Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of mounting a light source, such as, for example a high-efficiency, high-power solid state light source (e.g., a LED) within a handle of an endoscope. One of the methods of the present invention includes removing a portion of a package surrounding the light source to expose a light source chip, positioning the exposed light source adjacent to a chassis within the handle and in contact with an end of a light guide bundle, translating the light source with the exposed light source chip about the end of the light guide while measuring light output from an illumination (i.e., distal) end of the light guide bundle with a photodetector, and securing the exposed light source to the chassis at a position in which maximum light output is measured.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism that adjusts an inclination and a position of an optical axis of an excitation light optical system with respect to an optical axis of a white light optical system is provided. The adjustment mechanism includes a frame plate, a plate-shaped lever, a fixing unit, a first adjuster, and a second adjuster. The frame plate is orthogonally placed with respect to the optical axis of the white light optical system, and perforated with a pair of circular holes, and an elliptical hole. The plate-shaped lever is perforated with a first elliptical hole and a second elliptical hole and a cylindrical projection. The fixing unit fixes the excitation light optical system to the plate-shaped lever. The first adjuster includes a first supporting axle and a first disc-shaped cam to which the first supporting axle is eccentrically fixed, the first disc-shaped cam being rotatably and slidably fitted in the first elliptical hole of the plate-shaped lever.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope having an insertion tube; a main light source; an auxiliary light source; and a fiber-optic light guide provided in the insertion tube, the fiber-optic light guide being provided with an incident end face which selectively faces one of the main light source and the auxiliary light source, and an exit end face which faces an illuminating optical system provided at a distal end of the insertion tube. The auxiliary light source is a white LED.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope including a main light source; a light guide member whose incident end face is opposed to the main light source and which guides light incident thereon to an emission end face thereof; an auxiliary light source which is activated to emit light when no light is emitted from the main light source and which is supported to move between a stand-by position in which the auxiliary light source is located out of a main light path between the main light source and the incident end face and an operative position in which the auxiliary light source is located in the main light path and is opposed to the incident end face when the main light source is inoperative; and an auxiliary light source emission control device for driving the auxiliary light source at a continuous emission mode to emit light of a predetermined intensity or at an intermittent emission mode to emit light of an intensity higher than the predetermined intensity.

Abstract: A light source device enables manual and automatic light regulation performed on illumination light that is irradiated to an object. A set value of a light regulation level for light emanating from a light source which is determined for use of an endoscope 11 is stored in a memory. When the driving power supply of the endoscope 11 is turned on again in order to reuse the endoscope, the stored and previously determined set value of the light regulation level is compared with a threshold value. When the previously determined set value of the light regulation level is equal to or larger than the threshold value, a diaphragm 26 is adjusted so that the light regulation level is set to a predetermined value. When the previously determined set value of the light regulation level is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the diaphragm 26 is adjusted so that the light regulation level will be set to the previous determined set value.

Abstract: An endoscope and stroboscope comprising an elongated rigid tube that includes an inner tube providing an optical path for viewing through said tube by a human being, an LED light source connected to said tube and a fiber optic bundle providing light transmission from said LED through and within said endoscopic and stroboscopic tube providing optical illumination from the distal end of said tube without interfering with the optical view for the user. The LED light source can be varied in intensity. A first end of the fiber optic bundle is a hemispherical concave shape abuts the LED light source.

Abstract: Methods for delivering light to a treatment site of a patient to administer a light therapy thereto are provided. A method includes steps of providing a portable power source, and a light source configured to provide light suitable for the light therapy for a period of at least two hours, and an optical fiber; positioning a distal portion of the optical fiber that is adapted to be disposed at the treatment site within a patient's body, where the light generated by the light source and conveyed by the optical fiber exits from the distal portion of the optical fiber; energizing the light source with the portable power supply; and administering the light treatment to the treatment site with the light source, wherein the patient is ambulatory without interruption of the light therapy during the treatment.

Abstract: An illumination control system comprises a rotation detecting section, an abnormality determination section, and a filter removing section. The rotation detecting section detects the rotational driving of a filter which is located on a path of illumination light emitted from a light source, which irradiates color light rays having different wavelengths to an object, and which is driven by a rotational driver. The abnormality determination section determines whether status of filter rotation is normal or abnormal based on the detected rotation of the filter by the rotation detecting section. The filter removing section removes the filter from the path of the illumination light when the abnormality determination section determines that the status of filter rotation is abnormal.

