Characterization of Transmission Properties of 3M LF120C Plastic Optical Light Guide

Transmission studies of 3M optical light guide, type LF120C with nominal 12.6 mm core diameter, were performed to characterize the material for use in hybrid solar lighting applications, in particular for the transport of sunlight from a collector to discrete lighting fixtures (luminaires). The light guide properties studied included: total transmission (in lumens) per unit length, transmission as a function of input angle and wavelength, transmission as a function of bend radius, and transmission through two bends. The preliminary value for total transmission is 96.6% per meter. Angular input begins to drop significantly at angles greater than 25 degrees. Wavelength transmission has significant minima at about 643 and 750 mm. Losses through bends are much greater for light input at large angles. In addition to the data compilations and detailed summaries of measurement findings, the measurement system and error sources are described.Copyright © 2003 by ASME