How Light Guides Work in Wearable Electronics

Light guides are commonly found in wearable electronics. Wearable electronics — particularly those with an integrated display, such as a smartwatch — may feature a light guide. It offers several benefits that can enhance the wearable electronic with which it’s used. If you’re thinking about ordering a custom-designed wearable electronic, you may want to choose a light guide for it.

The Basics of Light Guides

What are light guides exactly? Also known as light pipes, they are transparent tubes that are used to transmit light. They don’t actually produce light. Rather, they “guide” it. You can find light guides in a wide variety of devices. Tablets, monitors and even wearable electronics may use them.

How Light Guides Work in Wearable Electronics

Wearable electronics may feature a light guide. Light guides work in conjunction with a backlighting system to illuminate the wearable electronic with which it’s used.

A typical wearable electronic may feature light-emitting diodes (LED) for its backlighting system. The LEDs are placed behind the display or screen. When you power up the wearable electronic, the LEDs will fire.

The light produced by the LEDs may then travel through the light guide. The purpose of the light guide is to distribute the light through the display or screen. It will help to direct the light produced by the LEDs.

The Benefits of Light Guides in Wearable Electronics

Light guides offer several benefits when used in wearable electronics. One of the main benefits is uniform brightness. Wearable electronics, as well as other devices with an integrated display, may suffer from bright spots. Some areas of the display or screen may be brighter than other areas. Light guides prevent this from happening by distributing the light evenly throughout the display and screen.

Bright spots aren’t an issue with light guides. Light guides promote uniform brightness by distributing the LEDs’ light. With uniform brightness, your wearable electronic will be easier to see in the dark and other low-light environments.

You might be surprised to learn that light guides can extend the battery life of wearable electronics. Many wearable electronics have a rechargeable battery. The duration for which their rechargeable battery lasts, however, may vary. Some wearable electronics have a longer-lasting battery than others.

For a longer battery life, you can opt for a light guide. It will reduce the total number of LEDs needed for the wearable electronic. With fewer LEDs, the wearable electronic’s battery will last longer.