Abstract: In a socket portion of an endoscopic light source connector, a rod end holder is mounted on a riser plate within a housing of a light source for holding and supporting a fore end portion of a light guide rod of a light source connector, which has a proximal end portion of a light guide encased in a rigid pipe. The rod end holder is constituted by a fixed tubular casing which is mounted on the riser plate in an aligned position relative to an optical axis of illumination light path from a source lamp of the light source, and a slide member which is axially slidably fitted in the fixed tubular casing and internally provided with a light guide passage for passing illumination light from the source lamp.

Abstract: A light-source device for an endoscope includes a housing, first and second lamps, and first and second movable lamp mounting sections. The first movable lamp-mounting section is transferable with respect to the housing between first and second lamp positions. The second movable lamp-mounting section is attached to the first movable lamp-mounting section and is transferable between a lighting position and a lamp replacing position. The first lamp is optically connected to a light guide cable when the second movable lamp-mounting section is positioned at the lighting position and when the first movable lamp-mounting section is positioned at the first lamp position. The second lamp is optically connected to the light guide cable when the second movable lamp-mounting section is positioned at the lighting position and when the first movable lamp-mounting section is positioned at the second lamp position.

Abstract: A light source device for an endoscope is provided. The light source device comprises a light source unit that supplies illumination light to an incident end face of a light guide member, which is laid inside an endoscope. The light source unit comprises a plurality of reflecting board members. Each reflecting board member has at least one light emitting diode. The plurality of reflecting board members are assembled into a concaved open polyhedron, so that the light emitted from the light emitting diodes are concentrated onto the incident end face of the light guide member.

Abstract: A clean room ceiling light fixture formed as a sealed housing with a downwardly-directed light emitting aperture. A heat sink fixed within and spaced from the housing defines a cable raceway inside the housing. A plurality of LEDs are mounted on the heat sink. A high refractive index (polycarbonate) reflector coupled to each LED efficiently directs the LED's light through the aperture into the clean room. The LEDs and/or reflectors can be anti-reflectively coated to improve light transmission efficiency. A refractive index matching compound applied between each LED-reflector pair further improves light transmission efficiency. A spectrally selective filter material prevents ultraviolet illumination of clean rooms used for lithographic processes which are compromised by ultraviolet rays. A holographic diffusion lens and/or variable transmissivity filter can be provided to uniformly distribute the LEDs' light through the aperture.

Abstract: A compact, high-efficiency, high-power, solid state light source, comprising a high-power solid state light-emitting device, a light guide having a proximal light-receiving end proximate the light-emitting device and a distal light-transmitting end spaced farther from the light-emitting device, and a mechanical light guide fixing device coupled to the light guide near its proximal end, to hold the proximal end of the light guide in position near the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A lighting system for an endoscope includes a lamp positioned so that an optical axis thereof is oriented horizontally; a light guide having an incident end upon which the illuminating light from the lamp is incident; a diaphragm plate rotated about a pivot so as to advance into and retract from an optical path of the illuminating light, the pivot extending parallel to the optical axis of the lamp and positioned above or below the optical path. The diaphragm plate includes a notch which is formed at one end of the diaphragm plate, the notch being positioned along an arc which is centered about the pivot and which intersects a center of the light guide when the diaphragm plate rotates about the pivot; and a large number of minute perforations formed along and below the arc.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (24) for use as a borescope or endoscope for viewing an object at a remote or inaccessible location. The apparatus (24) comprises a tube (22) having a proximal end and a distal end and means in the tube for obtaining an image of an object and transmitting it to a viewing device. The apparatus (24) also comprises illumination means comprising an array (20) of light emitting diodes (10) mounted on a substrate (12) and covered by a common protective shield (18) of optically clear material. The array (20) may be mounted at the distal end of the tube (22) adjacent a viewing port (26). Alternatively, the array (20) may be mounted at the proximal end of the tube, adjacent the end face (38) of a bundle of optical fibers which transmit light to the distal end of the tube (22). The arrangement eliminates the need for an external light source ande light guide, thereby reducing light losses and making the apparatus more compact.

