Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPV4-0550F-RGB

LPV4-0550F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

LPV2-0600FP

LPV2-0600FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

586

LPB-S01110101S

LPB-S01110101S

Lumex, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE BAR 10X10MM WHT DIFF

1

LPR5-0800-1500D-OY

LPR5-0800-1500D-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

PLP2-5MM

PLP2-5MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 5MM LONG

2071

PLW5-8MM

PLW5-8MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM WIDE LENS 8MM

12

51513630350F

51513630350F

Dialight

5MM PANEL MOUNT RIGHT ANGLE DOME

2026

PLTR5-56MM-PR2

PLTR5-56MM-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

0

PLTR5-24MM-PR1

PLTR5-24MM-PR1

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

1483

LPR3-1000-1000D-RB

LPR3-1000-1000D-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

LPA-C011301S-20

LPA-C011301S-20

Lumex, Inc.

LIGHT PIPE 20MM SINGLE VERT SMD

9841

PLTR2-16MM-PR1

PLTR2-16MM-PR1

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 3.5MM

55

LPR5-0800-0700D-R480

LPR5-0800-0700D-R480

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/630NM

100

PLP2-7MM

PLP2-7MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 7MM LONG

0

PLP1-3MM-FD

PLP1-3MM-FD

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM DIFF FLAT 3MM

0

LSV_060_CTP

LSV_060_CTP

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE ROUND 3MM CLEAR

308

5151027F

5151027F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 1.1MM ROUND PANEL MT

9750

LPV4-0600F-R130

LPV4-0600F-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

0

LPV3-0550D-RY

LPV3-0550D-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

51513510125F

51513510125F

Dialight

5MM PMVLPFLAT .162"x.125"LG

13411

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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