A device for irradiating tissue includes a fluorescent element for receiving pump radiation and responsively emitting radiation having different spectral characteristics than the pump radiation. A redirector receives emitted radiation promulgated in a direction away from a tissue target and redirects the radiation toward the target. The pump radiation may be supplied, for example, by a flashlamp or frequency-doubled neodymium-doped laser. Use of the device provides an inexpensive and effective alternative to conventional dye laser-based systems for various medical therapies, including treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, tattoo and hair removal, and photodynamic therapy (PDT).