A surgical probe is disclosed that disperses light sideways from its fore end. A light-dispersive and light-transmissive medium is enclosed within a housing. The medium is preferably divided into sections containing different concentrations of a light-dispersing material within a matrix. The sections are preferably separated by non-dispersive spacers. At the tip end of the probe is preferably a mirror to reflect the light back into the dispersive medium. The mirror may consist of layers with multiple indexes of refraction. By these features, especially in combination, the directionality and intensity distribution of the emitted light may be controlled. The present invention is designed to be useful especially in the use of laser energy in the percutaneous, interstitial irradiation of tissue growths.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/278,177, filed Mar. 23, 2001, is hereby claimed. The entire disclosure of the aforesaid provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.