Abstract: An illumination module comprises a ring-shaped mounting member having an axially extending viewing passage and an L-shaped radiation guide including a radiation entry end for communication with an external radiation source and a radiation exit end provided with a fused glass window for insertion within a process vessel or pipeline. The radiation guide extends through a radial guide hole in the mounting member and bends to run axially along the passage of the mounting member in close proximity to the wall of the passage so as to minimize blockage of available viewing area through the passage. The illumination module can be clamped between a sight glass or camera viewing unit and the flange of a nozzle port, or between segments of a pipeline near a viewing window of the pipeline, to form an illumination and viewing assembly.

Abstract: A lighting device includes an optic light guide having a free end that emits directional light. Surrounding the free end is a sleeve having an aperture through which a beam of light emitted by the free end of the light guide passes. The sleeve may be moved in and out relative to the free end to vary the size of the beam of light passing through the aperture.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a shaft comprises an imaging system arranged in the shaft and an illuminating system which allows light emitted by a light source to emerge at the distal end of shaft, wherein the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode. The light source comprises at least two light emitting diodes which emit light in different spectral ranges, and the light of the at least two light emitting diodes emerges spectrally additively mixed from the illuminating system.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object includes an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end and an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The illumination assembly includes a solid-state light source. The endoscopic system also includes an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source to receive and convey light to the distal end.

Abstract: When a new processor is connected to an old electronic endoscope provided with a memory storing B data for image processing specific to the scope, white balance control is carried out by a microcomputer. That is, at the time when power is turned on, this microcomputer determines whether or not image processing data compatible with the new processor is present in the old electronic endoscope. If the compatible data are not present, the microcomputer carries out white balance control based on the image of white board picked up by the user, and additionally writes new C data for image processing at the time of white balance control in a memory of the old electronic endoscope together with data identification information. Thereby, the compatibility with an old type of electronic endoscope is maintained.

Abstract: In an apparatus using an AC lighting lamp including a reflector and a condensing lens as a condensing unit and using a CCD to pick up an image of a subject irradiated with a light from the lamp, an entrance facet of a light guide is arranged between two condensing points G1 and G2 and at a position that is not close to either of the condensing points, particularly at an intermediate position therebetween so that lights from a bright spot g1 or g2 at a tip of a first or second electrode, respectively, of the lamp are condensed at the corresponding condensing point by the condensing unit. Thereby, although an amount of emission slightly decreases compared to the case where the entrance facet is arranged on the basis of the bright spot, emission with a reduced variation in luminance is obtained to enable photographing with a substantially uniform amount of exposure, while preventing possible flickers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a region of an eye is provided and may include at least one optical fiber in fluid connection with a light source for allowing light to be transmitted to a probe for diffusing light into the region of the eye. The probe be formed from a portion of the at least one optical fiber and may be directly inserted into a portion of the eye so that light is diffused into the eye to illuminate the region. The probe may be secured in a substantially fixed position when the probe is inserted within a portion of the eye such as by a frictional engagement between the diffusing means and the eye. A plurality of probes may be inserted within the eye where each probe may include a substantially tapered distal end to facilitate insertion into the eye. The distal end of each probe may be formed in different shapes or may include an optical lens for diffusing light into the eye for illuminating the region of the eye during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A light source device for an endoscope is provided. The light source device comprises a light source unit that supplies illumination light to an incident end face of a light guide member, which is laid inside an endoscope. The light source unit comprises a plurality of reflecting board members. Each reflecting board member has at least one light emitting diode. The plurality of reflecting board members are assembled into a concaved open polyhedron, so that the light emitted from the light emitting diodes are concentrated onto the incident end face of the light guide member.

Abstract: An endoscope is described, in which a shaft is included with inner and outer sheath pipes (1, 2) multiple illumination units (10) with LED's (25) provided for producing illumination light cascade-like, axially sequentially. The illumination units (10) consist of light transmissive carriers, upon which the LED's (25) are bonded. The light produced by the sequentially arranged illumination units (10) is emitted at the distal end with a high intensity of illumination, preferably after reflection from a mirror (11) provided at the proximal end.

