Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SZ1-6.00-F4PS

SZ1-6.00-F4PS

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

98

LPR3-0800-1500F-W305

LPR3-0800-1500F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

LPV2-1500FP

LPV2-1500FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

0

PLP1-188-F

PLP1-188-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM FLAT 0.188"

587

LPR5-1000-1500F-OY

LPR5-1000-1500F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

SZ1-6.00-RG-F4P54

SZ1-6.00-RG-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPV4-0500F-RG

LPV4-0500F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

RLP2-600-800

RLP2-600-800

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RIGHT ANGLE LIGHT PIPE, 2.8MM

13

PLPQ2-313

PLPQ2-313

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQ LPRO .313"

0

SZ1-6.00-Y50-F4P54

SZ1-6.00-Y50-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

99

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4P

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLP1-9MM-F

PLP1-9MM-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL REAR 3MM FLAT 9MM

0

SLP3-150-250-F

SLP3-150-250-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 0.250 FLAT FACE

902

LPC_112_CTP

LPC_112_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE 4MM RND VERT 1.120"

709

SZ1-10.00-RGB-F4P54

SZ1-10.00-RGB-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPC1-9MM

PLPC1-9MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 9MM

44

LPR5-0800-2000D-Y50

LPR5-0800-2000D-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

LPC_036_CTP

LPC_036_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

809

51513620750F

51513620750F

Dialight

5MM PANEL MOUNT RIGHT ANGLE CONV

2073

PLPQ2-188-FF

PLPQ2-188-FF

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQUARE .188"

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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