Fiber Optic Lighting: The Transition From SpecialtyApplications to Mainstream Lighting

When delivered task illumination efficacy with fiber optic lighting systems first approached 10 lumens-per-watt (LPW) in the early 90’s, fiber approaches became the system of choice for many specialty lighting applications. Present state of the art delivered illumination efficacy is now approaching 40 LPW. At this efficacy, applications, which are typically implemented using halogen, are now possible with fiber optics. As we approach the 21st Century, the delivered efficacy of fiber systems is expected to cross current conventional discharge efficacy. When that happens, fiber optics will have come, in less than a generation, from a novel way of lighting toys to a mainstream lighting technology. This paper reviews some of these changes and indicates our view of the direction of future advances.