CN101505675A - Handheld photocosmetic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses handheld photocosmetic devices that can be utilized to apply EMR to the skin, e.g., to achieve fractional treatment of the skin. The invention discloses effective fractional photocosmetic devices for use by a consumer in a non-medical and or non-professional setting. Thus, embodiments of such devices are disclosed herein that have one or more of the following attributes: capable of performing one or more cosmetic and/or dermatological treatments; efficacious for such treatments; durable; relatively inexpensive; relatively simple in design; smaller than existing professional devices (with some embodiments being completely self-contained and handheld); safe for use by non-professionals; and/or not painful to use (or only mildly painful).

Description

Handheld photocosmetic device

related application

[001] the application is U. S. application No.11/097841, 11/098000, 11/098036 and 11/098015 part continuation application, each of these applications all submitted to and title is " Methods and products for producing lattices of EMR-treated isletsin tissues on April 1st, 2005, and uses therefore. ", and each of these applications requires the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/561052 submitting on April 9th, 2004, the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/614382 of JIUYUE in 2004 submission on the 29th, the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/620734 that the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/641616 that on January 5th, 2005 submits to and on October 21st, 2004 submit to, and each of these applications also abandoned now, the part continuation application of the U.S. Patent application No.10/080652 in submission on February 22nd, 2002 of the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/272745 of requirement submission on March 2 calendar year 2001.

[002] the application also requires the name of all submitting on May 1st, 2006 to be called the U. S. application No.11/415363 of " Photoco smeticDevice ", 11/415362 and 11/415359 priority, and each of these applications requires the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application 60/781083 of submission on March 10th, 2006.

[003] the application also requires to be called the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/816743 of " HandheldPhotocosmetic Device " and in the name that on November 6th, 2007 submits to, to be called the priority of the U.S. Provisional Application No.60/857154 of " Methods and Products for Produc ing Lattices of EMR-TreatedIslets in Tissues, and Uses Therefore. " in the name that on June 27th, 2006 submits to.

[004] each full content of these applications of priority that the application requires is contained in this by reference.

Background of invention

Technical field

[005] the present invention relates generally to photo cosmetic device, and relates more specifically to handheld photocosmetic sectioning, and it can be for example used to application of electromagnetic radiation (" EMR ") to skin by consumer, to carry out the processing of beauty treatment and dermatological.

Background technology

[006] electromagnetic radiation, especially, with laser or other optical radiation form, has been used in various beauty treatments and medical use, is included in the use in dermatological, odontology, ophthalmology, gynecology, otorhinolaryngology and internal medicine.For most skin is sick, learn application, can utilize and send EMR and to the surperficial device of the tissue aiming at, carry out EMR and process.For the application in internal medicine, typical utilization in conjunction with endoscope or conduit comes work to carry out EMR processing to send the device of the extremely inner surface of EMR and tissue.Generally, EMR processes and is typically designed to: (a) send the EMR of one or more specific wavelengths (or wavelength of specific successive range) to tissue, to cause specific chemical reaction, (b) send EMR energy to organizing to cause the increase of temperature, or (c) send EMR energy and extremely organize with damage or destroy cell or extracellular structure, for example, for skin remodeling.

[007] for skin remodeling, optical energy is widely used with two kinds of methods by the absorption of water: melt skin surface and reform, it typically utilizes CO ₂(10.6 μ m) or Er:YAG (2.94 μ m) laser instrument is carried out, with the non-skin remodeling that melts, it uses and utilizes from Nd:YAG (1.34 μ m), Er: the degree of depth skin of the light of glass (1.56 μ m) or diode laser (1.44 μ m) heats and shows the cooling combination of hypodermic skin surface for optionally damaging.Yet in both cases, the rehabilitation of health reaction is that final result is the new formation of collagen and the modification of dermal collagen matter/elastin laminin substrate because limited hot injury starts.These changes show that they smooth out fold and also substantially improve outward appearance and the texture (being conventionally referred to as " skin recovery ") of skin.

Principle difference between [008] two kind of technology is the body part that damage starts.In this surface reforming method, the part of the full depth of epidermis and top corium is melted and/or is solidified.In non-ablation method, the area of solidifying be moved more deeply in tissue, and that epidermis is retained is complete.In fact, this is by realizing with different wavelength: very shallowly in ablation techniques penetrate wavelength (for C0 ₂with Er:YAG wavelength, be respectively～900cm of absorptance ^-1with～13000cm ^-1) and deeplyer in non-ablation techniques penetrate wavelength (absorptance is 5 and 25cm ^-1between).In addition, in non-ablation techniques, contact or spray the cooling skin surface that is applied to, the heat protection for epidermis is provided.Surface reforming technology is verified significantly higher clinical efficacy.It in a universal shortcoming that seriously limits in recent years this processing, is the postoperative cycle that needs to continue the prolongation of nursing.

[009] non-ablation techniques provides considerable the reducing and the low-down requirement to postoperative care of side effect risk.Yet the clinical efficacy of non-ablation procedure is normally not satisfied.And not exclusively know the reason of this species diversity in the clinical effectiveness of these two kinds of programs.Yet a kind of probability is that the damage (or lacking it) for epidermis may be the factor of determining safety and efficacy outcomes.During melting skin surface and reforming, the destruction of protectiveness external skins barrier (special, horny layer) has increased the probability of traumatic infection and possible complication.Meanwhile, the somatomedin being discharged by epidermis cell (especially, TGF-α) has demonstrated at wound rehabilitation course and therefore in final skin remodeling, has served as important role.If epidermis is complete, this process does not occur.

[010], at the beauty treatment fields for the treatment of various skin conditions, developed the method and apparatus that irradiates or cause the damage in the part of processed tissue regions and/or body.These method and apparatus are known as fragmentation technique.Because damage occurs in the less daughter or island portion in processed larger body, so fragmentation technique is considered to the safer method for the skin treatment of cosmetic purpose.Tissue around island portion avoids damage.Because the island portion of gained is surrounded by adjacent health tissues, rehabilitation course is thoroughly with fast.The example that has been used to process the device of skin in the beauty treatment program of restoring such as skin comprises

luxIR, its bundle array with interval little, rule is sent infrared light to the surface of skin, and the degree of depth of processing is for entering in corium between 1.5mm-3mm scope.This zone heating produces the dot matrix of overheated island portion, and each island portion is surrounded by unaffected tissue.To adopt other device of fragmentation technique be by ActiveFX, AlmaLasers, and Iridex, and Reliant Technologies provides

1540 FractionalHandpiece, Reliant

sR Laser and similar device.These devices are sold such as doctor's professional person and are used by them.

[011] yet, there is no the effective sectioning that can use in non-medical treatment and/or amateur background Xia You consumer.The segmented system that design is used by professional person is large, expensive, complicated, conventionally utilizes expensive cooling system, and uses conventionally dangerous by layman.Such as some systems of some Reliant Fraxel system, need the application of anesthetis and/or dyestuff.

[012] on the other hand, at present for consumer can with the blood processor of major part based on light be not enough to provide effective light cosmetic treatments.This device is conventionally too simple and have low-down power.This device does not have effect or has finite sum effect unsatisfactory.Therefore, need a kind of segmentation photo cosmetic device, it can (for example, family) be utilized by consumer under amateur background.This device will preferably be carried out one or more smooth cosmetic treatments; To be powerful; To be durable; To be relatively cheap; With respect to current sectioning, will there is better simply design; To be less than existing professional device; For being used by layman, will be safe; And/or while using by painless.

EMR

Summary of the invention

[013] inventor solved Liao Yuyou consumer non-medical treatment with or amateur background in the relevant various technological challenges of generation of the effective segmentation photo cosmetic device that uses.Therefore, the embodiment of such device disclosed here has one or more attributes below: can carry out one or more beauty treatments and/or dermatological treatments; Powerful for this processing; Durable; Relatively cheap; Design relatively simple; Be less than existing professional device (some of them embodiment is self-contained and hand-held completely); By layman, use safety; And/or painless while using (or only mild pain).Although expect each of these attributes, embodiments of the invention do not need to have all such attributes, and can alternatively have one or subset of these attributes.

[014] inventor has also further disclosed, than the relatively more low-intensity processing of existing professional treatment, the less island portion that for example has between island portion that the per unit area of larger spacing, tissue and/or volume have, and/or every processing island portion has the application of cycle frequently of the processing of applied relatively low power density, provide improved effect in time.Therefore, aspect more of the present invention in, disclosed the method for using sectioning.

[015] in one aspect, the present invention discloses for carried out the handheld photocosmetic device of the segment processing of tissue by user, it comprises housing, be arranged in EMR source in housing and in described housing and be optically coupled to the EMR delivery path of light source.Described EMR delivery path is arranged to the EMR that produced by EMR source of application to a plurality of discrete locations that are positioned at the processing region of tissue, and wherein the gross area of the plurality of discrete location is less than processing region.In housing or around housing, described device is configured to self-contained, makes the whole device substantially during operation can be hand-held by user.EMR delivery path can comprise a plurality of lenticulees.Described discrete location can distribute according to predetermined or random pattern.The gross area of the plurality of position processing region about percent 1 to 90 between, processing region about percent 30 to 90 between, or processing region about percent 50 to 80 between.In certain embodiments, varnish allotter can be coupled to housing.

[016] in certain embodiments, power supply can be coupled to housing and can with EMR source electric connection, wherein said power supply is configured to EMR source power supply.This device can comprise with EMR source electric connection and be arranged to the cable to the power supply of EMR source.In a preferred embodiment, power supply comprises battery.This battery can be re-charged electricity.

[017] in certain embodiments, EMR delivery path comprises photoscanner.This scanning device can comprise at least one optical fiber, and described at least one optical fiber has to be suitable for receiving from EMR source the input port of EMR and to have by it can send EMR to the output port of described position.Described scanning device can also comprise the sweep mechanism of the output port that is coupled to optical fiber, for moving described output port EMR is directed to described position.This sweep mechanism can be optically coupled to the output port of optical fiber, and comprises one or more rotatable reflecting mirrors, for described EMR is directed to described position.In certain embodiments, this sweep mechanism has at least one piezoelectric scanner element.For example, piezoelectric scanner element can be adjustable multi-layer piezoelectric device.Scanning device also comprises at least one stepper motor.

[018] in other embodiments, this device also comprises the optics that is coupled to output port, for the EMR to by described output port, is shaped.

[019] in another aspect, handheld photocosmetic device can also comprise that control EMR source for the mobile basic synchronization of the output port with optical fiber is to realize EMR to the controller of described location delivery.Described controller can optionally activate described EMR source.In certain embodiments, described controller is optionally blocked the EMR being launched by source and is entered optical fiber.

[020] in other embodiment, handheld photocosmetic device can also comprise the optical coupler being arranged between EMR source and described optical fiber, for light is directed to optical fiber from described source.Bonder can have one or more focusing optics, for the EMR from described source is focused on and enters into optical fiber.Concentrating element by EMR focus on enter numerical aperture about 0.5 to the optical fiber in about 3 scopes.Bonder can comprise for optionally connecting selected EMR source and selected fibre-optic adapter.EMR source and fibre-optic input port are aimed at, and make at least about 80% being coupled in optical fiber of at least about 70% or preferred EMR energy of at least about 60% or EMR energy of the EMR energy that produced by described source.

[021] on the other hand, the present invention discloses a kind of security system for handheld photocosmetic device, there are the one or more sensors for one or more operating parameters of this device of sensing.At least one of described sensor can comprise for the EMR transmitting terminal of sensing apparatus and the touch sensor of the contact between skin.If touch sensor senses contact lower than minimal-contact threshold value, this release mechanism can for example suppress light sending to skin.Minimal-contact threshold value is about 60% or about 70% or about 80% the contact area that is greater than the area of EMR transmitting terminal.Touch sensor can be selected from comprise the group of conductivity sensor, piezoelectric transducer and mechanical pick-up device.In certain embodiments, security system suppresses to send the EMR energy skin site that extremely the EMR transmitting terminal of device contacts over predetermined threshold.Security system can suppress to send EMR over predetermined threshold to skin in processing the period, wherein processes the time cycle after the activation that the period comprises device.

[022] in certain embodiments, security system comprises the controller of the amount of following the trail of the EMR energy that is applied to skin site, and described controller suppresses to send to the EMR of skin after energy reaches threshold value.Described controller can be arranged to and remove activate this source to suppress sending to the EMR of skin.

[023] the EMR source of handheld photocosmetic device can produce and have within the scope of the extremely about 11000nm of about 300nm and the EMR of preferred one or more wavelength within the scope of the extremely about 1800nm of about 300nm.Described EMR source can be the coherent source such as single diode laser, a plurality of diode laser or at least one diode laser bar.In other embodiments, light source is incoherent light source.For example, incoherent light source can be selected from group below, and this group comprises: light emitting diode (LED), arc light, flash lamp, fluorescent lamp, Halogen light and halide lamp.

[024] in another aspect, the present invention discloses a kind of handheld photocosmetic device, comprise housing, described housing has at least two separable modules, and one of them comprises EMR source and another comprises EMR delivery mechanism.This module comprises for matching connector removable and that engage one another replaceably.In certain embodiments, described device comprises type that can sensing EMR source and indicates the type to the sensing system of scanning device.This device can also comprise the cooling body that is thermally coupled to EMR source.Cooling body can comprise for extract the thermoelectric (al) cooler of heat from EMR source, and/or from EMR source, extract the caloic of heat.

[025] in certain embodiments, handheld photocosmetic device comprises the rechargeable power supply being arranged in housing.Disclosed docking station is suitable for being coupled to housing and comprising the circuit for power supply is recharged.

