LET THERE BE LIGHT, NOT HEAT

摘要

Fiber-optic lighting systems can deliver light comparable to conventional halogen or incandescent bulbs while saving up to 80% of energy costs. They can illuminate perishable foods and materials without heating them. That's why a growing number of food stores, retail chains, hotels, and casinos are installing them. Because fiber optics work on a simple light reflection principle, they can carry light long distances while at the same time discarding the heat energy required for the light's generation. Fiber-optic lines are tiny strands of optically pure glass, arranged in bundles. The tiny glass fibers are covered with an outer optical cladding material usually also glass) that constantly reflects light down a line through total internal reflection. A buffer coating of plastic protects the fiber from damage and moisture. By using optical regener-ators, these lines can deliver close to 75% of the light generated at the source to fixtures. But they don't conduct one degree of heat.