Fiber optic lighting system is a relatively new concept, and one which is fast gaining in popularity. The system is basically made up of three primary sections, the first one being the illuminator, the second one being the time tested cable, and the last section consisting of the commonly sighted end fixtures.
Fiber optic lighting has several advantages over the conventional variety of lighting. In a fiber optic lighting system, there is no heat factor at the point of illumination. This augers well for lighting heat sensitive materials like cosmetics, food, etc. The availability of bright and concentrated light, without the worry of heat related damage, is a big plus. The above mentioned lighting system, also does not carry electricity to the point of illumination, but only carries light. The electricity required, can be made a fair distance away from the areas being lit. This quality works as a huge advantage, because of the apparent safety factor, and is best suited to illuminating pools, spas, water fountains, etc.
Besides the advantages explained above, there are many other plus points associated with a fiber optic lighting system. These include no UV rays at the point of illumination, no electromagnetic field to worry about, as also easy maintenance procedures. Museums are the main beneficiaries of the no UV rays factor. They highlight valuable works of art with these lighting systems, without the worry of damaging them, through ultraviolet radiation and heat. The no electromagnetic field factor, works wonders for the life span of sensitive electrical equipment, exposed to this form of lighting system. Last but not the least, the accessibility combined with the convenience, makes whatever little maintenance required, fairly easy.
The one significant limitation of a fiber optic lighting system, if it can be termed as such, is the lesser amount of illumination provided, as and when compared to a conventional light source. Concrete efforts are being made to neutralize this disparity. All said and done, the plus points of a fiber optic lighting system far outnumber its limitations.