[026] on the other hand, the present invention discloses a kind of light beauty treatment system, comprise portion of the handle from proximal extension to far-end, be arranged in the EMR source portion of the handle, a plurality of EMR delivery module, wherein each of module is suitable for removable and is coupled to replaceably the far-end of portion of the handle, for sending light from described source to a plurality of distributed discrete skin site.Each of light delivery module provides the different pattern of discrete location.Portion of the handle and module can comprise for matching connector removable and that engage one another replaceably, make the combination of portion of the handle and each module that hand-held device is provided.The pattern being formed by module changes in area, spacing, shape and/or focal depth.Near-end can be coupled to docking station.Docking station comprises the circuit for power supply is recharged.Portion of the handle can comprise power supply.

[027] aspect another, the present invention discloses photo cosmetic device, comprise housing from proximal extension to far-end, be arranged in housing, be arranged to by light by the far-end of housing be directed to the discrete skin site of a plurality of separation a plurality of light sources, be mounted to housing for sensing far-end the motion sensor and the controller of communicating by letter with motion sensor and light source to the translational speed of skin.This controller can be according to speed controlling source, to the light from source is directed to the discrete skin site of a plurality of separation.In certain embodiments, controller can be controlled the selective activation in source.In other embodiments, this source is the repetitive rate of controller control impuls pulse and described.

[028] the present invention also discloses a kind of method that maintains improved skin appearance, comprises that one day 1 to 3 time rule application, from the EMR of this device, has the interval of 0-7 days between the date of processing.

[029] in another aspect, disclose a kind of for using handheld photocosmetic device to carry out the method for the segment processing of tissue, it is included in the process points of a plurality of separation in the target area that utilizes EMR to be radiated at tissue in the first processing, and the gross area of wherein said a plurality of process points is less than the area of target area; In the second processing, utilize EMR to be radiated at more than second separated process points in the target area of tissue, the gross area of wherein said more than second process points is less than the area of target area.After described the second irradiating step occurs in described the first irradiating step, and wherein at least described the second irradiating step is used self-contained handheld photocosmetic device to carry out.Irradiating step can repeat 1 to 5 every day, preferred every day 1 to 3 time.Between the date of processing, can there is the interval of the non-processor of 0 to 7 day.Irradiating step comprises sends each process points in about 2mJ to 30mJ scope, and preferably each process points is in the about scope of 3mJ to 20mJ, or each process points is in the approximately EMR radiation of the scope of 4mJ to 10mJ.Each processing can utilize EMR to process a plurality of process points 2 to 10 times.The method is irradiated from about 100/cm during can being included in treatment with irradiation ²to about 700/cm ²the density of the process points in scope.The intensity of irradiating can be adjusted between irradiating step.In certain embodiments, the intensity of irradiation is adjusted by professional.In other embodiments, intensity is adjusted by user.Specialty EMR processes and can be combined with disclosed method.The method can be used to maintain and improve by professional EMR and process the benefit obtaining.

Accompanying drawing explanation

[030] accompanying drawing is below to the explaining of embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to restriction as the scope of the present invention by claim comprised.

[031] Fig. 1 is the schematic description of exemplary handheld photocosmetic device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 A is can be at the schematic diagram of the two-dimensional rectangle dot matrix of skin surface or the discrete location producing apart from the selected depth of skin surface or island portion;

Fig. 2 B is can be at the schematic diagram of the two-dimensional helical form point battle array of skin surface or the discrete location producing apart from the selected depth of skin surface or island portion;

Fig. 3 A is the schematic description of exemplary hand-held device handheld photocosmetic device;

Fig. 3 B is the more detailed description of the device of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3 C is the exploded view of the device of Fig. 3 B;

Fig. 3 D is the zoomed-in view of optical fiber translation mechanism, and the guide for the optical fiber of the device of Fig. 3 A is also shown;

Fig. 3 E is used in helical scanning mechanism in the device of Fig. 3 A and the amplification front view of controlled touch sensor;

Fig. 3 F can be formed or be affixed to the fibre-optic far-end of device of Fig. 3 A so that the schematic diagram of the shaping of output beam and/or the micro-optical device of focusing to be provided;

Fig. 4 A is the schematic diagram in the EMR source of using in the device of Fig. 3 A, and EMR emitter is wherein arranged on base;

Fig. 4 B is the schematic diagram that is coupled to the EMR source of fibre-optic Fig. 4 A;

Fig. 4 C is mounted in the perspective view in the EMR source of Fig. 4 A on the base that is coupled to cooling system;

Fig. 5 A schematically describes for controlling the alternate embodiments of heat management system of the temperature in EMR source;

Fig. 5 B schematically describes for controlling another embodiment of heat management system of the temperature in EMR source;

Fig. 6 is the schematic description of electronic device of the device of Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 7 A is the lateral cross-sectional views that a kind of fibre-optic method of the device that EMR is optically coupled to Fig. 3 A that uses v-depression to be coupled to EMR source from device is shown;

Fig. 7 B is the side view for optical coupled EMR source to fibre-optic another kind of mechanism that can use in other embodiments;

Fig. 7 C is the perspective view for optical coupled EMR source to fibre-optic another kind of mechanism that can use in other embodiments;

Fig. 7 D be can with in other embodiments with fibre bundle, come optical coupled EMR source to the side view of fibre-optic another kind of mechanism;

Fig. 7 E is the upward view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 D;

Fig. 7 F is the side view of amplification of far-end of another embodiment that adopts the device of fibre bundle;

Fig. 8 is the lateral perspective of using X-Y linear translation system in other embodiments;

Fig. 9 is the schematic description of alternate embodiments with the handheld photocosmetic device of the EMR delivery mechanism that comprises two rotatable mirrors;

Figure 10 is the schematic description with the alternate embodiments of a plurality of lenticular handheld photocosmetic devices;

Figure 11 A is the schematic description that adopts the alternate embodiments of modularity hand-held device;

Figure 11 B is the schematic description of module of the modularity hand-held device of Figure 11 A;

Figure 12 A is the decomposition view of the alternate embodiments of modularity hand-held device;

Figure 12 B is the lateral perspective of modularity hand-held device of the assembling of Figure 12 A;

Figure 12 C is the cross sectional view of amplification of module of the modularity hand-held device of Figure 12 A;

Figure 13 A is the schematic diagram of another embodiment of modularity hand-held device;

Figure 13 B is the schematic diagram of the separated module of two Figure 13 A;

Figure 14 A is the sick lateral perspective of learning another embodiment of device of handheld that comprises a plurality of EMR source;

Figure 14 B is the front perspective view of device of the EMR of Figure 14 A;

Figure 14 C is the perspective view that is used in the diode laser bar in the device of Figure 14 A and 14B;

Figure 15 A is the description that is suitable for the mechanical pick-up device that uses with the device of Figure 14 A;

Figure 15 B is the description that is suitable for the alternative optical pickocff that uses with alternative embodiment;

Figure 16 A is the description that EMR is employed to form the exemplary patterns of a plurality of continuous linear fragments;

Figure 16 B is that EMR is employed to form the description by organizing the exemplary alternative pattern of the formed a plurality of linear fragments of discrete island portion more; With

Figure 17 is the schematic description of another embodiment that comprises the handheld photocosmetic device of varnish allotter.

The specific embodiment

[032], when using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to process to organize, in tissue, produce discrete location that EMR processes or the dot matrix of island portion rather than large, the continuous region of the tissue that EMR processes and have many good qualities.Dot matrix is cycle or the non-period pattern of one dimension, two dimension or three-dimensional island portion, the local maximum that wherein island portion processes corresponding to the EMR of tissue.Island portion is separated from each other by non-processing tissue (or tissue of different disposal or less processing).EMR processes the dot matrix of the island portion that causes EMR processing, and the island portion that this EMR processes has been exposed to the EMR of specific wavelength or spectrum, and this dot matrix is called the dot matrix of " optics island portion " here.In the island portion that the absorption of EMR energy causes processing at EMR during significant temperature increase, this dot matrix is called as the dot matrix of " hot island portion " here.When being enough to destroy significantly the energy of the amount of cell or iuntercellular structure while being absorbed, dot matrix is known as the dot matrix of " damage island portion " here.When being enough to start the amount (conventionally at specific wavelength) of specific photochemically reactive energy and being delivered, dot matrix is known as the dot matrix of " photochemistry island portion " here.By producing the island portion of EMR processing rather than the continuous and/or uniform region that EMR processes, more EMR energy can be delivered to island portion and not produce hot island portion or damage island portion, and/or the risk of a large amount of tissue injurys can be lowered.

[033] the island portion that EMR processes also can be formed in the region or body of processed tissue, for example, whole tissue regions and/or body be utilized has identical or different wavelength, relatively low intensive EMR processes, and the EMR that island portion has a higher-strength by use processes the part of this region and/or body and forms.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many combinations of the parameter of such local maximum that can have the EMR processing causing in tissue.

[034] when using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to process to organize, no matter its objective is for optical dynamic therapy, photo bio modulation, photo bio stimulation, photo bio suspension (photobiosuspension), thermostimulation, thermocoagulation, heating ablation or other application, the dot matrix of island portion rather than large, the continuous region of the tissue that EMR processes that in tissue, produce EMR processing have many good qualities.The tissue that EMR processes can be to be useful and suitable hard or soft tissue arbitrarily for their this processing, (for example include but not limited to dermal tissue, mucous membrane tissue, oral mucosa, gastrointestinal mucosa), ocular tissue (for example, retinal tissue), neuronal tissue, vagina tissue, glandular tissue (for example, prostata tissue), internal organs, skeleton, tooth, muscular tissue, blood vessel, tendon and ligament.

[035] dot matrix is cycle or the non-period pattern of one dimension, two dimension or three-dimensional island portion, the local maximum that wherein island portion processes corresponding to the EMR of tissue.Island portion is separated from each other by non-processing tissue (or tissue of different disposal or less processing).EMR processes the dot matrix of the island portion that causes EMR processing, and the island portion that this EMR processes has been exposed to the EMR of specific wavelength or spectrum, and this dot matrix is called the dot matrix of " optics island portion " here.In the island portion that the absorption of EMR energy causes processing at EMR during significant temperature increase, this dot matrix is called as the dot matrix of " hot island portion " here.When being enough to destroy significantly the energy of the amount of cell or iuntercellular structure while being absorbed, dot matrix is known as the dot matrix of " damage island portion " here.When being enough to start the energy (conventionally at specific wavelength) of certain photochemically reactive amount and being delivered, dot matrix is known as the dot matrix of " photochemistry isolates portion " here.

[036] by producing the island portion of EMR processing rather than the continuum that EMR processes, around the untreated areas (or different or less processing region) of island portion, can be used as thermal energy heavy, reduce the rising of the temperature in the island portion processing at EMR and/or allow more EMR energy to be delivered to island portion and do not produce hot island portion or damage island portion and/or reduce the risk of a large amount of tissue injurys.In addition, about damage island portion, should be noted that, (the regeneration of health and reparation reaction occur in wound edge, border surface between damage and complete region), therefore, and the rehabilitation of the tissue of damage is more effective for less damage island portion, for less damage island portion, the ratio of wound boundary and volume is larger.

[037] percentage ratio from not processed (or different or less processing) organizer of being processed by EMR can determine whether that optics island portion becomes hot island portion, damage island portion or photochemistry island portion.This percentage ratio is known as " fill factor, curve factor ", and can reduce by increasing the center to center distance of island portion of fixed volume and/or the volume that reduces the island portion of fixing center to center distance.For given processing, total area of the discrete processes point in processed region or island portion is less than processing region itself.Similarly, total volume of the discrete processing island portion in processed body is being less than processed body itself.

[038] because not processed organizer as heat sink, these bodies can absorb energy from processed body, and they self can not become heat or damage island portion.Therefore, relatively low fill factor, curve factor can allow the energy of high flow capacity to be delivered to some bodies, and stops the generation of a large amount of tissue injurys.In addition, because not processed organizer are as heat sink, along with fill factor, curve factor reduces, optics island portion arrives critical temperature and also reduces (even keeping constant for island portion region EMR power density and total exposure) to produce the probability of hot island portion or damage island portion.

[039] embodiment the following describes provides improved device and system, to produce the dot matrix of the island portion of EMR processing in tissue, and the improved cosmetic applications of this device and system.

[040] Fig. 1 illustrate schematicallys exemplary light cosmetic apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, and it comprises hand-held housing 12, arranges the various parts such as the device of light and electric parts in this hand-held housing 12.Housing 12 extends to far-end 12b from near-end 12a, by its electromagnetic radiation (EMR), can be applied to skin.This exemplary means 10 comprises the EMR source 14 that is created in the EMR in expected range with one or more wavelength.In some implementations, EMR source 14 can be diode laser, but also can adopt such as multiple other EMR source in those further listed below sources.EMR source can be thermally coupled to heat sink 16, heat sink 16 and be thermally coupled to again cooler 18, and cooler 18 from source through heat sink extraction heat with the operative temperature that maintains this source within the acceptable range.As discussed in detail, can adopt the multiple cooler such as thermoelectric (al) cooler or caloic.

[041] the EMR delivery mechanism 20 that is arranged in housing and is communicated with EMR source 14 light receives the EMR being produced by this source and for example, sends EMR to the discrete skin site 24 of a plurality of distributions by EMR transmission window 22 (, sapphire window).In this implementation, EMR delivery mechanism is the photoscanner of the EMR bundle that scanning is produced by source 14 on skin, to send light energy to discrete skin site 24, as further discussed below.In other implementation, do not utilize scanning device, and can adopt such as a plurality of lenticular other mechanisms, EMR is directed to the discrete skin site of a plurality of distributions.

[042] install 10 and also comprise controller 26, it is controlled the activation in source and removes and activate, and for example can provide, such as other function (, order about delivery system and control the scan rate of EMR on skin) of controlling EMR delivery system 20, as further discussed below.