Abstract: There is provided a light shielding plate to shield light from a light source lamp, and this light shielding plate is rotated and driven by a light shielding plate drive circuit, and a charge stored in a CCD for a period of, for example, 20H at a start of an effective period J of a vertical scanning period, is discharged and this is set as a non-operating period and a drive control over the light shielding plate for a period of 40.5H which is a sum of this non-operating period and a blanking period B (20.5H) is performed. This provides an adequate margin of time for controlling the light shielding plate at starting and stopping times and makes the drive control easier.

Abstract: A patient portable photodynamic therapy device securable to a patient includes a lightweight rechargeable battery and a cold cathode fluorescent (CCF) tube powered thereby. The CCF tube is coupled in light channeling relation to a proximal portion of a biocompatible optical fiber, which includes a distal portion with an optional diffuser that uniformly distributes light as it exits the distal portion. The distal end of the optical fiber is optionally provided with an anchoring balloon that can be inflated after the optical fiber is properly positioned at a treatment site within a patient's body. The balloon securely lodges the distal portion within the tissue at the treatment site, and is deflated to facilitate the removal of the optical fiber once the treatment is complete.

Abstract: The present invention is a unit for eliminating the fluctuation of luminous energy reduction by keeping the response time of a shading mechanism constant even if a diaphragm opening degree differs when reading every pixel by setting a shading period. This unit is provided with a shading mask having a quadrangular or V-shaped opening and moves a shading shutter in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertically moving direction of a diaphragm plate. Therefore, a shading period is set in accordance with the constant response time of the shading shutter and the rate of luminous energy reduction becomes constant. Moreover, a high-quality static image having a stable brightness can be obtained by reading the signal of every pixel obtained by a CCD through one-time exposure while using the shading period and then pixel-mixing signals. Furthermore, it is possible to use the Archimedean spiral for the outer periphery of the diaphragm plate or the shading shutter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to optically-enhanced light-emitting resin-curing devices and methods of applying these devices to the purpose of curing resins. This invention permits the use of conventional curing lights and allows for curing resins more rapidly. These curing devices typically include, a conventional curing light source, a lens assembly that focuses the light into a smaller diameter and an optical guide for delivery of the focused light to the resin.

Abstract: The present invention is a unit for eliminating the fluctuation of luminous energy reduction by keeping the response time of a shading mechanism constant even if a diaphragm opening degree differs when reading every pixel by setting a shading period. This unit is provided with a shading mask having a quadrangular or V-shaped opening and moves a shading shutter in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertically moving direction of a diaphragm plate. Therefore, a shading period is set in accordance with the constant response time of the shading shutter and the rate of luminous energy reduction becomes constant. Moreover, a high-quality static image having a stable brightness can be obtained by reading the signal of every pixel obtained by a CCD through one-time exposure while using the shading period and then pixel-mixing signals. Furthermore, it is possible to use the Archimedean spiral for the outer periphery of the diaphragm plate or the shading shutter.

Abstract: In a life span meter system for a lamp, such as a xenon lamp, used in an electronic endoscope, a counter numerically estimates a lit-time of the lamp as a numerical data whenever the lamp is turned ON. A memory stores the numerical data as a total numerical data of the lit-time of the lamp whenever the lamp is turned OFF. A determiner determines whether the total numerical data reaches a numerical life-span data which is numerically estimated from a life span of the lamp. An indicator indicates that the lamp should be exchanged with a new lamp when it is determined by the determiner that the total numerical lit-time data exceeds the numerical life-span data.

Abstract: The light generator comprises a housing (1) with a light source in the form of a plurality of LEDs (3, 3′, . . . ), each having a luminous flux of at least 5 lm during operation. The housing (1) also comprises a collimating lens (6) and a Fresnel lens (8) for focusing the beam generated by the LEDs (3, 3′, . . . ). The light engine is further provided with drive means in a box (10) for driving the LEDs (3, 3′, . . . ). Preferably, the collimator lens (6) has a number of sub-lenses (7, 7′, . . . ), the optical axis of each of the sub-lenses coinciding with the optical axis of a respective one of the LEDs (3, 3′, . . .).

Abstract: An illumination system for endoscopes having a light source of which the brightness is controlled by a control unit. A hook-up cable containing a bundle of optic fibers is provided to transmit the light from the light source to a light guide situated in the endoscope and extending to a distal end of the endoscope. At least one fiber of the bundle of fibers is optically coupled at one end near the light source with a light sensor. The light sensor cooperates with the control unit to control the brightness of the light source.

