Abstract: A probe cover for use with an IR thermometer includes a cover comprising a conical sidewall and an infrared transmissive window at its tip. A bushing is inserted into the interior of the tip of the cover to produce an outward radial force against the adjacent sidewall. The bushing flattens the film membrane forming the window and thus enhances distortion free transmission of IR radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, a method of EPT utilizes low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a "keying" element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a "keying" element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a "keying" element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: A high energy laser-to-fiberoptic waveguide coupling method and apparatus is disclosed for optically coupling substantially all of the beam of a high energy laser into a small diameter optical fiber. High energy lasers often generate beams having cross-sectionally non-uniform energy densities. The coupling apparatus includes an optical fiber segment located between the laser and the small diameter optical fiber, for receiving substantially all of the non-uniform beam and for transforming it into a circular cross-section beam of uniform energy density. Substantially all of the uniform beam is directed into the small diameter optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and measuring optical fiber output by measuring backscatter fluorescence from at least a partial coating or layer of fluorescent material at approximately the end of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting high power laser energy through a flexible optical fiber comprising a relatively large solid optical fiber coupled to a relatively short segment of a flexible liquid optical fiber at the distal end of the solid optical fiber. The liquid fiber is a hollow tube filled with highly transparent liquid and is capable of transmitting high power laser energy while remaining flexible.

Abstract: A rare gas-halogen excimer laser in which the laser gases are exposed only to compatible materials that react with the laser gases to produce stable reaction products having a low vapor pressure, so as to reduce contamination of the gases and optics. High-purity nickel is the preferred material for components that are electrically conductive, and high-purity alumina is the preferred material for components that are non-electrically conductive. No non-compatible materials are used. In another feature, magnetic fluid seals are provided for the laser's fan-shaft, to isolate the shaft bearings and thereby isolate any non-compatible lubricant for the bearings. The fan uses magnetic coupling so that an isolating enclosure may be placed over the magnetic fluid seal to prevent the leakage of gases into the surrounding environment if the seal ever fails.

Abstract: A high power excimer laser emits a pulsed output at a high repetition rate in the ultraviolet wavelength region and a uniform power output across the laser beam. By subjecting doped silicon wafers to the pulsed laser output, epitaxial regrowth of silicon crystals can be induced to repair damage to the silicon crystal structure which normally occurs during implantation of the dopant materials.

Abstract: A high power excimer laser emits a pulsed output at a high repetition rate in the ultraviolet wavelength region and a uniform power output across the laser beam. By subjecting doped silicon wafers to the pulsed laser output, epitaxial regrowth of silicon crystals can be induced to repair damage to the silicon crystal structure which normally occurs during implantation of the dopant materials.

Abstract: A pulsed electric discharge gas laser driven by a folded Blumlein transmission line with liquid dielectric. A method of preionizing and firing the laser discharge utilizing the Blumlein voltage pre-pulse for preionization and the subsequent main voltage pulse for gap switch breakdown. A spark gap switch construction with first and second elongate electrodes, with the first electrode presenting a generally rounded surface to the second electrode which incorporates a thin continuous edge facing the first electrode. An elongate apertured cathode at the lasing chamber, with an elongate preionization electrode positioned behind the cathode, and a power supply providing a preionization electrical pulse across the cathode and preionization electrode producing ions and electrons in the lasing gas prior to the main discharge between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: An electrically pumped gas laser with an electrode assembly providing for gas flow through spaced upstream and downstream electrode arrays with the flow path perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser in a very low inductance electrical circuit. Electrode arrays comprising parallel spaced blade shaped electrodes, with the upstream electrodes having a contoured leading edge and a trailing knife edge spaced from the walls of the discharge space, and with the downstream electrodes having a leading knife edge spaced from the walls of the discharge space and a similarly contoured trailing edge. An electrode assembly with upstream and downstream gas flow channels providing a double parallel plate transmission line for electrical connections and energy storage, with the channel walls serving either directly or as supporting structures for the inner plates, and with the outer plates in the form of conducting sheets spaced from the inner plates by insulating sheets.

Abstract: A spark gap switch having a central electrode positioned within an annular electrode in a dielectric liquid or saturated vapor flow line, with coaxial or parallel plate electrical connections to said electrodes.