Abstract: Eye-safe, low-power-density, Class 1 or Class 3R laser treatment systems for medical applications are disclosed. Systems having controlled power and stray irradiation can meet laser safety requirements according to IEC 60825-1:2007 or equivalent for eye-safe rating; classification as laser-Class 1 or as laser-Class 3R. Laser system comprises a diode laser source, an optical fiber probe, means for detecting and identifying said optical probe and means to ensure that laser power transmitted from the fiber probe is limited to pre-specified maximum power level per application; laser wavelength; emission characteristics; probe characteristics; limiting values according to applied safety regulations. Device can identify the connected optical fiber probe to exclude using non-conforming optical fiber probes and/or to limit maximum output to optical powers in compliance with laser safety regulations. System preferably operates at a wavelength of 1400 nm or higher.

Abstract: Fiber optic phototherapy device comprises a light emitter comprising one or more layers of optical fibers. The optical fibers have end portions extending from opposite ends of the light emitter that are mixed together and lighted using the same light source or light sources.

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

Abstract: A multi-component sterile, disposable tip apparatus for laser surgical devices is provided and features assembly for alignment of a self-contained optical fiber to the surgical device and releasably locking assembly between the tip and device.

Abstract: A probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the energy in a beam to one side of the fiber end. An MRI system is arranged to generate a series of output signals indicative of temperature in the targeted area. The application of energy is stopped when the temperature at the boundary of the lesion reaches the required hyperthermic temperature. Cooling of the tip portion of the probe is effected by expansion of a supplied cooling fluid through a restrictive orifice into an expansion zone at the probe end to minimize collateral tissue damage.

Abstract: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.

Abstract: A laser tissue fusion device is optimized for particular surgical applications to join tissue layers. The device has two opposed arms that engage and disengage to clamp and release layers of tissue therebetween. The distal end of the first arm is disposed opposite the distal end of the second arm. A laser energy source generates therapeutic laser energy is either integrated within the device is a separate unit. An energy pathway transmits the laser energy to the distal end of the first arm to deliver the laser energy to tissue layers clamped between the distal ends of the arms. An actuator decreases the separation distance between the distal ends of the arms to clamp the tissue layers. A switch activates the laser energy source upon engagement. The laser energy source delivers a burst of energy at a predetermined wavelength for a predetermined period of time sufficient to spot-weld the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, method, devices and instruments, including an apparatus that includes a flexible waveguide coupled to a supporting structure, and further coupled to a treatment tip. The apparatus also includes a beam controller to control application of a radiation beam emitted from the flexible waveguide to distribute the beam over an area different than an area covered by direct application of the beam to a single location on a target tissue. Further disclosed is an apparatus that includes a waveguide, coupleable to a laser source, and a thermal protection instrument. The thermal protection instrument includes a tissue contacting member to contact a part of an area of a tissue irradiated by laser radiation, and a beam blocking element to absorb at least some of radiation not absorbed by the area of the tissue, the beam blocking element being thermally isolated from the area of the tissue.

Abstract: Catheters useful in the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. A catheter includes an elongate main body defining an inflation lumen and an optic lumen, an inflatable balloon attached to the distal end of the main body, and a fiber optic disposed in the optic lumen. When connected to a light source, the fiber optic emits light radially along a portion of the balloon and axially from the distal end of the main body. Methods of identifying and treating bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are also described.

Abstract: Optical energy-based methods and apparatus for sealing vascular tissue involves deforming vascular tissue to bring different layers of the vascular tissue into contact each other and illuminating the vascular tissue with a light beam having at least one portion of its spectrum overlapping with the absorption spectrum of the vascular tissue. The apparatus may include two deforming members configured to deform the vascular tissue placed between the deforming members. The apparatus may also include an optical system that has a light source configured to generate light, a light distribution element configured to distribute the light across the vascular tissue, and a light guide configured to guide the light from the light source to the light distribution element. The apparatus may further include a cutting member configured to cut the vascular tissue and to illuminate the vascular tissue with light to seal at least one cut surface of the vascular tissue.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in an ophthalmic surgical apparatus, the illumination device including a fiber optic having a proximal end and a connector coupled to the fiber optic. The connector includes one or more of (1) a datum surface disposed a predetermined distance from the proximal end to position the proximal end at a predetermined location within the surgical apparatus, (2) a shutter actuation surface configured and arranged to open a shutter in the surgical apparatus when the connector is being connected to the surgical apparatus, and (3) a visual indicator position to provides a visual indication that the connector is fully inserted into the surgical apparatus. The illumination device may be in a combination with an ophthalmic surgical apparatus.

