Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.

Abstract: A collector system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation includes a collector mirror and a radiation-collection enhancement device (RCED) arranged adjacent an aperture member of an illuminator. The collector mirror directs EUV radiation from an EUV radiation source towards the aperture member. The RCED redirects a portion of the EUV radiation that would not otherwise pass through the aperture of the aperture member or that would not have an optimum angular distribution, to pass through the aperture and to have an improved angular distribution better suited to input specifications of an illuminator. This provides the illuminator with greater amount of useable EUV radiation than would otherwise be available from the collector mirror alone, thereby enhancing the performing of an EUV lithography system that uses such a collector system with a RCED.

Abstract: A solar collector having two axis control and cogeneration capabilities is provided. The solar collector may have a primary collecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror, and a solar collector positioned adjacent to the primary mirror. The collector may realize both direct solar to electricity production via photovoltaic cells or the like, as well as heat collection generated by the collected solar energy. The collected heat may be transferred to a fluid which may be transferred for productive uses such as electricity production, heating, cooling, and the like.

Abstract: Heliostat facet configured from a flat structure comprising a central section (1) and a peripheral section (2) comprising first (3) and second sides (4), being both sections linked together by a plurality of arms (5, 6), which starting from the central section (1) radially run towards the peripheral section (2) taking as reference the geometrical center (7) of the facet. In at least three of the arms (5, 6), there are support points (15) of the facet in the corresponding heliostat support (16). The arms (5,6) comprise first arms (5) which are arranged from the central section (1) to the peripheral section (2) running in a divergent manner and at least two couples of second arms (6) which starting from the central section (1) run to the peripheral section (2), the arms (6) of each couple radially running in a convergent manner.

Abstract: A planar collimator has first and second sections each intersecting at a junction between a first axis and a second axis normal to the first axis. Each of the first and second sections have geometries configured to receive light from a source point located on the first axis and collimate the light at respective positive and negative tilting angles relative to the second axis. The first and second sections direct the collimated light to respective first and second sides of a focusing mirror and away from a gap between the first and second sides of the focusing mirror.

Abstract: A concentrating solar collector that includes a target, a plurality of mirror assemblies, and a master tracking assembly that controls the mirror assemblies is disclosed. The mirror assemblies are fixed at a plurality of distinct locations with respect to the target, each mirror assembly includes a moveable mirror and a tracking assembly. Each tracking assembly includes a target member, a sun member, and a tracking actuator. The target member is fixed relative to the target such that the target member points at the target. The sun member is moveable relative to the target such that when the sun member points to the sun, light from the sun is reflected onto the target. The master tracking assembly moves each of the sun members such that the sun members simultaneously point at the sun. The tracking actuators are mechanical devices that are coupled to the master tracking assembly by a mechanical linkage.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A solar collector utilizes multiple reflections of light passing down a tapered, pyramidal-type structure made of highly-reflective mirrored surfaces. A right-angled truncated reflective pyramidal structures have been discovered to have many properties which make them superior to existing concentrator geometries. The use of a tapered, pyramidal-type structure creates multiple reflections which appear at the collector output in the form of a Buckminster-Fullerene display, providing improved collector efficiency and amplification when compared to prior art “concentrators” of the Fresnel lens or parabola type.

Abstract: A tracking band comprises a magnetic tape and mounting tabs that secure the magnetic tape within a band clamp. The mounting tabs protrude radially inwardly toward a center region defined by the band clamp. The magnetic tape is precision-coded with a sequence of magnetic poles. The tracking band may be disposed within an annular recess of a rotating shaft of a heliostat. The tracking band may rotate with the rotating shaft. The shaft may be coupled with a minor such that the minor and rotating shaft rotate concurrently. As the tracking band rotates with the rotating shaft, the tracking band may pass by an encoder head, which may read the magnetic tape and relay information regarding the angular position of the mirror from the magnetic tape to a control system. The tracking band may thus provide altitude and azimuth position information for the mirror to a control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for collecting sunlight through an image method by tracking the sun using a dish-shaped light collector or a paraboloidal light collector and, and to a method and an apparatus for transmitting high-density light as the collected sunlight to a remote place, to which the light is applied, and for generating super-high-density light by combining, in a multi-stage manner, the high-density light obtained through a plurality of light collectors.

