Abstract: A sub-nanosecond laser system is disclosed. The sub-nanosecond laser system may include: a pump laser source operable to generate a pump laser beam having a pump wavelength; a first pump beam splitter operable to receive the pump laser beam and split the pump laser beam into at least a first split pump laser beam and a second split pump laser beam; a passively Q-switched seed laser operable to receive the first split pump laser beam and generate a seed laser beam; and an amplifier assembly operable to receive the second split pump laser beam and the seed laser beam. The amplifier assembly may include one or more amplifiers arranged in series in a multi-stage configuration, arranged in a multi-pass configuration, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating tissue wherein a handpiece with a cartridge of motor driven needles is placed in contact with tissue. The motor is energized to drive the needles. Energy is applied energy to the needles. Tissue impedance at the start of treatment is measured. Tissue impedance at the end of treatment is measured. The operator is then notified that corrective action is needed if the measured ending impedance is higher than the measured starting impedance indicating the needles are not inserted into the tissue.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment include a passively Q-switched laser assembly operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam-splitting assembly operable to scan a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form an array of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength. The fractional handpiece may also incorporate a wavelength switching assembly, enabling selective delivery of both the second and third wavelengths, while providing control over the energy output at each wavelength, all within a single handpiece. The passively Q-switched laser assembly has an unstable cavity operation.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment include a passively Q-switched laser assembly operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam splitting assembly operable to split a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form an array of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a high power sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength.

Abstract: A rapid pulsatile smoke extraction system includes a laser handpiece having a sleeve configurable to be applied to tissue; a vacuum pump and a vacuum reservoir; a conduit connecting the reservoir with the sleeve; and a valve inserted in the conduit. A volume of the vacuum reservoir is at least two times larger than a volume of the sleeve, such that operation of the valve supports instantaneous evacuation of smoke and particulate products from the sleeve into the vacuum reservoir.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment including a handpiece body including a passively Q-switched laser assembly within the handpiece body operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam scanning system operable to scan a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form a line of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a high-power sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength. The pump laser source is a diode laser which emits the first wavelength at about 500 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A multiple frequency laser system and method for treating skin conditions via a handpiece features a pump laser module having a single laser beam at a first frequency. A dual laser module receives the laser beam at the first frequency and includes dual free running laser resonators to produce a laser beam at a second frequency and a laser beam at a third frequency. A frequency conversion module receives as inputs the laser beam at the second frequency and the laser beam at the third frequency and is configured to selectively provide laser beams to the handpiece including a second harmonic generation of the second frequency, a second harmonic generation of the third frequency, a summed frequency generation of the second frequency and the third frequency, the laser beam at the first frequency, the laser beam at the second frequency, and/or the laser beam at the first frequency combined with the laser beam at the second frequency.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation system for removal of aerosolized chemical compounds and biological fine particles produced during laser treatment of tissue. The rapid smoke evacuation is achieved by coupling a low capacity vacuum pump to a vacuum valve and a vacuum reservoir to create very high flow rate for very short durations. The opening time of the valve could at least partially overlap the laser pulse duration.

Abstract: A rapid pulsatile smoke extraction system includes a laser handpiece having a sleeve configurable to be applied to tissue; a vacuum pump and a vacuum reservoir; a conduit connecting the reservoir with the sleeve; and a valve inserted in the conduit. A volume of the vacuum reservoir is at least two times larger than a volume of the sleeve, such that operation of the valve supports instantaneous evacuation of smoke and particulate products from the sleeve into the vacuum reservoir.