Abstract: An annular side fire optical device for laterally redirecting electromagnetic radiation comprises a tapered section of silica, a conical section of silica adjoining the tapered section and an annular beveled end surface. The tapered section of silica has a diameter that increases with distance along a longitudinal axis in a direction toward a transmitting end. The conical section of silica comprises a wall of silica surrounding a conical bore. The conical bore has a diameter that increases with distance along the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the transmitting end. The annular beveled end surface is formed in the wall of silica at the transmitting end and is angled relative the longitudinal axis such that electromagnetic radiation propagating along the longitudinal axis through the conical section is reflected by the beveled end surface at an angle that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A broadband light source includes one or more laser diodes that are capable of generating a pump signal having a wavelength shorter than 2.5 microns, a pulse width of at least 100 picoseconds and a pump optical spectral width. The light source also includes one or more optical amplifiers that are coupled to the pump signal and are capable of amplifying the pump signal to a peak power of at least 500 W. The light source further includes a first fiber that is coupled to the one or more optical amplifiers. The first fiber including an anomalous group-velocity dispersion regime and a modulational instability mechanism that operates to modulate the pump signal. The light source also includes a nonlinear element that is coupled to the first fiber that is capable of broadening the pump optical spectral width to at least 100 nm through a nonlinear effect in the nonlinear element.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser apparatus and methods for laser ablation of tissue are described. The apparatus and methods utilize a laser source emitting at two or more wavelengths coupled to a fiberoptic laser delivery device and a laser driver and control system with features for protection of the laser delivery device, the patient, the operator and other components of the laser treatment system. A fiber tip protection system limits damage to the fiberoptic laser delivery device, thereby allowing the multi-wavelength laser to be operated in a tissue contact mode. The invention, which has broad medical and industrial applications, is described in relation to a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by contact laser ablation of the prostate (C-LAP) using a technique of touch and pullback laser ablation of the prostate (TapLAP).

Abstract: An optical surgical fiber assembly for delivering laser radiation from a laser radiation source to a treatment site has a sealed off capillary enclosing a delivery end of the fiber. The capillary is formed from an outermost layer of fused silica and an adjacent layer of boron-doped fused silica having a higher CTE than that of the fused silica. The capillary is shrink-fitted onto the delivery end of the fiber. A compressive stress is imparted to the outermost layer of the capillary as a result of the shrink-fitting process and the CTE difference between the layers. This provides mechanical hardening of the surface of the outermost layer.

Abstract: A method of treating atrial fibrillation includes the step of positioning a distal portion of an ablation instrument in proximity to one or more pulmonary veins. The instrument has a hollow housing and an independently axially positionable energy emitter within the distal portion The energy emitter is configured and the distal portion is shaped such that a distance a beam of ablative energy travels from the energy emitter to the portion of the distal portion in contact with target tissue changes based on the energy emitter's location along the length of the instrument while the distal portion maintains its shape The energy emitter is a light emitting element and a beam-forming optical waveguide that receives light from the light emitting element. The waveguide projects onto the distal portion a hollow cone of radiation.

Abstract: The efficacy and safety of laser medical treatments are ensured by performing a combination of measurement techniques to examine tissue properties in order to control characteristics of the laser treatments of cartilaginous tissues. In some aspects, a treatment tool is provided that is capable of taking and providing feedback relating to multiple measurements, including temperature measurements (in particular, radiometry), mechanical measurements, light scattering, speckle interferometry, optoacoustic measurements, and monitoring tissue electrical characteristics. The device is capable of providing feedback during the course of laser treatment of tissue to increase the safety and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A monolithic, side pumped solid-state laser (1) comprising a laser resonator structure (3) comprised of a laser gain medium (2) having a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the laser resonator structure (3) comprises end faces (4) forming a linear optical path resonant cavity there between, at least one of the end faces (4) comprising at least partially reflecting laser mirrors (4a, 4b) in particular deposited thereon, the laser gain medium (2) comprising a side face (2a) for receiving pump light (5a) of a pump source (5), wherein the pump light (5a) is generated by a diode laser (5), and comprising a conductive cooler (6) comprising contact faces (6c) contacting the laser gain medium (2), and comprising a reflector (7) arranged opposite to the side face (2a) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein the laser gain medium (2) is a low gain material.

Abstract: A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and method for the removal of diseased cells during surgery.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a shaped fiber optic tip having a side-firing output end with a double bevel-cut shape. The shaped fiber optic tip can be configured to side-fire laser energy in a direction away from a laser handpiece and toward sidewalls of a treatment or target site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light guide unit for a laser applicator, wherein the light guide unit has a light guide tip assembly removably insertable into the laser applicator, wherein the light guide tip assembly comprises an optical fiber and a coupling member provided on a proximal end of the optical fiber. When the coupling member is provided on the optical fiber, a proximal end face of the optical fiber needs to be kept clean. It is also desired that the light guide tip assembly can be manufactured easily. It is suggested to provide the coupling member via a casting technique.