[043] in use, install 10 distal part 12b and can or approach with the Surface Contact of parts of skin and place, and device can be activated to apply EMR to the discrete location such as island portion 24.In some implementations, controller 26 can coordinate and (for example optionally activate EMR source 14 with scanning device, periodically activate this source to cause source to launch the upper separated pulse of a plurality of time), to realize EMR sending to the discrete location 24 of a plurality of separation.In some implementations, once activate, EMR source can provide a string laser pulse.In such implementation, controller can the repetitive rate (according to the interval between continuous impulse) based on pulse be adjusted at the scanning speed of EMR on skin, to realize EMR pulse sending to discrete skin site.In other implementation, optical gate can coordinate with scanning device modulation by the intensity of the EMR of continuous wave (CW) or quasi-continuous (QCW) source transmitting (for example, it can periodically be blocked the EMR being launched by source and restraint), realize EMR sending to discrete location.

[044] a plurality of discrete locations that EMR is applied to can be corresponding to the pattern of any desired.As an example, as shown at Fig. 2 A, discrete location 24 apart from the selected degree of depth of skin surface (for example can be positioned at, the surperficial degree of depth apart from tissue can change from 0-4mm, 0-50 μ m, 50-500 μ m or 500 μ m-4mm, also can in the subrange of these scopes, change) as two-dimensional rectangle dot matrix (for example, or be square lattice in other cases the dot matrix of 10 * 4 skin site in this case).Alternately, as shown in fig. 2B, discrete location can distribute according to spirality pattern.In other cases, a plurality of discrete locations can be distributed in three-dimensional parts of skin, and for example, by a plurality of skin layers, each skin layer is positioned at different skin depth.In many examples, the skin site that EMR is delivered to is by unexposed separated from one another in the EMR from source or other different parts of skin that irradiate.

[045] refer again to Figure 1A, install 10 and can also comprise security system 28, one or more operating parameters that it can assurance device keep within the acceptable range, and device is used by the mode with safety.As an example, security system 28 can comprise the touch sensor (not shown) of the order of contact of sensing between output window 22 and skin.In some implementations, if the contact of institute's sensing is lower than predetermined threshold value, security system for example suppresses the activation in EMR source to controller 26 by transmitting, this will suppress the activation of light source again, if or this source launching EMR, will it be removed and be activated.As an example, if do not detect contact, if or be less than predetermined threshold value with the mark of the area of the window 22 of contact skin, be for example less than approximately 20%, 30%, 50%, 70% or 80%, this source is not activated.In some applications, for predetermined contact threshold value preferably about 70%.In some cases, touch sensor not only can be surveyed the contact of direct physical between output window 22 and skin, although also can sensing whether output window enough close to skin-do not contact skin-to allow the safety operation of device.For example, if window for example, more than predetermined portions (for example, more than 80%) be less than predetermined threshold (, 1-10 micron) separated with skin, this source can be activated.Otherwise the activation in source is suppressed.Can adopt multiple touch sensor.As an example, sensor can be mechanical, optics, magnetic, electronics, conduction and/or piezoelectricity.

[046] in certain embodiments, device can also comprise velocity sensor.For example, sensor can determining device moves through the speed of target area of patient's skin.Device comprises the circuit with sensor communication, and for coming control source according to the speed that moves through the target area of patient skin, the island portion that makes to process is formed on patient's the target area of skin.For example, the speed that circuit can transporter is to controller 26, and this controller 26 can optionally activate EMR source 14 ordinatedly with scanning device, to realize EMR sending to the discrete location 24 of a plurality of separation according to speed.In some respects, sensor can be capacitive imaging array or optical encoder.In certain embodiments, kinematic motion sensor can use separately or for supplementing photomovement sensor.Kinematic motion sensor can be for example the wheel that output window 22 rotates while moving on skin surface, to provide the signal that represents sweep speed to controller 26.In certain embodiments, source and/or scanning device can be according to the percutaneous translational speeds being recorded by motion sensor, or the temperature in the temperature being recorded at skin by temperature sensor or the source that recorded by temperature sensor is controlled.

[047] velocity sensor of a plurality of types can be used to measuring device with respect to the speed of skin surface.For example, velocity sensor can be optical mouse, laser mouse, wheel/optical encoder or be used in the capacitive imaging array that the flow algorithm in optical mouse combines with being similar to.Capacitive imaging array can be used in measuring device speed and produces the image in processed region.Capacitive imaging array is typically used to the thumbprint checking of security purpose and such as various other electronic products of kneetop computer.Yet capacitive imaging array also can be used in to be measured by the device speed of skin surface.By for example, obtain the capacitive image of skin surface with relatively high frame per second (, 100-2000 frame is per second), flow algorithm can be used in movement and the computational speed of following the trail of certain feature in image.

[048] for understanding and realizing the useful this sensor of embodiment as described herein and be applied in more complete disclosing in the United States Patent (USP) 6273884 that the name of authorizing August 14 calendar year 2001 is called " Method and Apparatus for DermatologyTreatment ", it is included in this by reference.Other relevant to motion sensor and temperature sensor is disclosed in following more detailed description: name is called the U.S. Patent No. 7204832 of " Coolingsystem for a photo cosmetic device ", name is called the U.S. Patent No. 7135033 of " Phototreatment device for use with coolants and topical substances ", name is called the U.S. Patent No. 6508813 of " System for electromagnetic radiationdermatology and head for use therewith ", be called " Methods and products for producing lattices ofEMR-treated islets in tissues with the name of submitting on April 1st, 2005, and uses therefore " common unsettled U. S. application No.11/097841, 11/098036, 11/098015, 11/098000, above content is contained in this by reference.

[049] can be many other sensor and feedback mechanisms.For example, device can be used processing distribution programmed for one or more specific users.In order to identify independent user, can use code or biological marker symbol (for example, fingerprint).

[050] can also use many different diagnostic sensors.For example, can use for measuring the sensor of other characteristic of skin elasticity, pigmentation, surface roughness or tissue.These sensors can provide situation or the control of feedback with indication processing in device or to user.An exemplary sensor can be mounted in the CCD camera close to aperture, for the image that is provided for analyzing, to determine, whether processed tissue regions is suitable for processing.For example, if device be designed to process have a pigment or vascular lesion, and device determines that from image the region of skin lacks enough labellings of this pathological changes, device can be programmed for not launching before the region with suitable contacts.Similarly, for example the feedback signal of vibration and/or tone can be sent to user and be not suitable for processing with the approaching tissue of indication and device.

[051] device can comprise that one or more timing mechanisms are with aid in treatment.For example, device can comprise intervalometer, and its holdout device was used in the fixed time after processing.Device can comprise that feedback mechanism is needs/suitable for reminding user processing subsequently.For example, device can be set or programme and for example, with the certain hour at a day (, the morning 6:00), start to send a series of tones and continue special time (such as 1 hour).Therefore, user can programme and typically carry out time consistency and the typical reminiscences of processing of processing with user.

[052] can adopt additional sensor and feedback mechanism to carry out the safety of modifying device.As be discussed in more detail below, security system 28 can also comprise other sensor for one or more parameters of monitoring device.For example, temperature sensor 28a can monitor the temperature in ambient temperature in device and/or monitoring EMR source.If the temperature of being surveyed by sensor surpasses predetermined value, security system can send a signal to controller and activate EMR source to cause controller to be removed.As an example, temperature sensor can be mounted to or be embedded in the distal part 12b of device 10, and it does not use when guaranteeing that surface temperature when device 10 is outside selected value.Sensor can be outer surface or the thermocouple in device 10 that is embedded in device 10, and it is for example coupled to LED or is arranged on other the suitable display on device; Or can be the viscosity tape that its color changes in relevant range along with temperature, the temperature in surface, ambient temperature and/or the EMR source of the color indication of tape in device.For example, as further discussed below, can utilize the temperature of the critesistor monitoring system thermal capacitance that can be integrated on circuit board.In addition, can also use other suitable sensors.As further discussed below, temperature sensor can also send a signal to varnish allotter (discussing) below and cause valve to discharge varnish, transmitted signal to be to control the activation of thermoelectric (al) cooler (TEC), and/or sends a signal to LED indicator, to indicate the overheated of device for example.The example of temperature sensor can be called in name the U.S. Patent No. 6508813 of " System forelectromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith ", name is called the U.S. Patent No. 6648904 of " Method and apparatus for controlling thetemperature of a surface " and the U.S. Patent No. 687 that name is called " System forelectromagnetic radiation dermatology and head for use therewith ", in 144, find, these patents are contained in this by reference.

[053] multiple other release mechanism also can be included in hardware and/or software, as further discussed below.For example, this release mechanism (for example can be monitored in the period, be defined as at device and open heel with the predetermined time interval of the initial activation in EMR source) and if being delivered to the gross energy of skin, the EMR energy of deposition starts to surpass predetermined threshold, remove this source of activating.

[054] referring again to Figure 1A, install 10 and also comprise rechargeable power supply 30 (for example, rechargeable battery), it can provide the various parts of power to device.Hand-held device 10 can engage with tungsten station, and tungsten station allows with the example mode rechargeable power supply that charges as discussed further below.Alternately, the cable being inserted in electrical socket can be used to supply power to device.This can be preferred in the embodiment that needs holding power long term, high peak power and/or a higher average power, and additionally can in may needing relatively large embodiment cooling and the therefore larger cooling system of needs, contribute to save space.

[055] EMR that is applied to skin can comprise multiple electromagnetic wavelength, and for example, wave-length coverage is from about 0.29 micron to about 12 microns.Although less wavelength is also fine, owing to organizing relevant potential risks to utilizing ultraviolet radiation, preferred wavelength is greater than 0.29.For many embodiment described herein, preferred wave-length coverage is about 1.1 microns to about 1.85 microns, and wave-length coverage is preferred from about 1.54 microns to about 1.06 microns.In some implementations, EMR source provides the EMR with such wavelength: this wavelength can not cause retina injury, the wavelength that for example can be absorbed by water (for example, wavelength is in the scope of about 600-680nm, or having is mainly red wavelength, or the spectrum of light is within the scope of the absworption peak of water or around, for example 970nm, 1200nm, 1470nm, 1900nm, 2940nm).

[056] EMR source can be multiple relevant and incoherent EMR source, and it can be adopted separately or be combined with other source employing.In certain embodiments, EMR source is the laser instrument such as solid-state laser, dye laser, diode laser or other coherent source.For example, EMR source can be diode laser, such as neodymium (Nd) laser instrument, chromium (Cr) or ytterbium (Yt) laser instrument of Nd:YAG laser instrument.Another example in relevant EMR source is tunable laser.For example, can adopt the dye laser with the incoherent or relevant pumping that the transmitting of tunable wave length is provided.Typical tunable wavelength band covers the wave-length coverage of the about 1200nm of about 400nm-, and wherein bandwidth is in about scope of 0.1 to about 10nm.In addition, the mixture of different dyes can provide multi-wavelength emission.In certain embodiments, EMR source is optical fiber laser.The wave-length coverage of this laser instrument is typically in the scope of the extremely about 3000nm of about 1100nm.This scope can be connected to the second harmonic generation (SHG) of optical fiber laser output or the help downward-extension of optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at optics.In other embodiments, diode laser can be used to produce wavelength at for example about EMR within the scope of 400-100000nm.In system of the present invention is used for non-some embodiment that melt skin remodeling, from the EMR in source, can be applied to skin, cooling surface is to stop the damage to epidermis simultaneously.

[057] alternately, in certain embodiments, can use the incoherent EMR source such as electric filament lamp, Halogen light, bulb linear flashlamp or arc light.As an example, can utilize the monochromatic burner such as hollow cathode lamp (HCL), electrodeless discharge lamp (EDL), it produces the spectral line of emission from chemical element.

[058] in addition, although EMR typically applies with pulse mode, it also can be employed with other method, comprises continuous wave (CW) and quasi c. w. (QCW).

[059] the sick device of learning of handheld of the present invention can be realized with multiple distinct methods.As further instruction, Fig. 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E schematically describe handheld photocosmetic device 32 according to an embodiment of the invention, it comprises hand-held housing 34,34A, 34B, can engage with docking station 36, for example, for the rechargeable battery of this device that charges.In use, hand-held device can from docking station remove and for discussed above and below the mode application EMR that is described in further detail to skin.Thereby be arranged in the button 38 permission device for opening of being convenient to user's access on housing, another button 40 allows the EMR source of active devices to apply EMR to skin.A plurality of LED indicator 40a, 40b, 40c offer user about the information of the feature of device, and for example (for example, overheated, low battery voltages) occurs fault, and system is ready to use, and system is opened, and battery is charging or battery has charged.

[060] exemplary means 32 also comprises rechargeable battery 31, and for supplying power to its all parts, this rechargeable battery 31 can utilize the charging circuit being arranged in docking station 36, through copper coil 42, by induction, is coupled to charge.Device 32 also comprises provides the EMR source 44 with the EMR of one or more wavelength in expected range, and it is diode laser in this example.

[061] with reference to Fig. 4 A, 4B and 4C, diode laser 44 is arranged on base 46, in this case, is base station or the platform of larger assembly.Base is preferably formed by heat conducting material.It is heat sink 48 that base 46 can be arranged in again, for example, in the recess 48a of the thermal capacitor in this exemplary implementation.Can remove with the thermoelectric (al) cooler (" TEC ") 50 of thermal capacitor 48 and base 46 thermal couplings the heat being produced by EMR source, to guarantee that its temperature keeps (for example,, lower than about 60 ℃) within the acceptable range.

[062] in some implementations, the TEC combining by the stream for example utilizing, with cooling fluid (, air-flow) and/or caloic realizes the heat management in EMR source.For example, Fig. 5 A signal has been described for controlling the heat management system 52 of the temperature in EMR source 44, and it comprises the TEC50 with the thermo-contact of EMR source.TEC be included in caloic 54 (for example, paraffin or the water) thermal communication in memory 56.Caloic helps to disperse the heat being extracted from source by TEC.The heat-conduction component 58 being arranged in memory provides the hot link between the caloic in TEC and memory.Heat-conduction component 58 comprises a plurality of fin 58a of the contact area between the caloic increasing in this element and memory, thereby promotes the heat transmission between TEC and caloic.Fig. 5 B signal has been described for controlling another heat management system 60 of the temperature in EMR source 44, and wherein TEC50 removes heat from source.In this case, heat-conduction component 58 promotes transmission heat to leave from TEC, more easily to disperse by the air-flow being produced by fan 62.

