Illuminator for photodynamic therapy
An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.
1. An illuminator for diagnosing or treating a patient, comprising:
a plurality of light sources configurable in a spaced relationship to a patient to treat or diagnose a dermatological condition,
a controller, connected to the plurality of light sources, to control the light sources,
wherein the light sources are configured and controlled to provide a uniform output of light to the patient to treat or diagnose a dermatological condition,
the light sources being configured and controlled such that uniform output of light is provided when measured at distances of 2″ and 4″.
2. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein measured output over an active emitting area is within 70% of a measured maximum at distances of 4″ and 2″.
3. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the light sources based on at least a signal representative of actual light output.
4. An illuminator as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the signal representative of actual light output is from a light sensor.
5. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the spectral output of the illuminator substantially matches an absorption spectrum of protoporphyrin IX.
6. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the illuminator generates light substantially entirely within the blue region.
7. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the illuminator generates light substantially entirely within the red region.
8. An illuminator as set forth in claim 3 , wherein the controller comprises a timer and the timer and the signal representative of actual light output are used to control the illuminator.
9. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the light sources are non-fluorescent light sources.
10. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources are configured to illuminate the face of the patient.
11. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein measured output over an active emitting area is within 60% of a measured maximum over all operation distances.
12. An illuminator as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the light sources are configured and controlled to provide a uniform output of at least one of blue light and red light to the patient to treat or diagnose a dermatological condition.