Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLPC1-9MM

PLPC1-9MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 9MM

44

LPR5-0800-2000D-Y50

LPR5-0800-2000D-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

PLPQ2-188-FF

PLPQ2-188-FF

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQUARE .188"

0

PLP2-10MM

PLP2-10MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 10MM LONG

3227

LPR5-0800-1500D-RB

LPR5-0800-1500D-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

LPR5-1000-2000F-Y50

LPR5-1000-2000F-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

LPR3-0800-1500F-G850

LPR3-0800-1500F-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

98

RLP3-600-500

RLP3-600-500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RIGHT ANGLE LIGHT PIPE, 2.8MM

0

PLTR2-250-PR2

PLTR2-250-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 3.5MM

28

SMFLP12.0

SMFLP12.0

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE CLEAR FLEXIBLE 12"

514

PLPQ3-6MM-FF

PLPQ3-6MM-FF

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM SQUARE 6MM

0

SZ4-6.00-O170-F5P54

SZ4-6.00-O170-F5P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLP2-313

PLP2-313

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 7.9MM LONG

7752

PLPC3-188

PLPC3-188

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND .188"

100

PLPQ3-125

PLPQ3-125

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 3MM SQ LPRO .125"

0

LPV4-1500F-Y50

LPV4-1500F-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

LPR3-1000-0700F-O170

LPR3-1000-0700F-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LPR3-1000-0700FP

LPR3-1000-0700FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 2.92MM DIA

83

LPV4-2000F-RGB

LPV4-2000F-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

LPV4-1250F-O170

LPV4-1250F-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

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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