Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
PLTR5-2000-PR2

PLTR5-2000-PR2

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID SINGLE 5MM

11

LPV4-1250D-A220

LPV4-1250D-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

PLPC3-250

PLPC3-250

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL MNT 3MM RND .250"

33

LPR5-0800-1000D-G850

LPR5-0800-1000D-G850

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

GREEN/520NM

100

PM5-C2031-10.00

PM5-C2031-10.00

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEX LIGHT PIPE INDICATOR 10"

54

SZ4-6.00-RG-F5PD

SZ4-6.00-RG-F5PD

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

PLW5-188

PLW5-188

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE PNL 5MM WIDE .188"

9

SLP3-350-350-F

SLP3-350-350-F

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RA .350" 3MM RND FLAT

0

LPV4-1000F-A220

LPV4-1000F-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

LPV3-0600D-RW

LPV3-0600D-RW

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 630NM/WHITE 7700 K

0

LPR4-0800-0700D-RB

LPR4-0800-0700D-RB

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 650NM/BLUE 465NM

0

PLP5-375

PLP5-375

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE CLEAR RIGID 5MM

7

SMFLP24.0

SMFLP24.0

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE FLEXIBLE CLEAR 4.2MM

249

LPR3-1000-1000F-OY

LPR3-1000-1000F-OY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

ORANGE 590NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPR3-0800-1500F-A220

LPR3-0800-1500F-A220

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

AMBER/610NM

0

SZ4-6.00-O170-F5P

SZ4-6.00-O170-F5P

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4PD

SZ1-6.00-G850-F4PD

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

FLEXIBLE LIGHT PIPE, ZERO LIGHT

100

LPV4-0600F-RY

LPV4-0600F-RY

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED 640NM/YELLOW 572NM

0

LPV3-0350FP

LPV3-0350FP

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

LIGHT PIPE RIGID 2.92MM DIA

90

LPV4-0500F-R130

LPV4-0500F-R130

Califia Lighting (Bivar)

RED/640NM

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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