Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
SZ1-10.00-A220-F4P54

SZ1-10.00-A220-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

91

LPC_078_CTP

LPC_078_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

0

LPR3-1000-1000F-W305

LPR3-1000-1000F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

LPR3-1000-1500D-B150

LPR3-1000-1500D-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

VLP-450-F

VLP-450-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE VERT .450" FLAT SMD

0

51513511500F

51513511500F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPFLAT

1646

51513530350F

51513530350F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPDOME .162"x.350"LG

2262

PLPC2-4MM

PLPC2-4MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND 4MM

4836

IF 101G-0-30

IF 101G-0-30

Industrial Fiber Optics, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE CBL SH6001-2.2 1=100

0

51513520350F

51513520350F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPCONV .162"x.350"LG

4197

LPV2-1000DP

LPV2-1000DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

130

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4PD54

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4PD54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

98

5151147F

5151147F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE .88" X 3.785"

0

FLX3_04

FLX3_04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

FLEX LIGHTPIPE SMALL FTPRT 4"

147

SZ1-6.00-B150-F4P54

SZ1-6.00-B150-F4P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

99

PM4-C1522-10.00

PM4-C1522-10.00

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEX LIGHT PIPE INDICATOR 10"

93

LPR3-1000-2000D-RW

LPR3-1000-2000D-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

LPR5-0800-0700F-R480

LPR5-0800-0700F-R480

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/630NM

98

SZ4-6.00-RGB-F5PD54

SZ4-6.00-RGB-F5PD54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLP2-4MM

PLP2-4MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 4MM LONG

10

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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