A tubular light source having a semiconductor light source and a tube is
disclosed. The tube includes a transparent medium, the tube having a side
tube surface, a center curve, one end surface, a length, and a maximum
cross-sectional dimension. The tube includes scattering centers that
cause light traveling in the tube to be reflected at angles such that the
reflected light leaves the tube through the side tube surface. The
semiconductor light source is positioned to emit light into the tube
within a cone of angles such that the light will not leave the side tube
surface in the absence of the scattering centers. The scattering centers
can be dispersed in the transparent medium or located on the side tube
surface. The transparent medium can be rigid or flexible.