Light delivery apparatus

Abstract

A light delivery apparatus is disclosed, comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body is configured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises: a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that the antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body.

Description

"Light delivery apparatus"Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Australian Provisional Application No. 2024902921, filed 13 September 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and is hereby expressly made a part of this specification.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for transporting or propagating light, and in some embodiments, to effect targeted delivery of light from the apparatus to a target site. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus configured to effect targeted delivery of light to reduce microorganisms.Background

[0003] The total internal reflection properties of translucent materials are widely used to transport or propagate light through objects, and for example, to direct light to a target site. For example, such materials may be used in fibre optics, which are flexible and range from centimeters to kilometers long. Fibre optics can be used for communication and for light transport. Such translucent materials can be used in information & decorative items, the most common being edge lit emergency exit signs. These items are generally rigid, of planar geometry and rarely exceed three meters length. Such translucent materials can be used in light guides, widely used in automotive signal lamps. These are typically linear quasi cylindrical or curved planar items in the 5cm - 20cm range. Such translucent materials can be used for general lighting, for example, as is often used in commercial lighting to create uniformly lit LED office lighting panels. These generally rectangular or round planar items that generally range from 0.2m2- 1.0m2in size.

[0004] However, difficulties in transporting or propagating light through objects, and for example, controlling targeted delivery of the light may arise when the light encounters media with different refractive and / or reflective properties, such as when some or all of the object is immersed in liquid or foam.

[0005] Where liquid or foam contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria contact the object, the liquid or foam may leave a residue. Accumulation of the residue may lead to the development of a biofilm on the object. Biofilms may form persistent reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms. The biofilms are sustained by moisture and exhibit resistance to conventional cleaning or antimicrobial interventions. Such biofilms may be disseminated by aerosolization and / or direct contact, thereby presenting a continuing source of infection risk.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Summary

[0008] Some embodiments relate to a light delivery apparatus comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body is configured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises:a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that the antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the longitudinal surface of the elongate body may be an external surface. Such an embodiment may be an endotracheal tube, wherein the antimicrobial blue light is delivered to the external surface of the endotracheal tube to disinfect the endotracheal tube. Disinfection of the endotracheal tube may reduce or eliminate the formation of bacterial biofilms and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. In some embodiments, the longitudinal surface of the elongate body may be an internal surface. Such an embodiment may be a pipe in a drain, wherein the antimicrobial blue light is delivered to the internal surface of the pipe to disinfect the pipe and reduce or eliminate the formation of biofilms in the drain.

[0010] The elongate body may define a first recess in the longitudinal surface and the first light delivery portion may be disposed in the first recess. The elongate body may define a first cavity and the first light delivery portion may be disposed in the first cavity. The first recess or the first cavity may further comprise a base region configured to receive the first light delivery portion in the elongate body, and a first reflective layer disposed on the base surface of the first recess or the first cavity, wherein the first reflective layer is configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the first plurality of reflectors towards the longitudinal surface of the elongate body.

[0011] The first light delivery portion may further comprise an emission surface configured to face the longitudinal surface of the elongate body, and a first reflective layer disposed on another surface of the first light delivery portion, wherein the first reflective layer is configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the first plurality of reflectors towards the emission surface.

[0012] The light delivery apparatus may further comprise a second light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the distal end, wherein the second light delivery portion comprises a second plurality of reflectors in a second light delivery medium adapted to receive a second quantity of the antimicrobial blue light transmitted through the elongate body, the second plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the second quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface.

[0013] The refractive index of the first light delivery medium and a refractive index of the second light delivery medium may be identical. The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may be disposed at different radial distances from the longitudinal surface. The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may be disposed at different lateral and / or longitudinal positions of the elongate body.

[0014] The elongate body may define a second recess in the longitudinal surface and the second light delivery portion may be received in the second recess. The elongate body may define a second cavity and the second light delivery portion may be received in the second cavity.

[0015] The second light delivery portion may further comprise a second reflective layer configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the second plurality of reflectors towards the longitudinal surface. The longitudinal surface may be an external or internal surface of the elongate body.

[0016] The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may have different dimensions. The first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors may have different material properties. The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may respectively contain a different number of the first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors. Any number of light delivery portions may be used, each with its own specific arrangement of reflectors, dimensions and material properties.

[0017] The elongate body may comprise a tip surface at the distal end, wherein the tip surface is configured to prevent and / or enhance light emission from the tip surface.

[0018] The light delivery apparatus may further comprise an optical input branch extending from the proximal end of the elongate body, the optical input branch configured receive the antimicrobial blue light from a light source and deliver the antimicrobial blue light into the elongate body. The optical input branch may extend from the longitudinal surface at the proximal end of the elongate body. The optical input branch may extend linearly or radially from the longitudinal surface at the proximal end of the elongate body. The light delivery apparatus may also be configured with optical input branches along the elongate body or at both the proximal and distal ends.

[0019] The elongate body may be configured to transmit light through the elongate body by total internal reflection from the proximal end towards the distal end.

[0020] The elongate body may be: (i) a rod; or (ii) a tube. The elongate body may be: (i) a rod; or (ii) a tube; (iii) a cone; (iv) planar; (v) multi-sided solid or hollow, or any combination of these. The elongate body may comprise a curved section. The elongate body may be flexible.

[0021] The antimicrobial blue light may comprise one or more wavelengths in the range of 400nm to 470nm. The antimicrobial blue light may comprise one or more wavelengths in the range of: 405 nm to 420 nm; 420 nm to 450 nm; 450 nm to 470 nm; and / or 470 nm to 500 nm. The antimicrobial blue light may comprise 405 nm and 450 nm wavelengths. The antimicrobial blue light may have a wavelength in the range of around 405nm to around 420nm.

[0022] Some embodiments relate to a disinfection apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit; an elongate body disposed within the fluid conduit, the elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body isconfigured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises: a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body; wherein the fluid conduit comprises a first optical input port configured to receive antimicrobial blue light from a light source; and wherein the elongate body comprises a second optical input port positioned to allow optical coupling between the light source and the proximal end of the elongate body for delivery of antimicrobial blue light into the elongate body.

[0023] Some embodiments relate to a disinfection apparatus, comprising the light delivery apparatus as described herein in a tubular configuration.Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic of an example of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium by means of refraction, wherein there is a relatively large difference between the refractive index of the translucent medium and the refractive index of the ambient environment;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic of an example of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium by means of reflection, wherein there is a relatively large difference between the refractive index of the translucent medium and the refractive index of the ambient environment;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic of an example of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium into an ambient environment by means of refraction, wherein both the translucent medium and the ambient environment have relatively similar refractive indices;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic of an example of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium into an ambient environment by means of reflection, wherein both the translucent medium and the ambient environment have relatively similar refractive indices;

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic of an example of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium into an ambient environment by means of reflection, wherein the ambient environment comprises some zones with refractive indices relatively similar to the refractive index of the translucent medium, and other zones with refractive indices relatively different to the refractive index of the translucent medium;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic of an object comprising reflective objects for light emission from the object by means of reflection;

[0030] Figure 7A is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus having a generally cuboid shape;

[0031] Figure 7B is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus having a generally cylindrical shape;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic showing transmission or transportation of light within the light delivery apparatus of Figure 7A by internal reflection, by way of example;

[0033] Figure 9A is a schematic showing an embodiment of a light delivery apparatus comprising a solid elongate body;

[0034] Figure 9B is a schematic showing an embodiment of a light delivery apparatus comprising a tubular elongate body;

[0035] Figure 9C is a schematic showing an embodiment of a light delivery apparatus comprising a tubular elongate body with a curved section;

[0036] Figure 10 is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus comprising a light emission portion containing reflective objects configured for radial emission of axially- moving light by means of reflection;

[0037] Figure 11 is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus comprising a plurality of light emission portions each containing reflective objects configured for radial emission of axially-moving light by means of reflection;

[0038] Figures 12A and 12B are schematics of light delivery apparatuses comprising a plurality of light emission portions, showing different configurations of the light emission portions;

[0039] Figure 13 is a schematic of the light delivery apparatus of Figure 11, and further comprising a reflective layer configured to direct reflected light for radial emission;

[0040] Figure 14 is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus, according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 15 is a schematic of a photochemical process reactor vessel comprising a light delivery apparatus, according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 16 is a schematic of a light delivery apparatus for treatment of fluid in a pipe, according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 16A is a perspective view of a disinfection apparatus comprising a light delivery apparatus, according to some embodiments; and

[0044] Figure 16B is a partial section view of Figure 16A showing the disinfection apparatus in use.Detailed Description

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for transporting or propagating light, and in some embodiments, to effect targeted delivery of light from the apparatus to a target site.

