Abstract: In a method for detecting flaws in continuous laser welding processes, including a sensor measures plasma emission spectrum in a range of wavelengths between ?max and ?min in N channels, each measuring radiation strength emitted in the band centered at wavelength ?i (1?i?N) and width ??i. Deviation detection is based upon calculating intensity relationships of signals measured at specific wavelengths and in comparison with pre-determined threshold values. A calibration phase ensures a series of K weldings is performed, under optimized conditions, for each a number J of spectra OJ,K, is acquired, each one corresponding to a vector of N intensity values at wavelengths ?i, 1?i?N, and a series of weldings K? is then performed, (K??K), a single welding parameter A is altered by a known quantity, for each welding being acquired a sequence of J? spectra AJ?,K?, (J??J), which are stored.

Abstract: An assembly comprising an absorber of near infrared (NIR) light having an optical absorption cross section not lower than 100 nm2 covalently linked to an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase (CA), process for its preparation and its use to hyperthermally target tumours or for treating other conditions in which the CA activity is involved is disclosed.

Abstract: A porous polymeric matrix and a device for optically-controlled release of chemicals allow a controlled and localized administration of a chemical species, by exploiting the thermosensitivity of amphiphilic supramolecular structures used as reservoir without this requesting a direct heating, at the same time by guaranteeing a precise dosage and positioning of the release of the chemical species.

Abstract: A method of suturing the lens capsule of the eye in the event of accidental rupture thereof or to create a valve and/or to close a capsulorhexis by laser-induced welding onto the capsule's surface of a flap of biocompatible biological tissue prepared so as to be optically absorbent at the wavelength of the laser being used for welding. The method is suitable for use in so-called Phaco-Ersatz or “lens refilling” ophthalmologic surgery. Welding is desirably performed using laser devices that comprise a laser generator and a fiberoptic system for conveying the laser beam, complete with an applicator handpiece suitable for use in welding the flaps onto the lens capsule in a liquid environment. The handpiece is shaped so as to exert moderate pressure on the tissues to be welded with the free end of the optic fiber.

Abstract: In a method for detecting flaws in continuous laser welding processes, including a sensor measures plasma emission spectrum in a range of wavelengths between ?max and ?min in N channels, each measuring radiation strength emitted in the band centred at wavelength ?i (1?i?N) and width ??i. Deviation detection is based upon calculating intensity relationships of signals measured at specific wavelengths and in comparison with pre-determined threshold values. A calibration phase ensures a series of K weldings is performed, under optimized conditions, for each a number J of spectra OJ,K, is acquired, each one corresponding to a vector of N intensity values at wavelengths ?i, 1?i?N, and a series of weldings K? is then performed, (K??K), a single welding parameter A is altered by a known quantity, for each welding being acquired a sequence of J? spectra AJ?,K?, (J??J), which are stored.

Abstract: A device for haemostasis of cutaneous blood vessels. The device comprises at least one light-emitting diode (“LED”), a power supply unit for operating the LED and a member for cooling and heat dissipation of the LED. The LED a emits light in the blue-violet spectral band (generally within a range of 390 nm and 470 nm). The device can also be fitted with an optical focusing system and with a member for fibre-optic coupling of the focused light.

Abstract: A method of suturing the lens capsule of the eye in the event of accidental rupture thereof or to create a valve and/or to close a capsulorhexis by laser-induced welding onto the capsule's surface of a flap of biocompatible biological tissue prepared so as to be optically absorbent at the wavelength of the laser being used for welding. The method is suitable for use in so-called Phaco-Ersatz or “lens refilling” ophthalmologic surgery. Welding is desirably performed using laser devices that comprise a laser generator and a fiberoptic system for conveying the laser beam, complete with an applicator handpiece suitable for use in welding the flaps onto the lens capsule in a liquid environment. The handpiece is shaped so as to exert moderate pressure on the tissues to be welded with the free end of the optic fiber.

Abstract: The surgical instrument comprises a handpiece (1), associated with which is a tip (5) forming a wave guide and terminating with an operating end, intended to act on the tissues and from which a laser radiation is emitted and which receives said laser radiation from fiber optic means (4). The tip is implemented to collect the laser emission coming from a plurality of optical fibers couplable with said tip at a coupling face and to convey said laser emissions towards said operating end.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of variable duration laser pulses comprising an optical cavity delimited by two mirrors, one of which is a total reflection mirror and the other a partial reflection mirror, and containing an active medium with an appropriate excitation system. An optical shutter capable of inducing a Q-switching mode is provided between the total reflection mirror and the active medium. The active medium is optically connected with said total reflection mirror by optical fibre sections having different lengths and may be interchanged in the optical path so as to vary the duration of the pulses emitted by the laser when it operates in the Q-switching mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of variable duration laser pulses comprising an optical cavity delimited by two mirrors, one of which (7) is a total reflection mirror and the other (1) a partial reflection mirror, and containing an active medium (4) whit an appropriate excitation system. An optical shutter (2) capable of inducing a Q-switching mode is provided between the total reflection mirror (7) and the active medium (4). The active medium (4) is optically connected with said total reflection mirror (7) by means of different lengths of optical fibre section (F1, F2, Fn) that may be interchanged in the optical path to vary the duration of the pulses omitted by the laser when it operates in the Q-switching mode.