Industry News
Illuminators , Types of Sources
Fiber-optic lighting，The illuminator contains the light source for the fiber as well as optics and filters designed to produce the amount and type of illumination desired. While the amount of light coupled into the fiber is the primary consideration in choosing an illuminator, many other factors are involved, which has driven the market to offer many types of sources.
The power coupled into the fiber or fibers, as many sources will accommodate more than one fiber, will generally determine the type of light source used. Quartz halogen lamps are used in many illuminators. These sources, developed as spotlights or lamps for projectors, come in both low and AC voltage versions, with a wide range of power outputs. Quartz halogen lamps are usually made integral with reflectors that make focusing light into a fiber simpler. New Xenon metal halide lamps that have high power output but require high voltage power have been introduced that offer greater efficiency.
Lower power systems have been able to use LEDs which have higher efficiency but limited power. New LEDs are becoming brighter and even more efficient, making LEDs a viable source for more systems.
Illuminators include more than just lamps or LEDs. Lamps may need reflectors if they are not built into the lamp, as well as lenses to focus light into the fiber. High power sources may have infrared (IR) filters to reduce heating of the fiber and ultraviolet (UV) filters to prevent damaging the fibers during long-term exposure.
Power sources for the lamps or LEDs will be needed, including dimming capability if desired. Since most lamps generate lots of heat, fan-forced ventilation will be designed into many illuminators.
Lamps are easily filtered to provide colored light in the fiber. Using moveable filters, usually in a wheel powered by a small electrical motor, allows the color of the light to be changed in a chosen sequence.
The complexity of illuminators precludes most users making their own, but numerous manufacturers offer various models optimized for various fiber types and applications. Working with these manufacturers is the best way to choose an appropriate illuminator and compatible fibers.
Passive lighting using fiber optics is being done using roof-mounted solar collectors that deliver sunlight over fiber to rooms in a building or below decks for ships.
