Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPC_062_CTP

LPC_062_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

0

LPR3-1000-1500D-O170

LPR3-1000-1500D-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LC-15.75

LC-15.75

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 1MM 15.75" 4MM DIA

0

SZ1-10.00-RGB-F4P

SZ1-10.00-RGB-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPC1-250

PLPC1-250

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND .250"

5616

LPV4-0500D-W305

LPV4-0500D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

LPR3-0800-1500F-RG

LPR3-0800-1500F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

SMTV01-R15G15

SMTV01-R15G15

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER RED/GRN

0

LPV4-0500D-RB

LPV4-0500D-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

PLPC3-3MM

PLPC3-3MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND 3MM

3005

LPR5-1000-1500F-RG

LPR5-1000-1500F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

LPR3-0800-2000F-B150

LPR3-0800-2000F-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

FLX_08

FLX_08

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHTPIPE FLEXIBLE 8"

238

PLP2-625

PLP2-625

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 15.9MM LONG

405

RLP1-200-500

RLP1-200-500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RIGHT ANGLE LIGHT PIPE, 2.8MM

6712

PLPC2-250

PLPC2-250

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND .250"

0

51513010700F

51513010700F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT FLAT 0.700"

3071

LPR3-1000-2000D-RG

LPR3-1000-2000D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

99

LPR5-0800-0700F-OY

LPR5-0800-0700F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

SZ4-10.00-O170-F5P54

SZ4-10.00-O170-F5P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

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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