Large Core Plastic Optical Fibers…Bigger is Better

Large core plastic optical fibers (LCPOF) with unique and outstanding characteristics that offer a tremendous potential for illumination in transportation applications have recently been developed. The properties of LCPOF are further enhanced by recent developments in highly efficient light sources that can be efficiently coupled into the LCPOF. A number of the more advantageous properties of these optics are explored here and compared to other well established fiber optics.

Additional advantages of the LCPOF are realized in the manufacturing process. Various LCPOF configurations can be readily manufactured to produce optics with specific attributes that address optically stringent and difficult applications.

The outstanding characteristics and the variety of possible configurations offered by the LCPOF, pose a challenge in understanding the optical, mechanical and environmental characteristics of these optics as they relate to the transportation industry.