Abstract: Apparatus for therapeutic or cosmetic photo-treatment comprises a flash lamp and a lamp operating circuit. The lamp is cooled by water in contact with the lamp which acts as an infra-red filter to reduce skin burning. Light from the lamp reaches the skin through a light guide which has a convex curved end to focus the light and to press away haemoglobin in the target area or has a concave end to reduce pressure on the skin depending on the desired treatment. Relatively long and low power square shaped power pulses drive the lamp to produce light output pulses adapted to the relaxation time of the target structure to maximize the heating of the target while minimizing heating of the skin surface. Target structures may be blood vessels or hair follicles. Automatic detection of a glass filter may be provided.

Abstract: In a method for non-therapeutic or therapeutic photodynamic treatment of a skin target area, a photosensitizer fluid incorporating a photosensitizing agent or a precursor for a photosensitizing agent is delivered to the target area, the photosensitizing agent having at least one absorption wavelength in a wavelength range higher than 400 nm. The target area is then exposed to light energy in a range of wavelengths comprising at least one absorption wavelength of the photosensitizing agent, the light energy being supplied to the target area in the form of at least one light pulse producing in the target area an accumulated energy density sufficient for photodynamic activation of the photosensitizing agent. The photosensitizing agent or precursor is incorporated in the photosensitizer fluid with a concentration in the range from 0.1 to 2.0% preferably from 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: A method for investigating the mechanical properties of bone inside a live animal or human being, said method comprises launching an ultrasound pulse wave into the body of the being and establishing a trace related to the magnitude of a reflected ultrasound wave versus the time lapsed since the launching of the pulse wave. On the trace an interval in which the magnitude of the reflected ultrasound wave exhibits a steady decline versus time, is identified, and the attenuation of the ultrasound wave based on the readings of the trace within this interval is computed. The invention also provides an apparatus for adapted for providing diagnostic information concerning the mechanical properties of bone.