Abstract: The invention concerns a means for calculating an operating parameter of an endovenous laser delivering a value of the energy (E) of the laser beam, or a value of the power (Plaser) of the laser beam for a predetermined duration of emission (tlaser), or a value of the duration of emission (tlaser) of the laser beam for a predetermined power (Plaser) of the laser beam, said value being based on an exponential law which depends on the interior diameter (or radius) of the vein to be treated.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a component concentration measuring apparatus by blood sampling by laser perforating, capable of preventing leak of an abnormal odor generated during laser perforating, and improving user's convenience. In a component concentration measuring apparatus of the invention, a slide sheet 6 in which a film is provided on the optical axis of a laser beam, and an insertion holder 7 the inside of which is hollow are inserted into a main body 2 equipped with a laser device, a focusing lens, an analyzing device that analyzes components of a body fluid by an enzyme reaction of a specimen reagent, a laser operation button 5, a display 3, a display switching button 4, a chargeable battery, and an electric circuit on which a memory that stores the operation of the laser device, analysis of component concentration by the output of the analyzing device, and analysis results is mounted.

Abstract: A temperature measuring unit of a temperature sensor has electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of a temperature measuring element, thin-film substrates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes, and laser beam shield plates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thin-film substrates. One of the electrodes is bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive, and the other electrode is not bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive. When the temperature sensor is bonded to a hollow cylinder of an insert, the temperature measuring unit is curved along the surface of the hollow cylinder, tending to develop tensile stresses in the other electrode. At this time, the other electrode is positionally displaced depending on the developed tensile stresses, allowing the temperature sensor to be adjusted in length. Consequently, the temperature sensor is prevented from being broken or damaged.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention measure at least one reflecting surface of an object disposed along an optical path. In some embodiments a measured optical interference signal for each of at least three wavelengths of reflected light may be used to determine a modulation of frequency components of a Fourier series. Frequency components of a Fourier series may be transformed to spatial components that describe intensities and positions of light reflected along an optical path. Systems and methods of the present invention permit rapid measuring and may monitor corneal thickness during surgery. The invention may do so by integrating an ablation device and a measurement apparatus into a single system. An integrated scanning and monitoring system may include an ablative light source producing an ablative beam and a measurement light source producing a measurement beam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device (14) delivers an optical pulse having an optical field power which is modified locally by an optical field power modifying means (18) to effect ionization and destruction of living cells (16).

Abstract: A method for making pulsed photothermal radiometric measurements to determine individual maximum safe radiant exposure (IMSRE) of biological subjects corresponding to radiant energy exposure (RE) without any use of a biological model includes a calibration procedure, including the steps of applying a statistical regression to an empirical data set of IMSRE and temporal REs applied to a sample population of the subjects to determine a IMSRE corresponding to each temporal RE. The IMSRE is set so that using the statistical regression separation of the data set into an acceptable injury grouping and an unacceptable injury grouping is obtained with a predetermined limitation of the proportion of subjects having unacceptable injury at a temporal RE below the corresponding IMSRE. The separation of the data set is thus used to predict an IMSRE for a corresponding temporal RE to a biological subject not included in the sample population.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for skin treatment or other applications includes a laser diode module controller that is configured to operate one or more laser diodes that are situated to provide optical radiation to an exposure aperture. A two-dimensional position sensor is secured to the exposure aperture and provides an exposure aperture translation signal that is coupled to the laser diode module controller. Delivery of optical radiation to the exposure aperture by the laser diode module controller is based on an exposure aperture translation or velocity that is estimated based on the exposure aperture translation signal. In addition, a clock or timer is coupled to the laser diode module controller to permit selection of laser diode pulse duty cycle or to provide safe or comfortable skin treatment. The two dimensional position sensor can be based on optical sensing such as provided in an optical mouse, and can also provide proximity sensing for safe, efficient operation.

Abstract: An application for a light source for killing blood pathogens. The light source includes multiple ultraviolet light emitting diodes and a visible-spectrum light emitting diode. A light mixer combines light from the ultraviolet light emitting diodes and the visible-spectrum light emitting diode and focuses a mixed light into a fiber optic for delivery to an intravenous needle. A controller adjusts an amount of current delivered to the ultraviolet light emitting diodes and visible-spectrum light emitting diode. A touch screen is interfaced to the controller for inputting commands and a display is interfaced to the controller for outputting information.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin.