Abstract: A surgical device based on the concept of controlling the laser power during laser surgery based on optical and other signals from the tip and the tissue is described. A laser surgical system generally comprises several basic components, such as a laser, a delivery system, a tip and a control system. A tip may be considered as a particular case of a thermo-optical tip (TOT). TOT is an optical and mechanical element which could be used to modify or treat soft and hard tissues, including cutting, coagulation, vaporization, carbonization, and ablation of tissues.

Abstract: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free end, which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed.

Abstract: A variable-angle, wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge, variable-angle illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical assembly, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and providing the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece and optical assembly, for housing and directing the optical assembly to illuminate selected area. The optical assembly can comprise a fiber/polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal (“PDLC”) diffuser optically coupled to an optical needle or a nested compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved laser systems and methods for endoscopic laser treatment of abnormal tissue such as abnormal mucosal tissue, for example esophageal dysplasia that is also referred to as Barrett's esophagus (BE). The systems and methods described here can also be used in many applications where treatment of shallow surface layers with minimal damage to the tissue beneath is desirable, for example BE tissue comprising hemoglobin. In many embodiments, the system is configured to emit light energy having an optical wavelength to treat tissue having oxygenated hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method of laser processing of materials and specifically laser induced ablation processes for laser removal of material by impulsive heat deposition (IHD) by direct and specific excitation of short lived vibrations or phonons of the material in such a way as to not generate highly reactive and damaging ions through multiphoton absorption. The heat deposition and ensuing ablation is achieved faster than heat transfer to surrounding tissue by either acoustic or thermal expansion or thermal diffusion. The deposited laser energy is channeled into the ablation process to drive the most efficient ablation process possible with minimal damage to surrounding areas by either ionizing radiation or heat effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light guide with at least one photorefractive area, wherein a volume hologram is formed in the photorefractive area in such a way that light coupled into the light guide can be decoupled by the volume hologram at a predetermined angle and/or with a predetermined focus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a tissue vitality comparator is provided to view images of tissue relative to the surgical instrument and compare the images with predetermined reference images. The surgical instrument includes a pair of jaws for capturing tissue and one or more light sources 14 illuminating the captured tissue. The surgical instrument additionally includes a light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle having a first end for viewing the tissue between the jaws and a second end on a handle portion of the surgical instrument for observing the tissue. A tissue comparison chart having a plurality of reference images is provided on the handle of the surgical instrument for comparison with the image observed through the second end of the light pipe with fiber optic imaging bundle.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to remote pneumatic (bellows-action) actuators for switching applications, which are preferably sterile and/or disposable. When compressed, the bellows-action actuator provides a pulse of air pressure sufficient to actuate a remotely-located pneumatic switch configured to turn on/off an electrical, mechanical or optical device. The pulse of air pressure is propagated along a non-conducting tube, thereby substantially reducing the risk of e.g., electric shock or O2 ignition/combustion associated with conventional electric switches in wet, hazardous or medical environments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adipose tissue treatment whereby two types of electromagnetic radiation are applied to the volume of tissue to be treated, One type of the electromagnetic radiations being RF and the second type of electromagnetic radiation being visible or infrared radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The apparatus and the method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: To provide a bone cutting device capable of selectively cutting only a bone easily and quickly, the device of the present invention is adapted to cut a bone by irradiating with a laser beam and includes a light source for emitting a laser beam of 1000 to 1500 nm with a peak output of 10 to 70 W/cm2.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery illuminated directional laser probe has a handle and a rigid tubular tip projecting from the handle, and has an illumination optic fiber and a laser optic fiber that extend through the handle and the tip. A mechanism on the handle is operable to extend distal ends of the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber from the distal end of the instrument tip, and to retract the distal ends of the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber back into the interior of the tip. At least one of the distal ends of the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber is held in a curved configuration. The distal ends of the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber are secured to each other, whereby both the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber curve into a bent configuration as the distal ends of the illumination optic fiber and the laser optic fiber are extended from the distal end of the instrument tip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a laser ablation system. In one embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon, a laser fiber and a viewing fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, a portion of which is within the balloon. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising a light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon. The viewing fiber is configured to image an interior balloon. In accordance with another embodiment, the laser ablation system comprises a shaft, a balloon and a laser fiber. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft, which is within the balloon. The balloon includes an inflated state, in which the balloon is shaped to conform to a cavity of a patient. The laser fiber has a distal end comprising light dispenser that is configured to deliver laser light through the balloon.