Abstract: A sub-nanosecond laser system is disclosed. The sub-nanosecond laser system may include: a pump laser source operable to generate a pump laser beam having a pump wavelength; a first pump beam splitter operable to receive the pump laser beam and split the pump laser beam into at least a first split pump laser beam and a second split pump laser beam; a passively Q-switched seed laser operable to receive the first split pump laser beam and generate a seed laser beam; and an amplifier assembly operable to receive the second split pump laser beam and the seed laser beam. The amplifier assembly may include one or more amplifiers arranged in series in a multi-stage configuration, arranged in a multi-pass configuration, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A pigment treatment system includes a handheld apparatus to receive a sub-nanosecond laser beam with a wavelength of about 480 nm to about 550 nm and output a sub-nanosecond laser beam with a wavelength of about 700 nm to about 740 nm. The handheld apparatus includes a monolithic crystal with a first surface coating and a second surface coating to facilitate the change in wavelength of the laser beam through the crystal.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating tissue wherein a handpiece with a cartridge of motor driven needles is placed in contact with tissue. The motor is energized to drive the needles. Energy is applied energy to the needles. Tissue impedance at the start of treatment is measured. Tissue impedance at the end of treatment is measured. The operator is then notified that corrective action is needed if the measured ending impedance is higher than the measured starting impedance indicating the needles are not inserted into the tissue.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment include a passively Q-switched laser assembly operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam splitting assembly operable to split a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form an array of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a high power sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment include a passively Q-switched laser assembly operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam splitting assembly operable to split a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form an array of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a high power sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength.

Abstract: A laser system includes a base unit having a power source. A hand-held applicator is connected with the base unit configured to engage biological tissue for treatment. Position detection structure is associated with the applicator for determining a position of the applicator relative to the engaged biological tissue. A laser source generates a laser beam. A cooling system provides a cooling agent to the biological tissue during treatment. A processor circuit is connected with the position detection structure, the laser source and the cooling system. Based on data received from the position detection structure, the processor circuit triggers application of the cooling agent to the treated biological tissue, or triggers application of the cooling agent to the treated biological tissue, followed by a time delay, and then triggers the laser source.

Abstract: A fractional handpiece and systems thereof for skin treatment include a passively Q-switched laser assembly operatively connected to a pump laser source to receive a pump laser beam having a first wavelength and a beam splitting assembly operable to split a solid beam emitted by the passively Q-switched laser assembly and form an array of micro-beams across a segment of skin. The passively Q-switched laser assembly generates a high power sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beam having a second wavelength.

Abstract: A tissue treatment system includes an applicator connected with a base unit. The applicator includes a light source to generate light energy. A light guide directs the light energy to biological tissue and is configured to contact biological tissue. A thermoelectric cooler has a cold side and a hot side, with the cold side being associated with the light guide. A hot side plate is mounted to the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler. A first fluid passage is between the reservoir and the hot side plate to deliver cooling fluid over the hot side plate to chill the cold side of the thermoelectric cooler and cool the light guide and biological tissue. A second fluid passage is associated with the light source to direct cooling fluid to the light source prior to being returned to the reservoir. The first and second fluid passages define a single cooling fluid circulation loop.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hyperspectral/multispectral system referred to as the OxyVu-1 system. The hyperspectral imaging technology performs spectral analysis at each point in a two-dimensional scanned area producing an image displaying information derived from the analysis. For the OxyVu-1 system, the spectral analytical methods determined in superficial tissues approximate values of oxygen saturation (HT-Sat), oxyhemoglobin levels (HT-Oxy), and deoxyhemoglobin levels (HT-Deoxy). The OxyVu-1 system displays the tissue oxygenation in a two-dimensional, color-coded image. The system contains a system console, a cart, system electronics, CPU, monitor, keyboard, pointing device and printer. The hyperspectral instrument head with support arm contains broadband illuminator, camera and spectral filter for collecting hyperspectral imaging cube. The single use OxyVu Check Pads and Targets are used to perform an instrument check prior to patient measurements.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation system for removal of aerosolized chemical compounds and biological fine particles produced during laser treatment of tissue. The rapid smoke evacuation is achieved by coupling a low capacity vacuum pump to a vacuum valve and a vacuum reservoir to create very high flow rate for very short durations. The opening time of the valve could at least partially overlap the laser pulse duration.

Abstract: A tissue treatment system includes an applicator connected with a base unit. The applicator includes a light source to generate light energy. A light guide directs the light energy to biological tissue and is configured to contact biological tissue. A thermoelectric cooler has a cold side and a hot side, with the cold side being associated with the light guide. A hot side plate is mounted to the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler. A first fluid passage is between the reservoir and the hot side plate to deliver cooling fluid over the hot side plate to chill the cold side of the thermoelectric cooler and cool the light guide and biological tissue. A second fluid passage is associated with the light source to direct cooling fluid to the light source prior to being returned to the reservoir. The first and second fluid passages define a single cooling fluid circulation loop.