Abstract: A system for positioning the eye of a patient, relative to a stationary surgical laser unit, includes a chair for moving the patient. An eye stabilizing element is held against the eye, with a tapered receptacle extending outwardly therefrom. Also, an alignment device with a tapered tip is mounted on the surgical laser unit. In operation, the patient is moved to engage the receptacle of the eye stabilizing element with the tip of the alignment device, to thereby align the patient's eye with the surgical laser unit for laser surgery.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: a main unit in which an illumination and observation optical system for illuminating a patient's eye and allowing observation of the patient's eye under illumination, and an irradiation optical system for irradiating a treatment laser beam and an aiming beam to the patient's eye; a joystick including a grip to be grasped by an operator, the joystick being configured to move the main unit with respect to the patient's eye; and a switch placed in an opening formed in a side of the joystick, the switch being configured to input a plurality of switch signals.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of surgical material removal from a body by optical-ablation with controlled pulse energy from an amplifier including inputting an ablation-threshold-pulse-energy-for-material-being-ablated signal; controlling the energy of a pulse and the pulse repetition rate and by knowing the type of material being removed, the system can control the removal to predetermined rate and, thus knowing the removal rate, it can know how long to run to stop at the predetermined volume.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of surgical material removal from a body by optical-ablation with controlled pulse energy from an amplifier including inputting an ablation-threshold-pulse-energy-for-material-being-ablated signal; controlling the energy of a pulse and the pulse repetition rate and by knowing the type of material being removed, the system can control the removal to predetermined rate and, thus knowing the removal rate, it can know how long to run to stop at the predetermined volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating in situ biologic tissue include identifying a patient with a condition susceptible to treatment by forming a lesion in the tissue and accessing a surface of the tissue. A lesion formation tool is positioned against the accessed surface. The tool includes an optical fiber for guiding a coherent waveform of a selected wavelength to a fiber tip for discharge of light energy from the fiber tip. The wavelength is selected for the light energy to penetrate a full thickness of the tissue to form a volume of necrosed tissue through the thickness of the tissue. The tool further includes a guide tip coupled to the fiber tip. The guide tip is adapted to have a discharge bore aligned with the fiber tip to define an unobstructed light pathway from the fiber tip to the tissue surface.

Abstract: Systems that measure temperatures of tissue during electrosurgery or laser therapy of the tissue or organs is provided. One system provides a pyrometer that measures infrared electromagnetic energy emitted by a surface of a tissue or organ thereby determining a sub-surface temperature of the tissue or organ. The system further has an energy generator and an ablation electrode or laser probe that delivers energy from the energy generator to a tissue or organ, responsive to a sub-surface temperature determined by the pyrometer. The pyrometer can be calibrated using a luminescent material having known optical properties as a function of temperature. The luminescent material can be positioned on the surface of the tissue or organ or inserted directly into the tissue or organ using a catheter. Methods in which the surface or sub-surface temperature of the tissue is measured during therapy are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for providing light treatments to a patients skin, which could include both dermal and epidermal regions. The system and method utilize multiple hand pieces where each hand piece can deliver light from a different light source. The system and method provide for control over the different light source corresponding to the different hand pieces based on whether the hand pieces are held in storage positions in a hand piece management unit. A control unit of the system provides operates to cause a user interface display to communicate information to a user based on the positions of the different hand pieces. Further, the system and method can provide a user with access to different aspects of the systems operation based on the positions of the hand pieces.

Abstract: A device for moving a therapeutic energy source over an area to be treated including at least one therapeutic energy source adapted to produce therapeutic energy and coupled to a mounting structure, and at least one moving unit connected to the mounting structure and adapted to move the mounting structure and the energy source coupled thereto over an area to be exposed to therapeutic energy.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system for altering the optical characteristics of a patient's cornea includes an algorithm for predicting the shape of the cornea after one or more gas bubbles resulting from intrastromal photoablation have collapsed. Patient data can be used as an input for the algorithm, which is then run to prepare an initial treatment plan for a corneal alteration. The initial plan typically includes a plurality of intrastromal photoablation locations and corresponding ablation energies. After photoablation of plan location(s) and before the resulting bubbles collapse, a real-time wavefront shape for light passing through the cornea is measured. The wavefront is then used in the algorithm to predict a post bubble collapse cornea shape and to generate an updated treatment plan. The procedure then continues by ablating location(s) identified in the updated treatment plan. Wavefront measurement and plan updating can be repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: A laser-based method and apparatus for corneal surgery. The present invention is intended to be applied primarily to ablate organic materials, and human cornea in particular. The invention uses a laser source which has the characteristics of providing a shallow ablation depth (0.2 microns or less per laser pulse), and a low ablation energy density threshold (less than or equal to about 10 mJ/cm2), to achieve optically smooth ablated corneal surfaces. The preferred laser includes a laser emitting approximately 100–50,000 laser pulses per second, with a wavelength of about 198–300 nm and a pulse duration of about 1–5,000 picoseconds. Each laser pulse is directed by a highly controllable laser scanning system. Described is a method of distributing laser pulses and the energy deposited on a target surface such that surface roughness is controlled within a specific range.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus for the treatment of psoriasis which includes a dielectric-discharge excimer lamp 32, which is equipped with a reflector 34 and optical system 36 for ensuring a substantially uniform density of energy, is mounted on a maneuverable arm 40. The arm 40 is mounted to a stand 24. An electronic control unit 20 and a radiofrequency power supply unit 22 are connected to the lamp 32. A pipe of a cooling circuit 9 is connected to the lamp 32 via the arm 40. The pipe 9 connects to an air-liquid exchanger 3 with a de-ionizer having a temperature sensor 5 and a sensor 7. The sensors 5, 7 and 10 are connected to a microcontroller 12, which is connected to an operating panel 14 and to a display 16 and a printer 18. A hardware container 26 is provided on the stand to hold the radiofrequency power supply unit 22, the printer 28, the microcontroller 12, the control panel 30, and the air-liquid exchanger 3.