[0046] Two principal mechanisms used to divert axially propagated light rays into radially emitted light from a high refractive index (RI) translucent medium into a low RI medium, such as air, are now discussed with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] When an ambient operating environment has a substantially different RI to an elongate object to which light is applied (such as an object with an RI of around 1.4 emitting light into air with an RI of around 1.0), light may be emitted radially from the object with reasonable accuracy and predictability. In this context, “axial” or “axially” is on, parallel to, or substantially parallel to a central or reference longitudinal axis of the elongate body. “Radial” or “radially” is off-axially or non-axially, or extending outwards about a point on the reference longitudinal axis.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates an example of light emission from an object 500 comprising a translucent medium, by means of refraction. As illustrated, some light rays 200 moving or propagating through the translucent medium in a first direction (axially, along or parallel to the reference longitudinal axis) are intercepted by a first inward sloping section 400 of an outer surface of the object 500. In this example, the first inward sloping section 400 is a relatively a steep inward slope. A first portion of the light rays 200 closest to the axially parallel surface of the object 500 are refracted as they pass from the object into the ambient environment 610 as refracted light rays 310. A second portion of the light rays 200 originating from deeper in the object 500 are also refracted as they pass from the object 500 into the ambient environment 610 but are then reflected or diverted by a second inward sloping section 420 of the outersurface of the object 500 (into ambient environment 600 as radially reflected rays 320. In this case, the angle of incidence of the refracted lights rays 200 striking the second inward sloping section 420 is greater than the critical angle, thereby causing reflection. Light rays 320 are thereby directed into ambient environment 600 at a steeper angle than light rays 310, as measured relative to the outer or external surface of the translucent medium 500. In other words, the light rays 320 that are first refracted and then reflected are diverted at a greater angle from axis of the path of light emitted from the light source than the light rays 310 that are just refracted.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates an example of light emission from the object 500 comprising a translucent medium by means of reflection. As illustrated, some axial light rays 200 moving or propagating through the object 500 in the first direction (axially) are intercepted by a reflective object 900 that is configured to reflect light in a second direction (radially), such as represented by light ray 240. The reflective object 900 may be a glass sphere disposed within the translucent medium, for example. Reflective objects may be metallised flakes, mineral powder or more complex reflective surfaces created through vapour deposition. The reflective object 900 may divert a first portion of the light rays as light rays 240 toward the outer or external surface of the object 500. The smaller the angle of incidence of the light rays 240 incident on the surface of the object, , the less likely the light rays 240 are to be reflected back towards the axis of the path of light rays 200 in the translucent medium.. Determining the specific angle required to avoid reflection back towards the axis of the path of light rays 200 in the translucent medium is generally dependent on the RI of the translucent medium according to the Fresnel optical laws. As illustrated in Figure 2, the light ray 240 is reflected by the reflective object 900 at an angle that is sufficient for the ray 240 to be then emitted radially as ray 320 into the ambient environment 600. The ambient environment 600 may be a low RI medium, such as air, which encourages the light to refract away from the outside surface of the translucent medium 500 of the light emitting object.

[0050] From the examples illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that both reflection and refraction can successfully induce radial emissions when there is arelatively large difference in RI between the object of translucent medium and the ambient environment. For example, a large difference in RI is considered present when the object has a RI of around 1.4 and emits light into air having a RI of around 1.0.

[0051] However, when the ambient operating environment into which the light is being emitted has a substantially similar or identical RI to the material of the object, in some cases, light may not be emitted radially, or any radial emission may be inconsistent or unpredictable. Such difficulties may be encountered when the surface of the object is wetted by water. For example, the object may have an RI of 1.4 and water has an RI of 1.3.

[0052] Similar to Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic of light emission from an object comprising a translucent medium into ambient environment by means of refraction, where both the translucent medium and the ambient environment have relatively similar refractive indices. Accordingly, the light rays 200 undergo minimal directional change (shown by rays 310a) as they are refracted by the relatively steep inward sloping surface 400 of the object 500 into ambient environment 610. In this example, the refracted light rays 310a propagate relatively axially through the ambient environment 610. Subsequently, the rays 310a are intercepted at the surface 420 of the object 500. The relatively small difference in the refractive indexes of the ambient environment 610 and the translucent medium means that upon passing through the surface 420, the rays 200 enter the translucent object 500 with minimal directional change and continue to travel in a generally axial direction within the object 500 as rays 230. Accordingly, an object with an RI of around 1.4 may not produce the desired radial emission effect into ambient operating environment containing water, which has a refractive index of around 1.3. This phenomenon can be observed when logos or engravings on drinking glasses disappear when wet.

[0053] Figure 4 illustrates light emission from the object 500 comprising a translucent medium into the ambient environment 610 by means of reflection, where both the translucent medium and the ambient environment have relatively similar refractive indexes. In Figure 4, axial light rays 200 are intercepted by a reflective object 900 andare reflected or diverted radially as light rays 240 towards the outer surface of the translucent medium. Due to the relatively small difference between the RI of the translucent medium and the RI of the ambient environment 610, the light rays 320 undergo minimal directional change as they refract through the outer surface of the object 500, and rays 320 accordingly continue through ambient environment 610 in a generally radial direction. The relatively small difference in the RI the translucent medium 500 and the RI of ambient environment 610 has minimal impact on the radial light emission.

[0054] Thus, in situations where there is a relatively similar RI for an object and an ambient environment, reflection can be employed to radially divert light before it is refracted (at a minimal angle) as it passes from the object to the ambient environment.

[0055] In some circumstances, an ambient environment surrounding the object includes both relatively high RI zones and relatively low RI zones, such as air bubbles (low RI) entrapped in water (high RI).

[0056] Figure 5 shows the scenario of Figure 4 except that the ambient environment surrounding the object 500 includes both relatively high RI zones and relatively low RI zones. For example, the object 500 may be submerged in water 610, which may include air bubbles 600. Assume, for example, that the translucent medium of the object 500 has an RI of around 1.4, while the air bubbles 600 have an RI of around 1.0, and the water 610 has an RI of around 1.3.

[0057] In Figure 5, the light rays 200 are intercepted by a reflective object 900 and diverted substantially radially as light rays 240 towards the outer surface of the translucent medium 500, on which a first bubble 600 has formed. Due to the high RI difference between the object 500 (RI 1.4) and the first bubble 600 (RI 1.0), the emitted light rays undergo substantial directional change as they refract through the outer surface into the first bubble 600, as shown by light rays 320. As the light ray 320 exits the first bubble 600 and enters the water 610, the relatively large difference in RI (1.0 compared to 1.3 respectively) means that a reverse direction change occurs. As thelight ray 320 exits the water 610 and enters a second bubble 600, the relative large difference in RI (1.3 compared to 1.0 respectively) means that another reverse direction change occurs. These direction changes occur as the light 320 passes between bubbles 600 and water 610, until all the light is absorbed in the ambient environment or by a surface.

[0058] The use of reflective objects 900 such as illustrated in Figure 5 can assist in lessening the impact that differences in RI between an object and its ambient environment can play in delivering light from the object, and may provide for more consistent radial emission of light. Typically, the greater the angle of refraction of light as it passes from the object to the ambient environment, the lower the likelihood of it being refracted back into the translucent medium 500, regardless if it encounters multiple large changes in RI in the ambient environment.

[0059] Figure 6 shows an example of an object 500 formed of or consisting of a translucent medium . The object 500 comprises a plurality of reflective objects 900 disposed therein, according to some embodiments. The reflective objects 900 may be glass spheres, minerals, and / or reflective flakes that are dispersed in a translucent medium of the object 500. During manufacture, the reflective objects 900 may be uniformly dispersed into the object 500, creating one or more zones 580 with embedded reflective material.

[0060] As illustrated, the light rays 200 travelling axially are intercepted by the plurality of reflective objects 900. Some of the light rays 200 are directed or reflected by one of the reflective objects 900 as light rays 240a towards the external surface 550 of the object 500 at an angle of incidence sufficient for them to be emitted radially into the ambient environment 600, such as indicated by light rays 320. Some of the light rays 200 are reflected by one of the reflective objects 900 at a lower angle of reflection as light rays 240b and are redirected within into the translucent medium 500. Some of the light rays, such as light rays 200a, do not encounter one of the reflective objects 900 and continue travelling axially through the translucent medium 500, such as indicated by light rays 200b. Accordingly, free dispersion of reflective materials or reflectiveobjects 900 within the translucent medium of the object 500 can lead to unpredictable light emission outcomes.

[0061] However, improved control over the directivity of radial emission of light from the elongate object or body and / or over the location to which the light is delivered and / or over the quantity of radial light emission may be achieved by providing one or more specific light delivery portions within the object. The light delivery portion comprises a plurality of reflectors disposed within a medium having the same or a substantially similar RI to that of the material from which the object is composed. The light delivery portion is positioned within the object such that the plurality of reflectors intercepts a quantity of light applied to the proximal end of the elongate object and reflects the first quantity of the light towards an external longitudinal surface of the object such that at light is emitted radially from the elongate object.

[0062] The ratio of radial light emission from the longitudinal surface to axial light emission towards a distal end of the object can be controlled by adjusting the position of the light delivery portion(s) in the elongate object or body from which the light is delivered. The light delivery portion(s) may be positioned to capture a desired proportion of the light that is travelling axially through the elongate object. The density of the reflectors (number of reflectors within a given volume of the medium) within the light delivery portion(s) may be adjusted to control the amount of light that is reflected by the respective light delivery portion. Generally, a light delivery portion containing a higher density of reflectors will reflect relatively more light than a light delivery portion containing a lower density of reflectors. The direction or directivity of radial emission of light from the elongate object may be controlled by positioning a reflective coating or layer within the elongate object to reflect or redirect at least some of the light that has not been directed radially outwards of the elongate object.

