Illumination device for simulation of neon lighting

An illumination device includes an elongated and substantially cylindrical waveguide, which has a light-emitting outer surface and an interior semi-reflective portion spaced at a predetermined distance from the light-emitting outer surface. A channel is defined through a portion the waveguide along the length thereof and is adapted to receive an elongated light source such that emitted light is directed into at least one of the wall surfaces defined by the channel. As the light enters and is directed about the circumference of the waveguide, a portion of the light is scattered and emitted through the light-emitting outer surface of the waveguide. Light is also reflected by the semi-reflective portion, causing additional light to be scattered and emitted through the light-emitting outer surface of the waveguide. The result of this guiding, reflecting, and emission of light is a substantially homogenous and uniform light intensity pattern over the light-emitting outer surface of the waveguide so as to simulate neon lighting.