Abstract: A method of collecting cells from a specimen and plating such cells onto a slide to create a monolayer. A suspension of cells is filtered to remove unwanted material and monitored to determine if a desired quantity of cells are collected. If insufficient cells are present in the filtered sample, additional suspensions of cells are serially added to the sample and filtered until a desired quantity of cells have been obtained. Devices for collecting samples of cells, for isolating a quantity of cells, and for microscopic examination of a monolayer of cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of welding aluminum alloy workpieces includes the pretreatment of an area adjacent to the seam of the workpiece followed by irradiation of the area with an infrared laser beam having a diameter equal to or greater than the thickness of the workpieces. Substantial subsurface melting of the workpieces is initially generated and the beam can subsequently be scanned along the seam so as to maintain an isotherm corresponding to the melting point of the workpiece at the leading edge of the beam.

Abstract: A laser processing method establishes initial coupling between the laser beam and workpiece by irradiating an intermediate tool positioned adjacent the workpiece. The tool is more absorptive at the laser wavelength than the workpiece so that the efficiency of energy transfer is increased. Subsequent processing is performed by relative movement between the workpiece and beam, either independently of the tool or in conjunction with the tool. During further processing, the beam diameter is increased to be greater than the thickness of the workpiece to enhance the further processing.