Abstract: A non-imaging optical coupling device for use in i.e., optical communications, laser power delivery, laser radar (lidar), and other applications that is relatively immune from optical misalignment and therefore does not need sophisticated splicing or connectorization apparatus is described.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical collecting and concentrating apparatus for use in i.e., optical communications, passive lighting, and solar power applications that is relatively immune from optical incidence angle(s) and therefore does not need to track the movement of the sun to efficiently collect and concentrate optical energy is described. The apparatus includes a tubular support structure having a source-facing entrance and an energy-outputting exit. An interior surface of the structure includes a scattering, reflecting and/or diffractive medium to direct incident energy toward an exit of the tubular structure, such that the rays exiting the tube are more collimated and substantially more parallel to the axis of the tube. The collimated beam is then focused or directed by a lens or similar optical element toward a point where the energy may be collected by a detector, optical fiber, or other collection means.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical collecting and concentrating apparatus for use in i.e., optical communications, passive lighting, and solar power applications that is relatively immune from optical incidence angle(s) and therefore does not need to track the movement of the sun to efficiently collect and concentrate optical energy. The apparatus includes a non-planar support structure having a source-facing entrance and an energy-outputting exit. An interior surface of the structure includes a scattering, reflecting and/or diffractive medium such as a photonic bandgap structure to enhance the collection and concentration efficiency.

Abstract: A non-imaging solar collecting and concentrating apparatus for use in i.e., passive lighting and solar power applications that is relatively immune from optical incidence angle(s) and therefore does not need to track the movement of the sun to efficiently collect and concentrate solar energy. The apparatus includes a non-planar support structure having a sun-facing entrance and an energy-outputting exit. An interior surface of the structure includes a graded-index structure(s) and/or diffraction grating(s) to enhance the collection and concentration efficiency.