Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLP1-625-F

PLP1-625-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE T1 .625 FLAT PNL MNT

11130

LPV4-0550D-RY

LPV4-0550D-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPR4-0800-0700D-RG

LPR4-0800-0700D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

LPV4-0500F-RW

LPV4-0500F-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

LPV4-0550F-W305

LPV4-0550F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

LPV4-0600F-Y50

LPV4-0600F-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

PLP1-6MM

PLP1-6MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL REAR 3MM RND 6MM

0

LPR5-0800-0700D-Y50

LPR5-0800-0700D-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

SZ1-6.00-RY-F4P

SZ1-6.00-RY-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

SZ1-6.00-R480-F4PD

SZ1-6.00-R480-F4PD

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPC1-5MM

PLPC1-5MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND 5MM

0

LPR3-0800-1500F-O170

LPR3-0800-1500F-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

SZ1-6.00-RG-F4P

SZ1-6.00-RG-F4P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLTR2-3000-PR2

PLTR2-3000-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 3.5MM

0

LPV4-0350DP

LPV4-0350DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 3.91MM DIA

73

PLPC1-125

PLPC1-125

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 1MM RND .125"

2212

LPR4-0800-1000DP

LPR4-0800-1000DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

80

LPR5-0800-2000D-G850

LPR5-0800-2000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPV4-1000D-W305

LPV4-1000D-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

0

SLP3-700-100-R

SLP3-700-100-R

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID CLEAR 3MM

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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