Abstract: A solar collection device is disclosed. The device includes mirrors for intensifying the collected solar energy. The output of the mirrors can be used to heat air or water or other fluids as well as ores or solids. In addition, artificial light can be used to supplement the solar energy.

Abstract: This invention absorbs available heat from the flue gas of an existing building's heating system and heat from the sun. The heat is absorbed and stored in a heat-collecting sphere of special design. The absorbed heat collected in the sphere is transferred, by the conventional refrigeration cycle, to the heat exchanger located at the air inlet to the building heating system. The refrigerant liquid is sprayed into the collecting sphere, as it absorbs heat, it evaporates and changes into a gas. The refrigerant compressor transfers the gas from the heat-collector to the heat exchanger. The existing heater fan draws air across the heat exchanger finned coil removing heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant gas gives up heat and is condensed. The heated air combines with the existing furnace air to heat the existing building. The refrigerant liquid from the heat exchanger is transferred to the heat-collecting sphere spray nozzles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modular, inflatable, and multi-functional solar collector system with associated attachment modules. The solar collector system includes an inflatable solar collector configured to focus and direct concentrated solar energy into the attachment modules that connect to the collector. Specifically, the modules can each provide different functionality, including, but not limited to, electricity generation, drinking water boiling, heating, cutting, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar collector includes a dual-surface design.

Abstract: A device for focusing reflected light from a trough reflector onto a focal point in a longitudinal direction is disclosed. The device includes a focusing device disposed on a focal line of the trough reflector, the focusing device forming a longitudinal focal point with high light intensity in overlapping relationship to a transverse focus point provided by the trough reflector.

Abstract: A collector includes a convergent lens (2) having a focal distance f and an image focal plane (PFI). The convergent lens (2) defines one of the walls of a casing (1) defined by two pairs of side walls (4a, 4c), a bottom wall (3) and a front wall defined by the lens (2), the side and bottom walls on the inside of the casing being reflective, and the depth p of the casing being lower than the focal distance f of the lens so that after multiple reflections, the ray beam (R1, R2) thus reflected is concentrated on a final image focus (I?) located inside the casing, the collector including a mobile receptor (6a) held inside the concentrated beam or in a position at least intersecting the beam by elements controlling the movement of the collector (6a) with that of the beam.

Abstract: A panel for concentrating and collecting solar energy. The panel includes light collector assemblies that are positioned side-by-side. Each collector assembly includes a receiver element with an elongate body and a light receiving surface on a first side of the body that has a curved cross section. A concentrating lens extends along the length of the receiver body, and the lens is a flat or arched Fresnel lens adapted to focus incident light onto a long, thin strip along the length of the light receiving surface. A plurality of light transmission sheets or wafers extend along the receiver element body with a first edge of the sheet abutting (e.g., to provide optical coupling) a surface opposite the light receiving surface. Light is captured by the transmission sheets at angles that allow total internal reflectance to transmit the light to a master light sheet for transmission through the panel.

Abstract: A solar receiver for a photo-bioreactor comprises a support having an interior, a vessel for supporting a biological culture, and at least one optical element. The optical element is arranged to receive light, and to direct the light to the interior of the support, to which the vessel is mounted.

Abstract: A photoenergy heat collector including an outer sleeve and multiple condenser lenses. The outer sleeve has a wall formed with multiple perforations passing through the wall of the outer sleeve from inner side to outer side. The condenser lenses are respectively inlaid in the perforations to focus light beams into the outer sleeve. A water flow can go into one end of the outer sleeve and flow through the outer sleeve and then flow out from the other end of the outer sleeve. Accordingly, as a heat exchanger, the heat of the light beams focused by the condenser lenses into the outer sleeve is absorbed by the water to heat the water. The photoenergy heat collector further includes an inner sleeve disposed in the outer sleeve and extending through the outer sleeve to serve as a passage for the water flow.

Abstract: A pyramid-like structure consisting of a base and 3 or more side frames, each side frame forming an angle to the base. The pyramid-like structure having an enclosed space within and including a way to collect solar energy and to collect and transfer thermal energy from the sun; air suction mechanisms to take surrounding air into the enclosed space; a plurality of wind turbines; a Main Thermal Reservoir to take in and hold heat transfer medium, which is heated therein and then pumped to the top day tanks. The heat transfer medium is heated by a Heat Absorption and Transfer Layer through a network of pipes on the side frame back to the Main Thermal Reservoir, wherein thermal energy is collected, absorbed and transferred to the enclosed space of the pyramid, heating the enclosed space and within the air suction means, causing a temperature differential between the surrounding air and heated air inside the enclosed space of the pyramid to create a continuous flow of the heated air to turn the wind turbines.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for shaping reflective surfaces of optical concentrators are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an optical concentrator in accordance with the present invention includes a reflective surface and one or more shaping components that help to provide a desired shape to the reflective surface. Exemplary shaping components preferably comprise thin, readily manufacturable ribs with precision surfaces that provide the desired shape to a reflective surface.

