Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPV4-2000F-RGB

LPV4-2000F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

LPV4-1250F-O170

LPV4-1250F-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

SMTV01-R15Y11

SMTV01-R15Y11

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER RED/YLW

0

5151033801F

5151033801F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 1 ELMNT PANEL MNT

4875000

PLP2-750

PLP2-750

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 19MM LONG

0

PLW5-500

PLW5-500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM WIDE .500"

1501

LFB025CTP

LFB025CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM

49905

LPV4-0450FP

LPV4-0450FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 3.91MM DIA

0

PLPC1-3MM

PLPC1-3MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 3MM

100

PLPC2-7MM

PLPC2-7MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND 7MM

230

VLP-500-F

VLP-500-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE VERT 0.500" FLAT FACE

11696

LPR3-1000-0700D-O170

LPR3-1000-0700D-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LPC_140_CTP

LPC_140_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

4901

LPR3-1000-1000F-RW

LPR3-1000-1000F-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

SZ4-10.00-RG-F5P

SZ4-10.00-RG-F5P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPC2-3MM

PLPC2-3MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND 3MM

11236

PLP5-2-350

PLP5-2-350

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM LENS 0.350"

5335

VLP2-F-2

VLP2-F-2

Richco, Inc. (Essentra Components)

LED LIGHT PIPE CLR VERT 15MM

1753

LPC_050_CTP

LPC_050_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

15243

LPV4-2000F-RG

LPV4-2000F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

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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