Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
515119401169F

515119401169F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPDOME

0

515119210900F

515119210900F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

515119210550F

515119210550F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151037F

5151037F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 4 ELEMENT

920

5151142195F

5151142195F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 4MM DIA 19.5MM RA

0

515119210250F

515119210250F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151057F

5151057F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 4 ELEMENT UPPER

0

5151020807F

5151020807F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 11.06MM 4 ELEMENT

0

5151094802F

5151094802F

Dialight

LP 3MM BI LEV TOP ELEM ONLY

0

5151080F

5151080F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE OPTICAL HEADER .060

0

5151035F

5151035F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 2 ELEMENT

0

515119210630F

515119210630F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPFLAT

0

5151064808F

5151064808F

Dialight

TRILVL LP W OPEN TOPSHIELD

0

5151023802F

5151023802F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE SINGLE ELEMENT

0

5151094803F

5151094803F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES

50400

515119410300DF

515119410300DF

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES VLPDOME

0

5151140195FGREY

5151140195FGREY

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE ACT 4MM DIA 19.5MM

0

5151126F

5151126F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 2 ARRAY 1.9MM

0

5151140130FGREY

5151140130FGREY

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE ACT 4MM DIA 13MM GRAY

0

5151154801F

5151154801F

Dialight

LED LIGHT PIPES

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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