Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
LPV4-1500F-R480

LPV4-1500F-R480

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/630NM

100

LPV4-0600F-OY

LPV4-0600F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPR5-0800-0700F-G850

LPR5-0800-0700F-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

98

PLPC3-9MM

PLPC3-9MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND 9MM

100

LPR4-1250-2500FP

LPR4-1250-2500FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID RA 3.91MM DIA

100

PLPC3-4MM

PLPC3-4MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND 4MM

0

SMTV01-Y35

SMTV01-Y35

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER YLW

0

SMTV01-G27

SMTV01-G27

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER GRN

100

LPV4-1500F-RW

LPV4-1500F-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

LPR3-1000-0700D-RGB

LPR3-1000-0700D-RGB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 643NM/GREEN 515NM/BLUE 460NM

100

SLP3-450-100-R

SLP3-450-100-R

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID CLEAR 3MM

0

PLPC2-125

PLPC2-125

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 2MM RND .125"

13845

SZ4-10.00-RB-F5P54

SZ4-10.00-RB-F5P54

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPV4-1000D-G850

LPV4-1000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

PLP5-2-1500

PLP5-2-1500

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE 1.50" ROUND PNL MT

6544

PLPQ2-3MM-FF

PLPQ2-3MM-FF

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 2MM SQUARE 3MM

0

LPR5-1000-2000D-G850

LPR5-1000-2000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

SMTV01-B19

SMTV01-B19

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE ADAPTER BLU

0

SLP3-450-100-F

SLP3-450-100-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE CLEAR RIGID 3MM

0

PLW5-7MM

PLW5-7MM

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM WIDE LENS 7MM

1950

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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