Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPR4-1000-0700FP

LPR4-1000-0700FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

90

PLPQ3-6MM

PLPQ3-6MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM SQ LOPRO 6MM

0

PLTR5-24MM-PR2

PLTR5-24MM-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

35

LPR3-1000-1000D-B150

LPR3-1000-1000D-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

LPR5-0800-1000F-W305

LPR5-0800-1000F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

51513030800F

51513030800F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT DOME 0.800"

0

PLP2-1000

PLP2-1000

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 25.4MM LONG

16252

LPR4-0800-1500DP

LPR4-0800-1500DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

100

LPR3-1000-0700F-RGB

LPR3-1000-0700F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

LPV3-0550D-RG

LPV3-0550D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

PLP2-350

PLP2-350

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 8.9MM LONG

32210

LPC_056_CTP

LPC_056_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

0

VLP2-D-3

VLP2-D-3

Richco, Inc. (Essentra Components)

LED LIGHT PIPE CLR VERT 16.5MM

1288

PLP1-3MM-F

PLP1-3MM-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL REAR 3MM FLAT 3MM

20

LPCR037CTP

LPCR037CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LTP RIGID RND .171"D 375"L

1668

PLP1-125-FS

PLP1-125-FS

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM SMOKED 0.125"

0

LPR5-1000-2000D-RG

LPR5-1000-2000D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

PLP5-2-100-S

PLP5-2-100-S

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM SMOKED 0.100"

0

LPR3-1000-1500D-RW

LPR3-1000-1500D-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

7511A86

7511A86

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE .53" VERTICAL

6208

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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