Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPR3-1000-1500D-W305

LPR3-1000-1500D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

PLP2-125-S

PLP2-125-S

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3.2MM LONG

28

LPR3-1250-3000FP

LPR3-1250-3000FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 2.92MM DIA

99

LPR3-1000-0700D-W305

LPR3-1000-0700D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

51513020800F

51513020800F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT CONVEX 0.800"

0

PLP5-2-250

PLP5-2-250

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE CLEAR 5MM LENS STRGHT

50634

LCV_096_CTP

LCV_096_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE 5MM CLEAR TRANSP

131

5151108F

5151108F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE TRI LEVEL

792

PLPQ2-5MM

PLPQ2-5MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQ LOPRO 5MM

0

51513531250F

51513531250F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPDOME .162"x1.25"LG

1894

LPAR4-200-1000D-1-4

LPAR4-200-1000D-1-4

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LED INDICATION, ROUND, CLEAR, DO

18

LPV4-0550D-G850

LPV4-0550D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPV3-2000F-RG

LPV3-2000F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

51513030900F

51513030900F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT DOME 0.900"

2071

LPR4-1000-1000DP

LPR4-1000-1000DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

100

5151023F

5151023F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE QUAD LEVEL

4035425

SMTV01-Y11G15

SMTV01-Y11G15

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER YLW/GRN

0

LPR3-1000-1000D-O170

LPR3-1000-1000D-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LPF-C012303S

LPF-C012303S

Lumex, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE 3MM 2POS RA BEND SMD

3454

51513520125F

51513520125F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPCONV .162"x.125"LG

732

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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