SCHOTT A08400 Single Rigid Gooseneck 18" Fiber Optic Light Guide (Chrome)

The SCHOTT A08400 is a single-leg semi-rigid gooseneck fiber optic light guide for incident illumination in microscopy and inspection setups where you need precise, directional light placement in a compact workspace. The gooseneck construction helps the light hold position after aiming, supporting repeatable viewing and documentation.

Compatibility note: Compatible with SCHOTT ACE and DCR Series (A20990 / A20980) and not compatible with KL Series.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: SCHOTT
Part number / SKU: A08400
Availability: Stock Item
Weight: 2.00 lbs
Quantity option (each): 1 Light Guide
Compatibility: ACE and DCR Series (A20990 / A20980) — Not with KL Series
Tubing: Chrome
Distal ferrule diameter: 5 mm
Active input fiber diameter: 10 mm
Gooseneck tubing diameter: 12 mm
Gooseneck length: 18" (457 mm)
Shipping: Calculated at checkout

SCHOTT A08400 Features

Chrome plated semi-rigid metal gooseneck: designed to hold position after aiming
Standard output ferrules: accept spot lenses with or without polarizing caps
Incident illumination: directional lighting for space-constrained work areas

SCHOTT A08400 Advantages

Precise positioning: complete control of light placement for contrast tuning
Fast re-aiming: reposition easily when switching parts, fixtures, or inspection steps
Repeatable viewing: stable geometry supports consistent inspection results across users and shifts

Common Pairing (Compatible Light Sources)

About the Manufacturer:

SCHOTT is a multinational, technology-based group that develops and manufactures specialty glass, specialty materials, components, and systems used across industrial inspection, electronics, and life science workflows. In microscopy illumination, SCHOTT’s modular ecosystem pairs dedicated light sources with interchangeable light guides (goosenecks, flexible guides, and ringlights) so teams can standardize illumination geometry and maintain repeatable inspection conditions.

Related SCHOTT Light Guides

Notes: For consistent inspection results, document the gooseneck angle (“clock position”), tip-to-part distance, and light-source output setting used during evaluation.

For application support, call 800-443-7101 or email Sales@SOSsupply.com.

Product page updated: Feb. 7, 2026 (SOS Technical Staff)

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The Technical Vault: SCHOTT A08400 Single Gooseneck Light Guide (18" / Chrome)

Vault purpose: How single-vector illumination controls contrast, how to keep setups repeatable, and how to avoid the most common ordering error (ACE/DCR vs KL compatibility).

1) What the A08400 is

The SCHOTT A08400 is a single semi-rigid gooseneck fiber optic light guide for incident illumination in microscope and inspection stations. It is listed as compatible with ACE and DCR Series (A20990 / A20980) and not compatible with KL Series.

2) The inspection lever: angle beats brightness

Most visibility problems are solved with incidence angle and distance rather than turning intensity up:

Low-angle (raking) light: emphasizes scratches, haze, edge chips, films, residue, and texture.
Higher angles: reduce shadowing but can wash out fine texture.
Distance control: affects hotspot size, glare, and the usable field of illumination.

3) Repeatability checklist (what to standardize)

Clock position: define the gooseneck direction relative to the part/fixture.
Tip-to-part distance: define a target range and keep it consistent.
Light-source setpoint: record the intensity used for evaluation and documentation.
Reference image: store a baseline photo for glare/contrast and use it after maintenance.

Practical tip: Add a simple witness mark on the fixture and a matching mark on the gooseneck so approved geometry can be reset quickly after cleaning.

4) What the published dimensions mean at the bench

18" (457 mm) length: compact reach for bench-top microscopy stations without excess routing.
12 mm tubing diameter: contributes to stability (“set-and-stay” aiming behavior).
5 mm distal ferrule: output-end interface; listed as accepting spot lenses with/without polarizing caps.
10 mm active input fiber: input bundle diameter listed on the product page.

5) Compatibility guardrail (avoid returns/rework)

The #1 ordering error is mixing SCHOTT families. This item is ACE/DCR compatible and not for KL Series. If you are using KL-series sources (KL 1500 / KL 1600 / KL 2500), choose KL-series light guides instead (example: SCHOTT 154.101 (KL Series) Single Rigid Gooseneck).

6) Source basis (spec traceability)

SOSCleanroom listing: SCHOTT A08400 product page (SKU A08400; stock status; weight 2.00 lbs; compatibility ACE/DCR (A20990/A20980); and published features/advantages/specifications including chrome tubing, 18"/457 mm length, and diameters).