Patent ID: 6071302
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A low-profile diffusive tip apparatus for diffusion of light propagating through an optical fiber, the diffusive tip apparatus comprising:a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing having an open proximal end adapted to receive a light-transmitting optical fiber and a closed distal end forming a chamber for containing a scattering material, the distal end having a generally hemispherical shape, at least a portion of the distal end being transparent to light at a desired wavelength for diffusion; anda light scattering material contained within the chamber so as to conform to the hemisperical shape of the housing distal end, the scattering material having a predefined concentration of scattering particles and the shape of the distal end having a predetermined shape, the predefined concentration and the predetermined shape cooperating to provide substantially uniform irradiation over a spherical angle of at least 2.pi. steradians.