Abstract: A solar energy collector comprising a set of two or more reflectors reflecting sunrays at the focal line; a receiver of reflected rays placed at the focal line; and means to move the said set of reflectors along a non-parabolic concave curve. The said non-parabolic concave curve with reference to the focal line is defined by the formula: x2+y2=constant (k) y where x and y are the co-ordinates of a point on the said non-parabolic concave curve, in the co-ordinate system, having X axis horizontal, Y axis vertical and the origin of said co-ordinate system on the focal line. The said focal line is perpendicular to the X-Y plane and wherein each of the said reflectors intersects said non-parabolic concave curve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a focussing system for concentrating radiation onto a target surface, comprising: a first reflective element forming part of the surface of a cone axially aligned along a first alignment axis, the first reflective element being positioned such that when planar radiation is incident on the first reflective element in a direction parallel to the first alignment axis, the planar radiation is focussed towards a first focus lying along the first alignment axis, wherein said part of the surface of a cone is contained within a sector having an included angle of less than 180 degrees; and a second reflective element having a reflective surface that at all points is flat in a direction parallel to a single reference direction, the second reflective element being positioned between the first reflective element and the first focus such that, when planar radiation is incident on the first reflective element in a direction parallel to the first alignment axis, radiation reflected from the first reflecti

Abstract: A solar collector array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of thin walled dishes interconnected by unitary webbing. The dishes and the webbing are formed from a single metallic sheet. Each dish is pressed into a symmetric parabolic surface that concentrates incident light to a position in front of the dish.

Abstract: An optical element for reflecting solar light has excellent weather resistance, and furthermore, a high reflectance in a wide band. When solar light enters an optical element (OE), light (L1) in a short wavelength band among the solar light is reflected by a dielectric multilayer film (DF). Other light (L2) in longer wavelength bands are passed through the dielectric multilayer film (DF), then a base material (SS), and reflected by a metal deposition film (MV) to pass through the base material (SS) and the dielectric multilayer film (DF). Thus, high reflectance in a wide band is ensured.

Abstract: A collector mirror exchanging apparatus is capable of safely and easily exchanging a collector mirror for collecting extreme ultra violet light emitted from plasma generated within a chamber of an extreme ultra violet light source apparatus. The collector mirror exchanging apparatus includes: a supporting base for supporting a collector mirror or a collector mirror structure; and a guiding rail disposed on the supporting base and regulating a moving direction of the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure; wherein at least the collector mirror is taken out of the chamber by moving the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure along the guiding rail on the supporting base.

Abstract: An integrated solar concentrator assembly (10) which is built to allow an opposing criss-cross optics pattern, creating a more compact, structurally sound unit having a nearly perpendicular light path into a mixing optic (32). This improves optical efficiency and allows for the mixing optic (32) to have a flat outer surface, thereby improving manufacturability. This criss-cross optical pattern also allows the opposite mirror structure to be used to support the solar receiver components, eliminating additional brackets. The configuration of the integrated solar concentrator assembly (10) allows frame mounts to be placed on the outboard corners of the assembly, improving the inherent aim accuracy, as well as simplifying installation.

Abstract: A solar reflecting mirror having a curved reflective surface includes a plurality of transparent shaped segments held together by securing facilities to provide a shaped transparent substrate having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface, the concave surface having a focal area. A solar reflecting coating is provided over the convex surface of the shaped substrate to reflect visible and infrared waves of the electromagnetic scale to the focal area of the shaped transparent substrate. A method of making the solar mirror is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter includes micro-optics having first and second concentrator arrays. A transducer laterally displaces one of the first and second concentrator arrays between transmissive and shuttered modes. In the transmissive mode, the arrays of concentrators are optically aligned to permit electromagnetic energy passing through the first array of concentrators to pass through the second array of concentrators. In the shuttered mode, the electromagnetic radiation is blocked from passing through the second array of concentrators. The concentrators may be compound parabolic concentrators, or lenslets positioned on opposing plates with pinholes printed therethrough. The shutter may increase f-number of radiation passing therethrough, and may be used in a limited f-cone radiation source with shuttering abilities, for example reducing f-cone of radiation output from the radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the capture of solar energy with high angular efficiency which eliminates the use of the tracking systems normally present in the devices for the capture of solar radiation known to the state of the art, as well as systems of generation of electric or electromagnetic fields suitable for modifying some physical properties or the relative positions of some components of the system.

Abstract: An optical apparatus capable of illuminating an irradiation surface under a required illumination condition capable of achieving a high light efficiency while keeping a small light loss due to, for example, the overlap error of illuminating fields. The optical apparatus, which illuminates a first area with light from a light source while the first area is longer in a second direction intersecting a first direction than in the first direction, includes a collector optical member which is arranged in an optical path between the light source and the first area, and condenses the light from the light source to form a second area in a predetermined plane, the second area being longer in a fourth direction intersecting a third direction than in the third direction; and a first fly's eye optical member which is provided within the predetermined plane including the second area, and has a plurality of first optical elements guiding the light of the collector optical member to the first area.

