Design and characterization of LED-based illuminators for oral cancer photodynamic therapy

We present the design and validation of a compact, wavelength-specific LED-based illuminator for tiled photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the oral cavity. Developed to address the limitations of traditional light sources, these systems offer modularity, ergonomic design, and improved spatial homogeneity. A square illumination field enables tiling for more precise dosimetry without repeated exposure in areas of overlap. Consistent fluence delivery across irregular lesion boundaries within the treatment area, while sparing healthy tissue, is essential for effective treatment. Illumination units optimized for 405nm and 630nm activation were developed through ray-tracing simulations and integrated into a custom wand. A motorized optical scanner was used to quantify the irradiance field, and a spectrometer was used to validate spectral outputs.