CLAREX High Scatter Optical Transmission Light Guides (HSOT)
A custom clear acrylic sheet designed to illuminate when edge-lit.
CLAREX high scatter optical transmission (HSOT) light guide sheets are made custom by loading light scattering particles into clear cast acrylic sheets. When edge-lit, those particles help spread light throughout the material, creating a bright, illuminated appearance that can be adjusted to match your application’s specifications.
HSOT is ideal for see-through light guide applications, including assemblies positioned in front of displays such as E-Ink screens. It is also a strong fit for illuminated signage, especially when light output is needed from both sides of the panel. For more specialized uses, the material can be machined into custom shapes for illuminated indicators, gauge pointers, and other edge-lit components.
A clear light guide (left) compared to a HSOT light guide system (right) for an e-reader.
Benefits of HSOT Light Guides:
- Custom Light Scattering Performance – Particle type and density can be adjusted for each application to achieve the desired brightness, diffusion, and visual effect.
- Easy to Cut and Fabricate – HSOT material can be cut to size and machined into custom shapes for a wide range of illuminated components and assemblies.
- See-Through Light Guide Design – Transparent HSOT material is well-suited for front-lit, see-through light guide applications used with low-power displays such as E-Ink.
Sample materials may be available to help you evaluate material performance.
Common Applications
- Edge-Lit Light Guides – Used to distribute light through the sheet in edge-lit assemblies.
- Front Light Guides for E-Ink Displays – A see-through option for front-lit, low-power display applications.
- 2-Way Light Guides for Signage – Suitable for signage and light box applications that need light output from both sides.
- Custom Illuminated Components – Can be cut and machined into pointers, indicators, and other specialty illuminated parts.
Thickness Options
- 1.5mm
- 2.0mm
- 2.5mm
- 3.0mm
- 3.5mm
- 4.0mm
- 4.5mm
- 5.0mm
Size Options
- Standard Size: 400mm x 550mm
- Custom sizes: Maximum dimensions depend on application. Contact us to discuss available options.
HOW IT WORKS
How HSOT Light Guides Work
Light enters through the edges of the clear acrylic sheet and travels through the material. Embedded light-scattering particles redirect that light throughout the panel, creating an illuminated appearance while allowing the sheet to remain see-through. Particle type and density can be adjusted to achieve the desired light output and diffusion.
Ready to Get Started with an HSOT Light Guide?
Whether you need standard acrylic sheets, custom sizes, optical coatings, or fabricated finished parts, our team can help configure our products to meet your exact requirements.