Abstract: An ultrahigh-resolution fiber-optic confocal microscope has an illumination system; three single-mode optical fibers, each optically coupled to a fiber coupler; a sample support stage arranged to receive illumination radiation from an end of one of the single-mode optical fibers; a detector arranged to receive output radiation from one of the single-mode optical fibers; and a lock-in amplifier electrically connected to the detector and the illumination system. The illumination system is adapted to provide illumination radiation that has a time-varying strength that is correlated with the detector by the lock-in amplifier.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) includes transcutaneously irradiating at least a portion of a spinal environment of the patient with light having a power density of at least about 0.01 mW/cm2 at the portion of the spinal environment.

Abstract: An illumination system for a particle image velocimetry system has an illumination source, a hollow tapered optical funnel arranged to receive illumination light from the illumination source, a hollow optical waveguide optically coupled to an output end of the hollow tapered optical funnel, and a beam shaping optical system optically coupled to an output end of the hollow optical waveguide. The illumination system is constructed to provide a light sheet to illuminate particles within a fluid under observation. A particle image velocimetry system has such an illumination system.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) includes transcutaneously irradiating at least a portion of a spinal environment of the patient with light having a power density of at least about 0.01 mW/cm2 at the portion of the spinal environment.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) includes transcutaneously irradiating at least a portion of a spinal environment of the patient with light having a power density of at least about 0.01 mW/cm2 at the portion of the spinal environment.

Abstract: An ultrahigh-resolution fiber-optic confocal microscope has an illumination system; three single-mode optical fibers, each optically coupled to a fiber coupler; a sample support stage arranged to receive illumination radiation from an end of one of the single-mode optical fibers; a detector arranged to receive output radiation from one of the single-mode optical fibers; and a lock-in amplifier electrically connected to the detector and the illumination system. The illumination system is adapted to provide illumination radiation that has a time-varying strength that is correlated with the detector by the lock-in amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of SCI by stimulating axon regeneration within the central nerve system. One aspect of the present invention provides methods of treating SCI with low power laser irradiation (LPLI). Another aspect of the present invention provides methods of treating SCI by modulating a gene activity to stimulate axon regeneration. In this regard, the present invention also provides compositions that modulate genes expression relating to the neuron-regeneration after SCI. Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment for SCI.

Abstract: A blocking device is non-surgically inserted in a duct of a reproductive system of either a male or female subject. The device may be in the form of a stent including an expandable section for sealingly engaging the duct to effect sterilization by preventing passage of gametes therethrough. The stent preferably includes a predetermined portion which is ablatable by application of a known intensity of laser irradiation. When desired, a laser beam may be used to ablate the portion of the blocking device in order to reopen the duct and to re-establish fertility of the subject. One embodiment of the device includes a guiding segment for guiding a fiber optic device to a position adjacent the ablatable portion and for accurate application of the laser beam thereto, thereby reducing potential organic damage from a misdirected laser beam. In another embodiment, the stent includes a collapsible frame structure compressed by a spring, and a central ablatable blocking portion.

Abstract: Optical fiber devices for medical purposes and a method of making optical fiber devices. In one embodiment particularly suitable for laser surgery an optical fiber device is provided which includes an capsule which secures a lens element adjacent to an end of an optical fiber. The capsule includes fluid passageways which extend along the length thereof through which a temperature controlled fluid may be caused to flow. In another embodiment particularly suitable for providing a wide area of illumination an optical fiber device is provided which includes a main optical fiber element and a plurality of auxiliary optical fiber elements which are optically coupled thereto. The auxiliary optical fiber elements have terminal ends which project light that is transmitted through the main optical fiber.

Abstract: A laser energy excitation and delivery device which includes a coaxial system of tubes having an annular space therebetween. A lasing or pumping gas is provided in the annular space and subjected to radio frequency discharge which results in the generation of laser radiation. The resulting laser radiation is propagated through and delivered from a section of the device which includes an extension of the innermost tube or an extension of each of the tubes. One embodiment of the device includes a central passageway though which various materials, including a guide wire, can pass. The device has particular utility for medical and surgical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus for the time-gated optical examination of objects that are p of, embedded in or viewed through dense scattering materials is disclosed.

Abstract: A laser device pumped by RF microwaves at frequencies in the range of 8 to 12 GHz (X-band). An optical cavity containing a lasing medium is located within an RF cavity resonant at a frequency in the X-band. X-band RF energy is supplied from an RF source to a waveguide. A coupling plate, forming a common wall between the waveguide and the RF cavity, couples the RF energy from the waveguide into the cavity to produce a standing wave pattern therein which excites the lasing medium. Various coupling plate designs are disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of separate optical cavities containing separate lasing media are located within the RF cavity and are commonly excited by the microwave energy.

Abstract: A device and method for synchronous generation and amplification of tunable UV laser radiation. The system makes use of flat plate conductors which contain first and second parallel spaced channels therein. In the first channel, a N.sub.2 discharge produces a N.sub.2 laser pulse which excites a dye cell laser that generates a narrow radiation spectrum. Optical grating dispersion elements select two tunable frequencies which produces a colinear two laser beam output. The two beam pulse is directed into a gas or vapor cell with a resonantly enhanced third order susceptibility which mixes the two frequencies and results in a vacuum ultraviolet signal. The signal from the gas or vapor cell is transmitted by a rotatable, movable mirror vacuum optical path, with variable pulse delay, to the second channel where it is injected into the discharge in the second channel at the instant that gain is available.

Abstract: An electrode switch arrangement for producing a fast-rise, long-path-length, uniform electron beam for short wavelength laser pumping.