Abstract: A light engine for a fiberoptic illuminator is disclosed. The light engine has a light emitting diode (LED) and collimating optics for gathering, transmitting and focusing light emitted from the LED. The collimating optics is provided by a fused fiberoptic rod having an outer glass cladding which provides a seal for a bundle of optic fibers drawn and tightly packed and fused together. The fused fiberoptic rod has an elongate cylindrical distal end and a frustoconical proximal end forming a fused tapered tip. The fused tapered tip having a proximal end face disposed adjacent the LED for receiving light emitted by the LED.