Abstract: A remote light source device for generating light which is transmitted to a light emitting device of an illumination system by a fiberoptic cable coupled between the light source device and the light emitting device. The light source device includes a light source and a cover or housing containing the light source, the cover or housing having a light orifice aligned with the light source. A fiberoptic cable coupler assembly is mounted to an exterior surface of the cover or housing adjacent the light orifice. The coupler assembly permits removable coupling of a fiberoptic cable to the device, the coupler assembly also being operative for aligning an end of the cable with the light orifice of the cover or housing so that light generated by the light source is received at the end of the cable for transmission thereby. Structures are provided for preventing the fiberoptic cable coupler assembly from becoming substantially heated by the light source.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for an endoscope, includes: a light source for emitting light which is transmitted to a distal end of the endoscope via a light guide of the endoscope; a consumption recording device for recording the consumed light-emission time of the light source; and an indicating device for indicating information on the remaining life of the light source in accordance with data recorded in the consumption recording device; wherein the light source, the consumption recording device and the indicating device are provided in one unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a unit for eliminating the fluctuation of luminous energy reduction by keeping the response time of a shading mechanism constant even if a diaphragm opening degree differs when reading every pixel by setting a shading period. This unit is provided with a shading mask having a quadrangular or V-shaped opening and moves a shading shutter in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertically moving direction of a diaphragm plate. Therefore, a shading period is set in accordance with the constant response time of the shading shutter and the rate of luminous energy reduction becomes constant. Moreover, a high-quality static image having a stable brightness can be obtained by reading the signal of every pixel obtained by a CCD through one-time exposure while using the shading period and then pixel-mixing signals. Furthermore, it is possible to use the Archimedean spiral for the outer periphery of the diaphragm plate or the shading shutter.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope with a picture sensor located at its distal end and with several illumination units (LEDs) integrated in the endoscope, for producing illumination light irradiated at the distal endoscope end. The illumination units are arranged as a linear and axial array of LEDs in a space, of an enveloping tube, connecting proximally to the picture sensor. To the LEDs there are allocated fiber-optics into which the light irradiated by the LEDs may be coupled. The fiber-optics run up to the distal endoscope end and here are grouped together to a bundle.

Abstract: A light source arrangement for a battery-powered light source unit of an endoscope comprises an optically transparent base board, a single light emitting element such as a bare LED arranged at the center of and in close proximity to the back of the transparent base board or a plurality of light emitting elements such as bare LEDs arranged in close proximity to the back of the transparent base board at regular angular intervals and regular distances from the center of the transparent base board, and a reflector disposed behind the transparent base board so as to reflect light emanating backward from the light emitting element or elements toward the transparent base board.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope, a video-scope has an image sensor for photographing an object image and a light guide for guiding light toward an object. A video-processor has a light source, a stop, a signal conversion circuit, a histogram processing circuit, and a CPU. When the video-scope is connected to the video-processor, light emitted from the light source is guided by the light guide and radiates from a distal end of the light guide, so that an object image is formed on the image sensor. The object image is then converted into the image-pixel signals. Further, a representative value, which relates to a brightness of the object image, is calculated on the basis of the image-pixel signals through the signal conversion circuit, the histogram processing circuit, and the CPU. Then, a control of light radiating from the distal end of the light guide is performed at regular time-intervals. Namely, the stop is controlled such that the brightness of the object image is proper.

Abstract: A fiber optic endoscope which uses a bundle of coherent fiber to convey both an optical image in one direction and illumination light in the other direction. A fraction of the optical fibers are used for the illumination, and others of the fibers are used for the image. Notched fibers can be used for the illumination.

Abstract: A light source arrangement for a battery-powered light source unit of an endoscope comprises a cylindrical housing, a base disposed at one end of the housing, a plurality of LEDs connected to a flexible circuit board supported on the base and a focusing lens. A light guide for directing light emanating from the LEDs. The light guide comprises a reflective surface formed on an inner wall of the housing, a reflector having a concave reflective surface which is disposed at one end of the housing so as to surround the LEDs or a micro-lens array disposed in front of the LEDs with each micro lens aligned with the LED.