[063] in other cases, can utilize phase-change material remove heat from source through changing mutually.Can for example in name, be called in the U.S. Patent No. 7135033 of " Phototreatment Device for Use wi th Coolants and TopicalSubstances " and find that this phase-change material and system are used in the example in cooling EMR source, this patent is contained in this by reference.

[064], referring again to Fig. 3 C, 3D, 4A and 4B, through optical coupler 64 as discussed in more detail below, the near-end 66a by optical fiber 66 is coupled to optical fiber 66 to the EMR being launched by source.The far-end 66b of optical fiber with can be on skin the sweep mechanism 68 of (for example, in this implementation along spiral path) physics moving fiber far-end engage.

[065] with reference to Fig. 3 C, 3D and 3E, in this exemplary embodiment, sweep mechanism 68 comprises optical fiber guide 70, and the distal top of optical fiber 66 can be coupled to this optical fiber guide 70, to moved along spiral path.More particularly, optical fiber guide 70 comprise have for receive optical fiber far-end opening 72a gear 72 and be arranged in the director element 74 in the recess of gear 72.Director element 74 comprises helical groove 74a, and the far-end of optical fiber can move along described helical groove 74a.More particularly, lasso 76 can utilize gear 78 to engage with gear 72, and gear 78 can be rotated by stepper motor 80.The rotation of gear can cause that fiber tip passes through the movement of helical groove.

[066] continue with reference to Fig. 3 C, be suitable for receiving the annular protecgulum 82 of touch sensor 84 (for example capacitance contact-sensing device) of annular shape around sweep mechanism.Loop sensor is provided for the bearing of EMR transmission output window 86 (here also referred to as front optics), and the EMR that fiber tip is sent can be applied to skin by EMR transmission output window 86.

[067] exemplary handheld photocosmetic device 32 also comprises control/sensor assembly 88, for example, by for example utilizing the master controller 90 (, microprocessor and its interlock circuit), one or more sensor will be in fact now on circuit board.Control/sensor assembly can be controlled and/or the operation of monitoring device, includes but not limited to: power is to the distribution of various parts, the activation in EMR source and remove and activate, and gated sweep device, monitors various operating parameters and realizes security protocol.As an example, with reference to Fig. 6, master controller (for example, microprocessor) 90 can provide command signal to switch 92 (for example, transistor switch in this embodiment), for activating or removing, activate this source (for example,, in this example, switch can be coupled or uncoupling for the current source 94 of diode laser to power inverter 96, to activate or remove, activate laser instrument).Controller can also be controlled TEC 50 (for example, its can by TEC opening and closing), so that the temperature that maintains EMR source within the acceptable range.In addition, controller 90 can be with step actuator 98 communication for stepper motor 80, controls (for example, spiral path) the in this case scanning along the path on skin of fibre-optic far-end.For example, controller can start scanning by sending a signal to driver.It can also be by carrying out the speed of gated sweep to change the rotary speed of motor to driver via application appropriate signals.In addition, controller can be from sensor 980 reception information, for example, and if start to take suitable action (remove and activate laser instrument) over predetermined threshold for monitoring the temperature of the temperature laser instrument of laser instrument.In addition, also can optionally provide the temperature sensor 99 of communicating by letter with controller 90, for the ambient temperature of sensing apparatus inside.Controller also can be realized the generation of vision and sound indicator (for example, through LED 100 and/or speaker 102), to notify user by the various operating conditions of device.Controller also can for example receive instruction through serial line interface 104 and disrupted circuit 106 from user.For example, user can send a signal to controller through electric capacity-numeral (CCD) changer 101 and disrupted circuit 106, to remove this source of activating.Other instruction of for example communicating by letter with interface circuit 104 through CCD 101 can comprise for example opening device or the activation EMR source request to skin with application EMR.

[068] in many examples, from this source coupling EMR, enter fibre-optic optical coupler high optical coupling efficiency (for example, being greater than about 80%) is provided.This favourable permission EMR sends to the more effective of skin.

[069] as an example, with reference to Fig. 7 A, the optical coupler 64 being utilized in this exemplary embodiment comprises the excellent lens 108 (for example, fast mandrel rod lens) in the V-type groove 110 between the near-end top 66a that is arranged in EMR source 44 and optical fiber 66b.Collimating lens such as fast axis collimation lens (FAC) is used to from source (for example, laser diode) coupling EMR and enters at least one optical fiber (for example, multimode fibre).Alternative, a pair of cylindrical lens being perpendicular to one another can collimate the spreading beam of dispersing from the height of laser diode.Two different cylindrical lenss allow by the suitable focusing of lens in each direction, the intrinsic astigmatism of laser diode to be removed completely.Due to the fast axle apart from the nearer collimated diode of laser instrument, these lens should have high-NA (NA) and disperse to mate fast axial strand.The slow axis of other collimated laser diode and therefore because the light from laser diode does not need very high NA less the dispersing of horizontal plane.

[070] in many implementations, optical coupler 64 provide be greater than about 80%, be preferably greater than about 85% and the preferred optical coupling efficiency (being defined as the mark being sent by source, enter fibre-optic optical energy) that is greater than about 90%.This high optical coupling efficiency allows optical energy to be more effectively delivered to each discrete location of skin, and this causes again the light beauty treatment achievement strengthening within a short period of time.In addition, this high optical coupling efficiency promotes EMR source to be included in hand-held housing, thereby hand-held device is provided.

[071] Fig. 7 B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, and it comprises EMR source 542, optical reflector 546, one or more optical fiber 548, light pipe 550 (or amplitude transformer) and coldplate (not shown).The far-end 544 of amplitude transformer 550 can comprise producing output light spatial modulation and the meeting coalescence array that therefore mode of the island portion of formation processing is shaped in patient's skin.For example, far-end 544 can comprise the array of pyramid, circular cone, hemisphere, groove, prism or for exporting other structure of light spatial modulation and convergence.Therefore, far-end can be by causing output modulation and assembling to produce the array of any type such as microprism of the island portion processing and make.

[072], in the embodiment of Fig. 7 B, photoconduction 550 can be made by a branch of optical fiber 580 adulterating with the ion of rare earth metal.For example, photoconduction 550 can be by a branch of doping Er ³⁺optical fiber make.Active ion in photoconduction core 582 can play the effect of fluorescence (or superfluorescence) changer, so that desired spatial modulation and spectrum transform to be provided.Therefore, the photoconduction 550 in the embodiment of Fig. 7 B can produce the spatial modulation of EMR, thereby produces the island portion processing.

[073] Fig. 7 C, 7D and 7E illustrate optical fiber 580 and are centered around EMR source 542 around so that coupling light enters the embodiment of optical fiber 580.As shown in Fig. 7 D, the optical fiber that each is independent or optical fiber group 580 can make its output be directed to skin.Fig. 7 E illustrates from the upward view of the output of head.As shown at Fig. 7 E, the output that optical fiber 580 can have spatial modulation distributes, to produce the island portion processing.

[074] Fig. 7 F illustrates another embodiment that uses the general structure identical with the embodiment of Fig. 7 B, 7C and 7D.In the embodiment of Fig. 7 F, the output of fibre bundle 580 (that is, the bundle of Fig. 7 C-E) can have the far-end of being made by the array of lenticule 586 that is affixed to the output face of photoconduction.The array of lenticule 586 can be used in and focuses on and assemble the output from fibre bundle 580, to produce the island portion of damage.

[075] referring again to Fig. 3 A and 3B, in use, the output window 86 of hand-held device 32 can be with contact skin or is closely laid, and controller 90 can for example, be caused sending EMR to a plurality of discrete skin site by instruction (, the signal through producing when user presses the button 38).In some implementations, controller 90 can be with fiber tip the incompatible EMR source 44 of optionally activating that matches of the motion on skin, to cause sending of the discrete location of EMR along the motion path of fiber tip to a plurality of separation, wherein the motion of fiber tip on skin realized in mode discussed above by sweep mechanism.As in this exemplary implementation, the far-end of fiber tip is followed spiral path, and the selective activation in EMR source is by causing EMR sending along this path to a plurality of discrete locations, as shown in fig. 2B.In other implementation, the distal top of optical fiber the path of process can be different from spiral path.For example, fiber tip can on skin, with grating pattern, move and diode laser can be selectively activated to send optical energy to discrete location along grating pattern, to produce for example as the grid of the skin site that EMR was applied to being schematically shown in Fig. 2 A.

[076] discrete location or optics island portion can form with arbitrary shape, are only subject to control the capabilities limits of EMR bundle in tissue, and described shape can be produced by the device the following describes.Therefore, the various parameters of processing according to impact, for example wavelength of EMR, temporal signatures (for example, continuous and pulse is sent) and flow; Geometry, incident and the focusing of EMR bundle; With refractive index, absorptance, scattering coefficient, the anisotropy factor (mean cosine of angle of scattering) of organized layer, and structure; Exist or lack with external chromophore and other material, discrete position or island portion extend through one or more layers from the surface of skin, or pass through one or more layers from the surperficial downward-extension of skin, or the difform body in simple layer.If bundle is not assembled, such bundle will limit the body of constant cross section (for example, cylinder, cuboid) substantially in the plane with bundle orthogonal axe.Alternative, bundle can be assembled, and is limited to the body (for example, circular cone, pyramid) in the plane with the central axis quadrature of restrainting with gradually little cross section.Cross section can be regular shape (for example, oval, polygon) or can be shape arbitrarily.In addition, according to wavelength and the flow of EMR bundle, with the absorption and scattering properties of tissue to wavelength, EMR bundle absorbed at first or completely or disperse before can penetrate into certain depth, and therefore, the discrete location that EMR processes can not extend through the entire depth of skin, but can between surface and certain depth or between subsurface two degree of depth, extend.

[077] common, dot matrix is the structure (but can be also aperiodic) in the cycle of one dimension, two dimension or three-dimensional discrete location or island portion.For example, two dimension (2D) dot matrix in two dimension, be the cycle, but in the third dimension translation invariant or aperiodic.Periodically type is characterized by volume elements shape.Such as, but not limited to, being stratiform, square, hexagon or rectangular lattice.The dimension of dot matrix can be different from the dimension of independent island portion.The infinitely great cylinder of the equal intervals of single row is the example (if cylinder has finite length, this is the 1D dot matrix of 3D island portion) of the 1D dot matrix of 2D island portion.The dimension of dot matrix is equal to or less than the dimension (this fact draws from such fact: be translation invariant dimension in its island portion, dot matrix can not be the cycle) of its island portion.Therefore, have the type that amounts to 6 dot matrix, each type is the combination allowing of island portion and dot matrix dimension.For some application, can adopt " inverted " dot matrix, region institute's separation of the tissue that wherein the island portion of complete tissue is processed by EMR and processing region are the continuous strings of processed tissue with the isolated portion of non-processing.

[078] each processed body can be the dish of relative thin, the cylinder of specific elongation (for example, from first degree of depth to the second degree of depth, extend), or thering is the body of the wire substantially of the basic length that surpasses its width and the degree of depth, the orientation of the body of described wire is arranged essentially parallel to skin surface.In given application, for the orientation of the row of island portion, do not need all identically, and some row can for example meet at right angles with other row.For better effect, row also can be orientated round processing target.For example, row can or be parallel to wrinkle perpendicular to blood vessel.Island portion or discrete location can be subsurface bodies, for example spheroid, spheroid, cube or the cuboid of selected thickness.Island portion can be also body wire or plane substantially.The shape of island portion is by the optical parametric that comprises bundle size, amplitude and the combination of the bundle distributing mutually, and the persistent period of application and less degree are determined by wavelength.

[079], according to beauty treatment or the medical application of expectation, the size of the single island portion in the dot matrix of the island portion being processed by EMR of the present invention can wide variation.In certain embodiments, expectation causes a large amount of tissue injurys for example, (to destroy or to eliminate the structure of tissue or position, sebaceous gland, hair follicle or ablation of tissue), and in other embodiments, expectation causes less or not damage, the effective dose EMR simultaneously giving at specific wavelength (for example, photo bio stimulates).Yet, as above, about as described in damage island portion, utilizing less damage island portion, the rehabilitation of damaged tissues is comparatively effective, because larger for the ratio of less damage island portion's wound edge and volume.

[080] in any specific dimension, the magnitude range of the island portion being processed by EMR of the present invention is from 1 μ m to 30mm.Such as but not limited to, the dot matrix of the island portion of basic wire can comprise the parallel island portion of the about 10 μ m to 1mm of the about 30mm of length and width.As another example, and unrestricted, for the island portion of the axis of cylinder and the substantially cylindrical of tissue surface quadrature, the degree of depth can be about 10 μ m to 4mm, and diameter can be about 10 μ m to 1mm.For island substantially spherical or oval-shaped portion, diameter or main shaft can be (such as, but not limited to) about 10 μ m to 1mm.Therefore, in certain embodiments, island portion can have at 1 μ m to 10 μ m, 10 μ m to 100 μ m, 100 μ m to 1mm, 1mm to 10mm, or the full-size in the scope of 10mm to 30mm, and all possible ranges in 1 μ m to 30mm.

[081] due to the scattering effect of tissue, the minimal size of the island portion being processed by EMR is along with the degree of depth being aimed in tissue, and scope is from horny layer several microns to several millimeters in subcutaneous tissue and increase.For the about degree of depth of 1mm in the tissue of object, the minimum diameter of island portion or width are estimated as about 100 μ m, but can be much bigger (for example, island portion 1-10mm).The size of damage island portion can be the size that is less than or greater than corresponding optics island portion, but when the EMR energy relatively large due to thermal diffusion is applied to optics island portion, conventionally larger.For the island portion of the minimal size of any specific degree of depth in skin, must optimization wavelength, Shu great little, convergence, energy and pulse width.