[0063] The use of the plurality of reflectors may aid in improving radial light emission when the ambient operating environment into which the light is being reflected has a substantially similar or identical refractive index to the material of the light delivery apparatus. As discussed above with reference to Figure 5, this mayimprove the radial emission effect into wet or immersed ambient operating environments, and may provide consistent and / or controlled radial emission in both wet and dry conditions.

[0064] Figure 7A and 7B show a light delivery apparatus 802 comprising an elongate body 500 having a proximal end 510 and a distal end 520, according to some embodiments. In this context, the proximal end 510 is a region of the elongate body 500 that comprises a proximal tip surface at an extremity of the elongate body 500, and further comprises a part of the elongate body 500 extending from the proximal tip surface towards a midsection of the elongate body 500. Similarly, the distal end 520 is a region of the elongate body 500 that comprises a distal tip surface at an extremity of the elongate body 500, and further comprises a part of the elongate body 500 extending from the distal tip surface towards a midsection of the elongate body 500. In the embodiment of Figure 7A, the elongate body 500 is tubular or cuboid in shape. In the embodiment of Figure 7B, the elongate body 500 is cylindrical in shape. However, it will be appreciated that the elongate body may have any suitable shape or profile. The elongate body may be solid, or hollow. The elongate body may be translucent. The elongate body may be formed from or composed of translucent materials having an RI in the 1.3 - 1.5 range. For context, the RI of water changes with salinity, typically in the range of 1.29 - 1.35.

[0065] The light delivery apparatus 802 is configured to receive light from a light source 800 at its proximal end. The light delivery apparatus 802 may receive light from a light source 800 coupled to the proximal end 510. The light source 800 may alternatively be disposed remotely to the proximal end 510 and relayed through another device (not shown). In Figures 7A and 7B, the light source 800 is shown directly connected to the proximal end 510.

[0066] The elongate body 500 may comprise a cross sectional dimension in the range of 5mm to 50mm. The elongate body 500 may comprise a length in the range of 100mm to 1000mm. The shape and profile of the elongate body 500 may change alongits length. For example, the elongate body 500 may taper toward an end, or may comprise a tapered portion.

[0067] The elongate body 500 of the light delivery apparatus 802 is configured to transmit, transport or propagate light axially through the elongate body 500 from the proximal end 510 towards the distal end 520. The path taken by the light is shown by arrows 300, by way of example.

[0068] For example, the elongate body 500 may transmit light through the elongate body 500 by total internal reflection from the proximal end towards the distal end. Transmission of the light through the elongate body 500 by total internal reflection is dependent on the specific material’s RI relative to the RI of the ambient environment.

[0069] Figure 8 illustrates an example where light enters the elongate body 500 of the light delivery apparatus 802 at the proximal end 510 of the elongate body 500. Light rays 100 travelling on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 500 (perpendicular to the proximal end 510) travel axially, such as shown by light rays 200, and exit through the distal end 520 without being intercepted by a surface of the elongate body 500, such as shown by light rays 300.

[0070] Light rays 110 at an angle of incidence of less than the critical angle (which is material specific and determined its geometry and refraction index according to the Fresnel optical laws) will be intercepted by the internal surface of the object 500, such as shown by light rays 210. The light rays 210 will then be reflected within the object 500, such as shown by light rays 220, allowing for such non-axially aligned light rays to be transported along the elongate body 500. This internal reflection may occur multiple times as the ray 220 transits axially, until the ray 220 is emitted through the distal end 520.

[0071] The internal reflection of light ray 210 as light ray 220 will occur when the ambient environment 600 has a sufficiently lower refractive index than the translucentmedium of the object 500. Internal reflection as described may occur when a translucent medium 500 having a RI of 1.4 is used in free air, which has a RI of 1.0.

[0072] Figures 9A-9C each show an embodiment of a light delivery apparatus 902 comprising an elongate body 500. The elongate body 500 comprises a longitudinal surface 550. The longitudinal surface 550 may be an elongate surface extending between the proximal end 510 and the distal end 520. In some embodiments, the longitudinal surface 550 is an external or outer surface of the elongate body 500. In some embodiments, the longitudinal surface 550 is an internal or inner surface of the elongate body 500, such as an inner surface defining a lumen or chamber of the elongate body 500.

[0073] The elongate body 500 has a longitudinal reference or central axis extending generally between the proximal end 510 and the distal end 520. The elongate body 500 has a radial reference or axis extending generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal reference axis. The elongate body 500 may be symmetrical through a cross section of the elongate body 500.

[0074] In some embodiments, the elongate body 500 is a solid body such as a rod as shown in Figure 9A. In Figure 9A, the longitudinal surface 550 is an outer surface of the elongate body 500. In some embodiments, the elongate body 500 is a tube, wherein a tube wall defines a lumen 560, such as shown in Figure 9B. In Figure 9B, the elongate body 500 comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines the lumen 560. Both the outer surface and the inner surface may be longitudinal surfaces 550 of the elongate body 500, such as a longitudinal outer surface and a longitudinal inner surface. The elongate body may comprise a straight section 565 or a relatively uniform cross section. The cross section may be variable in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the elongate body 500 comprises a curved section 570, such as shown in Figure 9C. The elongate body 500 may be flexible or may be relatively rigid. The elongate body 500 may comprise a translucent medium made from a translucent material. The translucent material may comprise a polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU), silicone, orpolyamide. The translucent material may comprise a glass material such as soda-lime, silicate, borosilicate or aluminosilicate. While the embodiments of Figures 9A to 9C are all shown as being cylindrical shaped elongate objects, it will be appreciated that they could instead be cuboid in shape, for example.

[0075] The elongate body 500 comprises one or more light delivery portions 700. In the embodiment of Figures 9A-9C, the light delivery portion 700 is disposed within a recess defined in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body 700 and is configured to receive light being transmitted through the elongate body and reflect this light towards the longitudinal surface 550 as light 710.

[0076] In some embodiments, a first light delivery portion extends substantially through a radial cross section of the elongate body. The first light delivery portion may span the entire radial cross section of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the first light delivery portion extends partially through a radial cross section of the elongate body. The elongate body may define recesses and / or cavities at different locations. For example, the elongate body may define a recess and a cavity at a first longitudinal position, wherein the recess has a first radial position at the longitudinal surface while the cavity has a second radial position spaced away from the longitudinal surface. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible, as discussed in more detail below.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the light delivery apparatus 1002 comprises an elongate body 500 having an longitudinal surface 550. A first recess is defined in the longitudinal surface 550 for receiving the first light delivery portion 585. The first recess is disposed along a length of the elongate body 500, and displaced from the proximal and distal ends. In some embodiments, the first recess is sufficiently deep enough that when the first light delivery portion 585 is received in the first recess, the first light delivery portion 585 is spaced away from the longitudinal surface 550 and the first light delivery portion 585 is wholly contained within the elongate body 500. In some embodiments, the first recess is shallower such that when the first light delivery portion 585 is received in the first recess, the first light delivery portion 585 is partlywithin the elongate body 500 while the remainder of the first light delivery portion 585 is exposed and / or protrudes from the longitudinal surface 550.

[0078] The first light delivery portion comprises a first plurality of reflectors 900. The first plurality of reflectors 900 are configured to reflect light towards the longitudinal surface 550, such as shown by reflected light rays 240a. Constraining the reflectors 900 in a light delivery portion 585 provides control over the location of the reflectors 900, and accordingly, the amount of axially transmitted light 200 that can be intercepted by the light delivery portion 585. This allows control of the radial transmission of reflected light rays 240a, which are radially transmitted as light rays 320. Some of the light rays 200 are reflected away from the longitudinal surface 550, such as shown by reflected light rays 240b.

[0079] The first light delivery portion 585 comprises a first light delivery medium arranged to receive the first plurality of reflectors 900 therewithin. The first quantity of the light passes through the first light delivery medium where it encounters one or more of the first plurality of reflectors 900 and is reflected towards the longitudinal surface 550, as shown by ray 240a, which then exits into ambient environment 600 as ray 320. The first plurality of reflectors 900 is dispersed in the first light delivery medium. For example, The first plurality of reflectors 900 may be relatively evenly dispersed in the first light delivery medium.

[0080] An RI of the first light delivery medium and an RI of the elongate body are chosen to be substantially similar or identical to one another to reduce the likelihood of light being refracted away from the first plurality of reflectors 900 as the light passes the interface 1004 between the elongate body 500 and the first light delivery medium. For example, the refractive index of the first light delivery medium and the refractive index of the elongate body may be within 10 % of each other. The first light delivery medium and the elongate body may be made from the same material. The first light delivery medium may thereby allow most, if not all, of the first quantity of the light to continue along the same path or substantially the same path as it moves from the elongate body into first light delivery medium where it subsequently interacts with thefirst plurality of reflectors 900. The first light delivery medium may direct the first quantity of the light through the first light delivery medium to the first plurality of reflectors 900.

