Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLPC3-6MM

PLPC3-6MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND 6MM

0

LPV2-0350FP

LPV2-0350FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

133

LPR5-0800-2500FP

LPR5-0800-2500FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 4.93MM DIA

100

PLP1-200

PLP1-200

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM LENS 0.200"

0

SZ1-10.00-W305-F4P54

SZ1-10.00-W305-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPQ3-188

PLPQ3-188

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM SQ LPRO .188"

0

LPR3-1000-2000F-A220

LPR3-1000-2000F-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

51513620500F

51513620500F

Dialight

5MM PANEL MOUNT RIGHT ANGLE CONV

1868

LPR5-0800-0700F-O170

LPR5-0800-0700F-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LPR5-0800-1000F-Y50

LPR5-0800-1000F-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

PLPQ2-4MM

PLPQ2-4MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQ LOPRO 4MM

0

51513520900F

51513520900F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPCONV .162"x.900"LG

614

5151029F

5151029F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 5 ELEMENT 5MM RECT

0

IF 101D-0-30

IF 101D-0-30

Industrial Fiber Optics, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE CBL 30CM 1=100

7

LPV4-0550F-R130

LPV4-0550F-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

0

SMTV01-R42

SMTV01-R42

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER RED

0

51513510188F

51513510188F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPFLAT

1742

PLPC1-8MM

PLPC1-8MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 8MM

80

LPV3-1750D-R480

LPV3-1750D-R480

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/630NM

100

LPR5-1000-2000D-RY

LPR5-1000-2000D-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

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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