Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
FLX_442_YTP_08

FLX_442_YTP_08

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX YELLOW TRANSP 8"

0

FLX_443_ATP_02

FLX_443_ATP_02

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX AMBER TRANSP 2"

0

7511B18

7511B18

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 3-POS LOW PROFILE

0

FLX_444_YTP_08

FLX_444_YTP_08

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX YELLOW TRANSP 8"

0

FLX_443_GTP_12

FLX_443_GTP_12

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX GREEN TRANSP 12"

0

FLX_441_BTP_04

FLX_441_BTP_04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX BLUE TRANSP 4"

0

7101R1-M

7101R1-M

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 1POS RJ JACK RECT LEN

0

7511B48V0

7511B48V0

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 3HIGH RA PRESS-IN SMD

0

FLX_443_GTP_04

FLX_443_GTP_04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX GREEN TRANSP 4"

0

FLX_444_CTP_04

FLX_444_CTP_04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX CLEAR TRANSP 4"

0

7511B82-3

7511B82-3

Visual Communications Company, LLC

1658890-3

0

FLX_322_YTP_08

FLX_322_YTP_08

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX YELLOW TRANSP 8"

0

FLX_442_BTP_02

FLX_442_BTP_02

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX BLUE TRANSP 2"

0

7511A7

7511A7

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE RA SMD

0

7102R1-M

7102R1-M

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 1POS RJ JACK RECT LEN

0

7101R4-M

7101R4-M

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 4POS RJ JACK RECT LEN

0

7511A66-2

7511A66-2

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE 2WIDE RA SMD

0

7512A17

7512A17

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE

0

7511A41-1

7511A41-1

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LIGHT PIPE RA SMD

0

FLX_322_ATP_04

FLX_322_ATP_04

Visual Communications Company, LLC

LITEPIPE FLEX AMBER TRANSP 4"

0

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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