[082] the island portion being processed by EMR of the present invention can be positioned over the various points in tissue, comprises surface and subsurface position, in position and the position that strides across a large amount of degree of depth of the relatively limited degree of depth.The desired degree of depth of island portion depends on beauty treatment or the medical application of wanting, and comprises the position of aimed at molecule, cell, tissue or iuntercellular structure.

[083] for example, optics island portion can the various degree of depth in tissue or organ be caused, and depend on the penetration depth of EMR energy, and this part depends on wavelength and Shu great little.Therefore, island portion can be the shallow island portion (for example, 0-50 μ m) of the surface layer of a penetrate tissue, stride across tissue which floor darker island portion (for example, or very dark subsurface island portion (for example, 500 μ m-4mm) 50 μ m-500 μ m).Use optical energy, can use the wavelength of 1000-1300nm to realize the degree of depth that reaches 25mm.Use microwave and radio frequency EMR, can realize the degree of depth of several centimetres.For hot island portion or damage island portion, the chromophore that can exist by the degree of depth only aiming in expectation, or the tissue by cooling upper strata when sending EMR produces subsurface island portion.In order to produce dark heat or damage island portion, the long pulse width being coupled with surface cool can be effective especially.

[084], the in the situation that of providing pulse of electromagnetic radiation in EMR source, the time of pulse is separated to combine with the movement of fibre-optic distal top and can cause a plurality of discrete skin site extremely along the path application EMR moving of fiber tip.

What [085] fibre-optic use was favourable causes for being coupled into the EMR bundle of skin, and it demonstrates basic cross-sectional strength uniformly and distributes.More specifically, the EMR bundle that is produced and be coupled into optical fiber by source experiences multiple reflections when it passes optical fiber.These have reflected homogenize substantially from the cross-sectional strength of the output bundle of optical fiber.In this exemplary embodiment, it is the output top of the NA of about 100-300 micron and about 0.5 to about 4 that optical fiber can have for example diameter, but also can utilize other top size and/or numerical aperture.In certain embodiments, although processing parameter can change, at each, process place and process the discrete skin site between about 50-200, approach every square centimeter of 50-1000 discrete skin site.In addition,, as shown at Fig. 3 F, in some implementations, micro-optical device (for example, lenticule) 1 can be coupled to fibre-optic far-end so that shaping and/or the focusing of output beam to be provided.In other situation, optical fiber can comprise the end of taper, for example, to give the cross sectional shape (square) of output bundle expectation.

[086] in certain embodiments, the relevant spacing (being the distance between adjacent position) of discrete skin site being applied to EMR can be by regulating distal top mobile speed on skin of optical fiber to adjust.For example, with reference to Fig. 3 A and 3B, for the given repetitive rate of the pulse being produced by EMR source, in order to increase spacing, controller can cause stepper motor with speed swing pinion 78 and 72 faster, thus the distal top that increases optical fiber mobile speed on skin.Alternative, the reducing of the rotary speed of gear can cause less spacing (filling of the comparatively dense of discrete skin site in other words).

[087] in other embodiments, can adopt piezoelectric scanning mechanism with the far-end of moving fiber on skin.As an example, Fig. 8 has illustrated to describe the exemplary implementation of the such sweep mechanism that comprises one or more motors 82, and described sweep mechanism is included in device 10, so that the pattern moving fiber 840 to be scheduled to.Motor 820 can be the motor of any appropriate, comprises for example stepper motor, linear motor, piezo-electric motor or resonant piezoelectric motor.

[088] in one embodiment, the far-end of optical fiber 840 is coupled to optical fiber guide component system 870, and optical fiber 840 can be moved with the pattern of being scheduled to.X-Y rectilinear scanner 800 comprise that the optical fiber that is coupled to adapter 890 keeps lasso 880, described adapter 890 connects optical fiber 840 to optical fiber guide component system 870, optical fiber guide component system 870 comprises x direction sliding panel 850 and y direction sliding panel 860, and alignment slot 891 is in plate.Lasso 880 keeps optical fiber 840 accurately at the interior aligning of adapter 890.Each sliding panel is coupled to motor 82, makes when motor backup sliding panel, and optical fiber 840 moves in level (x) and/or vertical (y) direction.In certain embodiments, the 2D of optical fiber motion coordinates with the activation in EMR source.Multiple pre-definite space pattern can be programmed into scanning device and can manufactured business select, or is selected by the control characteristic (not shown) on housing by user.In such an embodiment, user can be by using identical head to select from a plurality of different island portion of the pattern Processing skin.In order to use this embodiment of the present invention, user can manually place on the target area of aperture at skin before transmitting, the embodiment describing before being similar to.In other embodiments, aperture does not need to contact skin.In such embodiments, device can comprise the (not shown) away from mechanism, for set up pre-definite distance between aperture and skin surface.

[089] in other embodiments, EMR delivery mechanism can comprise two rotating mirrors, and it is suitable for bidimensional on skin, scanning the EMR from source around two normal axis rotations.As an example, Fig. 9 illustrates to have described handheld photocosmetic device 110, and it comprises the EMR delivery mechanism 112 that comprises two rotatable reflecting mirrors 114 and 116, and rotatable reflecting mirror 114 and 116 can be around normal axis A and B rotation.The EMR that reflecting mirror 114 can receive from source 118 restraints and transmits this EMR to reflecting mirror 116, and reflecting mirror 116 can be directed to skin through EMR transmission output window 120 by EMR again.The rotation of reflecting mirror can be used to scanning beam in the two dimensional area of skin.In some implementations, controller 122 can synchronize the rotation of reflecting mirror with the EMR transmitting by EMR source, to cause extremely the sending of discrete skin site of a plurality of separation of EMR.About utilizing rotating mirror application EMR can be called in name " Method and apparatus for EMR treatment to the further details of the sweep mechanism of a plurality of discrete skin site, " U.S. Patent No. 6997923 neutralizes the name of submitting on April 1st, 2005 and be called " Methods and products for producinglattices of EMR-treated islets in tissues, and uses therefore " common unsettled U. S. application No.11/097841, 11/098036, 11/098015, in 11/098000, find, above content is contained in this by reference.An advantage utilizing the scanning system of rotating mirror is its large region of scan skin faster.

[090] with reference to Figure 10, in another embodiment of hand-held device 124, a plurality of lenticulees 126 receive the EMR being produced by EMR source 128 through collimating lens 132, and apply this EMR as the EMR bundle 130 of a plurality of separation, by EMR transmission window 134 to a plurality of discrete skin site.In certain embodiments, one or more concentrating elements can be disposed between lenticule 126 and window 134, for the focusing of bundle is provided.In certain embodiments, EMR transmission window 134 can be by making for providing at the lenticular dot matrix of the spatial modulation of the power density of the dot matrix of optics island portion.About utilizing the further details of this lenticular EMR delivery system can be called in name in the U.S. Patent No. 6511475 of " Heads for dermatology treatment ", find, it is contained in this by reference.

[091] in many examples, multiple release mechanism can be comprised in hand-held device of the present invention, to guarantee its safety operation.For example, referring again to Fig. 3 A and 3B, capacitance contact-sensing device 84 can be surveyed the distal top of whether installing and (for example, apart from skin, be less than the distance of about 5mm in the preselected distance of skin, or be less than about 3mm apart from skin, or be less than about 2mm apart from skin).The output signal of controller 90 receiving sensors according to the activation in this signal controlling EMR source.For example, if sensor does not detect the distal top of device with respect to the suitable distance of skin, if EMR is being launched in its activation or this source of suppressing EMR source, it is removed and is activated.In addition, in some implementations, when there is no appropriate location on skin from sensor indicating device, controller can activate visual detector (for example, being arranged in the red LED lamp 40C on housing), to warn user.

[092] other sensor also can be comprised in this device.For example, with reference to Fig. 6, the temperature sensor 98 that is arranged in (for example,, on panel 88) in housing can be monitored the temperature in EMR source.In addition, other temperature sensor (for example, temperature sensor 99) can be included in housing, to monitor the ambient temperature in housing.The output signal of temperature sensor can be sent to controller, and it can be programmed to provide the appropriate response to the signal from sensor.For example, if by the indicated temperature of sensor higher than predetermined threshold, controller can be removed the EMR source of activating.

[093] in some implementations, as another security feature, (for example processing the period, be defined as after device is opened the preselected interval after the initial activation in EMR source) during be applied to total optical energy of skin can be tracked to guarantee that the gross energy that is applied to skin in this period remains on below predetermined threshold.For example, for example according to the repetitive rate of pulse that produced by EMR source, the energy of every pulse, EMR source and delivery of energy to the optical coupling efficiency between the optical fiber of skin, with from coupling fiber optical energy, enter the efficiency of skin, controller 90 can be programmed to calculate real-time total applied energy.Once gross energy starts to surpass predetermined threshold, controller can be removed and activate this source, and only at selected interval, in the past, just allows it to reactivate.

[094] in certain embodiments, the housing of hand-held device can be by can a plurality of modularitys separated from one another and that reconnect partly forming, and each modularity partly comprises a limiting-members of device.As an example, the hand-held device 136 according to such embodiment has been described in Figure 11 A signal, and it comprises housing 138, and housing 138 has two modularity part 138a and 138b, and these two parts are removable and through the combination replaceably of a plurality of adapters 140.In this embodiment, EMR source 142 and controller 144 and power-supply system 146 are arranged in part 138a, and are arranged in other housing parts 138b for sending the EMR that launched by source to the sweep mechanism 148 of a plurality of discrete skin site.Device 136 modularity advantageously allows to utilize together identical EMR source and control circuit with multiple different scanning mechanism.This can not only accelerate manufacture process, can also reduce manufacturing cost.

[095] in addition, in some implementations, the individual module with EMR source can be provided with two or more modules that comprise different scanning mechanism, with allow user easily operative installations for different light cosmetic applications.For example, module 138b can with another module 138c exchange with the 148b of different scanning mechanism shown in meaning property as shown at Figure 11 B.

[096] as an example, Figure 12 A shows also the modularity part 138a of removable attachment housing and the example adapter 140 of 138b being used with removable, and the modularity part 138a of housing and 138b can be connected to form device 805 as shown in Figure 12 B.As shown in the decomposition view at Figure 12 A and 12C, modularity part 138a comprises can be by removable and be coupled into replaceably the scanning device 800 of top housing 802.Be inserted into the scanning device of top housing 802 type (for example, X-Y rectilinear scanner, helical scanning device, adopt reflecting mirror and/or other optical element freely restraint scanning device etc.) can be surveyed by head 138a.For example, can use differing formed adapter 140, or indicator 851 (for example, bar code) can be used to indicate the type of top housing and/or scanning device to the control electronic device in head 138a.

[097] device of Figure 12 A can have optical coating (that is, on processing window 803), so that the spatial modulation of light to be provided.Some embodiment can be used the technology that is similar to gradient mirror, and gradient mirror is on its radius, to have the mirror of variable transmission.Comprise that the embodiment of a plurality of gradient mirrors for example, may be useful for parameter (efficiency that photon reclaims) and the enhancing of system cools ability (very thin coating layer thickness) of light source.

[098] in some cases, the modularity of device allows to utilize another EMR source to replace an EMR source, for example, for another part at electromagnetic spectrum, provides EMR or for repair apparatus.As an example, the hand-held device 148 according to such embodiment has been described in Figure 13 A signal, comprise and there is part 150a and another part 150b the Modularized shell 150 of (its by for example adapter 140 is removable with part 150a and removable joint), in part 150a, arrange EMR source 152 and relevant control and power circuit (not shown), in part 150b, arrange scanning device 154 (or other light delivery mechanism (for example, a plurality of lenticulees)).EMR source 152 is arranged in removable and removable box 156, and it can exchange from another box that comprises different EMR sources.For example, as meaning property as shown at Figure 13 B illustrates, modularity part 150a and 150b can be separated to provide to the passage of box 156, and box 156 can be removed and utilize another box with different EMR source to change (not shown).In some implementations, when place in housing in new EMR source, controller can be by determining that with detector it is source and instruction scan device and this source cooperating of what type.For example, controller can be revised scan pattern, pulse width, focal depth and/or numerical aperture.Detector system can be for example machinery, light or electric explorer.In certain embodiments, the various combinations of control system identification and control module.For example, each module is designed to provide identifier to controller, and controller is identified for the acceptable parameter of processing with identifier, limit unacceptable parameter, and for the operation of the given grouped controls of module.

[099] Figure 14 A and 14B signal are described according to the sick device 158 of learning of the handheld of another embodiment, comprise the housing 160 that is wherein furnished with a plurality of EMR source 162.EMR source be thermally coupled to such as in conjunction with before those the cooler (not shown) discussed in the above of embodiment, it extracts heat and keeps within the acceptable range to guarantee their operative temperature from EMR source.In this implementation, housing 160 comprises the part 160 ' being formed by mesh material, and the Air Flow between the inside and outside environment of permission housing is to promote the cooling of device.

[100], as shown in Figure 14 C, in this exemplary embodiment, EMR source comprises the diode laser bar 166 of a plurality of EMR bundles 167 that are provided for being applied to skin.In a preferred embodiment, diode laser bar 166 has length L, the width W about 10mm and the thickness T about 0.0015mm in 1cm left and right.Although EMR bundle has for example, one or more wavelength at the region of ultra-red of electromagnetic spectrum (, in the scope of about 290-10000nm) in this embodiment, EMR bundle has other wavelength in other embodiments.In some implementations, one or more concentrating elements (for example, one or more lens) can be disposed between EMR source and output window, so that the focusing of the EMR that is delivered to skin to be provided.Yet in this exemplary embodiment, diode laser bar is placed enough close to window, to eliminate the needs to this concentrating element.

