Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPV2-0450DP

LPV2-0450DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

101

LPR5-0800-0700D-RB

LPR5-0800-0700D-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

PLP2-100-S

PLP2-100-S

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2.5MM LONG

0

LPR5-0800-0700F-RGB

LPR5-0800-0700F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

99

SZ1-6.00-RB-F4P

SZ1-6.00-RB-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPR3-0800-0700FP

LPR3-0800-0700FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 2.92MM DIA

671

LPV3-0600D-Y50

LPV3-0600D-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

LPR3-1000-1000F-R480

LPR3-1000-1000F-R480

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/630NM

100

LPA-C041301S-4

LPA-C041301S-4

Lumex, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE 3MM 4UNIT VERT SMD

2416

LPV4-0550D-OY

LPV4-0550D-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

FLXR1RTP06

FLXR1RTP06

Visual Communications Company, LLC

RUGGD FLEX LIGHTPIPE BLK 6" RED

0

LPV3-0500D-W305

LPV3-0500D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

LPV3-0500D-R130

LPV3-0500D-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

0

5151010F

5151010F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 3 ARRAY 5MM ROUND

1366

PLP5-2-125-S

PLP5-2-125-S

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM SMOKED 0.125"

115

LPV4-1750D-G850

LPV4-1750D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPR3-0800-1500F-RGB

LPR3-0800-1500F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

5151118802F

5151118802F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 3MM ELEMENT VERTICAL

0

LPR5-1000-1500D-OY

LPR5-1000-1500D-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPC_028_CTP

LPC_028_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE ROUND 4MM CLEAR

8846

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

RFQ BOM Call Skype Email
Top