[0081] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 11, a light delivery apparatus 1102 comprises an elongate body 500 having a longitudinal surface 550. The light delivery apparatus 1102 further comprises a first light delivery portion 585a and further comprises a second light delivery portion 585b, where each of the light delivery portions 585a, 585b is configured to respectively receive light rays 200a, 200b being transmitted through the elongate body 500 and reflect this light towards the longitudinal surface 550 as light rays 240. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the first light delivery portion 585a is located relatively close to the surface of the elongate body 500 and the second light delivery portion 585b is located deeper within the elongate body 500, and spaced-apart from the light delivery portion 585a. The second light delivery portion 585b may be located in a cavity formed within the elongate body 500, so that the elongate body 500 surrounds the second light delivery portion 585b. For example, the first and second light delivery portions 585a, 585b may be displaced from one another laterally, longitudinally, or both laterally and longitudinally. In some embodiments, the first and second light delivery portions 585a, 585b may overlap laterally or longitudinally. This allows both the first light delivery portion 585a and the second light delivery portion 585b to have a relatively clean sight of axially transmitted light rays 200a, 200b, without either light delivery portion shadowing the other and reducing the overall amount of radially emitted light 320. For example, light rays 200b are not blocked from reaching the second light delivery portion 585b by the first light delivery portion 585a. This may be of particular value when multiple sequential radial light emission zones of similar emission capacity are required in the elongate body of a light delivery apparatus. The first light delivery portion 585a and the second light delivery portion 585b may be arranged within the elongate body 500 to allow some light rays 200c to pass through the elongate body 500 without being reflected by the first light delivery portion 585a or the second light delivery portion 585b.

[0082] In some embodiments, the light received or intercepted by the second light delivery portion 585b may comprise light that has interacted with the first light delivery portion 585a, for example, light that has been reflected by the first plurality of reflectors 900 or has passed through the first light delivery medium. The light received by the second light delivery portion 585b may comprise light from the light source 800.

[0083] A second recess (not shown) may be defined in the longitudinal surface for receiving the second light delivery portion 585b in the second recess. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in Figure 11, the elongate body defines a second cavity for receiving the second light delivery portion 585b in the second cavity. Figure 11 also illustrates a first recess formed in the longitudinal surface for receiving the first light delivery portion 585a therein. When the second light delivery portion 585b is received in the second cavity, the second light delivery portion 585b is spaced away from the longitudinal surface such that the second light delivery portion is wholly contained within the elongate body 500. When the first light delivery portion 585a is received in the first recess, the first light delivery portion 585a is partly within the elongate body while the remainder of the first light delivery portion 585a is exposed along with the longitudinal surface. A similar configuration applies in embodiments where the second light delivery portion 585b is received in the second recess.

[0084] The second light delivery portion 585b may be disposed in the elongate body 500 and displaced from the proximal end 510 and distal end 520 of the elongate body 500. The second light delivery portion 585b may comprise a second plurality of reflectors 900. The second plurality of reflectors 900 may be configured to reflect light towards the longitudinal surface, such as shown by rays 240. The rays 240 maybe subsequently radially emitted as rays 320. The second light delivery portion 585b comprises a second light delivery medium arranged to receive a second quantity of the light transmitted through the elongate body. The second plurality of reflectors 900 may be contained in the second light delivery medium, wherein the second quantity of the light passes through the second light delivery medium where it encounters one or more of the second plurality of reflectors 900 and is reflected towards the longitudinal surface. The second plurality of reflectors 900 may be dispersed in the second lightdelivery medium. The second plurality of reflectors 900 may be evenly dispersed in the second light delivery medium.

[0085] A RI of the second light delivery medium and a RI of the elongate body are chosen to be substantially similar or identical to one another to reduce the likelihood of light being refracted away from the second plurality of reflectors as the light passes the interface between the elongate body and the second light delivery medium. For example, the refractive index of the second light delivery medium and the refractive index of the elongate body may be within 10 % of each other. The second light delivery medium and the elongate body may be made from the same material. The second light delivery medium may thereby allow most if not all of the second quantity of the light to continue along the same path or substantially the same path as it moves from the elongate body into second light delivery medium where it subsequently interacts with the second plurality of reflectors. The second light delivery medium may direct the second quantity of the light through the second light delivery medium to the first plurality of reflectors.

[0086] In some embodiments, the RI of the first light delivery medium and the RI of the second light delivery medium are identical. In embodiments where the RI of the first light delivery medium and the RI of the second light delivery medium are identical, the refraction of the light as it enters and exits the first light delivery medium via the elongate body and the refraction of the light as it enters and exits the second light delivery medium via the elongate body may be similar, allowing consistency of the refractive angles. Having consistent refractive angles may facilitate the relative positioning of the first and second light delivery portions, and may facilitate the positioning of reflective layers 950 as discussed subsequently. Manufacturing the first light delivery medium and the second light delivery medium from the same RI material may improve manufacturing efficiencies. However, in other embodiments, the RI of the first light delivery medium and the RI of the second light delivery medium are different from one another.

[0087] The light delivery apparatus may comprise a combination of arrangements of the first light delivery portion 585a and the second light delivery portion 585b. In some embodiments, the first light delivery portion 585a and the second light delivery portion 585b are disposed at different distances (that is, laterally spaced apart) from the longitudinal surface. The different relative depths of each light delivery portion may reduce the risk of an upstream light delivery portion shadowing a downstream light delivery portion, which would reduce the overall emission capability of the light delivery apparatus. In some circumstances however, shadowing may be desirable to prevent or reduce the amount of light reaching the distal end of an object.

[0088] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 12A, the first light delivery portion 585a spans the entire width of the elongate body of object 540 for half its depth and the second light delivery portion 585b spans the width and half the opposite depth of the elongate body of the object 540. The first light delivery portion 585a therefore does not shadow the second light delivery portion 585b. In the illustrated embodiments, light enters the object 540 through its proximal end 510 and is transported towards its distal end 520. The first light delivery portion 585a is disposed towards the proximal end 510 and the second light delivery portion 585b is disposed towards the distal end 520. In embodiments such as shown in Figure 12B, both the first light delivery portion 580a and the second light delivery portion 580b span the entire cross section of the elongate body.

[0089] In the examples illustrated in Figures 12A and 12B it is assumed that the reflective properties of the light delivery portions 580 and 585 are the same - for example, 50% of axially incident light would be emitted radially from each of the embodiments shown in Figures 12A and 12B, thus the difference in light emission is constrained to the volume and location of light delivery portions 580 and 585. By way of example, eight units of axially transmitted light 200 are shown travelling along the object 540 in each of Figures 12A and 12B, from the proximal end 510 to the distal end 520. Through the use of precision cavities 585 containing reflective material, the amount of radially emitted light can be controlled. With the additional application of occultation or reflective layers 950 (subsequently described herein) the emissiondirection may also be controlled. In the illustrated example of Figure 12A, four units of light enter the first light delivery portion 585a, which is disposed in an upper section of the object 540. Of these four units of light, two units are radially emitted as rays 710a at light delivery portion 585a because it is configured to emit only 50% of the incident light. The remaining two units of light and the four in the lower section of 540 (that were not intercepted by the first light delivery portion 585a) are able to continue towards the distal end 520. The second light delivery portion 585b intercepts the four units in the lower section of 540, and radially emits two of these as rays 710b. Subsequently, when these two units of light are emitted, two units pass through the second light delivery portion 585b and continue towards the distal end 520. These two units passing through the second light delivery portion 585b and the two units passing through the first light delivery portion 585a total as four light units, which are axially emitted as rays 300 at the distal end.

[0090] In comparison, in Figure 12B the first light delivery portion 585a extends through the full depth of the object 540 and shadows the second light delivery portion 585b. In Figure 12B, the first light delivery portion 580a captures 50% of the axially transmitted light 200 at the first light delivery portion 580a and radially emits four units the light as rays 710a. Accordingly, the following light delivery portion 580b emits 50% of the remaining four light units (that were not emitted from the first light delivery portion 580a) as rays 710b, and only two of the original eight units of light is emitted axially as rays 300 from the distal end 520.

[0091] The placement of discrete light delivery portions in the elongate body of the object 540 provides substantially greater control and likely efficiency improvements in controlling the location, amount and direction of both axial and radial light emission from translucent objects, which can be particularly advantageous when the light delivery apparatus needs to maintain predictable function in wet and dry environments.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion are disposed at different longitudinal positions of the elongate body. Having the reflective matter 900 in a precise location such as cavity 585, wherein itslongitudinal and lateral positions can be accurately specified during manufacture, provides control over the location and amount of intercepted axial light 200 and thus also the radially transmitted portion 320 of the reflected light rays 240.

[0093] The recesses and the cavities allow precise positioning of the light delivery portions and therefore control of the location from which light is emitted. The recesses and the cavities allow precise positioning of the light delivery portions relative to each other, thereby providing control of the size of a target site that receives the light, and / or the intensity of the light shone onto the target site. For example, the light delivery apparatus may be configured to have an arrangement of the light delivery portions in which the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion are similar in combined size and shape to a particular target site.

[0094] The light delivery portions may be disposed at different lateral depths in the elongate body. The light delivery portions may be disposed at different lateral positions along a circumference of the elongate body. When viewed in radial cross section, the light delivery portions may be disposed at roughly 12 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions, for example. The light delivery portions may be disposed at equally spaced radial positions along a circumference of the elongate body, for example three light delivery portions spaced 120 degrees apart.

[0095] In some embodiments, only one light delivery portion is sufficient to reflect a desired amount of the light entering the light delivery apparatus. In some embodiments, two light delivery portions are sufficient to reflect a desired amount of the light entering the light delivery apparatus. For a light delivery apparatus of larger diameter and / or length, additional light delivery portions may be required to reflect a desired amount of the light entering the light delivery apparatus. A higher amount or intensity of light entering the light delivery apparatus may require additional light delivery portions.