[101] by Direct couple being entered to the diode bar being placed in device, the EMR producing is used flexible delivering method directly to be guided to skin surface.Therefore, not mobile laser diode bar, does not need optics, and does not need accurate align optical components.Therefore, the device of gained be made more reliably, more durable, cheaper and less.In addition, there is single laser diode and moving flexible delivery mechanism to the embodiment of the processing position of expectation, laser diode that must be not additional, laser diode bar and rod stacking, this has further reduced cost and the peak power requirements of device.Therefore, the single laser diode of transmitting by repeating during the process of processing (or in some alternative embodiment some laser diodes), device can be enough such as conventionally can with and the lower-wattage energy source of relatively cheap rechargeable battery operate.In addition,, by reducing the peak power requirements of device, need less actively cooling.Therefore, device for example can utilize TEC or fin and fan to come cooling and not need refrigerator.

[102] in addition, at the far-end of optical fiber, be arranged in or approach the embodiment of processed tissue surface, enough energy directly transmission enter tissue and without optics, or use relatively cheap optics (for example, the lens of the end that is coupled to optical fiber of optics and/or physics are to focus on and/or to assemble the EMR being irradiated).This configuration also allows device firmer, durable and cheaper.In addition, in certain embodiments, owing to irradiating the end of optical fiber and the direct contact between the surface of tissue and/or closely close of EMR, effect improves.

[103] continue with reference to Figure 14 A and 14B, exemplary hand-held device 158 can also comprise the velocity sensor 170 of the speed of determining this device when device moves on skin.With reference to Figure 15 A, as an example, velocity sensor can be mechanical pick-up device 171 and the Hall sensor 175 adopting such as a plurality of wheels 173, the speed with determining device on skin.In another example, in Figure 15 B, schematically illustrated the directly or indirectly optical pickocff 177 of the speed of (for example,, by determining the speed of rotation of wheel 173) determining device.About being suitable for being used in the further details of the velocity sensor in realization of the present invention, can in for example common unsettled U. S. application No.11/097841,11/098036,11/098015,11/098000, find, these applications are contained in this by reference.

[104], referring again to Figure 14 A, installing 158 can be used in punching press pattern (stamping mode) or scanning or sliding-modes.For example, in punching press pattern, device can be with contact skin or near placed, and diode laser bar can be activated to apply EMR bundle each to discrete skin site.Then, device can be moved into another parts of skin so that it is applied to EMR.In punching press pattern, the gained temperature in skin (and, may damage distribution) by geometry and the illumination/cooling parameter of opening, determined.In sliding-modes, the speed that can scan by change obtains additional degree of control.

[105] alternately, installing 158 can utilize in scan pattern.For example, device can scan on parts of skin, and EMR is just being applied to skin in EMR source simultaneously.In EMR source, provide continuous EMR or with ratio device under the certain situation of the pulse EMR of the significantly fast repetitive rate of the speed on skin, the parts of skin that EMR is applied to can be corresponding to the wire fragment of a plurality of separation, as shown at Figure 16 A.In other cases, controller can with the motion of device on skin incompatible the activations EMR source that matches so that application EMR a plurality of discrete locations extremely, as shown at Figure 16 B.According to as the device that detected by velocity sensor 170 translational speed on skin, can adjust by activation of source optionally the density of the skin site that EMR is applied to.

[106] in certain embodiments, varnish allotter can be installed on the hand-held housing of device, to apply varnish to the surface of the parts of skin that EMR was applied to.As an example, Figure 17 has illustrated to describe and has comprised the handheld photocosmetic device 172 that extends to the hand-held housing 174 of far-end 178 from near-end 176.Embodiment before being similar to, installs 172 and comprises at least one EMR source of being arranged in housing and for sending EMR to the mechanism of a plurality of discrete skin site from this source through the far-end of device.Varnish allotter 180 is mounted to the far-end of device, and it comprises for storing the memory 182 of varnish and for for example discharging varnish, to the varnish relieving mechanism 184 on skin (, can actuated valve).Varnish allotter can by user manual or automatically (for example, through the signal of telecommunication of the controller from device) activate, to apply varnish to the skin surface under the far-end of device.For example, when device is when adopt with punching press pattern, varnish allotter can be activated, with apply varnish to skin and then EMR can be applied to skin.When device adopts with scan pattern, varnish allotter can be positioned at far-end, makes when the far-end of device moves on skin, and before EMR is applied to parts of skin, it can apply varnish to this part.

[107] scattering and absorb that both are all relevant with wavelength.Therefore, can use the quite wide band of wavelength for the shallow degree of depth, still realize the bundle focusing on simultaneously, focal depth is darker, and more scattering and absorptions become factor, and the band of the available wavelength at the rational focus place that can be implemented is narrower.Table 1 indication, for the preferred wavelength band of the various degree of depth, although can accept, is not optimum result, likely beyond these bands yet.

Table 1

Lesion depths, μ m	Wave-length coverage, nm	Numerical aperture (NA) scope
			0-200	290-10000	<3
200-300	400-1880?&?2050-2350	<2
			300-500	600--1850?&?2150-2260	<2
500-1000	600-1370?&?1600-1820	<1.5
			1000-2000	670-1350?&?1650-1780	<1
2000-5000	800-1300	<1

[108] typically, the wave-length coverage of operation from the flow of about 0.29 μ m to 100 μ m and incident from 1mJ/cm ²to 100J/cm ²scope.In an example, the spectrum of light in the scope of the absorption peak of water or around.These comprise, for example 970nm, 1200nm, 1470nm, 1900nm, 2940nm and/or be greater than any wavelength of 1800nm.In other example, spectrum is tuned to the absorption peak close to lipid, for example 0.92 μ m, 1.2 μ m, 1.7 μ m and/or 2.3 μ m, with the wavelength of similar 3.4 μ m and longer, or for such as keratin or be included in the raw absorption peak of organizing chromophoric protein in other in tissue.

[109] wavelength also can be from absorptance higher than 1cm ^-1scope in choose, for example, higher than about 10cm ^-1.Typically, wave-length coverage from the flow of about 0.29 μ m to 100 μ m and incident from 1mJ/cm ²to 1000J/cm ²scope.Effectively heating pulse width is preferably less than 100 * the chromophoric thermal relaxation time (for example,, from 100fsec to 1sec) that aimed at.

[110] common, the pulse width of applied EMR should be less than each thermal relaxation time (TRT) of discrete location or optics island portion, because the longer persistent period can cause thermophoresis to exceed these portion boundaries.Because discrete location will be conventionally relatively little, the pulse duration also will be relatively short.Yet, along with the degree of depth increases, and the therefore also increase of some size, maximum pulse or persistent period also increase.If the density of target is not too high, pulse width can be longer than the thermal relaxation time of discrete location, makes in the heat of the combination from target area of these extra-regional arbitrfary points fully lower than the damage threshold of the tissue at the some place for such.Conventionally, thermal diffusion theory points out that the pulse width τ for spherical island portion should be τ <500 D ²/ 24 and the pulse width of to be D for diameter columniform island portion be T<50 D ²/ 16, wherein D is clarification of objective size.In addition, if the density of target is not too high, pulse width can be longer than the thermal relaxation time of discrete location sometimes, makes in the heat of the combination from target area of these extra-regional arbitrfary points fully lower than the damage threshold of the tissue at the some place for such.In addition, utilize the suitable type of cooling, can not be subject to restriction above, and can utilize the pulse duration surpassing for the thermal relaxation time of discrete location, sometimes roughly surpass the pulse duration of TRT.

[111] from the power demand in EMR source, depend on the therapeutic effect of expectation, along with the degree of depth and cooling increase with along with the minimizing absorbing due to wavelength increases.Power also reduces along with the increase of pulse width.Some embodiments of the present invention are used one or more diode lasers as EMR source.Because many light skins are sick, learning application needs power light source, and the 40-W of standard, 1-cm are long, and cw diode laser can be with in certain embodiments.Can use the diode laser bar of any appropriate, comprise for example 10-100W diode laser bar.All polytype diode lasers as described above can be with within the scope of the invention.Under optics and mechanical subsystem are improved appropriately, other source (diode laser and the LED for example, with SHG) can replace diode laser bar.

[112] the various devices based on light can be used to send required light dosage to health.The optical emitter utilizing can provide at user's skin surface about 1mw/cm ²to about 100w/cm ², preferably at 10mw/cm ²to 10w/cm ²scope in power density.The power density adopting will make: by processing relatively frequently, can realize significant therapeutic effect within the long-term time cycle, and As indicated above.Power density also will change as being permitted polyfactorial function, and the described factor includes but not limited to, the body position that processed condition, the one or more wavelength that adopt and expectation are processed, the degree of depth of processing, user's skin type etc.Suitable source can for example provide about 1-100 watt, and the power of preferred 2-10W, is designed at skin surface with about 0.01-10W/cm ²power density be radiated at the tissue of the following 0.2-1mm of skin surface.In another aspect of this invention, by by raw dissipation or the improvement of organizing in the appearance that the absorption of chromophore to light, processing can indirectly cause acne lesion in blood and other.

[113] in certain embodiments, single EMR source (for example, laser diode) is by the dot matrix with generation optics island portion by translation.The dot matrix of optics island portion produces the dot matrix in micro-degeneration district in skin, and this promotes removing and stimulating new collagen growth of abnormal pigment cell, and can cause the reduction of visibility and the improvement of skin appearance and skin texture of pigmentation point.Less and the rehabilitation of the dermatological treatments pain based on light is faster than other for the segmentation character of the method.

[114] alternative embodiment can adopt the EMR that comprises the EMR for example being produced by source for imaging and send imaging to the optics delivery system of one group of lens of tissue.Some this alternative embodiment can add comprise as on February 1st, 2007, submit to name is called " Dermatological Device Having aZoom Lens System; " common unsettled U.S. Patent application No.11/701192 in Zoom lens system described in detail, this application is contained in this by reference.Zoom lens can focus on sub-bundle and enter by untreated (or less processing or different disposal) skin a plurality of parts of skin as parts of skin (processing island portion also referred to as island portion or EMR here) separated from one another.Zoom lens allows the adjustment of the spacing (distance between island portion) of island portion by changing the amplification of image of the photomask of its formation, and is therefore adjusted at the density of the island portion forming in skin.The adjustment of the spacing of the point focusing on can be favourable be used to for various skin type and condition, carry out the processing of optimization skin, as further discussed below.

using method

[115] in some respects, method and apparatus is provided and is suitable for use in multi-period diode laser segment processing, and it can be used in, and skin for example restores, wrinkle reduces, the melting of the minimizing of poikiloderma, tissue, the formation of micropore and other processing.

[116] for example, can be as the part of novel period treatment mode such as the device of the device of Fig. 3 A.By the professional person such as dermatologist or specialty teacher of the recuperating (spas), using the processing of existing sectioning is available to consumer.These are processed is to carry out with having the very device of high power and relatively highdensity bundle in essence.In other words, by a beam combination (or, single beam in some device situations of using scanning device) spacing between the independent processing island portion producing in tissue is relatively little, and the per unit area of tissue and/or the relatively a large amount of island portion of volume generation.This provides stronger processing and is designed to improve the effect of single processing.In other words, the device of specialty is designed to process tissue as much as possible in single processing, to only obtaining result in single treatment or some processing.

[117] yet, inventor has been found that can be by not stronger but process more continually tissue and obtain good result.For example, the device 32 of Fig. 3 A produces the island portion relatively less than those density that produced by professional device in tissue.In other words, the existing professional device of gap ratio between island portion is large.Similarly, each applied power density of island portion is lower than the power density in typical professional treatment.Therefore,, in single processing, the per unit area of tissue and/or volume ratio produce island portion still less in typical professional treatment, and use the single processing of this device will typically cause still less tissue injury.Although this single processing by powerful unlike using the single processing of professional device, in single processing, produce less damage permission user faster Secure execution with post processing undue damaged tissue not.By providing such as the device that is simple and easy to use with staying at home, object can be easier to and the processing such compared with the execution of rule, because frequent and professional supplier's reservation is to the cost of typical object and difficulty in logic, this is unpractical in specialty or medical background.

[118], in the initial clinical trial of device of device 32 that is similar to Fig. 3 A, inventor has been found that to use to have each that be less than existing professional device and process the application with repeating of rule of EMR of the sectioning of intensity and will along with the time, cause larger effect.For example, with the device that is similar to device 32, carry out the object in process facial region, obtained Billy by the resulting average better result of typical professional treatment.The exemplary process scheme of restoring for skin provides in table 2.

The exemplary process scheme that table 2-restores for skin

Example 1 example 2

Every some energy 5mJ 7mJ

Each dot density of transmitting: 200/cm ²500/cm ²

The transmission number of per period: 52

Process the number of period: 15 8-10

Processing interval (my god): 2-3 1-3

The dot density of altogether accumulating: 15,000 8000-10,000

[119] object that every other day uses this skin that installs to carry out facial tissue to restore is obtaining during some months than the better result typically obtaining in a series of professional treatment.Do not limit the scope of the invention, inventor thinks that this is due to the fact that: the rehabilitation of tissue reaction is preferably in response to progressively application frequent and that repeat, use the EMR of relatively large spacing (relatively low island portion density).Also do not limit the scope of the invention, inventor also believes that the low-intensity processing of repetition contributes to maintain previous result.Also do not limit the present invention, inventor thinks that the more progressive processing along with the time allows the larger gross density of the process points of area that the per unit more possible than existing professional treatment process and/or volume.According to the initial testing of various processing schemes, inventor's expection is when being used not stronger processing to carry out more frequently, and other process (for example, wrinkle removes, acne treatment etc.) will be more powerful similarly.

[120] therefore, can there be many new processing modes.For example, object can be processed to receive stronger initial treatment by professional, and not stronger processing subsequently can be carried out with various embodiment of the present invention by object.Ensuing processing can be used the device that sales counter can sell or use prescription device or carry out the professional of this processing other device providing to carry out.Similarly, object can with embodiments of the invention come along with time cycle property (such as every other day, weekly etc., with for week, month or year cycle) carry out a series of relative low intensive processing.Object can also (for example be carried out stronger initial treatment with embodiments of the invention, between described island portion, there is relatively little spacing and/or in processing each island portion apply more energy), the subsequent treatment that operation parameter is carried out a series of cycles is subsequently for realizing not stronger processing.