Abstract: A side fire optical device comprises a cap member, a sleeve and a fiber optic segment. The cap member comprises a closed end section, a tube section having a bore, and a transmitting surface. The sleeve is received within the bore of the tube section. The sleeve includes a bore and an exterior surface that is fused to a surface of the bore of the cap member. The fiber optic segment comprises an exterior surface that is fused to a surface of the bore of the sleeve, and a beveled end surface that is positioned adjacent the transmitting surface of the cap member. The beveled end surface is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber optic segment such that electromagnetic radiation propagating along the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic segment is reflected by the beveled end surface at an angle that is transverse to the longitudinal axis and through the transmitting surface of the cap member.

Abstract: A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort.

Abstract: Acupuncture device uses a laser beam. Acupuncture device is configured for bringing about a suitable treatment relevant to the pain in a patient and so that it is adapted to all aspects of practice, in particular so as to enable easy replacement of laser diodes of different intensity levels or laser modules of different wavelengths and a lasting operating capacity of all its elements. Therefore, the acupuncture device includes the following elements: a control apparatus including several outlets for electrical conductors; several electrical conductors connected to the outlets of the control apparatus; several laser diodes connected to the electrical conductors; and several laser needles which are connected to the laser diodes, so that the laser beam emitted by the laser diodes is injected into the laser needles, and which are designed to contact, through their output region, a patient's body. Device may be used to irradiate blood.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: An endoprobe for ophthalmic microsurgery for intraocular treatment of the eye and that affords a surgeon good visibility regardless of the distance from the treatment site in the eye. The endoprobe includes a stainless steel cannula enclosing one or more optical fibers and a laser fiber. A distal end of the optical fibers can be closed by a transparent lens-shaped structure such that an illuminating light transmitted through the optical fibers is radiated and transmitted laser light can exit from the laser fiber, or such that the laser fiber is embedded in a transparent shaped element. The laser fiber may have a covering for transporting light. The laser light may be injected directly into the laser fiber and the illuminating light is injected via at least one optical element into the covering of the laser fiber or into the transparent shaped element.

Abstract: A soft tissue laser with a display, a control device, a controllable laser light source, a first light-conducting element and a receptacle at the light-emitting side end of a first light-conducting element, at which different tips having a second light-conducting element each can be arranged in such a fashion that they can be removed again, which tips differ from one another in the diameters of the second light-conducting elements and/or in the amount by which the second light conductor axially exceeds the free end of the tip. The control device, in particular depending on the desired work process, determines the suitable tip and controls the laser light source in such a fashion that the power necessary for the work process selected is available at the free end of the second light-conducting element.

Abstract: Phototherapy devices for phototherapy treatment of a patient include a light emitter for emitting light received from a light source. Means may be provided for increasing the amount of power to the light source in response to a decrease in light output to maintain a substantially constant light output. The light source may be inside a housing and bonded to a heat sink attached to the back side of the housing to dissipate excess heat generated by the light source. Also the light source may comprise at least one LED that generates blue light output bands and at least one other LED that generates other color light output bands that are selectively mixed with the blue light output bands.

Abstract: A Minimally Invasive Surgical Laser Hand-piece (“MISLH”) for use with a probe is described. The MISLH has a MISLH proximal end and MISLH distal end, and the MISLH may include an optical coupler located at the MISLH proximal end, a substantially straight central bore within the MISLH, and an internal beam stop aperture within the central bore adjoined to the optical coupler. The central bore may extend from the optical coupler to the MISLH distal end and the central bore may be configured to accept the insertion of the probe within the central bore at the MISLH distal end. Additionally, the central bore may be configured to accept the insertion of the probe such that the probe is adjoined to the internal beam stop aperture.

Abstract: A variable-rigidity, small-gauge illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam to illuminate an area; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber, wherein the cannula is operable to extend and retract from the handpiece to vary the length of the cannula extending from the handpiece, and wherein the optical fiber is operably connected to the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: A radiation emitting apparatus is disclosed that emits a substantially homogenous beam of radiation from an irregularly shaped output end. As described herein, a radiation emitting apparatus includes a bundled fiber guide coupled to an energy distribution tuner. The bundled fiber guide is coupled to the energy distribution tuner to receive a substantially uniform distribution of high power energy. The bundled fiber guide is configured to distribute the energy to emit a substantially uniform distribution of lower power energy toward a target surface, such as a body surface. The bundled fiber guide may include a plurality of fused optic fibers, a plurality of beam splitting mirror elements, or tapered waveguides.