Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPR4-1000-0700F-RW

LPR4-1000-0700F-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

LMC_060_CTP

LMC_060_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE 2.5MM CLEAR TRANSP

16424

LPR5-1000-2000D-R130

LPR5-1000-2000D-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

0

LPR3-0800-2000F-OY

LPR3-0800-2000F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPR4-0800-2500DP

LPR4-0800-2500DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

96

SMTV01-R17G33B10

SMTV01-R17G33B10

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER RED/GRN/BLU

231

5151027801F

5151027801F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 1.68MM DIA X 5.26MM

0

PLTR2-2000-PR1

PLTR2-2000-PR1

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 3.5MM

1

PLPQ2-500

PLPQ2-500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQ LPRO .500"

0

LPR3-1000-2000F-RB

LPR3-1000-2000F-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

VLP-300-F

VLP-300-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE VERT 0.300" FLAT FACE

43894

LPV4-0500F-Y50

LPV4-0500F-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

FLXR2GTP04

FLXR2GTP04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

RUGGD FLEX LIGHTPIPE CLR 4" GRN

0

51513010125F

51513010125F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT FLAT 0.125"

18420

LPR4-0800-2000DP

LPR4-0800-2000DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

300

PLP1-625

PLP1-625

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE .625" ROUND PNL MNT

2875

LPV2-2000F-W305

LPV2-2000F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

5151069F

5151069F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE SGL LEVEL 3ARRAY

10951650

LPV2-2000F-G850

LPV2-2000F-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPV3-0500D-O170

LPV3-0500D-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

Optics - Light Pipes

1. Overview

Light pipes (optical light guides) are physical structures designed to transmit light between different locations using total internal reflection. They serve as critical components in optoelectronic systems by enabling efficient light routing, signal transmission, and illumination distribution. Modern applications span telecommunications, medical imaging, industrial sensing, and consumer electronics, where precise light management is essential.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Hollow Light PipesMetal-coated hollow tubes for infrared/mid-wave transmissionThermal imaging systems, CO laser delivery
Solid Light PipesTransparent dielectric rods (glass/polymers) for visible/NIR wavelengthsEndoscopes, fiber optic couplers
Fiber Bundle Light PipesCoherent fiber arrays for image transferMilitary night vision, industrial borescopes
Flexible Light GuidesBendable polymer/clad silica fibers for dynamic routingDental curing lights, automotive lighting

3. Structure and Components

Typical light pipe structures include: - Core Material: High-purity silica (up to 99.999%) or polymer (PMMA/PC) - Cladding Layer: Dielectric coating (refractive index 1-2% lower than core) - Protective Jacket: UV-resistant polymer (e.g., ETFE/PVC) for mechanical durability - Termination: Precision-ground facets with anti-reflective coatings (transmission >99%) - Geometric Design: Circular/rectangular cross-sections with tolerances 0.001mm

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Transmission Efficiency85-98% per meter (depends on wavelength)Determines signal strength and power loss
Operating WavelengthUV-VIS-NIR (200-2000nm) rangeMatches with light source and detector
Numerical Aperture (NA)0.2-0.5 (acceptance angle)Dictates coupling efficiency with light sources
Bend Radius5-50mm (flexible types) / >100mm (rigid)Affects mechanical integration limits
Thermal Stability-40 C to +200 C operational rangeEnsures performance under environmental stress

5. Application Fields

Key industries include: - Telecommunications: Fiber optic network backbones (e.g., 100G+ transceivers) - Medical: Minimally invasive surgery systems (e.g., Olympus endoscopes) - Industrial: Laser material processing (e.g., Trumpf cutting machines) - Consumer Electronics: Display backlighting (e.g., Apple Pro Display XDR) - Defense: Missile guidance systems (e.g., Raytheon thermal seekers)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Specifications
Schott AGOPTRAN Wavelength Flexible Light Guide400-1700nm, 0.37NA, 20mm bend radius
CorningClearCurve Ultra Low Bend Loss Fiber0.15dB/km loss, 10mm bend radius
3MLight Pipe Film Series95% transmission efficiency, 0.25mm thickness
Hamamatsu PhotonicsSingle Crystal Sapphire Light Pipes200-5000nm, 300 C thermal resistance

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider: - Match NA and core diameter to light source (e.g., 200 m fiber for 0.3NA LED) - Environmental factors (e.g., 150 C rating for automotive headlamps) - Cost-performance tradeoffs: Polymer vs. silica in visible spectrum - Termination requirements: AR-coated vs. bare cleave - Case Study: Semiconductor inspection system using Schott rigid light pipes achieved 92% throughput improvement

8. Industry Trend Analysis

Emerging trends include: - Miniaturization: Sub-mm diameter pipes for wearable devices - Multi-core Integration: Parallel data transmission in Li-Fi systems - Smart Materials: Electrochromic coatings for dynamic light control - Photonic Crystal Pipes: Bandgap engineering for terahertz applications - Market growth projected at 7.2% CAGR (2023-2030) driven by 5G and autonomous vehicle sensors

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