Abstract: A window unit comprising at least one transparent pane, a frame 130 around the perimeter of the at least one transparent pane, at least one rotatable linear concave mirror 110 extending at least partially across the frame, and at least one energy conversion device 120 extending at least partially across the frame wherein the unit is arranged such that substantially parallel radiation incident on the mirror is reflected onto the energy conversion device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of solar-architectural materials which receive solar radiation and transfer it into heat energy and at the same time works as building finishing and decoration material, and thereof a system of building integrative solar heat utilization in which comprise a kind of heat-energy-conflux-device via metal matching surface impinging on each other without leakage possibility of liquid as heat transfer medium in the system.

Abstract: The parabolic trough collector includes a single-axis parabolic mirror (1) and a receiver tube (2) arranged at the focal point (F) of the parabolic mirror (1). The receiver tube (2) includes an absorber tube (4) and an outer tubular glass jacket (3) around it. To compensate for focusing errors in the parabolic collector and thus to reduce associated geometric optical losses, the tubular jacket (3) is provided with structural elements (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), which focus sunlight reflected from the mirror as well as sunlight that falls directly on the receiver tube from the sun on the absorber tube. The receiver tube is preferably arranged relative to the parabolic mirror, so that its center is displaced from the focal point (F) by a distance equal to half the spacing between the tubular jacket (3) and the absorber tube (4).

Abstract: A means for concentrating direct solar radiation into controllable and directable beams that can optically transport the beam radiation to a central targeting area such as a steam turbine reactor 16 to generate electricity 21; and a method for concentrating solar radiation whereby the radiation is converted from a widely dispersed wave-front to concentrated and directable collimated light beams that provide the energy for steam turbine reactor 16 to generate electricity 21; and an apparatus comprising a fresnel lens 1 that focuses light in concave lenses 3 which convert the converging light into a beam of light, where the beam is targeted with a mirror 4; a plurality of said lens 1/lens 3/mirror 4 collectors which track the direct solar radiation by a solar tracker 12, the said plurality of lens 1/lens 3/mirror 4 collectors are targeted to a cone shaped mirror 7, where the cone shaped mirror directs the light into a targeting system 15 where multiple collectors concentrate their beams onto a steam turbine rea

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar collecting and utilizing device comprising: a paraboloidal mirror for collecting the sunlight and converging it as a facula, a sunlight collector, a solar storage and conversion device, and a solar tracking equipment, wherein, said solar tracking equipment comprises implementing mechanical parts and photoelectrical control parts; said sunlight collector includes a light guider which converts the facula into substantially parallel light beams and reflects them in a desired direction, and a curved surface condenser mirror which receives the substantially parallel light beams reflected from the sunlight guider and converges them into solar storage and conversion device; said light guider includes a light guider mirror for point focusing the light beams.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.

Abstract: Method and system for converting solar energy into electrical energy utilizing serially coupled multijunction-type photovoltaic cells in conjunction with a form of spectral cooling. The latter cooling is carried out by removing ineffective solar energy components from impinging concentrated light, inter alia, through the utilization of dichroics or the conversion of ineffective solar energy components to effective energy components by means of luminescence, phosphorescence, or fluorescence. Ineffective solar energy components are described as those exhibiting wavelengths outside the bandgap energy defined wavelength and an associated wavelength defined band of useful photon energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module comprising a front lens on its front face, a receiver cell on its rear face and a reflector between the front lens and the receiver cell, said reflector having inclined sidewalls along at least two opposite sides of the receiver cell characterised in that the reflectors are truncated and in that the sidewalls of the reflectors are inclined in such a way that, for a 0[deg] off-pointing, solar rays are reflected on the inclined side walls of the reflectors before impinging on the receiver cell, to produce a relatively uniform illumination on the receiver cell for a range of off pointing acceptance angle superior to zero degree.

Abstract: A solar blackbody waveguide that captures and uses sunlight to heat a thermal working or heat transfer fluid. Solar cell arrays capture the sunlight. The arrays are movably mounted on solar towers to track the daily movement of the sun and to maintain the proper angle with the horizon throughout the year. The arrays direct the light into a series of light pipes to deliver the light into a solar coil located within an underground insulated pipeline. Energy from the light rays is absorbed by the solar coil and transferred to the thermal working fluid or heat transfer fluid flowing between the solar coil and the insulated pipeline. The energy laden thermal working or heat transfer fluid is removed from the downstream end of the insulated pipeline so that it can be used with existing technologies, such as with a combined cycle gas turbine, boiler, or steam generator.

