Abstract: A light diffuser tip for use with an optical fiber. The diffuser tip is affixed to an optical fiber and comprises an optically transparent elastomer core positioned to receive light from the output terminus of the optical fiber. The concentration of scattering centers embedded in the transparent elastomer core varies along the length of the core to yield a particular light distribution pattern. For example, the scattering centers may be distributed within an optically transparent elastomeric core material such as silicone to provide a scatterer density gradient along the diffuser tip in the axial direction of the optical fiber. A diffuser tip which provides uniform cylindrical light output intensity in air will provide a different output intensity distribution in a medium with a different index of refraction such as human tissue.

Abstract: A device for delivering phototherapeutic light to uniformly illuminate a tissue surface. The device is a bowl-shaped shell with a more-or-less parabolic profile and having an open end and an apex. The inner surface of the shell is adapted to diffusely reflect light with very low absorption by the shell material. A light output end of a fiber optic is introduced into the interior of the shell through a fiber optic port in the shell wall near the apex. The light output end of the fiber is positioned such that light emanating therefrom impinges upon the inner surface of the shell. The shape of the shell causes greater than 60 percent of the light emanating from the fiber to intercept the shell's surface and be diffusely reflected. The diffusely reflected light may then undergo further diffuse reflection within the shell prior to reaching the treatment surface adjacent to the open end of the shell to provide more uniform illumination of the treatment surface than the fiber could otherwise provide.