These can be used for visual presentations, advertising media and luminous decoration.

 

The most common type of optical fiber available only diffuses luminous flux at the end of each fibre.*

 

Today, thanks to an exclusive Europe-wide patented process, we are able to offer you PMMA fibre which distributes light uniformly over its entire length (and no longer only at its end). This produces around 80% efficiency in “input flux/diffused flux” (as there is almost no light flux lost between its source and point of illumination).

 

There are two reasons which lead us to make increased use of LED drivers to power side glow optical fibre :

 

their functionality ;

their technical properties.

 

Whatever their particular characteristics, the main advantages of LED drivers remain the same, namely:

 

High efficiency ;

Total homogeneity ;

No maintenance (no bulbs to change, unlike conventional drivers) ;

Silent operation (no fan units, unlike conventional drivers) ;

Incomparable lifespan.

 

Some technical points :

 

Luminosity depends on the fibre’s length and is proportional to its cross-section, with fibre diameter ranging from 0.25 to 3 mm. Note that a fibre of 2 mm is 4 times brighter than a fibre of 1 mm.

 

In order to increase the flux emitted, fibres (which are 3 to 5 times brighter than cracked optical fibre *) are grouped into cables of 7, 19 or 37 fibres.

 

The number of LEDs included in a driver can vary from 1 to 12 and the maximum cross-section contained by the connector (common end) is 10 mm (that is, for example, 3 bundles of 19 optical fibres of 1 mm).

 

A choice of drivers either emitting a single colour (monochrome driver) or several colours (RGB driver) can be supplied.

 

DMX (or DALI) controlled devices and infrared or HF (High Frequency) remote controls are used to adjust the luminous intensity and vary the colour texture of RGB drivers.

 

Side glow cables are powered on one side only and can light a length of up to 15 metres homogeneously.

 

To double this length, both ends of the cable have to be powered. In this way, it’s possible to have 30-metre runs without any dimming of light in the middle of the side glow cable.

 

Generally, halogen or halide light engines are used to power this type of fibre optics, but, in some cases, high power LEDs are actually the ideal solution.

 

Safety :

 

Fibre optics, which are valued both for their aesthetic originality and technical properties, do not carry electricity and require no maintenance. This is why they are so easy to fit into humid, hard-to-access places, indoors and out.

 

The light obtained is a cold light devoid of UV and infrared radiation. 

Because this type of light does not give off any heat, it can safely light the most delicate of items.

 

It’s totally safe to touch and use in humid places, such as bathrooms, swimming pools, spas, and so on, where conventional lighting would be considered hazardous.

 

Because optical fibre does not carry electricity, it is the solution to prevent any risk of electric shock, fire and electrical interference.

 

Practicality...

 

Affordability...

 

Whether fibre optics are visible, concealed or integrated into other materials, they are your “Partner in Decoration” which will prove to be a must-have in illuminating areas with delicacy and sophistication.

 

They can be fitted into every type of creation, be it of an artistic or architectural nature.

 

They are the ideal solution for brands which wish to showcase their products in shop windows or simply enhance their business name, and are an excellent substitute for coloured neon lights used for lettering and interior or exterior decoration.

 

Using fibre optics makes it possible to increase the number of light points from a single light source.

 

Optical fibres are relatively thin and do not require maintenance or replacement. This means they can be installed in places which are very narrow or where conventional bulbs cannot be fitted.

 

Over a period of around two years, the savings which can be made by using fibre optics make them cheaper than conventional lamps because fibre optics require no maintenance or replacement. The bulb which is the light source only needs changing after... 1,500 hours (for a halogen source) to 50,000 hours of use (for an LED source).

 

In conclusion…

 

Side glow fibre optics provide a virtually infinite array of creative applications and are popular with a great many designers, architects, artists, and others. They serve the needs of those for whom...

 

Imagination is the only limit… to surpass

 

click photo to enlarge