[0096] The light delivery apparatus may further comprise additional light delivery portions, such as a third light delivery portion, a fourth light delivery portion, and / or afifth light delivery portion. The various light delivery portions may be disposed at various locations in and along the elongate body of the light delivery apparatus to reflect a substantial portion, if not all, of the light that enters the light delivery apparatus. The remaining light that reaches the distal end of the light delivery apparatus may thereby form a small proportion of the light originally entering the light delivery apparatus. For example, a maximum of 80% of the light may reach the distal end, with the light delivery portions configured to reflect at least 20% of light transmitted through the elongate body. In some embodiments, a maximum of 5% of the light may reach the distal end, with the light delivery portions configured to reflect at least 95% of light transmitted through the elongate body. For simplicity, only first and second light delivery portions are shown in the Figures.

[0097] The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may have different dimensions to each other. The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may have substantially similar, or the same dimensions, as each other.

[0098] The first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors may have different material properties to each other. For example, first plurality of reflectors may comprise a more reflective material than the second plurality of reflectors. The first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors may have substantially similar, or the same material properties, as each other. The plurality of reflectors may comprise glass spheres. The plurality of reflectors may comprise metallised flakes. The plurality of reflectors may comprise mineral powder. The plurality of reflectors may comprise reflective surfaces created through vapour deposition.

[0099] The first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion may respectively contain a different number or a same number of the first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors.

[0100] The quantity and / or density of the plurality of reflectors in the respective light delivery medium may be adjusted to control the intensity of the light delivered to the target site. The first light delivery portion may have a first quantity and / or density ofthe first plurality of reflectors. The second light delivery portion may have a second quantity and / or density of the second plurality of reflectors. In some embodiments, the first quantity and / or density and the second quantity and / or density are different to each other. In some embodiments, the first quantity and / or density and the second quantity and / or density are the same, or at least substantially similar, to each other.

[0101] Turning to Figure 13, to control the direction of the reflected light, some embodiments of the light delivery apparatus 1302 may comprise a reflective layer 950 configured to direct light towards the longitudinal surface 550 of the elongate body 500. The reflective layer 950 may be applied to the light delivery portion 585c. The reflective layer 950 may be applied to the recesses and / or the cavities in the elongate body 500. The reflective layer 950 may be an opaque material. Light that has been reflected by the reflectors 900 towards the longitudinal surface 550, such as shown by rays 240b, may then be radially emitted as rays 320. Light that has been reflected by the reflectors 900 away from the longitudinal surface, such as shown by rays 240a, may encounter the reflective layer 950 and be redirected towards the longitudinal surface, such as shown by rays 245. The rays 245 may then be radially emitted as rays 320.

[0102] Figure 13 illustrates how the introduction of the reflective layer 950 can provide occultation of reflected light in specific directions. For clarity, the reflective layer 950 is shown only on the bottom surface of the first light delivery portion, opposite the top surface of the first light delivery portion which is shown as being substantially flush with the longitudinal surface. However, a reflective layer may also be present on the sides (not shown) of the first light delivery portion. In some embodiments, the recess and / or cavity comprises a curved (e.g. concave or convex) shape which is configured to redirect the light towards the longitudinal surface. The curved shape may be configured to scatter the light over the target site, or to focus the light at a particular location at the target site.

[0103] The first light delivery portion 585c may comprise a first reflective layer 950 configured to reflect the light reflected from the first plurality of reflectors 900 towards the longitudinal surface 550.

[0104] The second light delivery portion 585d may comprise a second reflective layer configured to reflect the light reflected from the second plurality of reflectors 900 towards the longitudinal surface 550.

[0105] The reflective layer may be applied selectively. As shown in Figure 13, the first light delivery portion 585c comprises a first reflective layer 900, while the second light delivery portion 585d does not.

[0106] The reflective layer 950 may comprise an opaque material. The opaque material may be a mineral or dye filled version of the translucent material used to produce the elongate body 500. The opaque material may be a different material to the elongate body 500. The opaque material may be a vacuum deposited metal coating. The opaque material 950 may cover one or more sides of the cavity or recess formed to receive the first light delivery portion 585c as required by the specific circumstances. In some embodiments the reflective layer 950 may be applied to the first light delivery portion 585c instead of the recess or cavity. The reflective layer 950 may be applied to a base region of the first light delivery portion 585c or a base region of the recess or cavity, away from the longitudinal surface 550, but also or alternatively the reflective layer 950 may be applied to other surfaces such as the upper surface should reflection in this direction be desired. The reflective layer 950 is also shown to reflect some light rays 240a into the ambient 600 as rays 245 in addition to the directly reflected light 320. This is shown because even solid black material would still reflect 5% or more light. Figure 13 also illustrates comparatively that an “unshielded” reflection zone cavity 585d would emit light radially in multiple directions.

[0107] The light delivery apparatus may comprise a reflective layer at other locations so that light is emitted from the elongate body at only the intended locations. The elongate body may comprise a tip surface at the distal end, wherein the tip surface is configured to prevent light emission from the tip surface. The tip surface may comprise a reflective layer that comprises the same opaque material as used in the reflective layers used for the recesses / cavities.

[0108] The volume, shape and thickness of the recess or cavity in the elongate body may be controlled through a moulding or casting process. Some embodiments may involve milling a recess or cavity into the elongate body. The elongate body may comprise an assembly of moulded subcomponents.

[0109] The light delivery portions may be a separate component that is added to the elongate body. After one or more precise cavities 585 are formed in the translucent elongate body 500, the light delivery portions may be inserted into the recess or cavity.

[0110] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a light delivery apparatus 1402 is disclosed, such as illustrated in Figure 14. The light delivery apparatus 1402 comprises a translucent silicone tube 8000 having a proximal end 8060 and a distal end 8010. Light is transmitted into tube 8000 at the proximal end 8060 from a light source 8070, which may be a light engine. Some embodiments of the light source 8070 may comprise a light collection apparatus or light engine, such as the light collection apparatus or light engine discussed in Australian provisional patent application 2024902924, entitled “Light collection apparatus and method”, filed on 13 September 2024 in the name of Lindo Technology Group Pty Ltd, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. The translucent silicone tube 8000 of the light delivery apparatus receives the light from the light source 8070 and transports the light towards the distal end 8010, from which light may be emitted.

[0111] The tube 8000 is approximately 300mm long, and comprises a tube wall having an outer diameter of 25mm through which the light may be transported by total internal reflection. The tube wall of the tube 8000 defines a 12mm bore 8020. The bore 8020 is open at distal and proximal ends to allow transmission of a fluid or gas. The tube 8000 may be made from a room temperature vulcanizing silicone such as Momentive RTV615 with an RI of 1.406.

[0112] The tube 8000 comprises two radial light emission zones 8030 and 8050, disposed in the tube wall.

[0113] The radial light emission zone 8030 is 30mm long. The radial light emission zone 8030 is manufactured from RTV615 infused with 20% hollow borosilicate 12micron glass beads such as LUXSIL. The glass beads are configured to intercept axially transmitted light transported along the tube 8000, and reflect the light randomly thereby creating radial light emission in the radial light emission zone 8030.

[0114] The radial light emission zone 8030 is approximately 4.0mm thick and wraps around 180° of the circumference of the tube 8000. The tube 8000 comprises a 2.5mm opaque layer 8040 manufactured from RTV615 infused with 5% graphite. The opaque layer 8040 is comparable to the reflective layer 950 as described previously herein.The opaque layer 8040 covers the whole interior surface of the tube to prevent light being reflected into the bore or lumen of the tube 8000 from the radial light emission zone 8030. The radial light emission zone 8030 can thereby only emit light downwards as shown by arrows 240a.

[0115] The radial light emission zone 8050 is 30mm long. The radial light emission zone 8050 is manufactured from RTV615 infused with 20% hollow borosilicate 12micron glass beads such as LUXSIL. The glass beads are configured to intercept axially transmitted light transported along the tube 8000, and reflect the light randomly thereby creating radial light emission in the radial light emission zone 8050.

[0116] The radial light emission zone 8050 is approximately 4.0mm thick and wraps around 180° of the circumference of the tube 8000. The radial light emission zone 8050 is configured to emit light upwards as shown by arrows 240b, as well as into the bore 8020 as shown by arrows 240c.

[0117] The present disclosure may additionally relate to apparatuses for delivery of light for sterilisation. Some embodiments may provide a light delivery apparatus having an elongate body, wherein light is emitted radially from the elongate body. Some embodiments may be used in hospital environments, such as to reduce the risk of patients developing ventilator associated pneumonia.

[0118] Some embodiments of the light delivery apparatus may comprise an optical input branch extending from the elongate body, wherein the optical input branch is configured receive the light from a light source and deliver the light into the elongate body. The light source may emit light configured to sterilise an object by deactivating pathogens on the object that are exposed to the light. The light source may emit light having a wavelength in the range of around 405nm to around 420nm. The optical input branch may be connected to the proximal end of the elongate body by a connector. The optical input branch may be connected by a connector to the elongate body at an angle, between the proximal end and the distal end. The elongate body may be configured to transmit light from the optical input branch through the elongate body by total internal reflection towards the distal end. The optical input branch may extend minimally into the elongate body. The optical input branch may not extend at all into the elongate body.

[0119] The light delivery apparatus may be inserted into an area to which light is to be delivered. The elongate body of the light delivery apparatus may be slender to fit within a lumen of a tube, such as an endotracheal tube.

