An additive, preferably in the form of metal nanoparticles or nanodomains, greatly improves a laser-based method and system for inducing optical breakdown. The use of ultrashort laser pulses to induce laser-induced breakdown (LIB) in metal nanoparticles or nanocomposites makes it possible to reduce significantly the threshold laser energy required for LIB. Such nanoscale (submicron) metallic particles allows one to control the LIB process. The nanoparticles can be synthesized so as to target specific biological structures or tissues (dendrimer nanoparticles are one system for which this has been demonstrated). This opens up the possibility of performing LIB for targeted cancer treatment or microsurgery.

A method and system to create and acoustically manipulate without destroying a microbubble which, in biological applications, can manipulate structures such as cells and subcellular structures at a nanoscopic scale.

A method and apparatus for delivering energy during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include applying energy during at least one pulsed energy on period, typically sufficient or intended to rapidly induce and beneficially employ transient cavitation. Applying energy during the pulsed energy on period comprises applying energy during a first high energy period, and applying energy during a second nonzero lower energy period.

Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width. A control system and pulse duty cycle is provided for controlling the off duty cycle to insure heat dissipation before a subsequent pulse is activated, including a foot pedal switch.

Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating said needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude. The control system provides a pulsed electrical power of less than 20 millisecond pulse duration.