Abstract: Sunlight is localized at a solar cell by means of a lens in conjunction with a solar energy trap with very low losses. The lens is a standard magnifying lens which concentrates the sunlight to a spot which is a small percentage of the total area of the lens. The lens is fixed at a tilt angle which is in accordance with the latitude of the site of the solar collection. The daily arc of the sun across the face of the lens produces a smooth arc path of the spot in three dimensional spaces. At or near the smooth arc in space, a guide which may be a secondary mirror surface or an opening guides the light into a solar trap. The solar trap is a fully mirrored enclosed space which permits light to enter but not leave the trap. The light in the trap is guided to a solar cell within the trap with reflected and scattered light being absorbed by the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar diffusion loss compensator and collimator that reduces loss due to reflection of non-perpendicular energy rays that are usually reflected and lost externally by providing a means to capture reflected energy from adjacent surfaces and redirecting such energy toward the focal plane comprising a transparent, multi-tiered, hexagonal structure having a series of internal recesses that selectively reflect (total internal reflection [T.I.R]) the light waves passing therethrough thereby focusing and concentrating said light for the storage and usage thereof. A reflector assembly surrounds the solar collector assembly to redirect light towards the vertical planes of the solar collector. The present invention improves flux densities in radiant energy applications by gathering diffused light and redirecting the rays so they may be compressed into dense parallel rays and directionally focused to suit a particular applications.

Abstract: The parabolic trough collector includes a single-axis parabolic mirror (1) and a receiver tube (2) arranged at the focal point (F) of the parabolic mirror (1). The receiver tube (2) includes an absorber tube (4) and an outer tubular glass jacket (3) around it. To compensate for focusing errors in the parabolic collector and thus to reduce associated geometric optical losses, the tubular jacket (3) is provided with structural elements (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), which focus the sunlight on the absorber tube (4) arranged in the tubular jacket (3) by reflection and/or refraction. The receiver tube (2) is preferably arranged relative to the parabolic mirror (1), so that its center is displaced from the focal point (F) in the direction of the mirror by a distance equal to half the spacing between the tubular jacket (3) and the absorber tube (4).

Abstract: A high concentration central receiver system and method provides improved reflectors and a unique heat removal system. The central receiver has a plurality of interconnected reflectors coupled to a tower structure at a predetermined height above ground for reflecting solar radiation. A plurality of concentrators are disposed between the reflectors and the ground such that the concentrators receive reflective solar radiation from the reflectors. The central receiver system further includes a heat removal system for removing heat from the reflectors and an area immediately adjacent the concentrators. Each reflector includes a mirror, a facet, and an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is disposed between the mirror and the facet such that the mirror is fixed to the facet under a compressive stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes three steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first optical concentrating fresnel lens that concentrates the intensity of sunlight to five times above normal level. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the second optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight passes through a third optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the third optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: A solar collection system and method having means for receiving solar radiation through a main refractive interface and means for internally reflecting at least once, at least a portion of the received solar radiation. The refractive medium may be liquid, gel or solid. The device may be integrated with a photovoltaic device, photohydrolytic device, a heat engine, a light pipe or a photothermal receptor.

Abstract: A solar concentrator system includes a collector lens for collecting and at least partially focusing incident solar rays, a solar cell and a lens array positioned generally between the collector lens and the solar cell, the lens array directing the partially focused rays emerging from the collector lens onto the solar cell.

Abstract: An array of elongated concave parabolic trough-shaped reflectors is disclosed. The orientation of the array is biaxially kept essentially perpendicular to rays of the sun by an optical control such that sunlight is reflected and concentrated along a focal line of each elongated reflector by which (a) water in a tube disposed at the focal line is heated by reflected line focused sunlight impinged thereon and/or (b) line focused reflected sunlight is optically transformed into point focused reflected sunlight using Fresnel lenses from which electricity is generated using solar cells upon which the point focused reflected sunlight is impinged.

Abstract: A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A stationary solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes four steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first and second optical concentrating fresnel lenses that concentrates the intensity of sunlight. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the third optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight is homogenized as it passes through a fourth optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the fourth optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes high concentrating reflective or refractive optics concentrating collected solar light along a first axis and includes spectrum splitting reflective or refractive optics splitting collected solar light along a second axis for illuminating photovoltaic solar panels with spectrum split light having a plurality of frequency components respectively illuminating horizontally aligned subarrays of cells of associated bandgaps forming a panel matrix of cells for high concentration spectrum splitting solar power collection for efficient solar power conversion.

