May 27, 2014 – Corning Inc.’s new Fibrance light-diffusing fiber is a glass optical fiber optimized for thin, colourful, aesthetic (i.e. fun) lighting, as it enables decorative lighting to be designed or embedded into tight or small places where other bulky lighting elements cannot fit.

“Fibrance light-diffusing fiber maintains the bend performance of our data-transmission fiber but, instead of transmitting data, it emits vibrant, continuous light,” said Paul Then, commercial technology director, Advanced Optics, Corning Specialty Materials.

The fiber is small, thin and nearly invisible when the light source is off; the flexibility and tight-bend capability of the fiber allows it to curve, wrap, or contour around objects while maintaining bright, colourful and uniform light, says Corning. “With this fiber, designers can enhance a product’s appeal and functionality by adding light how and where they want it,” said Curt Weinstein, vice-president and general manager, Advanced Optics, Corning Specialty Materials.