Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating comprises one or more fibers, the one or more fibers including fiber portions meeting at an apex and a bottom location to form a three dimensional cage; a detector attached to each of the fiber portions for receiving light and transmitting light along each of the fiber portions, respectively; and an illumination member situated within the cage. A method for illuminating a hollow member includes the steps of inserting one or more fibers into the hollow member, wherein one or more fibers include fiber portions that meet at a location to form a three-dimensional cage; permitting light to emit from within the three-dimensional cage and towards the fiber portions; receiving light at distinct locations on each of said fibers; and allowing each of the fibers to transmit the light received on each of the fiber portions out of the hollow member.

Abstract: A method for destroying cells and/or microorganisms in an organism includes the following steps: (a) administering to the organism a composition including a photodynamic compound containing at least one transition metal; and (b) irradiating the photodynamic compound in the organism with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation includes ionizing radiation and is effective to activate the photodynamic compound to destroy at least one of the cells and the microorganisms in the organism. The ionizing radiation is preferably X-rays and/or gamma rays. The non-ionizing radiation is preferably light in the range from 600-950 nm.

Abstract: A method for destroying cells and/or microorganisms in an organism includes the following steps: (a) administering to the organism a composition including a photodynamic compound containing at least one transition metal; and (b) irradiating the photodynamic compound in the organism with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation includes ionizing radiation and is effective to activate the photodynamic compound to destroy at least one of the cells and the microorganisms in the organism. The ionizing radiation is preferably X-rays and/or gamma rays. The non-ionizing radiation is preferably light in the range from 600-950 nm.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating comprises one or more fibers, the one or more fibers including fiber portions meeting at an apex and a bottom location to form a three dimensional cage; a detector attached to each of the fiber portions for receiving light and transmitting light along each of the fiber portions, respectively; and an illumination member situated within the cage. A method for illuminating a hollow member includes the steps of inserting one or more fibers into the hollow member, wherein one or more fibers include fiber portions that meet at a location to form a three-dimensional cage; permitting light to emit from within the three-dimensional cage and towards the fiber portions; receiving light at distinct locations on each of said fibers; and allowing each of the fibers to transmit the light received on each of the fiber portions out of the hollow member.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention uses spectroscopic tissue volume measurements using non-ionizing radiation to detect pre-disease transformations in the tissue, which increase the risk for this disease in mammals. The method comprises illuminating a volume of selected tissue of a mammal with light having wavelengths covering a pre-selected spectral range, detecting light transmitted through, or reflected from, the volume of selected tissue, and obtaining a spectrum of the detected light. The spectrum of detected light is then represented by one or more basis spectral components, an error term, and an associated scalar coefficient for each of the basis spectral components. The associated scalar coefficient is calculated by minimizing the error term.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manipulating particles using waveguides. An optical beam propagated by optical waveguides deflects particles for sorting or subsequent analysis. The present invention is well-suited for the sorting, manipulation and analysis of biological cells. Novel waveguide manufacturing method and materials, as well as monolithic integration and packaging of optofluidic devices are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manipulating particles using waveguides. An optical beam propagated by optical waveguides deflects particles for sorting or subsequent analysis. The present invention is well-suited for the sorting, manipulation and analysis of biological cells. Novel waveguide manufacturing method and materials, as well as monolithic integration and packaging of optofluidic devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention uses spectroscopic tissue volume measurements using non-ionizing radiation to detect pre-disease transformations in the tissue, which increase the risk for this disease in mammals. The method comprises illuminating a volume of selected tissue of a mammal with light having wavelengths covering a pre-selected spectral range, detecting light transmitted through, or reflected from, the volume of selected tissue, and obtaining a spectrum of the detected light. The spectrum of detected light is then represented by one or more basis spectral components, an error term, and an associated scalar coefficient for each of the basis spectral components. The associated scalar coefficient is calculated by minimizing the error term.

Abstract: A multitasking optical fiber probe for collecting dosimeter information from more than one position in a sample. The basic principle of the present invention involves using one or more different sensor zones along the length of the fiber each with a different photoactive constituent having a sufficiently unique emission spectra (spectral or temporal) to enable deconvolution of the emission spectra by the computer and therefore correlation of the detected parameter with the position of the sensor zone along the length of the optical fiber. In the broadest form of the invention the probe is embodied by only one sensor zone located at some point along the length of the fiber spaced away from the end face of the fiber.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a patient having a disorder, wherein the method includes irradiating a tissue surface of the patient with at least one laser beam, automatically monitoring the tissue, and automatically controlling the at least one laser beam to adjust and/or terminate the treatment in a therapeutically effective manner. The method noninvasively determines in real-time the irradiance and/or radiant exposure of a target tissue at a predetermined depth below the tissue surface by detecting the radial dependence of light remitted from the tissue surface. Preferably, the method employs a near-infrared light laser beam and a visible laser light beam in combination. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a patient having a disorder, wherein the method includes irradiating a tissue surface of the patient with at least one laser beam, automatically monitoring the tissue, and automatically controlling the at least one laser beam to adjust and/or terminate the treatment in a therapeutically effective manner. The method noninvasively determines in real-time the irradiance and/or radiant exposure of a target tissue at a predetermined depth below the tissue surface by detecting the radial dependence of light remitted from the tissue surface. Preferably, the method employs a near-infrared light laser beam and a visible laser light beam in combination. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for exciting a fluorescent or phosphorescent molecule applied to a specimen in a microscope, the molecule having a known excitation wavelength, comprises a semiconductor light source capable of emitting an output light within a preselected wavelength band correlated with the excitation wavelength of the molecule, an electronic controller coupled to the light source for controlling the intensity of the output light, and an optical system for converting the output light into an excitation beam having a pre-selected distribution of light flux suitable for illuminating the specimen. The semiconductor light source is preferably a light emitting diode or superluminescent diode. The subject invention provides for a fluorescence excitation illuminator having a long lifetime and relatively low cost. Intensity modulation or attenuation can be achieved electronically, without the need for shutters.

Abstract: A solid-state fluorescent dosimeter for monitoring therapy irradiation dosage during a photodynamic therapy procedure. The solid-state fluorescent dosimeter includes an optical fiber -having a distal end and a proximal end, and a solid-state fluorescent tip attached to the proximal end of the optical fiber. The solid-state fluorescent tip includes a fluorescent material which emits fluorescence when exposed to non-ionizing radiation in the visible or near infrared range. The solid-state fluorescent tip has a sufficient length so as ensure isotropic response characteristics to the non-ionizing radiation regardless of the orientation or alignment of the solid-state fluorescent tip relative to the irradiation source.

Abstract: The invention features a probe for radiance dosimetry. The probe includes a tip portion containing a fluorescent dye connected to a translucent spacer element.