has been ablated to a sufficient depth to produce bleeding. A second laser, such as a uv light source with a different wavelength, to penetrate the blood, heating it sufficiently to coagulate the blood. Other features provide precise control, permitting the epidermis to be removed down to the papillary dermis, following the undulations of the papillary dermis. This lateral and depth control may be accomplished by using careful observation, assisted by spectroscopic detection, to identify when the epidermis has been removed, exposing the underlying dermis, with spatial resolution appropriate for the spacing of the undulations of the papillary dermis.

Abstract: A laser system (called a UV Dermablator) and method that enables a clean, precise removal of skin while minimizing collateral damage to the skin underlying the treated region. The depth of ablation can be controlled via feedback from the physiology of the skin, namely the infusion of blood into the area of excision when skin has been ablated to a sufficient depth to produce bleeding. A second laser, such as a uv light source with a different wavelength, to penetrate the blood, heating it sufficiently to coagulate the blood. Other features provide precise control, permitting the epidermis to be removed down to the papillary dermis, following the undulations of the papillary dermis. This lateral and depth control may be accomplished by using careful observation, assisted by spectroscopic detection, to identify when the epidermis has been removed, exposing the underlying dermis, with spatial resolution appropriate for the spacing of the undulations of the papillary dermis.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being ablated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage to healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being ablated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage to healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure contacts a tooth with a fluoride carrier to produce a fluoride containing layer on the tooth. The tooth is then irradiated with UV radiation in the wavelength range of 100-400 nm. The fluoride carrier is at least 70% transparent to UV radiation, and the radiation is provided with sufficiently low energy to avoid inflicting pain on the patient.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being ablated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage of healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being ablated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage to healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.

Abstract: An improved dental procedure and apparatus where ultraviolet radiation pulses are used to etch selectively both hard tissue and soft tissue in dental procedures. There exists distinct ablation thresholds for hard and soft tissue which are dependent on the material being abated for a given wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Sufficient differences in ablation threshold exist for enamel, dentin, and carious material, thereby allowing dentists to perform both hard tissue and soft tissue procedures without excess damage to healthy enamel, dentin or other pulp structures.

Abstract: A dye laser, pumped by a nitrogen laser, has been made to operate in both the TE.sub.01 and TM.sub.01 rotationally symmetric modes, regardless of the variation in laser wavelength. By changing the spacing of lenses within the optical cavity, the single laser can be made to switch from the TE.sub.01 mode to the TM.sub.01 mode and back again to the TE.sub.01 mode.