Abstract: An apparatus (such as a laser-based system) and method for providing optical pulses in a broad range of pulse widths and pulse energies uses a pulse slicer which is configured to slice a predefined portion having a desired pulse width of each of the one or more output optical pulses from a laser oscillator, in which timings of a rising edge and a falling edge of each sliced optical pulse relative to a time instance of a maximum of the corresponding each of the one or more output optical pulses from the laser oscillator, are chosen at least to maximize amplification efficiency of the optical amplifier, which may be located after the pulse slicer, and to provide the one or more amplified output optical pulses each having the desired pulse energy and pulse width.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a flat screen, such a display associated with a computer monitor or smartphone, having a display side and a non-display side. The flat screen may be adapted to substantially cover a display such that the display-side is proximate to the display. The screen may substantially let visible light pass from the display side to the non-display side. The screen may not let at least a portion (e.g., a substantial portion) of a laser beam pass from the non-display side to the display side.

Abstract: An apparatus (such as a laser-based system) and method for providing optical pulses in a broad range of pulse widths and pulse energies uses a pulse slicer which is configured to slice a predefined portion having a desired pulse width of each of the one or more output optical pulses from a laser oscillator, in which timings of a rising edge and a falling edge of each sliced optical pulse relative to a time instance of a maximum of the corresponding each of the one or more output optical pulses from the laser oscillator, are chosen at least to maximize amplification efficiency of the optical amplifier, which may be located after the pulse slicer, and to provide the one or more amplified output optical pulses each having the desired pulse energy and pulse width.

Abstract: A removable cartridge is provided for use with a microdermabrasion unit. According to some embodiments, the includes a crystal source portion and a crystal waste portion. Moreover, the removable cartridge is adapted to receive a transfer apparatus from a microdermabrasion unit, the transfer apparatus being adapted to transfer crystals from the removable cartridge to the microdermabrasion unit. In other embodiments, the removable cartridge includes (i) a crystal source portion, (ii) a crystal waste portion, and (iii) a re-sealable portion adapted to prevent crystals from leaving the removable cartridge when a transfer apparatus is not present. According to still other embodiments, a microdermabrasion unit includes a gravity drain to transfer crystals from a crystal source.