Abstract: A diffuser tip for a fiber optic or array of fibers having a proximal end which abuts against the tip of the fiber optic or array of fibers. The diffuser tip has a cylindrical center core of transparent elastomer which contains scattering centers embedded therein. The scattering centers are distributed within the core so that the concentration of scatterers increases continuously in a direction from the proximal end of the diffuser tip to the distal end of the diffuser tip.

Abstract: An optical waveguide having a large diameter silicone core for transmission of visible and infrared light is described. The silicone-cored optical waveguide is generally useful for the conduction of light from a source to one or more remote distribution points for illumination. It is particularly useful for conducting light to areas of the body remote from the light source for medical application. The use of optically transparent silicone as the optical waveguide's core material enables the construction of an improved fiber having greater flexibility than a glass or plastic cored waeguide of the same diameter thereby enabling passage along a fortuous path. In the preferred embodiment, a silicone-cored waveguide is described which has large core diameter and a high degree of flexibility when compared to a glass fiber of similar core diameter.