Abstract: A single laser system that operates at any one or any combination of at least five wavelengths each of which are important to medical facilities offering laser cosmetic services. The present invention includes appropriate laser optics and a crystal rod configured to produce a first pulsed laser beam, and appropriate laser optics and a second crystal rod configured to produce a second pulsed laser beam. Both rods are pumped simultaneously preferably from the same pump source. Beams from each of these lasers are frequency doubled using frequency-doubling crystals to produce third and fourth laser beams. The frequencies of the first and second beams are also combined in a sum frequency generating crystal to produce a fifth laser beam. In a preferred embodiment the first and second laser beams are produced using YAP:Nd crystals with wavelengths of 1079 nm and 1341 nm. The third and fourth laser beams at 539.5 nm and 670.

Abstract: A laser system in which the gain medium is an excited YAP:Nd crystal. The system is configured so that the crystal produces a twin laser beam comprising wavelengths at both 1079 nm and 1340 nm with substantial intensities at each wavelength. Optical components are described which establish the desired ratio of the intensities of the light at each of the two wavelengths. These ratios, I1079 nm/I1340 nm, may vary from about 0.1 to 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a kit including a YAP:Nd crystal and a specially coated output coupler is provided for converting an existing Nd:YAG laser system to a twin light laser capable of producing the above described twin laser beam.

Abstract: A laser system and process by which prior art medical and cosmetic laser techniques using laser beams chosen to produce selective thermolysis are enhanced by the addition of a second laser beam chosen for much deeper transmission in tissue and more uniform absorption. Preferred embodiments include enforcement with a 1079 nm YAP:Nd laser beam of a 532 nm beam produced by a frequency doubled YAG:Nd laser beam.

Abstract: A laser system in which the gain medium is an excited YAP:Nd crystal. The system is configured so that the crystal produces a twin laser beam comprising wavelengths at both 1079 nm and 1340 nm with substantial intensities at each wavelength. Optical components are described which establish the desired ratio of the intensities of the light at each of the two wavelengths. These ratios, I1079 nm/I1340 nm, may vary from about 0.1 to a preferred embodiment of the invention a kit including a YAP:Nd crystal and a specially coated output coupler is provided for converting an existing Nd:YAG laser system to a twin light laser capable of producing the above described twin laser beam.

Abstract: Compositions of perfluorocarbons and methods of using these compositions for subcutaneous fat removal. A version of the composition also contains local anesthetic and/or vasoconstrictors. The composition is in association with a pharmacuetical carrier. The composition is for use in liposuction techniques. Also provided is a method for subcutaneous removal of lipid or fat cells from a patient using the composition.

Abstract: Compositions of perfluorocarbons and methods of using these compositions for subcutaneous fat removal. A version of the composition also contains local anesthetic and/or vasoconstrictors. The composition is in association with a pharmacuetical carrier. The composition is for use in liposuction techniques. Also provided is a method for subcutaneous removal of lipid or fat cells from a patient using the composition.

Abstract: A process for destroying relatively deep formations of unwanted sub-epidermal tissue by heating water in the formations with a laser to denature proteins therein. In an exemplary embodiment, a laser beam is operated to irradiate a target region of highly vascularized dermal tissue in a blood-circulating living being, such as a human. The laser light preferably has a wavelength of about 1.45-1.68 .mu.m. This operating parameter provides the laser beam with a low enough water absorption coefficient to facilitate adequate penetration in to the target area while still providing enough energy to heat water to a temperature capable of spatially conforming vascularized tissue in the target area.

Abstract: A device and process for the permanent removal of unwanted human hair. Hair on a section of skin is contaminated with a substance having high absorption of a frequency band of light. The skin is illuminated with light at this frequency band at sufficient intensity and duration to kill the follicles or the skin tissue feeding the hair. One embodiment to produce death of the follicles or the skin tissues feeding the hair is by photochemical reaction.

Abstract: A process for treating relatively deep formations of undesirable sub-epidermal tissue by heating water in the formations with a laser to denature proteins therein. In an exemplary embodiment, a laser beam is operated to irradiate a target region of highly vascularized dermal tissue in a blood-circulating living being, such as a human. The laser light preferably has a wavelength of about 1.45-1.68 .mu.m. This operating parameter provides the laser beam with a low enough water absorption coefficient to facilitate adequate penetration in to the target area while still providing enough energy to heat water to a temperature capable of spatially conforming vascularized tissue in the target area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the destruction of unwanted human hair. Hair ducts in a section of skin in which the unwanted hair are growing is contaminated with a contaminant having a high absorption at at least one frequency band of light. The skin section is then illuminated with light at the frequency band of high absorption so as to impact sufficient energy to the contaminant so as to cause death to the hairs growing in the ducts. In a preferred embodiment the contaminant is a mixture of 1 micron graphite particles in mineral oil and each section is illuminated with about 5 laser pulses at 1.06 micron wavelength produced by a Nd:YAG laser, each pulse having an energy density of about 3 Joules/cm.sup.2 and a pulse width of about 10 nanoseconds. In another preferred embodiment the hairs in the section of skin being treated are pulled out prior to application of the contaminant so as to provide more space for the contaminant in the hair duct.

Abstract: A target region of tissue is destroyed by saturating the region with light-absorbing material, reducing the temperature of the region, and disintegrating the region with a light source. One means for carrying out these steps is a multi-channel delivery needle having a primary transport line, a waveguide lengthwise connected to the primary transport line, and one or more auxiliary lines lengthwise connected to the primary transport line. The tubes and waveguide define a sharpened common end to assist the needle in entering the skin and penetrating flesh necessary to reach the target region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for laser assisted drug delivery through the skin. A drug and a explosive absorber of light energy are applied topically to the skin. The treated area of the skin is illuminated with very short pulses of light which is preferentially absorbed by the absorber causing a very large number of tiny explosions. The tiny explosion forces portions of the drug to penetrate into the skin. A preferred embodiment utilizes small graphite particles and an Nd:YAG short pulse laser.

Abstract: Coated objects are recycled by irradiation with a laser beam. The invention is applied to objects (such as documents) that include an entry surface, a surface coated with a coating (such as text or graphics printed with copier or printer toner), and a body interposed between the surface. A laser beam is directed toward a target region of the coated surface, traveling first through the object's entry surface and body, which are translucent or transparent to the wavelength of light contained in the laser beam. The laser beam generates a plasma shock wave at the target region of the coated surface, thereby discharging particles of the coating located near the target region. The discharged printed matter is discharged away from the object, thereby avoiding undesired impregnation of the coating into the object. Discharged coating may be recycled by collection and subsequent reuse.