Abstract: A laser assembly includes a laser and an articulated arm having a plurality of couplers arranged to receive a laser-beam from the laser. The assembly is mounted on a support structure, and is rotatable on the support structure in two axes perpendicular to each other. Six degrees of freedom of motion of the end of the articulated arm can be accomplished with one less coupler in the arm than would be necessary without rotation of the assembly on the support structure.

Abstract: A method of reducing the level of pain experienced by a patient during a pain-inducing dermatological treatment by using non-pharmacologic means is described. The method employs the use of multiple bursts of a gas to stimulate a touch sensation in or near the tissue to be treated using the dermatological treatment in order to reduce and/or relieve pain. The method can be used alone or can be used in combination with other non-pharmacologic and/or pharmacologic methods of relieving pain in order to make a patient more comfortable during or following the dermatological treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for revitalizing aging skin using electromagnetic energy that is delivered using a plurality of needles that are capable of penetrating the skin to desired depths. A particular aspect is the capability to spare zones of tissue from thermal exposure. This sparing of tissue allows new tissue to be regenerated while the heat treatment can shrink the collagen and tighten the underlying structures. Additionally, the system is capable of delivering therapeutically beneficial substances either through the penetrating needles or through channels that have been created by the penetration of the needles.

Abstract: A laser assembly includes a laser and an articulated arm having a plurality of couplers arranged to receive a laser-beam from the laser. The assembly is mounted on a support structure, and is rotatable on the support structure in two axes perpendicular to each other. Six degrees of freedom of motion of the end of the articulated arm can be accomplished with one less coupler in the arm than would be necessary without rotation of the assembly on the support structure.

Abstract: A method of reducing the level of pain experienced by a patient during a pain-inducing dermatological treatment by using non-pharmacologic means is described. The method employs the use of multiple bursts of a gas to stimulate a touch sensation in or near the tissue to be treated using the dermatological treatment in order to reduce and/or relieve pain. The method can be used alone or can be used in combination with other non-pharmacologic and/or pharmacologic methods of relieving pain in order to make a patient more comfortable during or following the dermatological treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing hair and/or devitalizing follicles using electromagnetic energy to actively target and treat a hair and/or a follicle are disclosed. The electromagnetic energy can be of a selective or non-selective wavelength.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 slab laser is disclosed having a pair of spaced apart electrodes defining a rectangular discharge region. RF energy is fed through the electrodes to excite the CO.sub.2 gas. A pair of mirrors are located adjacent the electrodes to define the resonant cavity. A recombinant surface is placed between the ends of the electrodes and the mirrors to quench oxidizing species generated by the discharge before they reach the mirrors. In this manner, the degradation of the mirrors is reduced so that the high power performance of the laser can be maintained. The recombinant surfaces can be defined by forming extension regions at the end of the electrodes between which the discharge is minimized. Alternatively, a mirror shield having a beam transmitting aperture can be used to quench the oxidizing species.

Abstract: The subject invention is related to a new and improved bore assembly for use with a gaseous ion laser. Each bore assembly is mountable to a heat conducting member located within the tube. The heat conducting member is provided with a central opening and is connected at the periphery thereof to the inner surface of the tube. The bore assembly of the subject invention includes a discharge confining element having a central channel and formed from a sputter-resistant material such as graphite. An outer support member is provided which is disposed about at least a portion of the discharge confining element and is brazed to the heat conducting member in a manner to mechanically constrain the discharge confining element. During assembly, the opening of the channels of the discharge confining elements are coaxially aligned.