Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer is described. The transparent layer has at least one corrugated surface formed by a plurality of isosceles right-angle prismatic corrugations configured to internally retroreflect light into the transparent layer. The corrugated surface also includes optical windows configured for inputting or outputting light to or from the transparent layer. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective optical windows.

Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: Retroreflective lenticular systems employing a focusing array and a retroreflector array optically coupled to the focusing array. The focusing array is provided on a first surface and the retroreflector array is provided on an opposing second surface. The retroreflector array includes an array of retroreflective elements alternating with separation areas and disposed in energy exchange relationship with respect to the focusing array. The focusing array includes a plurality of focusing lenses configured to illuminate only the retroreflective elements with focused beams at least at some angles and to focus the incident beam only onto the separation areas at other angles. The intermittent illumination of retroreflective elements provides variable retroreflectivity of at least portions of the system and enhances the system visibility and conspicuity in the reflected light.

Abstract: A light harvesting system employing a focusing array and a photoresponsive layer in which a plurality of microstructured areas is formed. Light received by the focusing array is injected transmissively into the photoresponsive layer through the microstructured areas. The injected light is retained in the photoresponsive layer by at least a total internal reflection and is propagated within the layer until it is substantially absorbed.

Abstract: A radiant energy flux transformation system including a primary linear focus concentrating collector formed by a plurality of cylindrical slat-like reflectors and a secondary elongated collector is described. The reflectors of primary collector generally have concave or planar transversal profiles and are positioned in a stepped arrangement with longitudinal axes being parallel to each other and to the secondary collector. The reflectors are tilted away from the direction to the source of radiant energy at a range of angles being less than 45° to reflect and direct the incident energy flux to a common focal region located below the primary collector where the concentrated flux is intercepted and further transformed by the secondary collector. In addition to efficient concentrating radiant energy such as sunlight, the system can provide uniformity or a desired energy distribution in the concentrated flux.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting and converting device having at least one array of slat-like concave reflective elements and an elongated receiver. The device efficiently concentrates and converts radiant energy, such as sunlight, to other useful types of energy, such as electricity and heat. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The mirrored surfaces are inclined towards one another at their rear ends facing the receiver and can be arranged to provide lens-like operation of the array. The receiver can be arranged in line photovoltaic cells or a tubular solar heat absorber.

Abstract: A non-imaging energy flux transformation system including a concentrator incorporating a set of nested, ring-like, concave reflective elements, and a receiver. The system efficiently concentrates radiant energy, such as sunlight, by means of focusing the energy striking the entrance aperture of concentrator to the receiver located on the side of concentrator's exit aperture. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual non-imaging profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The receiver can be an energy absorbing device, a secondary energy concentrating transformer, or a flux homogenizer.

Abstract: A radiant energy flux transformation system including a primary linear focus concentrating collector formed by a plurality of cylindrical slat-like reflectors and a secondary elongated collector is described. The reflectors of primary collector generally have concave or planar transversal profiles and are positioned in a stepped arrangement with longitudinal axes being parallel to each other and to the secondary collector. The reflectors are tilted away from the direction to the source of radiant energy at a range of angles being less than 45° to reflect and direct the incident energy flux to a common focal region located below the primary collector where the concentrated flux is intercepted and further transformed by the secondary collector. In addition to efficient concentrating radiant energy such as sunlight, the system can provide uniformity or a desired energy distribution in the concentrated flux.

Abstract: A non-imaging energy flux transformation system including a concentrator incorporating a set of nested, ring-like, concave reflective elements, and a receiver. The system efficiently concentrates radiant energy, such as sunlight, by means of focusing the energy striking the entrance aperture of concentrator to the receiver located on the side of concentrator's exit aperture. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual non-imaging profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The receiver can be an energy absorbing device, a secondary energy concentrating transformer, or a flux homogenizer.

Abstract: A radiant energy collecting and converting device having at least one array of slat-like concave reflective elements and an elongated receiver. The device efficiently concentrates and converts radiant energy, such as sunlight, to other useful types of energy, such as electricity and heat. The mirrored surfaces of reflective elements having appropriate individual profiles represented by curved and/or straight lines are positioned so that the energy portions reflected from individual surfaces are directed, focused, and superimposed on one another to cooperatively form a common focal region on the receiver. The mirrored surfaces are inclined towards one another at their rear ends facing the receiver and can be arranged to provide lens-like operation of the array. The receiver can be arranged in line photovoltaic cells or a tubular solar heat absorber.