Flexible imaging bundles
SCHOTT® flexible imaging bundles offer an imaging solution for environments where conventional electronic systems fail or cannot operate. Designed for harsh environments, confined spaces, and power-restricted areas, these passive, flexible fiber optic bundles transfer images over distance, even without a direct line of sight, in both active and passive scenarios. Proven across medical, industrial, defense, aviation and space applications, they combine precision, durability, and modular design for mission-critical performance.
Passive imaging for challenging conditions
SCHOTT® image guides operate where electronics cannot, delivering EMI-proof imaging without power. They enable visibility in harsh environments exposed to pressure, shock, heat, radiation, and electromagnetic interference, enabling safe and reliable performance in critical applications.
Flexible design for seamless integration
Our fiber optic bundles adapt to complex geometries and tight spaces, offering modular options for length, diameter, and sheathing. This flexibility supports integration across medical devices, industrial inspection systems, defense platforms, aviation safety systems, and space missions.
Reliable, rugged and designed for demanding environments
SCHOTT® flexible imaging bundles offer a wide range of fiber counts and diameters. We provide a variety of options tailored to meet our customers’ applications. Using top quality materials and components, our guides are designed to be robust and durable, delivering reliably high levels of performance in the most challenging environments.
Explore material properties in detail
Glass is passive
for use without power
Non-magnetic and non-metallic packaging
for use in critical environments
Small space requirement
for compact system integration
Lightweight
for weight-sensitive systems
Mechanical flexibility
for viewing previously inaccessible spaces
Small fiber size
for high resolution images
Pressure, shock and vibration resistance
for use in harsh environments
Temperature resistance
for use in heat and cold
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
General properties
The sheathing covers the glass optical fiber and protects it from external influences. It determines the bend radius, chemical resistance and temperature resistance. Depending on the application, protective polymers, metals, or non-metallic sheathings can be selected to resist solvents, sterilants, and corrosive atmospheres.
Small diameter image guides typically have an image area of ~0.4–1.65 mm and are available in lengths up to 2.2 meters long.
Large diameter image guides typically have an image area of ~2–40 mm and are available in lengths up to 4.5 meters long.
Large diameter image guides typically have an image area of ~2–40 mm and are available in lengths up to 4.5 meters long.
Yes. Common methods such as autoclave or chemical sterilization are supported; sheathings and adhesives are selected accordingly.
Flexible imaging bundles typically withstand up to ~100 °C / 220 °F. For higher temperature use cases, hybrid solutions with rigid image conduits in the hot zone may be recommended.
SCHOTT bundles have been successfully used in cryogenic applications for many years.
Actual limits depend on materials (e.g., sheathings, adhesives) and design.
SCHOTT bundles have been successfully used in cryogenic applications for many years.
Actual limits depend on materials (e.g., sheathings, adhesives) and design.
SCHOTT imaging bundles can be used within a vacuum and have been proven in space applications. They are not designed to function as a feedthrough. However, SCHOTT® fused imaging technology can be combined with standard conflat flange designs to transfer images from a vacuum or pressure vessels.
Comparison to other solutions
Glass optical fibers provide higher image quality due to smaller fiber size (6 - 10 µm), higher temperature resistance (~100 °C / 220 °F for flexible bundles), and excellent chemical durability compared to plastic optical fibers. They can also support tighter bend radii than plastic fibers.
Flexible imaging bundles can be routed through confined spaces and complex geometries, allowing cameras to remain in a safe, controlled location. Unlike cameras, they require no electrical power and are electromagnetically compatible (EMC). Flexible imaging bundles are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and produce no heat signature.
Flexible imaging bundles can be used in direct-view mode with an eyepiece or connected to a camera.
Flexible imaging bundles can be used in direct-view mode with an eyepiece or connected to a camera.
Yes. Flexible imaging bundles act as an optical extension, transmitting images from inaccessible areas to cameras positioned in safe zones, which is essential when direct camera placement is impossible.
Image quality
The image resolution depends on fiber size and fiber count. In general, the smaller the fiber size, the better the image resolution. Glass fibers as small as 6–10 µm enable sharp, detailed imaging.
Standard models range from several thousand up to tens of thousands of fiber cores.
High resolution bundles (e.g., 18k fibers) are available; customized core counts are also possible.
High resolution bundles (e.g., 18k fibers) are available; customized core counts are also possible.
The transmission depends on the glass composition. Designed for the visible, the range extends typically from 400 nm – 2,000 nm. Upon request, SCHOTT can recommend fiber types for specific spectral ranges.
Typical NA values range around 0.38 - 0.63, supporting efficient light collection and transfer for high-resolution imaging.
Attenuation depends on fiber material, wavelength, packing density, and bundle geometry. The transmission loss from 609mm to 4,572mm is typically 5% in the visible range, but exact values depend on bundle configuration.
