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LIGHT DISTRIBUTION TUBE (LDT)
THEORY AND PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION:

In a paradigm shift, a PLYLIGHT Light Distributation Tube (LDT) US Patent 6,014,489 is designed to let light out.  It relies on collimated beam of light projected down the tube, reducing the number of bounces (and light loss), until it strikes the ever-increasing curved truncated cone wedge that lies within the tube along its axis.  This surface is the patented Light Distribution Surface (LDS).  It redirects and scatters the light evenly out of the tube perpendicular to the tube's axis and uniformly along its length with minimum loss.

In contrast "lightpipes" based on 3M Optical Light Film (OLF) are, by design, tubes that require a relatively broad beam of light in order for the light to "bounce" down the tube, by total internal reflection within the OLF.  When that light strikes an extractor that lays flat on the interior wall of the tube, that light will be redirected out through the tube.  This kind of tube, by design, holds light in and loses some light with every bounce, and is therefore less efficient the an LDS.

A light source, located at one end of an LDT, enables convenient changing of bulbs, and the opportunity to locate the light source’s heat and electrical service outside of hazardous or electrically sensitive spaces.

The LDTs are designed to require minimum maintenance.  Their High Performance films are protected from most chemicals, UV and abrasion resulting in a tube that can be cleaned by simply wiping, when necessary, with a dry towel.