Device for selective destruction of cells

US5188633A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Michael Kratzer · Munich, DE
• Eberhard Unsold · Bocholt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 26, 1991
• Grant date: Feb 23, 1993
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1807
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus for selective destruction or inactivation of cells is disclosed wherein cells are arrayed in a plane for successive illumination, by optical X-Y scanning devices, with a first low powered light beam to produce in particular cells certain radiations responsive to the illumination. These response radiations are detected and used to enable a second higher powered light beam directed through substantially the same optical scanning paths, to destroy or inactivate the cells producing the response radiations. The illumination, response, detection, and high power radiation steps are accomplished by devices acting in times short as compared to the X-Y scanning devices so as to make the accurate treatment of each of large numbers of cells highly effective. Alternate embodiments disclose the use of a single laser light source to selectively provide both the low and high powered light beams, various X-Y scanning arrangements, and various devices for correcting the spherical aberration of the scanned beams in variously positioned image planes.