Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SZ1-6.00-R480-F4P

SZ1-6.00-R480-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPR5-1000-1000D-R130

LPR5-1000-1000D-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

0

LPV3-2000F-G850

LPV3-2000F-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPCM_100_CTP

LPCM_100_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

ROUND 4MM LITEPIPE

0

PLPC1-375

PLPC1-375

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND .375"

17

LPV3-1750D-RG

LPV3-1750D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

LPR5-1000-1500D-RG

LPR5-1000-1500D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

PLTR5-72MM-PR2

PLTR5-72MM-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

59

LPV4-0500D-RGB

LPV4-0500D-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

LPR3-1000-1500D-A220

LPR3-1000-1500D-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

SZ1-6.00-RGB-F4PD

SZ1-6.00-RGB-F4PD

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPV4-0550D-B150

LPV4-0550D-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

PLP1-100-D

PLP1-100-D

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM DIFF 0.100"

313

LPF-C014301S

LPF-C014301S

Lumex, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE 3MM 4POS RA ROUND

14692

LPV4-1000D-RY

LPV4-1000D-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPV4-2000D-G850

LPV4-2000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPV2-0500FP

LPV2-0500FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

494

SLP3-250-100-R

SLP3-250-100-R

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 3MM RIGID RA RND SMD

0

LPV3-0750FP

LPV3-0750FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.92MM DIA

4

LPV2-1750DP

LPV2-1750DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

89

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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