Abstract: A collection device for capturing and transmitting electromagnetic radiation utilizing a reflector having a concave reflecting surface for concentrating electromagnetic radiation to a focal point. The reflector also includes an opposite surface, a flexible optical guide includes a first end portion which is located at the focal place of the reflector. Flexible optical guide also includes an intermediate portion which extends to the reflector and a second end portion which is located at the opposite surface of the reflector. The flexible optical guide extends through the reflector such that distribution of the concentrated electromagnetic radiation will pass from the second end portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Solar energy receiver having two or more regions for acceptance of solar radiation, and a means for splitting the solar radiation into two or more wavelength bands. A different band of radiation is incident upon each of the regions. At least one of the regions includes a means, such as a filter, to substantially prevent radiation having a wavelength longer than that incident on the region from leaving the region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar compound concentrator of an electric power generation system. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under an acrylic concentrating fresnel lens that concentrates the intensity of sunlight to five to ten times above normal level. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty to fifty times by the CPC collector. The intensified sunlight is focused on the bottom of the CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be incident on the bottom of the CPC. A cermet coating is spattered onto the top of a stainless steel heat pipe (heat exchanger) allowing for an absorptivity of 96%.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for collimating light energy falling randomly from myriad directions on a fixed-positioned thin flat surface. The collimated rays are then concentrated by an assembly of prismatic slabs and optical or fiber optic means to achieve light concentrations of 700 or more times than that of normal sunlight. Applications are given for new products such as collimated beam non-blinding motor vehicle headlights; fixed-positioned solar collectors that collect and concentrate more than 80% of the direct and diffused radiation falling on their surfaces; generation of high pressure steam by means of solar energy; and efficient and economical photovoltaic and thermoelectric generators and fiber optic acceptors for concentrating and transmitting significant quantities of light energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing solar radiation of tracking type including a matrix array of a number of light receptors is disclosed. A first set of four shafts are disposed parallel to each other and parallel to a floor surface on which the apparatus is installed. A second set of four shafts are mounted on each shaft in the first set, and four light receptors per one shaft in the second set including 4×4 equal to 16 shafts are supported, thus providing a total of 64 light receptors. Each light receptor internally contains a mirror having four sections, and four parabolic mirrors of a reduced diameter which reflect light reflected by respective sections to the center of each section. Where the light receptors constitute a light collector which condenses and projects solar radiation into optical fibers, a conical opening having a reflecting surface is defined centrally in each section, with a light receiving end face of an optical fiber disposed at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: A light refracting and collecting assembly includes a housing having a bottom surface with two diverging side walls extending therefrom, two opposing end walls and an open top. Disposed between the side walls, proximal the bottom surface, is a light absorbing means such as a heat conductive conduit or a photovoltaic cell collector plate. Angularly extending from the upper surface of the light absorbing means are a plurality of substantially triangular prisms for refracting and directing light from the open top of the housing downwardly towards the light absorbing means. The interior surface of the side walls and bottom surface are coated with a light reflecting material to further direct light toward the light refracting prisms and the light absorbing means. A transparent cover member is superimposed on the open top for protecting the interior and to bend light towards the light absorbing means.

Abstract: A concentrator for focusing solar radiation onto an elongate absorber, comprising a plurality of transverse supports arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, stabilizing the concentrator in the transverse direction and defining the shape of the concentrator profile, and a thin-walled support structure resting on said transverse supports and having a plurality of adjacent longitudinally extending ribs stabilizing the concentrator in the longitudinal direction. In the transverse direction, the support structure adapts to the curved profile of the transverse supports and forms a light-weight and strong bearing for a reflector plate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power source includes a shadowing timer comprising at least one shadowing member (i.e. vane element) secured proximal to an array of photovoltaic solar cells electrically connected in series. The shadowing members are arranged such that they shadow individual solar cells or rows of cells as the sun moves through diurnal and annual cycles. The shadows cast by two or more vanes can modulate the array output power on two independent time scales: time of day and time of year. Because the individual solar cells are connected in series, a small shadow significantly reduces the array output power, thus enabling fine-scale temporal control.

