Briefly stated, the present invention discloses a novel device that automatically
calibrates and adjusts the intensity, dosage, and other parameters of a radiation
delivery system and radiation source based on selected or detected radiation delivery
systems. Such radiation delivery systems include optical fiber systems, and any
type of diffuser, as well as bare fiber tips. The functions of a radiation source
and a calibration device are combined by storing the characteristics of a wide
variety of delivery system types and brands and calibrating the radiation based
on those stored characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a calibration sheath
is provided that fits over a delivery system, such as a bare fiber tip or a diffuser
at the distal end of a fiber, to both protect the system during calibration and
direct output radiation to a detector. In another embodiment, one or more detectors
are situated on the interior surface of the calibration sheath to directly measure
at least a preselected portion of the emitted radiation. Power readings are directed
to a calibration subsystem from the detector or detectors, which then adjusts the
emitted power to conform to desired treatment parameters. The need for different
calibration devices based on the characteristics of the delivery system is alleviated.