Abstract: An implantable device is provided, along with a surgical technique for implanting the implantable device. The implantable device includes a body, at least two fingers, and a diagnostic tool. The body presents a generally flat configuration. The at least two fingers extend from opposite sides of the body along a common plane with the flat configuration of the body. For the surgical technique, the implantable device is positioned above flexible and elastic tissue at a target location. The finger on one side of the body is slid under a portion of the flexible and elastic tissue without penetrating the flexible and elastic tissue. The finger on the opposing side of the body is slid under another portion of the flexible and elastic tissue without penetrating the flexible and elastic tissue. The flexible and elastic tissue exerts force perpendicular to the body and fingers to fixate the implantable device.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method for laser induced breakdown of a material with a pulsed laser beam where the material is characterized by a relationship of fluence breakdown threshold (F.sub.th) versus laser beam pulse width (T) that exhibits an abrupt, rapid, and distinct change or at least a clearly detectable and distinct change in slope at a predetermined laser pulse width value. The method comprises generating a beam of laser pulses in which each pulse has a pulse width equal to or less than the predetermined laser pulse width value. The beam is focused to a point at or beneath the surface of a material where laser induced breakdown is desired.The beam may be used in combination with a mask in the beam path. The beam or mask may be moved in the x, y, and Z directions to produce desired features. The technique can produce features smaller than the spot size and Rayleigh range due to enhanced damage threshold accuracy in the short pulse regime.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method for laser induced breakdown of a material with a pulsed laser beam where the material is characterized by a relationship of fluence breakdown threshold (Fth) versus laser beam pulse width (T) that exhibits an abrupt, rapid, and distinct change or at least a clearly detectable and distinct change in slope at a predetermined laser pulse width value. The method comprises generating a beam of laser pulses in which each pulse has a pulse width equal to or less than the predetermined laser pulse width value. The beam is focused to a point at or beneath the surface of a material where laser induced breakdown is desired. The beam may be used in combination with a mask in the beam path. The beam or mask may be moved in the x, y, and Z directions to produce desired features. The technique can produce features smaller than the spot size and Rayleigh range due to enhanced damage threshold accuracy in the short pulse regime.