[121] although this period treatment, preferably also adopting a series of low-intensity to process on sustained basis frequently, can be used many other embodiment.For example, some processing can be benefited from use a series of processing of carrying out such as the relatively strong parameter of the parameter typically adopting professional treatment.Similarly, this device can be used with the frequency identical with professional treatment.

Additional light cosmetic applications

[122] can realize many additional application.For example, being similar to those devices described here can be used to carry out segmentation and melt the formation with micropore.That the application additional is disclosed in is in detail at present unsettled, name is called in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/877826 of " Methods And Products For Ablating Tissue Using Lattices Of EMR-Treated Islets " provides, and this application is contained in this by reference.

[123] non-application of melting is included in the selectivity processing of structure in skin, for example pigment pathological changes, vascular pathological changes and vein treatments.These and other are similarly applied in name and are called more detailed description in the U.S. Provisional Application 60/923093 of " Photoselective IsletsIn Skin and Other Tissues ", and this application is unsettled and be contained in by reference this at present.

[124] also can realize corium, especially the processing of the deep layer of corium.These and other are similarly applied in name and are called more detailed description in the U.S. Provisional Application 60/923398 of " Deep Fractional Thermal Treatment at Dermal/HypodermalJunction ", and this application is unsettled and be contained in by reference this at present.

[125] embodiment of handheld photocosmetic device can be used in the various additional application in various Different Organs and tissue.For example, processing can be applied to undertissue, includes but not limited to: skin, mucous membrane tissue are (for example, oral mucosa, gastrointestinal mucosa), the tissue (for example, lachrymal gland, prostate) of ocular tissue's (for example, conjunctiva, cornea, retina) and gland.Generally, the method can be used to process following situation, these situations include but not limited to: damage (for example, pain, ulcer), acne, acne erythematosa, less desirable hair, less desirable blood vessel, hypertrophy (for example grow, tumor, polyp, benign prostatic hyperplasia), plumpness (for example grows, benign prostatauxe), neovascularization (for example, the angiogenesis relevant to tumor), tremulous pulse or venous malformation are (for example, hemangioma, nevus flammeus) and less desirable pigmentation (for example, coloured birthmark, tatoo).

[126] in some respects, the invention provides the method for processing tissue by producing the dot matrix of hot island portion.These methods can be used in for example increase horny layer to the infiltrative method neutralization of various preparations for generation of in the overheated method of therapeutic, described preparation comprises therapeutic preparation and cosmetic formulation.

[127] in one embodiment, the island portion by heat tissue to the temperature of 35-100 ℃ produces the dot matrix of hot island portion, to reversibly increase cuticular permeability.The permeability that increases is from around horny layer with when existing, the thawing of the extracellular matrix of the crystalline state lipid of the cell of clear layer obtains.When this substrate is melted (that is, losing its crystalline structure), SC becomes and is permeable to the lip-deep molecule of skin, allows some molecules to internal diffusion.When the temperature of described layer turns back to normal range (that is, 29-37 ℃), intercellular substrate recrystallize, it is more impermeable that SC becomes, and any molecule being diffused under SC can remain there, further diffuse into tissue around, or enter body circulation.Therefore, as used herein, because lipid intercellular matrix recrystallize, the permeability of increase is " reversible ".In different embodiment, infiltrative be increased in to process stop being reversed in latter 1 second to 2 hours.Therefore, in certain embodiments, the infiltrative EMR of being increased in processes and stops being reversed in latter 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours.

[128] in these embodiments, hot island portion limits and can extend through or almost by the infiltration path of horny layer and clear layer, and the compound such as beauty treatment or treatment preparation that makes to be applied to the outer surface of skin can effectively penetrate horny layer/clear layer.This penetrates can be shallow and just maintain under horny layer or in, or can more be deep in the interior layer of epidermis or corium, and may in corium, vascular system enter into blood flow.This make beauty treatment or treatment preparation partly dermal delivery to epidermis and corium.The degree spreading apart from the place of processing according to compound, the local delivery of compound is large (for example, sending to joint area).In addition, arrive the degree of the vascular system of corium according to compound, sending can be whole body.

[129] in certain embodiments, compound is treatment preparation.The example for the treatment of preparation includes but not limited to: hormone, steroid, nonsteroidal and-inflammatory drug, antitumor agent, hydryllin and anesthetis.Specific example includes but not limited to: such as insulin and estrogenic hormone, steroid such as prednisolone and loteprednol, nonsteroidal and-inflammatory drug such as ketorolac and diclofenac, such as the antitumor agent of methotrexate, and such as the hydryllin of histamine H 1 antagonistic, chlorpheniramine, pyrilamine, pyrilamine, emedastine, levocabastine and lignocaine.

[130] in other embodiments, compound is cosmetic formulation.The example of cosmetic formulation includes but not limited to: pigment (comprise nature that exist with synthetic chromophore, dyestuff, coloring agent or China ink) reflective agent (comprising light scattering compound), and preventing light agent (comprising opacifier).This cosmetic formulation can be used to increase color to skin by increasing different coloured pigments or reflective agent, or covers existing color (for example, birthmark, pigment pathological changes, tatoo).The invention provides the improved method of application cosmetic formulation, because (a) preparation is comprised in horny layer and can not be erased or wear and tear or wash off, (b) preparation will remain in horny layer until the cell of this layer is for example, by the normal processes (, about 21-28 days) growing from basal layer replaced.Therefore, the single application of cosmetic formulation can continue several weeks, and this can be favourable with respect to the cosmetics that must apply every day.Otherwise the application of cosmetic formulation is limited to several weeks, this can be favourable with respect to be generally permanent tatooing except removing by photobleaching or ablation of tissue.In one embodiment, for the pigment of tatooing of expecting temporarily, can be applied to skin (for example, by film, brush, seal), horny layer can be processed to increase permeability by EMR, and pigment can be diffused in skin to produce interim tatooing.In other embodiments, by sending coloring agent, can produce artificial tannedly, or contrary, by sending opacifier, enter skin, can prevent tanned.

[131] by using the dot matrix of hot island portion (or damage island portion) rather than the continuum of heating, can make permeability that horny layer increases for object without pain or less pain.Because whole region and the thickness of skin are not heated, 40-43 ℃ of isothermal line can be epidermis/corium boundary vicinity rather than stopping compared with depths at corium.Thereby the teleneuron of finding in mastoid process corium is not exposed to the temperature of the 40-43 relevant to pain reaction ℃.Therefore, even if SC has been exposed to the temperature that is significantly higher than 40-43 ℃, the generation that the permeation pathway of the enhancing being limited by hot island portion also can be painless.

[132] on the other hand, the present invention can comprise the many regions that are created in permeability increase in horny layer (SC), and does not cause the structural damage that cannot reverse to tissue, or minimizes such damage.Reversible permeability is to realize by producing the lasting finite time of local permeability of SC.Conventionally, this finite time is corresponding to the application of EMR energy.After EMR energy applications, SC closes.Alternately, after application EMR energy, permeance property keeps a period of time.Should within the limited time, realize for the infiltrative time, with the risk preventing infections.Use principle of the present invention, can make this processing safety and painless, and therefore can, for example by the member of general public, there is no individual's practice of Special Training.A this use is for strengthening sending of local beauty compositions or pharmaceutical preparation during application at home.

[133] according to the present invention with as more fully described below, can produce hot island portion, its from tissue surface across to tissue compared with deep layer, or whole being present in subsurface layer.This hot island portion can be used to such application: photo bio modulation, the photo bio that for example heat strengthens stimulates and photo bio suspends and the generation of damage island portion, as described below.

[134] in some respects, the invention provides the method that the dot matrix that damages island portion by generation is processed tissue.These methods can be used in for example skin recovery, tatooing (for example removes, kill the cell that comprises black granule, melting of tattooing ink granule), acne treatment (for example, damage or destroy sebaceous gland, kill antibacterial, reduce inflammation), pigment pathological changes processes, vascular pathological changes is processed and scarlet nevus (" portwine stain ") (for example removes, reduce ill vascular system), and other.The dot matrix of damage island portion also can be used in increases cuticular permeability.For recovering or time of this damage island of rehabilitation portion can be damaged the size of island portion and the fill factor, curve factor of dot matrix is controlled by change.

[135] in certain embodiments, the invention provides the tissue engineered method according to controlled tissue injury.A tissue engineered embodiment is skin " recovery ", complicated process comprises described below one or more: (a) minimizing of poikiloderma (being pigment heterogeneity), (b) telangiectatic minimizing (, vascular malformation), (c) improvement of skin texture (for example, what minimizing, the skin of fold and wrinkle were level and smooth, pore is big or small reduces), (d) improvement of skin stretch characteristic (for example, elasticity, the increase that lifts, tighten).The technology of restoring for skin can be divided into three large classes: (dot matrix that comprises island of the present invention portion) of that melt and segmentation that melt, non-.

[136], in the surface reforming method melting, the part of the full depth of epidermis and top corium is melted and/or is solidified.Ablation techniques is typically brought more significant clinical effectiveness, but causes considerable postoperative recovery time and nursing, do not accommodate the risk of infection.For example, (for example, use absorptance is about 900cm to the reconstruction of laser instrument skin ^-1cO ₂laser instrument, or absorptance is about 13,000cm ^-1er:YAG laser instrument) need recovery times of several weeks, be then that processed skin is the cycle that reaches some months of erythema shape.

[137] in non-ablation method, the region of solidifying is shifted more deeply in tissue, and epidermis is retained, complete (for example, using absorptance is 5-25cm ^-1laser instrument).Non-ablation techniques causes quite few post-operative recovery time and nursing, does not accommodate the risk of infection.

[138] also non-melting of segmentation method, but whether solidify whole processing region or damage field, but cause part or the segmentation damage of processing region.In other words, the dot matrix of damage island portion is produced in processing region.

[139] the invention provides skin restored method, in the method, heat and damage island portion can be relative with hypodermis deeply at corium the degree of depth >500 μ m of skin surface (for example, apart from).In order to stop epidermis injury, can adopt the active of epidermis or passive cooling.

[140] generation of dot matrix of damage island portion can cause skin to lift or be tight, and this is due to the solidifying of the fibriilar contraction of collagen (direct effect) of the temperature (a) being improved or (b) regional area in corium and hypodermis (directly arriving short-term effect).

[141] generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can cause more level and smooth skin texture, and this is solidify (directly the arriving short-term effect) due to the regional area at corium and lower Intradermal.This technology can also for example, for forming texture (, rich lip) to tissue or organ rather than dermis/epidermis.

[142] generation of dot matrix of damage island portion can cause the raising of collagen output, and this is because tissue is to the rehabilitation reaction of thermal stress or thermal shock (in to long term effect).The generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can also cause the raising of hyaluronic output, and this is due to the rehabilitation reaction (be short to middle wall effect) of tissue to thermal stress or thermal shock.Reprocessing in regular interval can maintain hyaluronic level and therefore maintain improved skin appearance.

[143] generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to remove and tatoo by killing the cell (cell of typical top corium) that comprises tattooing ink granule.After these cells are killed, tattooing ink by normal purification process from organizing place to remove.Alternative or additional, by selecting the wavelength of EMR processing to cause EMR energy to be absorbed by the selectivity of tattooing ink granule, the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to remove tatoo.In certain embodiments, the pulse width of incident pulse is selected for the thermal relaxation time of the black granule of coupling.Absorption by the EMR energy of tattooing ink granule can cause cell be heated and be killed; Can cause black granule to stand photobleaching or be broken to by normal processes, removed compared with micromolecule; Or can cause in addition China ink destroyed.

[144] generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used, to increase cuticular permeability by island portion to the temperature higher than 100 ℃ of heat tissue with the aperture being created in SC.Therefore, in these embodiments, EMR processes the part of solidifying, melt, evaporate or otherwise damage or remove SC, comprises intercellular lipid structure or the cell of lenticular, to form by the dot matrix of the damage island portion of SC.The method increases the permeability of SC for more time than above-described hot island portion method, the normal processes of the layer of cell by growing from basal layer because the region of damage or hole can remain in SC (for example, approximately 21-28 days) is replaced.

[145] by selecting wavelength that EMR processes by sebum, the selectivity of EMR energy to be absorbed causing, or aim at dot matrix to sebaceous gland, so that optionally damage or destroy sebaceous gland, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to process acne.EMR processes also can be targeted to the antibacterial in acne sore spot.

[146] by causing the contraction of scar tissue and tightening and utilize normal connective tissue to the substituting of improper connective tissue, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to process hypertrophic cicatrix.

[147] by optionally aiming at exocrine gland, thereby reduce the generation of external secretion antiperspirant or change its composition, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to process body odor.

[148] by optionally aiming at diseased tissue with cell killing or causing tissue decortication, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to process wart and callus.By normal biological process, diseased tissue can be substituted by normal structure.

[149] by using the EMR of suitable wavelength optionally to aim at psoriasis speckle, thereby stop or the Mottling formation that reverses, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to process psoriasis.By normal biological process, psoriasis tissue can be substituted by normal structure.

[150] by increasing wound or burn edge, substantially do not increase volume, the formation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to reduce for rehabilitation wound or required time of burn (comprising cold injury).

[151] by the mechanical stress changing on corium/hypodermis border, distribute, the generation of the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to reduce liparitosis.Alternative, or additional, by heating and damaging the adipose cell in island portion, the dot matrix of damage island portion can be used to reduce the fat at lower Intradermal (subcutaneous tissue).

[152] dot matrix that damages island portion by aiming is to the hair follicle in skin, can use the generation of dot matrix of damage island portion to reduce amount or the existence of body hair.The method can optionally aim at melanin or other chromophore being present in hair or hair follicle, or can the moisture of nonselective aiming in hair follicle.

