Optics - Light Pipes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
5151016

5151016

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE LED ACCESSORY

0

5151040

5151040

Dialight

OPTICAL LIGHT PIPE 4 ARRAY PANEL

0

51511940354F

51511940354F

Dialight

OPTOPIPE VERTICAL LTPIPE .354"

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5151214F

5151214F

Dialight

LP 8 ELE 15MM X494MM LG

0

5151210F

5151210F

Dialight

LP 2 ELE 3MM X 1503MM LG

0

5000008F

5000008F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE DEMO PAK OVER JACK

0

5151212F

5151212F

Dialight

LP 4 ELE 45MM X3178MM LG

0

5151215F

5151215F

Dialight

LP 1 ELE 2X2 SQ X 445MM LG

0

5151151

5151151

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE .118 X .060 X 1.029"

0

5151101F

5151101F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 1 ELEMENT 4.19MM CTL

0

5151165F

5151165F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 6ELEMENT 3.56MM DIA

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5151164F

5151164F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 5ELEMENT 3.175MM DIA

0

5151163F

5151163F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE 6ELEMENT 3.81MM DIA

0

5000004F

5000004F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE PROMOTION

0

5000007F

5000007F

Dialight

LIGHT PIPE DEMO PAK MULTI-LEVEL

0

5151213F

5151213F

Dialight

LP 1 ELE 45MM X3078MM LG

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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