Abstract: A method and apparatus for the determination of bilirubin concentration in tissue such as skin, particularly neonatal skin. Light reflected from the skin under test is analyzed to determine bilirubin concentration in the skin, corrected for maturity-dependent optical properties of the skin, the amount of melanin in the skin and the amount of blood in the skin. Reflected red to infrared light is used to determine maturity-dependent optical properties, reflected red light is used to determine melanin content, and reflected yellow-orange light is used to determine the amount of blood in the skin. Then, these quantities are used, in combination with reflected blue light, to calculate cutaneous bilirubin concentration.

Abstract: A method of administering a therapeutic substance to a human patient, the method having the steps of ablating the stratum corneum of a region of the skin of the patient using pulsed laser light of wavelength, pulse length, pulse energy, pulse number, and pulse repetition rate sufficient to ablate the stratum corneum without significantly damaging the underlying epidermis, and applying the therapeutic substance to the region of ablation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the moisture content of a target material, the apparatus has means for generating an electromagnetic wave of a microwave frequency. The electromagnetic wave is guided by a guiding means. Detecting means are provided for detecting the wave. Focussing means are provided to focus the wave onto the target, at a specified depth, which is adjustable.