Abstract: A illuminated surgical instrument (11) includes an optical fiber (21) with a proximal end and a distal end, a connector (15) disposed at the proximal end of the optical fiber, and a handpiece (13) disposed generally at the distal end of the optical fiber. The handpiece has a handpiece body and a needle (25) extending distally from the handpiece body, the optical fiber (21) extending generally through the handpiece and extending slightly past the distal end of the needle (25). The handpiece (13) is suitable for one-handed operation by a human user, and the needle (25) is of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye. The instrument (11) includes structures at the distal end of the optical fiber (21) for dispersing light passing from an illumination source through the cable to broaden the area on which light impinges, and a shield (47) disposed proximally of a portion of the dispersing structure to prevent light from impinging upon a predetermined area.

Abstract: The endoscopic light source apparatus has an illuminating light converging mechanism (20) in which a lightguide connector (3) to be connected displaces a condenser lens (22) in a direction parallel to the optical axis of illuminating light so that irrespective of the length of the lightguide connector (3), the illuminating light entrance end face (4a) of the lightguide connector (3) is located near the position in which the rays of illuminating light converge, and a filter inserting and retracting mechanism (30) which moves in operative association with the illuminating light converging mechanism (20) such that a light attenuating filter (31) is inserted into or retracted from the rays of illuminating light depending upon the length of the lightguide connector (3).

Abstract: A light source device for endoscopes includes a light source; a condenser lens unit for collecting light beams from the light source; a light guide for receiving the light beams collected through the condenser lens unit into its entrance end face to transmit them to its exit end face; and a reflecting mirror located on the opposite side of the condenser lens unit with respect to the light source. The light source device is designed so that a position where the light beams emitted from the light source are collected directly through the condenser lens unit does not coincide with a position where the light beams emitted from the light source and reflected back to the light source by the reflecting mirror are collected through the condenser lens unit. In an embodiment, an arc axis of the light source is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the condenser lens unit. In another embodiment, direct light and reflected light each enter an entrance face of a forked light guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp apparatus designed for both bleaching teeth and curing dental restorative materials. Both bleaching and curing modes of operation may be used in at least three different power levels designated as boost, ramp, and normal. The lamp apparatus contains a incandescent xenon-halogen bulb and a dichroic reflector which focuses filtered visible light on the end of a flexible light guide which is part a handpiece for directing the transmitted light by the light guide to a tooth being treated. The lamp apparatus employs a slave microprocessor in a control panel mountable at different positions on a housing for the xenon-halogen bulb and a master microprocessor within the housing which is detachably connected to the slave microprocessor.

Abstract: An illumination system for endoscopes includes a light source device having an arc discharge lamp and a light source optical system; a light guide cable; and a rigid endoscope provided with a light guide on a scope side and an objective optical system, using lenses as a relay optical system. The light source optical system projects the light-emitting section of the arc discharge lamp on the entrance face of the light guide cable at a magnification of approximately 1.times., and the light guide cable satisfies the following conditions:0.25.times.Mg1.sup.1/2 <DL/DS<0.5.times.Mg1.sup.1/20.8<Mg1.times.(DC/DL)<1.2where DS is the outside diameter of a scope, DC is the diameter of the light guide cable, DLis the diameter of the light guide on the scope side, and Mg1 is the projection magnification of an optical element interposed between the light guide cable and the light guide on the scope side.

Abstract: A light source device for endoscopes includes a light source for emitting white light containing the components of light belonging to a visible region and wavelength bands other than the visible region; at least, a rotary color separating filter on a field sequential system; and an infrared cutoff filter for blocking light in an infrared region, of a wavelength band of the white light. When the rotary color separating filter is disposed in an optical path from the light source to a light guide, an interference filter in which an interference film is applied to a transparent base plate is placed in the optical path. This arrangement obviates the defect of burning the entrance end of the light guide or of breaking the infrared cutoff filter.

Abstract: A light source device for endoscopes includes a light source; a condenser lens unit for collecting light beams from the light source; a light guide for receiving the light beams collected through the condenser lens unit into its entrance end face to transmit them to its exit end face; and a reflecting mirror located on the opposite side of the condenser lens unit with respect to the light source. The light source device is designed so that a position where the light beams emitted from the light source are collected directly through the condenser lens unit does not coincide with a position where the light beams emitted from the light source and reflected back to the light source by the reflecting mirror are collected through the condenser lens unit.