Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPR5-0800-0700D-RW

LPR5-0800-0700D-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

PLPC3-313

PLPC3-313

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND .313"

296

PLP1-10MM

PLP1-10MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL REAR 3MM RND 10MM

100

LPC_038_CTP

LPC_038_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

7

LPR5-1000-1500D-W305

LPR5-1000-1500D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

PLTR5-40MM-PR1

PLTR5-40MM-PR1

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

62

LP-230

LP-230

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 3MM BI-LEVEL CLEAR

0

LPR5-1000-1500D-B150

LPR5-1000-1500D-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

5151090801F

5151090801F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 2MM RND 2ARRAY RJ45

0

LPV4-0550F-RG

LPV4-0550F-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

LPV4-1000D-A220

LPV4-1000D-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

LFB075CTP

LFB075CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 3MM

42697

FLXR2RTP06

FLXR2RTP06

Visual Communications Company, LLC

RUGGD FLEX LIGHTPIPE CLR 6" RED

0

LPV4-1250D-RW

LPV4-1250D-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

SZ4-10.00-OY-F5P

SZ4-10.00-OY-F5P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPR3-1000-1000D-G850

LPR3-1000-1000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPV3-2000F-B150

LPV3-2000F-B150

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

BLUE/465NM

100

PLPC1-10MM

PLPC1-10MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 10MM

0

51513010500F

51513010500F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE PNL MT FLAT 0.500"

3374

LPR5-0800-2000D-RGB

LPR5-0800-2000D-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

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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