[153] can use the generation of the dot matrix that damages island portion to damage or destroy inner epithelial cell, to process this benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy, or the patient's condition of restenosis.By producing damage field in organizational interface, the method can also be used to tissue to be welded together.

[154] can use the generation of dot matrix of damage island portion to produce in tissue by organizing or melting of other structure causes, or by the pattern of organizing rehabilitation course to cause.For example, by utilization, damage dot matrix " etching " hair of island portion, can in hair shaft, produce pattern.Alternative, using rehabilitation course, corium, epidermis or other epithelial tissue can be patterned, to produce the localized area with changeable outward appearance.

[155] in some respects, the invention provides the method for processing tissue by producing the dot matrix of photochemistry island portion.These methods can be used in the biological respinse that for example activates based on EMR (for example, melanin produces or " tanned ") and the photodynamic therapy psoralens plus UVA of vitiligo or hypopigmentation (for example, for).For example, used or with photodynamics preparation, be not increased in the photochemistry island portion of the Pigmented generation in processed region by generation, vitiligo, white striae atrophicae (that is, lineae ablicantes) ,He hypopigmentation can be processed.More specifically, by aiming at basal layer, melanocytic breeding and differentiation can be promoted.

Be equal to

[156] although only described some embodiment, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, can carry out the various changes in form and in details, and do not depart from the spirit and scope that appended claim limits.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that, or use be no more than normal experiment means can determine the specific embodiment of specific description here many are equal to alternative.Like this be equal to substitute, is intended to comprise within the scope of the appended claims.

Reference and definition

[157] patent mentioned here, science and medical publication have been set up the knowledge that can use for those of ordinary skills when of the present invention drawing.Whole disclosures of the United States Patent (USP) of authorizing, publication and unsettled patent application and other lists of references of quoting are here contained in this by reference.

[158] all technology and the scientific terminology that used here, unless limited in addition below, refer to those of ordinary skills and conventionally understand the identical meaning.The reference of the technology that adopted here refers in this area the technology of conventionally understanding, comprise for those skilled in the art obvious to the variation of those technology or substituting of being equal to or the technology of development subsequently.In addition, for the desired theme of clearer and succinct description, provide for be used in some term in description and appended claims as given a definition.

Numerical range

[159] as used herein, for the enumerating of numerical range of variable, be intended to pass on embodiment can use the arbitrary value within the scope of this, comprise that the border of this scope is realized.Therefore,, for discrete variable itself, this variable can equal the arbitrary integer in this numerical range, comprises the end points of this scope.Similarly, for continuous variable itself, this variable can equal the arbitrary real numerical value in this numerical range, comprises the end points of this scope.As an example, and unrestricted, be described as having the variable of the value between 0 and 2, if variable itself is discrete, it can value 0,1 or 2, if variable itself is continuous, it can value 0.0,0.1,0.01,0.001 or be more than or equal to 0 and be less than or equal to any other real number values of 2.Finally, this variable can be taken at a plurality of values in this scope, is included in any subrange of the value in the scope providing.

[160] as used herein, unless other special indicating, word "or" comprises "and/or" in meaning rather than " or/or " in exclusive meaning with it.

[161] as used herein, EMR comprises large wave-length coverage between 200nm and 10mm.Optical radiation, has the EMR of the spectrum of wavelength in the about scope between 200nm and 100 μ m, is preferably used in the above-described embodiment, and still, also as discussed above, the energy of many other wavelength can be used alone or in combination.Term " arrowband " refers to such electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and it has single peak value or a plurality of peak value, the FWHM of each peak value (full width at half maximum) be typically no more than corresponding peaks centre wavelength 10%.Actual spectrum can also comprise broadband composition, provides additional processing benefit or nothing impact on processing.Add, term optics (in the term being used in except term " optical radiation " time) relates to whole EMR spectrum.For example, as used herein, term " optical path " is the path being suitable for except the EMR radiation of " optical radiation ".

[162] yet, should be noted that other energy can be for processing island portion in a similar manner.For example, the non-EMR source such as ultrasonic, optoacoustic and other energy source also can be used to form the island portion that processes.Therefore,, although embodiment as described herein is with respect to describing to form island portion with EMR, be used to form other form energies of island portion in the scope of the present invention and claim.

Claims (72)

1. for carried out a handheld photocosmetic device for the segment processing of tissue by user, comprise

Housing,

Be arranged in the EMR source in described housing, and

In described housing and be optically coupled to the EMR delivery path of light source,

Wherein, described EMR delivery path is arranged to EMR that application produces by described EMR source to a plurality of discrete locations that are positioned at the processing region of tissue, and the gross area of wherein said a plurality of discrete locations is less than processing region; And

Wherein, in housing or around housing, described device is configured to self-contained, makes the described whole device substantially during operation can be hand-held by described user.

2. device according to claim 1, the gross area of wherein said a plurality of discrete locations processing region about percent 1 to 90 between.

3. device according to claim 1, also comprises with EMR source electric connection and is arranged to the cable to the power supply of described EMR source.

4. device according to claim 1, also comprise be coupled to described housing and with the power supply of described EMR source electric connection, wherein said power supply is configured to the power supply of described EMR source.

5. device according to claim 4, wherein said power supply comprises battery.

6. device according to claim 1, wherein said discrete location is distributed according to predetermined or random pattern.

7. device according to claim 1, wherein said EMR delivery path comprises photoscanner.

8. device according to claim 7, wherein said scanning device comprises at least one optical fiber, described at least one optical fiber has to be suitable for receiving from EMR source the input port of EMR and to have and by it, EMR is delivered to the output port of described position.

9. device according to claim 8, wherein said scanning device also comprises the sweep mechanism of the output port that is coupled to described optical fiber, for mobile described output port EMR is directed to described position.

10. device according to claim 9, wherein said sweep mechanism is optically coupled to the output port of described optical fiber, and comprises one or more rotatable reflecting mirrors, for described EMR is directed to described position.

11. devices according to claim 9, wherein said sweep mechanism comprises at least one piezoelectric scanner element.

12. devices according to claim 11, wherein said piezoelectric scanner element is adjustable multi-layer piezoelectric device.

13. devices according to claim 8, also comprise the optics that is coupled to described output port, for the EMR transmitting by described output port is shaped.

14. devices according to claim 8, also comprise for the mobile basic synchronization of the output port with optical fiber control EMR source to realize EMR to the controller of sending of described position.

15. devices according to claim 14, wherein said controller optionally activates described EMR source.

16. devices according to claim 15, wherein said controller is optionally blocked the EMR being launched by described source and is entered optical fiber.

17. devices according to claim 8, also comprise the optical coupler being arranged between described EMR source and described optical fiber, for light is guided into optical fiber from described source.

18. devices according to claim 17, wherein said bonder comprises one or more focusing optics, for the EMR from described source is focused on and enters into optical fiber.

19. devices according to claim 18, wherein said one or more concentrating elements by EMR focus on enter numerical aperture about 0.5 to about 3 optical fiber.

20. devices according to claim 8, wherein said EMR source and fibre-optic input port are aimed at, and at least 80% of the EMR energy that produced by described source is coupled in optical fiber.

21. devices according to claim 17, wherein said bonder comprises for selectivity and connects selected EMR source and selected fibre-optic adapter.

22. devices according to claim 1, also comprise the security system of one or more sensors with the one or more operating parameters for installing described in sensing.

23. devices according to claim 22, at least one of wherein said sensor comprises EMR transmitting terminal for installing described in sensing and the touch sensor of the contact between skin.

24. devices according to claim 23, if wherein touch sensor senses contact value lower than minimal-contact threshold value, described release mechanism suppresses light sending to skin.

25. devices according to claim 23, wherein said minimal-contact threshold value is about 70% the contact area that is greater than the area of EMR transmitting terminal.

26. devices according to claim 23, wherein said touch sensor is selected from group below, and this group comprises: conductivity sensor, piezoelectric transducer and mechanical pick-up device.

27. devices according to claim 22, wherein said security system suppresses to be delivered to over the EMR energy of predetermined threshold the skin site of the EMR transmitting terminal contact of device.

28. devices according to claim 22, wherein said security system suppresses to be delivered to skin over the EMR of predetermined threshold during processing the period.

29. devices according to claim 28, wherein process the time after the activation that the period comprises following device.

30. devices according to claim 28, wherein said security system comprises the controller of the amount of following the trail of the EMR energy that is applied to skin site, described controller suppresses to send to the EMR of skin when energy reaches threshold value.

31. devices according to claim 28, wherein said controller is arranged to remove and activates described source to suppress EMR sending to skin.

32. devices according to claim 7, wherein said scanning device comprises at least one stepper motor.

33. devices according to claim 1, wherein said EMR source produces the EMR with the one or more wavelength in the scope of the extremely about 11000nm of about 300nm.

34. devices according to claim 1, wherein said EMR source is coherent source.

35. devices according to claim 1, wherein said EMR source is single diode laser.

36. devices according to claim 31, wherein said EMR source comprises a plurality of diode lasers.

37. devices according to claim 1, wherein said light source is at least one diode laser bar.

38. devices according to claim 1, wherein said light source is incoherent light source.

39. according to the device described in claim 38, and wherein said incoherent light source can be selected from group below, and this group comprises: light emitting diode (LED), arc light, flash lamp, fluorescent lamp, Halogen light and halide lamp.

40. devices according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises at least two separable modules, one of them comprises described EMR source and another comprises described EMR delivery mechanism.

41. according to the device described in claim 40, and wherein said module comprises for removedly and the matching connector engaging one another replaceably.

42. according to the device described in claim 40, also comprise can sensing described in EMR source type and indicate the type to the sensing system of described scanning device.

43. devices according to claim 1, also comprise the cooling body that is thermally coupled to described EMR source.

44. according to the device described in claim 43, and wherein said cooling body comprises for extract the thermoelectric (al) cooler of heat from described EMR source.

45. according to the device described in claim 43, and wherein said cooling body comprises for extract the caloic of heat from described EMR source.

46. devices according to claim 1, also comprise the rechargeable power supply being arranged in housing.

47. devices according to claim 1, also comprise the docking station that is suitable for being coupled to described housing, and described docking station comprises the circuit for described power supply is recharged.

48. devices according to claim 1, wherein said EMR delivery path comprises a plurality of lenticulees.

49. devices according to claim 1, wherein discrete location is included in the parts of skin that requires to process.

50. devices according to claim 1, also comprise the varnish allotter that is coupled to described housing.

51. 1 kinds of light beauty treatment systems, comprise

Portion of the handle from proximal extension to far-end,

Be arranged in the EMR source in described portion of the handle,

A plurality of EMR delivery module, each module is suitable for removable and is coupled to replaceably the far-end of described portion of the handle, for sending light from described source to a plurality of distributed discrete skin site,

Each of wherein said smooth delivery module provides the different pattern of discrete location.

52. according to the device described in claim 51, and wherein said portion of the handle and described module comprise for matching connector removable and that engage one another replaceably, make the combination of described portion of the handle and each module that hand-held device is provided.

53. according to the system described in claim 51, and the pattern area wherein being formed by module changes.

54. according to the system described in claim 51, and the pattern-pitch wherein being formed by module changes.

55. according to the system described in claim 51, and the pattern form wherein being formed by module changes.

56. according to the system described in claim 51, and the pattern focal depth wherein being formed by module changes.

57. according to the system described in claim 51, and wherein said near-end can be coupled to docking station.

58. according to the system described in claim 51, and wherein said portion of the handle also comprises power supply.

59. according to the system described in claim 58, and wherein said near-end can be coupled to docking station, and wherein said docking station comprises the circuit for described power supply is recharged.

60. 1 kinds of photo cosmetic devices, comprise

Housing from proximal extension to far-end,

Be arranged in a plurality of light sources in housing, be arranged to and light be directed to the discrete skin site of a plurality of separation by the far-end of housing,

Be mounted to the motion sensor of housing, the translational speed for sensing distal portions to skin,

With the controller that described motion sensor is communicated by letter with described light source, described controller is according to source described in described speed controlling, to light is directed to the discrete skin site of a plurality of separation from described source.

61. according to the photo cosmetic device described in claim 60, and wherein said controller can be controlled the selective activation in described source.

62. according to the photo cosmetic device described in claim 60, and wherein said source is the repetitive rate that controller pulse and described is controlled described pulse.

63. 1 kinds of methods that maintain improved skin appearance, comprise that one day 1 to 3 time rule application rights requires the device described in 1, has the interval of 0-7 days between the date of processing.

64. 1 kinds for using handheld photocosmetic device to carry out the method for the segment processing of tissue, comprising:

In the first processing, utilize EMR to be radiated at the process points of a plurality of separation in the target area of tissue, the gross area of wherein said a plurality of process points is less than the area of target area;

In the second processing, utilize EMR to be radiated at more than second separated process points in the target area of tissue, the gross area of wherein said more than second process points is less than the area of target area;

Wherein said the second irradiating step occur in after described the first irradiating step and wherein at least described the second irradiating step use self-contained handheld photocosmetic device to carry out.

65. according to the method described in claim 64, and wherein said irradiating step repeated between every day 1 to 3 time.

66. according to the method described in claim 65, wherein between the date of processing, has the interval between 0-7 days.

67. according to the method described in claim 63, and wherein said irradiating step comprises that each process points sends the EMR radiation in about 2mJ to 30mJ scope.

68. according to the method described in claim 63, and wherein said irradiating step comprises that each process points sends the EMR radiation in about 4mJ to 10mJ scope.

69. according to the method described in claim 63, and wherein said the first and second processing also comprise the described a plurality of process points of each processing irradiation 2-10 time.

70. according to the method described in claim 63, and wherein said irradiating step is included in treatment with irradiation and produces from about 100/cm ²to about 700/cm ²the density of the process points of scope.

71. according to the method described in claim 64, and wherein said method is also included between described irradiating step and adjusts exposure rate.

72. according to the method described in claim 66, and the professional EMR that wherein said method was also included between date of processing processes.

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