Laser-pumped endoscopic illumination source.

Light sources currently employed in endoscopy have a number of disadvantages including inefficiency, high temperature, non-uniform illumination, and the production of shadow-less images. In this paper, we present a novel endoscopic illumination source, based on the use of a blue-violet laser diode in combination with a yellow phosphor for the production of white light. By using this approach, the resulting illumination source is more compact and potentially more ergonomic than those currently used in endoscopy. Spectral measurements of the emitted light indicate that it has a colour similar to that of daylight, and images obtained under illumination with this light source indicate that it provides more uniform illumination and sharper shadows than standard endoscopic light sources.