[0120] Embodiments and teachings of the present disclosure may be applied for use in an endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube may comprise a tube wall having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal internal surface and a longitudinal external surface. The tube wall may be configured to transmit sterilising light through the tube wall from the proximal end towards the distal end. The tube wall may define a lumen through which air can pass, allowing the patient to breathe. The endotracheal tube may comprise a first light delivery portion disposed in the tube wall and displaced from the distal end. The first light delivery portion may comprise a first plurality of reflectors in a first light delivery medium adapted to receive a first quantity of the light transmitted through the tube wall, the first plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the first quantity of the light towards the longitudinal inner surface and / or the longitudinal external surface.

[0121] The endotracheal tube may comprise a second light delivery portion disposed in the tube wall and displaced from the distal end. The second light delivery portion may comprise a second plurality of reflectors in a second light delivery medium adapted to receive a second quantity of the light transmitted through the tube wall, the second plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the second quantity of the light towards the longitudinal inner surface and / or the longitudinal external surface.

[0122] The endotracheal tube may comprise additional light delivery portions disposed in the tube wall and displaced from the distal end. The endotracheal tube is configured to be used in wet environments through the inclusion of the light delivery portions and / or radial light emission zones. As previously disclosed herein, the sizing, density, and placement of the light delivery portions provides control of the quantity, location, and direction of radially-emitted light. The endotracheal tube may have a different refractive index to the refractive index of the surrounding wet environment, and so the quantity and location of the light delivery portions can be selected to account for the change in refractive index as the light is radially emitted from the endotracheal tube into the external wet environment. This is especially important when the light is delivering a functional property such as the disinfection of the liquid or foam contacting the apparatus using antimicrobial blue light.

[0123] The light delivery portions may be disposed at different longitudinal positions of the tube wall. The light delivery portions may be configured to align with locations where bacteria is known to typically accumulate in endotracheal tubes, particularly for endotracheal tubes that are in place in a patient’s airway for a prolonged period. The bacteria may accumulate in a biofilm on or in the endotracheal tube, forming a persistent reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms, sustained by moisture and exhibiting resistance to conventional cleaning or antimicrobial interventions. Such biofilms are capable of being disseminated by aerosolization and / or direct contact and thereby represent a source of healthcare-associated infections. For example, the biofilm may act as a source of ventilator-associated pneumonia, thereby presenting a continuing source of infection risk. The light delivery portions may be disposed atdifferent radial depths in the tube wall. The light delivery portions may be disposed at different radial positions along a circumference of the tube wall.

[0124] The endotracheal tube may comprise an optical input branch extending from the tube wall, wherein the optical input branch is configured receive the light from a light source and deliver the light into the tube wall. The light source may emit light configured to sterilise the endotracheal tube by deactivating pathogens (e.g. microbes) on the endotracheal tube that are exposed to the light. The endotracheal tube may reduce the risk of patients developing ventilator associated pneumonia compared to endotracheal tubes known in the art. The light source may emit light having a wavelength in the range of around 200nm to around 680nm. In some embodiments the light source emits light having one or more wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 500 nm. Such light may be referred to as antimicrobial blue light (aBL), being light in the blue part of the visible light spectrum and which has been shown to have a sterilising effect by deactivating microbes. The light may have one or more wavelengths in the range of 400-470 nm. In some embodiments, the light may comprise one or more wavelengths in one or more wavelength ranges, including but not limited to, 405 nm to 420 nm, 420 nm to 450 nm, 450 nm to 470 nm, and / or 470 nm to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the light may comprise 405 nm and 450 nm wavelengths. The light source may emit light having a wavelength in the range of around 405nm to around 420nm.

[0125] Some embodiments relate to a light delivery apparatus defining a lumen in which an elongate object can be received. In such embodiments, the longitudinal inner surface may define the lumen.

[0126] In some embodiments, the light delivery apparatus may be used in a photochemical process reactor vessel 5000, such as is illustrated in Figure 15. As shown, the vessel 5000 comprises a translucent light delivery apparatus 1502 comprising an elongate object 540 having radial light delivery portions 585a and 585b located in sub-chambers 5001 and 5002 respectively of the vessel 5000. In subchamber 5001, reagent A is sensitised by the emitted radiation 710 before passing intosub-chamber 5002 where reagent B is added and the mixture C is further exposed to radiation before exiting.

[0127] The teachings and / or embodiments of the light delivery apparatus as previously disclosed herein may be used or adapted to disinfect a drain. The drain may be a floor drain connected to or part of a waste system. The light delivery apparatus may be compatible with plumbing and drains such as floor drains present in bathrooms, hospitals, kitchens, abattoirs, and generally any healthcare, food processing, industrial or commercial environments where work surfaces are regularly washed down for sanitisation. The light delivery apparatus may be compatible with drains connected to a basin or sink where no drain trap is present. The light delivery apparatus may be compatible with drains connected to or comprising a drain trap connected to a basin or sink.

[0128] Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a disinfection apparatus 1600 comprising a light delivery apparatus 1602. The disinfection apparatus 1600 may be used to continuously or intermittently treat a fluid such as water. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the disinfection apparatus 1600 treats a fluid flowing through a pipe 1650 carries the fluid requiring treatment, Fl. The light delivery apparatus 1602 comprises a tubular configuration defining a passage therethrough, and comprises one or more light delivery portions 1608 configured to emit light into the passage to define a treatment phase or region F2 which is in fluid communication with the pipe 1650 so as to receive the fluid Fl. Fluid Fl flowing through the pipe 1650 may deposit residue on the inside of the pipe 1650. Accumulation of this residue, which may include bacteria and other pathogens, may lead to the growth of a biofilm.

[0129] The disinfection apparatus 1600 comprises a light source 1630 configured to deliver light, such as antimicrobial blue light (aBL), to the light delivery apparatus 1602. The light may be delivered through an optical fibre coupling 1640 which may comprise one or more cables connecting the light source 1630 and the light delivery apparatus 1602.

[0130] The light delivery apparatus 1602 may comprise one or more light delivery portions 1608. In embodiments where a plurality of the light delivery portions 1608 are present, the light delivery portions 1608 may be dispersed at various longitudinal positions and / or radial positions in the light delivery apparatus 1602. In embodiments where a single one of the light delivery portions 1608 is present, such as illustrated in Figure 16, the light delivery portion 1608 may span at least a substantial portion of the length of the light delivery apparatus 1602 to maximise exposure of the fluid passing through the light delivery apparatus 1602.

[0131] The light delivery portions 1608 may be a translucent element. The light delivery apparatus 1602 may comprise a blackened external surface 1603 opposite the passage to prevent or reduce light from the light delivery portions 1608 escaping or spilling through the external surface 1603. In addition or alternatively to the blackened external surface 1603, an opaque cover may be used to prevent or reduce light from the light delivery portions 1608 escaping. The blackened external surface 1603 and / or the opaque cover may reflect light back into the light delivery portions 1608 and into the treatment region F2 for increased efficiency.

[0132] After exposure of the fluid Fl to the light in the treatment region F2 emitted by the light delivery portions 1608, the post-treatment fluid F3 flows to a downstream portion 1610 of the drain. The downstream portion may comprise or be connected to a drain trap. Light emitted from the light delivery apparatus 1602 may also be reflected into the upstream portion of the pipe 1650, and the downstream portion 1610 of the drain.

[0133] Figures 16A and 16B show an embodiment where the downstream portion 1610 of the drain comprises a drain trap 1610 as part of a drain connected to a basin or sink. Additionally or alternatively, the light delivery apparatus 1602 may be used to disinfect the drain pipe adjacent to the drain trap. This may be particularly useful in hospital environments where frequent handwashing is desired for safety. When a person washes their hands in the sink, bacteria is washed down the drain hole of the basin, where it flows into a drain trap (or U-bend) before flowing into the rest of thewastewater drainage system. Some standing water may be present in the drain trap, and over time, bacteria may accumulate and produce a biofilm. Biofilms may form persistent reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms, sustained by moisture and resistant to conventional cleaning or antimicrobial interventions. Such biofilms are capable of dissemination by aerosolisation and / or direct contact. Subsequent use of the basin may result in aerosolization of the standing water and / or biofilm as subsequent water flow impacts the standing water and biofilm after flowing through the drain hole. This aerosolization may release aerosolized bacteria back through the drain hole which may land on a person’s hands, nearby surface, or be inhaled. Such biofilms thereby represent a source of healthcare-associated infections as well as foodborne infections arising from organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. Use of the light delivery apparatus 1602 may disinfect standing water in the drain trap. Use of the light delivery apparatus 1602 may inhibit the formation of biofilm due to the deactivation of the bacteria.

[0134] Figure 16A is a perspective view of a disinfection apparatus 1600 comprising the light delivery apparatus 1602. Figure 16A shows the disinfection apparatus 1600 in use for sterilising a drain trap 1610 for a basin or sink 1620.