Abstract: A blood vessel occlusion system and method includes a handheld probe including a power source, the probe being adapted to transmit energy from the power source through a body surface and into a target blood vessel, for example a varicose vein. Further included is a manual or automatic switch mechanism adapted to enable and disable the power source in response to a predetermined level of compression applied, by means of the probe against the target blood vessel. When the blood vessel is compressed sufficiently to collapse and substantially slow or substantially prevent a flow of blood therethrough, the power source is activated and the vessel is cauterized, leaving the blood vessel in a condition that is resistant to recanalization.

Abstract: The present invention includes the method of using optically-pumped optical amplifiers to remove material from a body by optical-ablation through time-compressing the amplified pulse and illuminating a portion of the body with the time-compressed optical pulse. The pulse energy of semiconductor optical amplifiers may also be adjusted by controlling the pump diode current.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for ophthalmic surgery comprising a laser source (52) that generates a laser beam (54); a scanner (56) comprising an input for said laser beam, and an output of a spatially scanned laser beam (54); controlling circuitry that drives said scanner (56) to remove tissue in a desired pattern on the eye (40); a microscope (58) for viewing said tissue removal; and a beam combiner (70) comprising a first input for a line of sight of said microscope (58) and second input for said spatially scanned beam (54).

Abstract: Selective photocoagulation of particular cells, tissue or portion of tissue can be aided by monitoring microcavitation within the material exposed to electromagnetic radiation (12). The information gained by the detection of microcavitation events can be used to modulate the intensity of the radiation (12) to prevent significant thermal energy transmission and mechanical damage to cells, tissues or portions of tissues which are not directly exposed, but prone to thermal damage by such energy transmission. Detection of microcavitation also serves as a valuable therapeutic endpoint. The methods of the invention are applicable to laser eye surgery, since the target cells of several therapeutic photocoagulation methods, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are proximate to photoreceptor cells. The inventive methods can help prevent the formation of blind spots that can be associated with laser eye surgery. Other fields of laser surgery can also be readily adapted to the methods described herein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining irradiation intensity of a laser beam, and a laser beam irradiation apparatus that enable obtaining an irradiation intensity distribution of a laser beam easily, and attaining more accurate ablation. The method for obtaining an irradiation intensity of a laser beam has the steps of inputting an intensity of fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent glass, the fluorescence intensity being obtained when the laser beam is irradiated onto the fluorescent glass which emits the fluorescence by irradiation of the laser beam with an ablation area of a size required for processing an object to be processed, and obtaining an irradiation intensity distribution of the laser beam in the ablation area based on the inputted fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A hair-removing device (1) includes a laser source (3), an adjustable laser beam manipulator (5) for positioning a laser beam (7) of the laser source (3) in a target position (9) on a skin (11) to be treated, and an image sensor (47) for detecting an image (49) of the skin. The hair-removing device further comprises a control unit (17) which determines a position and orientation on the skin of a hair (13) to be removed, and which determines the target position of the laser beam as a function of said position and orientation of the hair. The control unit brings the laser beam manipulator in a state corresponding to the target position of the laser beam, and activates the laser source when the laser beam manipulator has reached said state. Thus, the hair-removing device is suitable for use by inexperienced users, and is particularly suitable for the consumer market.

