Force-controlled contact applicator for laser radiation

Abstract

A contact applicator arrangement for applying laser radiation to an object is disclosed. The contact applicator arrangement includes: a holder having an outer surface and defining a longitudinal axis; the holder having an outlet formed in the outer surface for passing the radiation from the holder to the object; a radiation guide mounted in the holder for guiding the radiation through the outlet; and, an element displaceably mounted in the holder so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis in response to a contact pressure applied on the element. The element is movable to a first position wherein the element extends outwardly beyond the surface of the holder and to a second position rearward of the first position. These first and second positions define a displacement range of the element. A spring resiliently biases the element in opposition to the contact pressure to define a pregiven force within the displacement range of the element. A laser radiation supply supplies radiation to the radiation guide and a switching circuit switches the radiation supply on when the element is moved back to the first position and remains on within the displacement range and switches the radiation supply off when the element reaches the second position and leaves the displacement range.