[0135] The disinfection apparatus 1600 may comprise a light source 1630, which may be a light engine, configured to emit light in the range of around 200nm to around 680nm. In embodiments, the light source 1630 emits antimicrobial blue light (aBL) having one or more wavelengths in the range of 400-470 nm. At 405 nm, endogenous porphyrins such as coproporphyrin III have been found to absorb the violet-blue photon and transition to a triplet state, releasing singlet oxygen (’Ch) and hydroxyl radicals that oxidise cell membranes, lipoproteins and DNA. At 450 nm, riboflavin and flavoproteins (FMN, FAD) absorb the longer-blue photons, forming superoxide (*0? ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) deeper inside the cytoplasm and within extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The concurrent generation of ’Ch, *0? and H2O2 has been found to overwhelm catalase and superoxide-dismutase defences, depolymerising EPS and exposing embedded cells to further attack. At 450 nm light experiences ~30 %lower scattering in wet biofilms vs 405 nm, allowing ROS formation up to 400 pm below the surface and achieving whole-column kill.

[0136] The aBL supplied by the light source 1630 and delivered by the light delivery apparatus 1602 may disrupt the formation of biofilm by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout the microbial cell. Continuous aBL exposure has been found to inhibit hydrated (‘wet’) biofilms inside water and also suppress ‘dry’ biofilm layers that form on intermittently damp surfaces above the drain trap. Residual ROS generation during low-flow periods prevents re-attachment and keeps the entire trap volume below detectable microbial levels for > 28 days in ASTM E3135-18 trials. The use of 405 nm visible light has been found to not degrade common drain materials such as PVC, PP, ABS or EPDM seals, preserving pipe integrity.

[0137] The light source 1630 may be configured to supply light to the light delivery apparatus 1602. The light delivery apparatus 1602 may receive the light from the light source 1630 through one or more cables 1640 connecting the light source 1630 and the light delivery apparatus 1602. The light source 1630 may be mounted adjacent to the sink 1620, such as to a wall. As shown, a portion of the cable 1640 connecting the light source 1630 and the light delivery apparatus 1602 is hidden from view in the wall cavity.

[0138] The disinfection apparatus 1600 may comprise a fluid conduit 1650. The light delivery apparatus 1602 may be disposed within the fluid conduit 1650. The fluid conduit 1650 may comprise one or more drain pipes, and may in some embodiments comprise drain trap 1610. The fluid conduit 1650 may be connected to the drain hole 1622 of the basin 1620. In some embodiments, the disinfection apparatus 1600 comprising the fluid conduit 1650 and the light delivery apparatus 1602 is supplied as a kit of parts or as an assembly, wherein the disinfection apparatus 1600 is retrofittable to existing basins and drain traps. In some embodiments, the disinfection apparatus 1600 comprising the fluid conduit 1650 and the light delivery apparatus 1602 may further comprise the drain trap 1610, wherein the disinfection apparatus 1600 is retrofittable to existing basins and drain pipes.

[0139] Figure 16B is a partial section view of the basin 1620 showing the disinfection apparatus 1600 in use. The light delivery apparatus 1602 is shown extending from the drain hole 1622 into the drain trap 1610. An end of the light delivery apparatus 1602 may be positioned adjacent to the curved portion of the drain trap 1610 defining the bottom of the drain trap 1610. In some embodiments, the light delivery apparatus 1602 may extend to cover at least a substantial portion of the inside of the drain trap 1610.

[0140] The light delivery apparatus 1602 is configured to be used in wet environments through the inclusion of light delivery portions and / or radial light emission zones. As previously disclosed herein, the sizing, density, and placement of the light delivery portions provides control of the quantity, location, and direction of radially-emitted light. The light delivery apparatus 1602 may have a different refractive index to the refractive index of the wet environment, and so the quantity and location of the light delivery portions can be selected to account for the change in refractive index as the light is radially emitted from the light delivery apparatus 1602 into the wet environment. The wet environment may include water and foam, such as soap suds, and other liquid matter. The wet environment may be an aqueous environment containing water, condensate, or body fluids in liquid, film or foam form in contact with the external and / or internal surface of the apparatus.

[0141] The light delivery apparatus 1602 may be analogous, or substantially similar, to any one of the light delivery apparatuses (such as apparatuses 1002, 1102, 1302, 1402, 1502) comprising the light delivery portions 585, 585a, 585b, 585c, 585d and the radial light emission zones 8030 and 8050 as previously described herein. The light delivery apparatus 1602 may accordingly comprise an elongate body 1604 disposed within the fluid conduit 1650. The elongate body 1604 may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body 1604 is configured to transport light through the elongate body 1604 towards the proximal end and / or the distal end. The elongate body 1604 may be a channel or conduit defining a passage 1606 to allow fluid to flow through. The channel may fully enclose the passage 1606, in the manner of a tube defining a lumen, or be partly enclosed such as a half tube or half pipe where the passage 1606 is open along at least part of its length.

[0142] In some embodiments, the elongate body 1604 of the light delivery apparatus 1602 is a tube or tubular structure comprising a tube wall defining a passage or lumen 1606, wherein the light delivery apparatus 1602 further comprises one or more light delivery portions 1608 embedded in the tube wall. The elongate body 1604 may comprise or define an optical sleeve configured to be conformably received within the fluid conduit 1650, such that the optical sleeve is configured to adapt to the internal geometry of the fluid conduit.

[0143] The elongate body 1604 may be translucent. Parts of the elongate body 1604 may comprise blackened surfaces to prevent light from being emitted (or otherwise escaping) from the blackened surfaces. For example, the elongate body 1604 may comprise a blackened outer surface so that light is not emitted onto the inside of the fluid conduit 1650. The light may instead be reflected back into the elongate body 1604 where it may be redirected towards the lumen 1606.

[0144] The light delivery apparatus 1602 may comprise a first light delivery portion 1608 disposed in the elongate body 1604 and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion 1608 comprises a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein. The first plurality of reflectors may be configured to intercept a first quantity of light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body 1064 and reflect the first quantity of the light towards the longitudinal surface such that light is emitted radially from the elongate body 1604.

[0145] For clarity, only one of the light delivery portions 1608 is shown in Figure 16B, but it will be understood that a plurality of the light delivery portions 1608 may be dispersed at various longitudinal and radial positions in the tube wall of elongate body 1604 in a similar manner to the light delivery portions 585, 585a, 585b, 585c, 585d and the radial light emission zones 8030 and 8050 previously described herein. However, where the light delivery apparatuses 1002, 1102, 1302, 1402, 1502 are configured so that their light delivery portions 585, 585a, 585b, 585c, 585d and the radial light emission zones 8030 and 8050 emit light radially outwards of the tube 500, 540, 8000,the light delivery apparatus 1602 is configured so that light delivery portions 1608 emit light radially into the lumen 1606 of the tube 1604.

[0146] The fluid conduit 1650 may comprise a first optical input port 1652 configured to receive light from a light source, such as the light source 1630. The elongate body 1604 may comprise a second optical input port 1609 positioned to allow optical coupling between the light source 1630 and the proximal end of the elongate body 1604 for delivery of light into the elongate body 1604 through the first optical input port 1652. Light delivered into the elongate body 1604 may accordingly be reflected by the one or more light delivery portions 1608 to deliver aBL to at least a substantial portion of the longitudinal surface to prevent or reduce microbial growth.

[0147] The one or more light delivery portions 1608 may deliver aBL to any surfaces or fluids or film adjacent to or in contact with the light delivery apparatus 1602 to prevent microbial growth. Any residual microbial load / growth may be disinfected. Advantageously, this avoids having to reduce the flow rate of the water as it passes through the passage 1606 of the light delivery apparatus 1602. The aBL may treat stationary water in the drain trap 1610, or the residue left behind by the water flow.

[0148] The fluid conduit 1650 may be configured to be connected to one or more plumbing components, such that the light delivery apparatus 1602 is integrated into a fluid flow path. The one or more plumbing components may comprise a drain, such as the drain hole 1622. The fluid conduit 1650 may comprise a drain flange 1654 at a distal end of the fluid conduit 1650 to connect the to the fluid conduit 1650 to the drain hole 1622. The one or more plumbing components may comprise a trap, such as the drain trap 1610.

[0149] The fluid conduit 1650 may comprise a tailpiece configured to be connected to the drain hole 1622 of the basin 1620. The tailpiece may define an internal surface and an external surface of the fluid conduit 1650. At least a portion of the elongate body 1604 may be received inside the tailpiece so as to be adjacent and / or adjoining the internal surface of the fluid conduit 1650. In some embodiments, at least part of anexternal surface of the fluid conduit 1650 comprises threaded protrusions 1656. The threaded protrusions 1656 on the external surface of the fluid conduit 1650 may be configured to engage with one or more slip joint nuts 1658.

[0150] The fluid conduit 1650 may comprise pipe connection interfaces at opposing ends of the fluid conduit 1650, each pipe connection interface configured to engage with a plumbing component such as a drain or trap. The pipe connection interfaces may comprise threaded ends, compression fittings, and / or slip joints.

[0151] The fluid conduit 1650 and the elongate body 1604 are configured such that the first and second optical input ports 1652, 1609 are accessible from outside the fluid conduit for connection to a light source. The first optical input port 1652 may comprise an aperture aligned with the second optical input port 1609 of the elongate body 1604.

[0152] The first optical input port 1652 of the fluid conduit 1650 may comprise a branch 1660 extending outwardly from a wall of the fluid conduit 1650.