Abstract: A laser system for treating features on the skin of a patient with laser light comprising: an imaging subsystem that locates features on the skin to be treated; a laser; laser optics that focuses light from the laser onto a feature located by the imaging subsystem; and a controller that when a feature is located, controls the laser to radiate a pulse of laser light that is focused by the laser optics to a spot localized about the feature.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a laser corneal surgery apparatus in which an optical system for directing and irradiating a laser beam onto a cornea can be protected from water droplets and the like. The laser corneal surgery apparatus for ablating a cornea of a patient's eye by a laser beam comprises an observation optical system for observing the patient's eye, an irradiation optical system for irradiating the laser beam onto the cornea, and a protection plate which is disposed on an irradiation optical path between the cornea and an optical member included in the irradiation optical system and disposed in a position nearest to the cornea, and which is insertable in and removable from the optical path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided that prevent or inhibit functional regression caused by the stromal remodeling resulting from epithelial or fibroblastic apoptosis or necrosis in patients who will undergo or have undergone a thermal ciliary muscle tendinoplasty or scleral collagen shrinkage procedures. Methods and compositions are provided that prevent apoptosis in epithelial cells by stromal cooling during thermal tendinoplasty procedures; that create or restore stabilizing molecular cross-links between scleral stromal lamellar fibers; and that interrupt at least one step in the stromal remodeling response including inhibition of apoptosis, fibroblastic proliferation and migration, and inhibition of collagenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laser treatment device, comprising case (10), semiconductor laser diode (11) which is installed inside the case (10) and irradiates laser, condensing lens (12) which is installed in front of the semiconductor laser diode (11), power supply, power switch (30) which is installed outside the case (10) and controls the supply of power, irradiation switch (31) which controls the irradiation of laser and controller (32) which controls the operation of the device according to the state of to switches, wherein distance detecting sensor (40) is installed on the case (10) to measure the distance between an irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) and said controller (32) receives signal from the distance detecting sensor (40) and cuts off laser irradiation when the distance between the irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) is greater than focal distance of the condensing lens (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing hairs from living skin is provided involving the measurement with a colorimeter of the color of the area of the skin where the hair is to be removed to obtain a representative color value, employing the color value to select an optimum range of laser energy necessary to inactivate hair follicles in the area, yet minimize any inflammatory reaction, and directing laser energy of optimum range at the skin area to depilate such area.

Abstract: In photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy, the oscillating wavelength of laser light from a light source is fitted to a plurality of different kinds of photosensitizers and exciting conditions thereof. Moreover, diagnosis and treatment are achieved using concurrent diagnosis during treatment is realized as well. A semiconductor laser generates laser light having an oscillating wavelength which is variable and a full width at half maximum which is narrow. A light transmission line guides an irradiated laser light to the vicinity of a focus, an image transmission line observes the focus and the periphery thereof, a fluorescence light extracting device extracts only the fluorescence light emitted from a photosensitizer excited by the irradiated laser light, an image-pick-up/analyzing device picks up and analyzes an image of the extracted fluorescence light and an image display device displays the analyzing result.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery apparatus for observing an anterior portion of an eye, and an optical system for laser beam treatment to the eye. The apparatus has a moving device for moving the optical system relative to the eye, an illuminating device for illuminating an area of the anterior portion of the eye, a photoelectric transducing device having a two-dimensional light sensing plane for sensing distribution of light volume of the anterior portion of the eye, a pupil position sensing device for sensing the position of a pupil, and a control device for controlling the moving device based on sensed results.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for treating inflammatory, proliferative skin disorders, such as psoriasis, with ultraviolet phototherapy. The methods and systems use optical techniques to scan a patient's skin, designate areas of affected skin, and selectively deliver high doses of phototherapeutic ultraviolet radiation to the designated areas. To insure that only affected areas of skin affected are designated for the high doses of UV radiation, the methods and systems use one or more optical diagnostics that relate to independent physiological features of affected skin.

Abstract: A device treats skin by radiation. The device has a housing accommodating a radiation source and having an exit opening for the radiation. The device activates the radiation source only if the presence of skin immediately in front of the exit opening is detected. The radiation source cannot be activated if the exit opening is not covered.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for applying pulsed energy to an eye. In an exemplary embodiment, a firing rate of the pulsed energy varies in correlation with a modeled or estimated thermal response of a tissue of the eye to the pulses of the laser beam during the treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a pulsed controlled vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of skin by radiation pulses. The device has a detector measuring a biophysical property of skin, such as temperature increase, dispersion or absorption coefficient, or reflection coefficient for light having a predetermined wavelength, and also has a control unit which determines, from the biophysical property, a safe dose of radiation. The device automatically protects against an overdose from the radiation source. The invention can be used, not only in a hair removing device such as a laser epilator, a laser shaver or a flashlight epilator, but also in devices for the medical treatment of skin by means of radiation, such as photodermatology systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.

