Importance

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Abstract

The invention features systems and tools for controlling the optical penetration depth of laser energy, e.g., when delivering laser energy to target tissue in a patient. The systems and tools control the optical penetration depth (OPD) by controlling the incident angle at which the laser energy is delivered to the target area of the patient. Embodiments of the invention include an optical coupler that permit a user to vary the incident angle and thereby selectably control the OPD of incident laser energy. Fabricating the optical coupler to have a refractive index greater than that of the target tissue can enhance the range of selectable OPDs. The laser energy, which is delivered to the desired depth, can cause alteration of the target tissue by, e.g., heating, ablation, and/or photochemical reaction.

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First Claim