Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLPC2-8MM

PLPC2-8MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND 8MM

2725

LPR5-1000-1500D-A220

LPR5-1000-1500D-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

LPV4-1500D-A220

LPV4-1500D-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

LPV4-1000F-OY

LPV4-1000F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPR3-1000-2000D-Y50

LPR3-1000-2000D-Y50

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

YELLOW/570NM

0

LPV2-0350DP

LPV2-0350DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.01MM DIA

87

LPR5-1000-2000F-G850

LPR5-1000-2000F-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

LPR3-1000-2000D-O170

LPR3-1000-2000D-O170

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE/590NM

0

LPV4-1750D-RG

LPV4-1750D-RG

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/GREEN 520NM

100

LPR4-1000-0700F-OY

LPR4-1000-0700F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

RLP1-200-650

RLP1-200-650

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RIGHT ANGLE LIGHT PIPE, 2.8MM

4684

LPR5-1000-0700DP

LPR5-1000-0700DP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 4.93MM DIA

100

SLP3-550-100-R

SLP3-550-100-R

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID CLEAR 3MM

0

PLP5-1500

PLP5-1500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 1.50" ROUND PNL MT

5100

SZ4-6.00-OY-F5P54

SZ4-6.00-OY-F5P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLPC3-7MM

PLPC3-7MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND 7MM

1763

LPR5-0800-2000D-RY

LPR5-0800-2000D-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

SLP3-200-100-R

SLP3-200-100-R

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE CLEAR 3MM LENS R/A

0

PLP2-3MM-D

PLP2-3MM-D

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM LONG

0

LPR5-1000-2000F-W305

LPR5-1000-2000F-W305

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

WHITE/9800 K

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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