This is advantageous for two reason. Firstly, it prevents any heat generated having an influence on or contaminating the sample. Secondly it separates the locations between light generation and light use, which means illumination can be delivered into harder to reach places, such as vacuum chambers and machining and production environments.

This is achieved by combining a light box or generator which produces the light (and as a bi-product heat) and a fibre optic cable which delivers the light to the sample (without the heat)

A fibre optic cable (also known as a light guide) accomplishes this using internal conducting strands which collect the light only from the source and redistribute it at the other end of its length, i.e., where the sample is.

The cold light sources we offer are almost all LED now as halogen options become increasingly rare as their aging technology is phased out. The Fibre optics that pair with them to successfully deliver the two-part system have a number of options available explained below.

Semi Rigid: Also known a gooseneck or swanneck light guides, as they have a similar appearance when in use. Their advantage is that they will support their own weight so can be positioned and adjusted simply by bending them into the required shape and position. These are typically used in stereo microscopy.

Flexible: Entirely opposite to semi rigid these light guides do not hold their own weight and need to be mounted or inserted into a system. These are typically used in coaxial vision systems.

Multi Strand: Also referred to as Arms, this is where either of the above fibre optic types have multiple arms, facilitating a split of the light generated into different directions. Light guides can be single, or split the light generated in to double or triple arms outputs.

Armour: The outside of all light guides will be armoured to protect the sensitive internal strands responsible for conducting the light.

Focusing lens: Lights guides have the option of adding focusing or collimating lenses, these are added at the tips of the cables and can further change the light output (focusing the light to a finer or broader area)

There is a small trade off to be aware of concerning cold light source systems. Intensity or the amount of light delivered (measure in lumens) can attenuate between where the light is generated and where the light is delivered. This is due to the extra distance required to travel. Therefore, it’s recommended that light guides be kept to the minimal possible length for the application.

Many standard options of light source and light guide are shown on this website. However many more options are available so it’s recommended you contact us with information about your project so we can propose an appropriate solution.