[0153] The branch 1660 may comprise an interface configured to engage with a connector. The interface may be a threaded protrusion. The threaded protrusion may be configured to threadingly engage with a light source or optical connector, such as the light engine 1630 via the cable 1640. The interface may comprise a sealed port to prevent fluid leakage when a light source connector is inserted. The drain trap 1610 may comprise a transparent window to separate the light source from the fluid as it flows through the passage 1606 of the light delivery apparatus 1602 and into the trap 1610. For example, the transparent window may be integrally formed with a body of the drain trap 1610. The transparent window may be disposed between the first and second optical input ports 1652, 1609. The second optical input port 1609 may comprise an aperture within the elongate body 1604. The aperture of the second optical input port 1609 (which may be adjacent to the aperture of the first optical input port 1652) may be covered by the transparent window.

[0154] The second optical input port 1609 may comprise a branch 1662 extending outwardly from the elongate body 1604. The branch 1662 may comprise a cylindrical protrusion. The second optical input port 1609 of the elongate body 1604 may be at least partially disposed within the first optical input port 1652 of the fluid conduit 1650. The first and second optical input ports 1652, 1609 may be nested to facilitate optical alignment. The first and second optical input ports 1652, 1609 may be axially aligned to enable direct coupling of light from the light source into the elongate body 1604.

[0155] The elongate body 1604 may be attached to the fluid conduit 1650. The elongate body 1604 may be integrally formed with the fluid conduit 1650. In some embodiments, the elongate body 1604 is separate to the fluid conduit 1650, and a portion of the elongate body 1604 is retained in place inside the fluid conduit 1650 when the fluid conduit 1650 is connected to adjacent plumbing components such as the drain trap and the drain hole. For example, the elongate body 1604 may comprise a flange at one or both of its proximal and distal ends, where the flange is captured between the junction of the fluid conduit 1650 and the drain trap and the drain hole. Adhesives may alternatively or additionally be applied between the interface of the elongate body 1604 and the fluid conduit 1650 to secure the adjoining surfaces. In some embodiments, the geometry of the elongate body 1604 facilitates or enables the retention of the elongate body 1604 in the fluid conduit 1650. For example, the elongate body 1604 may comprise a shoulder portion 1605 that is configured to abut a corresponding shoulder 1664 of the fluid conduit 1650. When the shoulder portion 1605 is in contact with the shoulder 1664 of the fluid conduit 1650, the upstream portion of the elongate body 1604 (proximal to the drain hole) is supported within the fluid conduit 1650 so that the downstream portion of the elongate body 1604 (proximal to the drain trap and distal to the drain hole) is appropriately positioned above the drain trap 1610. The elongate body 1604 may comprise one or more tapered or ramped surfaces to direct water flowing through the passage 1606 for improved exposure to the light. The elongate body 1604 may comprise a first tapered or ramped surface at the shoulder portion 1605 and a second tapered or ramped surface at or adjacent to the branch 1662.

[0156] The disclosure also encompasses the following example clauses:Clause 1 : A disinfection apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit; an elongate body disposed within the fluid conduit, the elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body is configured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises: a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body; wherein the fluid conduit comprises a first optical input port configured to receive antimicrobial blue light from a light source; and wherein the elongate body comprises a second optical input port positioned to allow optical coupling between the light source and the proximal end of the elongate body for delivery of antimicrobial blue light into the elongate body.Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein a distal end of the fluid conduit comprises a drain flange.Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the fluid conduit is configured to be connected to one or more plumbing components, such that the light delivery apparatus is integrated into a fluid flow path.Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 3, wherein the plumbing components comprise a drain and a trap.Clause 5. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a tailpiece.Clause 6. The apparatus of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a trap.Clause 7. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least part of an external surface of the fluid conduit comprises threaded protrusions.Clause 8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the threaded protrusions of the external surface of the fluid conduit are configured to engage with one or more slip joint nuts.Clause 9. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the fluid conduit comprises pipe connection interfaces at opposing ends, each pipe connection interface configured to engage with a plumbing component.Clause 10. The apparatus of clause 9, wherein the pipe connection interfaces comprise threaded ends, compression fittings, and / or slip joints.Clause 11. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the fluid conduit and elongate body are configured such that the first and second optical input ports are accessible from outside the fluid conduit for connection to a light source.Clause 12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the first optical input port comprises an aperture aligned with the second optical input port of the elongate body.Clause 13. The apparatus of clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the first optical input port of the fluid conduit comprises a branch extending outwardly from a wall of the fluid conduit.Clause 14. The apparatus of clause 13, wherein the branch comprises an interface configured to engage with a connector.Clause 15. The apparatus of clause 14, wherein the interface is a threaded protrusion.Clause 16. The apparatus of clause 15, wherein the threaded protrusion is configured to threadingly engage with a light source or optical connector.Clause 17. The apparatus of clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the interface comprises a sealed port to prevent fluid leakage when a light source is inserted.Clause 18. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the second optical input port comprises an aperture within the elongate body.Clause 19. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 to 18, wherein the second optical input port comprises a branch extending outwardly from the elongate body.Clause 20. The apparatus of clause 19, wherein the branch is a cylindrical protrusion.Clause 21. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 to 20, wherein the second optical input port of the elongate body is at least partially disposed within the first optical input port of the fluid conduit.Clause 22. The apparatus of clause 21, wherein the first and second optical input ports are nested to facilitate optical alignment.Clause 23. The apparatus of any one of clauses 11 to 22, wherein the first and second optical input ports are axially aligned to enable direct coupling of light from the light source into the elongate body.Clause 24. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 23, wherein the elongate body defines an optical sleeve configured to be conformably received within the fluid conduit, such that the optical sleeve is configured to adapt to the internal geometry of the fluid conduit.Clause 25. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 24, wherein the elongate body is attached to the fluid conduit.Clause 26. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the light source delivered through the elongate body comprises antimicrobial blue light.Clause 27. The apparatus of clause 26, wherein the antimicrobial blue light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 400 to 470 nanometres.

[0157] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A light delivery apparatus comprising: an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body is configured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises: a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that the antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body.

2. The light delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate body defines a first recess in the longitudinal surface and the first light delivery portion is disposed in the first recess.

3. The light delivery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate body defines a first cavity and the first light delivery portion is disposed in the first cavity.

4. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first light delivery portion further comprises an emission surface configured to face the longitudinal surface of the elongate body, and a first reflective layer disposed on another surface of the first light delivery portion, wherein the first reflective layer is configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the first plurality of reflectors towards the emission surface.

5. The light delivery apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first recess or the first cavity further comprises a base region configured to receive the first light delivery portion in the elongate body, and a first reflective layer disposed on the basesurface of the first recess or the first cavity, wherein the first reflective layer is configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the first plurality of reflectors towards the longitudinal surface of the elongate body.

6. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the distal end, wherein the second light delivery portion comprises a second plurality of reflectors in a second light delivery medium adapted to receive a second quantity of the antimicrobial blue light transmitted through the elongate body, the second plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the second quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface.

7. The light delivery apparatus of claim 6, wherein the refractive index of the first light delivery medium and a refractive index of the second light delivery medium are identical.

8. The light delivery apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion are disposed at different radial distances from the longitudinal surface.

9. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion are disposed at different lateral and / or longitudinal positions of the elongate body.

10. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the elongate body defines a second recess in the longitudinal surface and the second light delivery portion is received in the second recess.

11. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the elongate body defines a second cavity and the second light delivery portion is received in the second cavity.

12. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the second light delivery portion further comprises a second reflective layer configured to reflect the antimicrobial blue light reflected from the second plurality of reflectors towards the longitudinal surface.

13. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion have different dimensions.

14. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors have different material properties.

15. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein the first light delivery portion and the second light delivery portion respectively contain a different number of the first plurality of reflectors and the second plurality of reflectors.

16. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the elongate body comprises a tip surface at the distal end, wherein the tip surface is configured to prevent light emission from the tip surface.

17. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising an optical input branch extending from the proximal end of the elongate body, the optical input branch configured receive the antimicrobial blue light from a light source and deliver the antimicrobial blue light into the elongate body.

18. The light delivery apparatus of claim 17, wherein the optical input branch extends from the longitudinal surface at the proximal end of the elongate body.

19. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the elongate body is configured to transmit light through the elongate body by total internal reflection from the proximal end towards the distal end.

20. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the elongate body is: (i) a rod; or (ii) a tube.

21. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the elongate body comprises a curved section.

22. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the elongate body is flexible.

23. The light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the antimicrobial blue light comprises one or more wavelengths in the range of 400nm to 470nm.

24. A disinfection apparatus, comprising the light delivery apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 23 in a tubular configuration.

25. A disinfection apparatus comprising: a fluid conduit; an elongate body disposed within the fluid conduit, the elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal surface, wherein the elongate body is configured to transport antimicrobial blue light through the elongate body towards the proximal end and / or the distal end; and a first light delivery portion disposed in the elongate body and displaced from the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first light delivery portion comprises: a first light delivery medium having a first plurality of reflectors disposed therein; wherein the first plurality of reflectors is configured to intercept a first quantity of antimicrobial blue light applied to the proximal end of the elongate body and reflect the first quantity of the antimicrobial blue light towards the longitudinal surface such that antimicrobial blue light is emitted radially from the elongate body; wherein the fluid conduit comprises a first optical input port configured to receive antimicrobial blue light from a light source; andwherein the elongate body comprises a second optical input port positioned to allow optical coupling between the light source and the proximal end of the elongate body for delivery of antimicrobial blue light into the elongate body.

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