Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
5151064810F

5151064810F

Dialight

LP RT ANG SINGLE LEVEL

0

515119211000F

515119211000F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151031F

5151031F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 3 ELEMENT

0

515119200900F

515119200900F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

515119200250DF

515119200250DF

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151103F

5151103F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 4 ELEMENT

0

515119210350F

515119210350F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

51513631050F

51513631050F

Dialight

5MM PANEL MOUNT RIGHT ANGLE DOME

2020

5151167802F

5151167802F

Dialight

LP 4ELEMENT.060DIAX.470LG

1300

5151044F

5151044F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE SINGLE ELEMENT

0

515119220300F

515119220300F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151091F

5151091F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 5 ELEMENT

0

5151003801F

5151003801F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES

0

5151148801F

5151148801F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 7ARRAY LOW PROFILE

0

5151114801F

5151114801F

Dialight

LIGHTPIPE DOME TOP BI-LVL POS

0

5151231F

5151231F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 1 HIGH DENSITY 1.5MM

902

5151142170F

5151142170F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 4MM DIA 17MM RA

1575

5151023804F

5151023804F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE QUAD LVL 3SHIELDS

0

5151140100F

5151140100F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE ACT 4MM DIA 10MM

0

5151001802F

5151001802F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE SINGLE ELEMENT

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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