Abstract: High radiation concentration photovoltaic cell system including at least one optical structure in the form of a three-dimensional body having a first surface adapted to receive thereon photovoltaic cells and a second surface to be, at least indirectly, exposed to light radiation. The body of the optical structure has formed between its first and second surfaces a two-dimensional array of contiguous light radiation concentrators each in the form of an individual prismatic body portion. Each prismatic body portion tapers in two dimensions toward said first surface along the entire length of the concentrator. Each concentrator defines on the first surface a photovoltaic cell-attaching area to be aligned with an active portion of a single photovoltaic cell to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system, in which two separated arrays of refracting elements disperse incident sunlight and concentrate the sunlight onto solar energy converters, such that each converter receives a narrow portion of the broad solar spectrum and thereby operates at higher efficiency.

Abstract: A nonimaging concentrator (or illuminator) of light. The concentrator (or illuminator) has a shape defined by dR/d.phi.=Rtan.alpha. where R is a radius vetor from an origin to a point of reflection of a light edge ray from a reflector surface and .phi. is an angle between the R vector and an exit aperture external point of the concentrator (illuminator) and coordinates (R, .phi.) represent a point on a reflector curve and .alpha. is an angle the light edge ray from an origin point makes with a normal to the reflector curve. The reflector surface allows the light edge ray on the reflector curve to vary as a function of position. In the concentrator an absorber has a shape variable which varies with position along the absorber surface.

Abstract: In a method for concentrating solar energy waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A device efficiently collects energy from a moving source without having to actively track the source. The device includes a primary concentrator, a secondary reflector and a target position. The primary concentrator is positioned to receive energy from the moving energy source and to direct the energy toward the secondary reflector. The secondary reflector has a concave surface which is covered by a number of convex reflecting surfaces. These convex reflecting surfaces direct the energy toward the target position regardless of the relative angle between the energy source and the primary concentrator.

Abstract: A fiber optical solar power generating system provides a tower outside a structure to be supplied with solar energy and on which a multiplicity of collectors are provided. An optical fiber trunk carries the collected optical energy to the structure in which a photovoltaic and/or a light/heat transducing stack can be provided and to which light is distributed from the optical fiber trunk so that the transducers need not occupy large areas of the property.

Abstract: A police or military method utilizes a laser source for emitting, along a preselected path, radiation having a wavelength absorbable by at least one type of atmospheric molecule. Radiation directing components such as lenses or deformable mirror segments are disposed in the transmission path for directing the laser radiation from the source to a predetermined target region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. Control componentry is operatively connected to the directing components for controlling the operation thereof to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined atmospheric target region to produce in that region a predetermined refractive index pattern such as an atmospheric Fresnel lens for concentrating incoming solar radiation on a preselected military or police target such as a tank, a submarine or ship, a missile silo, a munitions factories, or an armament stores.

Abstract: A solar energy collection panel assembly particularly adapted for use in a sun tracking system, The assembly is made up of several elongated components that have uniform cross sections and are preferably formed by extrusion. Interlocking base members have upwardly directed channels which hold tubes partially surrounded by thermal insulation material. Lens support assemblies having a generally isosceles triangular cross section with the triangle bases secured to the base members with the triangle sides oriented to direct light entering between apexes toward the tubes. Grooves at each pair or apexes receive the edges of an elongated, uniform cross section, compound, concentrating, cylindrical lens to attach the lens to the assembly. The lenses focus incident light on the tubes. Right triangular edge lens support members provide square edges to the assembly. A structural strong and rigid housing is preferably used to receive, support and strengthen the assembly.

Abstract: Nonmaterial deflector-enhanced collector (NDC) is a device in which a nonmaterial, such as electromagnetic (EM) wave, provides a medium in which an obliquely incident nonmaterial (IN) can be intercepted and deflected, so that by proper arrangement, some desired objective can be achieved, such as: deflecting, concentrating, diverging, protecting, receiving, propagating/guiding--by many (fiber-optic-like) deflections--the IN. NDC comprises: a projector of nonmaterial, PON, its projected nonmaterial deflector(s) ND, and (intended) collector or receiver, C or R. The projector projects the ND obliquely towards the incident nonmaterial to be deflected, IN (such as EM radiation) so that this IN is deflected towards an intended receiver--if any is present. It may be necessary to ensure build up of proper optical density gradient, in the vicinity of the ND, to encourage refraction and/or total internal reflection of the IN.

Abstract: A system for collecting solar radiation includes a laser source for emitting, along a preselected path, radiation having a wavelength absorbable by at least one type of atmospheric molecule. Radiation directing components such as lenses or deformable mirror segments are disposed in the transmission path for directing the laser radiation from the source to a predetermined target region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. Control componentry is operatively connected to the directing components for controlling the operation thereof to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined target region of the atmosphere to produce in that region a predetermined refractive index pattern such as an atmospheric Fresnel lens for concentrating incoming solar radiation on a solar energy collector. The control componentry is operatively connected to the laser source for timing the emission of radiation therefrom.