Abstract: Methods of operating and logging the usage of a photo-thermal epilation apparatus provide for the logging of usage information as the apparatus is employed for each epilation session. The operational information may be applied to determine when calibration is required, if additional usage funds must be paid before additional sessions may be conducted, and or when and who conducted epilation sessions with the apparatus. A usage log may be stored within a database that contains entries of operation or usage information. Each usage log entry may include information associated with a client, an operator, as well as other useful information related to the usage of the apparatus. The apparatus may further be configured to communicate with at least one remote computer. The communication with the remote computer may be included for enabling operation and usage of the apparatus to be metered, monitored, and or purchased in pre-determined usage allotments.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system for the intrastromal photoablation of tissue includes an active mirror for individually directing the component beams of a diagnostic laser beam to a focal point on the retina of an eye. The reflected beam is analyzed to identify a distorted wavefront indicative of required corneal corrections, and an induced wavefront indicative of optical aberrations introduced by bubbles formed during tissue ablation. A comparator alters the induced wavefront with a desired wavefront to create a rectified wavefront, and a comparator compares the rectified wavefront with the distorted wavefront to create error signals. The error signals are then used to operate the active mirror and to control an ablation laser until the absence of error signals indicate the required stromal tissue has been photoablated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical methods which may include excising a sheet of tissue from surrounding tissue, treating the isolated sheet with focused energy thereby ablating at least one layer of said sheet (or a part thereof) and inserting the treated sheet to the location from which the sheet of tissue was excised or to another location. The invention also includes devices for conducting such methods. The method is particularly useful for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment on a treatment part of a skin by irradiating the part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a window having an optical property of transmitting the treatment beam, the window being brought into contact with the skin for laser irradiation; a window cooling unit; a contact-state detector which detects a contact state of the window with the skin; and a controller which changes a cooling control temperature of the cooling unit from a predetermined first temperature which is previously set higher than 0° C. to a predetermined second temperature lower than the first temperature when the contact-state detector detects that the window is in contact with the skin.

Abstract: A device and a method for the photolithographic exposure of biological substances is described, which comprises at least one light source, a bundle of optical fibers and a control unit, whereby each of the optical fibers can be controlled by light independently from one another and/or light can be coupled to each fiber independently. The device is particularly suitable for the exposure of DNA, PNA or peptide chips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device used for the photorefractive keratectomy of the eye, especially LASIK, uses an UV laser beam for ablating parts of the cornea. A centering light beam is arranged coaxially with respect to the fixing light beam and has a wavelength different from that of the fixing light beam. The device is provided with devices for measuring and evaluating the position of the scattered light/Fresnel reflection of the centering light beam on the front face of the cornea. The point in which the centering light beam passes through the front face of the cornea is used as the center of ablation.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing temperature at an optical fiber tip, including the steps of positioning a slug of fluorescent material adjacent the optical fiber tip, providing an optical stimulus having a wavelength within a first predetermined range through at least one fiber optically linked to the optical fiber tip, wherein a desired optical fluorescent response having a wavelength within a second predetermined range from the fluorescent slug is generated, detecting a signal representative of the optical stimulus, detecting a signal representative of the optical fluorescent response, digitally processing the optical stimulus signal and the optical fluorescent response signal to determine a phase difference therebetween, and calculating a temperature for the optical fiber tip as a function of the phase difference.

Abstract: A TMR system including a handpiece with a barrel having a passage for transmitting a laser beam, a heart tissue contacting portion at one of the barrel, and at least one ECG electrode associated with the handpiece. An ECG unit is responsive to the ECG electrode for generating an ECG signal, a laser provides the laser beam, and a processing circuit is configured to fire the laser in response to the ECG signal.

Abstract: An optical bench for processing laser light in a laser system, including an optical bench housing, a beam dump mounted to the optical bench housing so as to be in optical communication therewith, steering optics mounted within the optical bench housing for directing the laser light in a path from a laser light input to an output, and a mechanism for causing the laser light to deviate from the path and be directed into the beam dump upon recognition of a specified condition in the laser system, wherein the laser light is thermally isolated from the steering optics. The mechanism can either cause at least one optically reflective element to be inserted into the path, cause at least one optical element of the steering optics to have a change in position with respect to the path, and/or causes at least one optical element of the steering optics to be removed from the path.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.