Imaging Faceplates and Imaging Conduits

Paradigm Optics uses a patented process to make large arrays of Polymer Optical Fiber. These coherent arrays transfer an image from one side to the other. They are often used as imaging conduits or are sliced thin to make imaging faceplates.

Our arrays are different from glass arrays in several ways. One major difference is that our polymer arrays cost significantly less than equivalent glass arrays. Another difference is packing of the fibers. Glass arrays are often hex packed, while our arrays have a more random packing, as shown in the figure below. For the vast majority of applications, this make little or no difference in the image transfer quality, as seen in the figure below. Other differences result from the many benefits of polymer over glass, such as lower weight, reduced fragility, and wider range of design rules. Overall, our arrays offer users a path to lower cost and higher volume for products in many new areas.

Our process allows us to readily fabricate customized arrays for our clients in relatively small volumes and at lower cost. In the first quarter of 2010 we will be offering a set of imaging faceplates and conduits as standard products. These standard products will utilize Polystyrene as the core material and PMMA as the cladding material, but other materials can be used on a custom basis.

We are currently in the process of selecting the configurations of the standard products. We welcome input from our existing customers and potential customers. If you have an application that you would like to discuss with us, please contact us to discuss your requirements and our capabilities. We are currently making custom products for our clients and can do the same for you.

A sister product to the faceplates are capillary arrays that can be manufactured by selectively removing the core material from the imaging faceplates.

Tel 360-573-6500