Abstract: A light concentrating optical element includes: a substrate; and a plurality of micro-optical members dispersed inside the substrate. The plurality of micro-optical members each direct light having been transmitted through the substrate and having entered a micro-optical member along an entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along a matching direction matching the entering direction, and direct light having entered the micro-optical member along an other entering direction, so that the light exits the micro-optical member along an exiting direction, resulting in an advancing direction of light having entered the substrate through a substrate front surface and advancing through the substrate being deflected via the plurality of micro-optical members to extend along the matching direction; and the light having been deflected so as to advance through the substrate along the matching direction is concentrated at an end area of the substrate.

Abstract: A reflector for solar thermal power generation includes a light collecting mirror attached to a self-supporting base material. The light collecting mirror includes at least: a flexible supporting body; and a light/heat reflective layer provided on at least one side of the supporting body. The self-supporting base material has any one of configurations A and B below: A: the base material includes a pair of metallic plates and an intermediate layer provided between the metallic plates, the intermediate layer being a layer having a hollow structure or a layer composed of a resin material; and B: the base material is composed of a resin material layer having a hollow structure.

Abstract: A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tacking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to photonic energy are provided. A device includes a reflector bearing a surface treatment and defining one or more photonic energy-concentrating areas. Target entities such as photovoltaic cells or thermal absorption conduits are disposed at the respective photonic energy-concentrating locations. A transparent cover can be used to protect the reflector. A foam material characterized by structural rigidity is disposed between and in contact with the backside of the reflector and a support housing. The assembled device resists bending, twisting or other deformation by virtue of the rigidity of the foam material.

Abstract: Various configurations of solar collectors are defined. Some solar collectors are formed from flat glass mirrors. Some solar collectors are formed by bending a sheet along a curve.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.

Abstract: A color filter preventing the occurrence of cross-talk between colors while improving light extraction efficiency, a method of manufacturing the color filter, and a light-emitting device are provided. The color filter includes: a plurality of color filter layers for a plurality of colors arranged on a substrate, a plurality of projections arranged in contact with the color filter layers, the projections of which parts on a side closer to the color filter layers are connected to one another; and a reflecting mirror film formed so as to be laid over a side surface of each of the plurality of projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Luminescent Solar Concentrator system (400) and a method for collecting and concentrating external light, particularly sunlight (?1, ?2). The external light is collected by a luminescent converter component (410) having a thickness D and a ratio R=ax/ac between the absorption coefficient ax for sunlight and the reabsorption coefficient ac for luminescence light. Due to the luminescent material comprised by said converter component (410), at least a part of the external light is converted into luminescence light. Moreover, light propagating within the converter component (410) is extracted from it at light extraction sites (EX) having distances W?0.1·R·D from each other. Light extraction components may for example comprise slanted mirroring surfaces (414) and/or optical elements in contact to the converter component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to solar energy are provided. A reflector array is formed from a sheet material. The reflector array includes light concentrators and hinge features. A reflective surface treatment is applied to at least some portions of the reflector array. The reflector array is folded from an initial configuration into an operable configuration by way of the hinges. Housing, framework, foam material or other supports maintain the operable configuration. Photovoltaic cells or other entities are disposed at respective target locations so as receive concentrated photonic energy by way of the light concentrators.

Abstract: An optical system and method to overcome luminescent solar concentrator inefficiencies by resonance-shifting, in which sharply directed emission from a bi-layer cavity into a glass substrate returns to interact with the cavity off-resonance at each subsequent reflection, significantly reducing reabsorption loss en route to the edges. In one embodiment, the system comprises a luminescent solar concentrator comprising a transparent substrate, a luminescent film having a variable thickness; and a low refractive index layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the luminescent film.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable solar collecting system. Since a concave minor has a reflection film on a base material on the side opposite to the side of a solar light incoming surface, peeling, breaking and the like are suppressed by protecting the reflection film by the base material, even when a dropping material is brought into contact with the side of the reflection film with impact or accumulated dropped materials are periodically cleaned. As an elliptical mirror has a reflection film on the base material on the side of the solar light incoming surface, even when solar light having large energy enters, the solar light is reflected by the reflection surface before reaching the base material and there is a small possibility of having the base material heated.

Abstract: A solar concentrator comprises an upper transparent surface and a lower transparent surface. A reflective layer is on the lower transparent surface. The lower transparent surface is shaped such that the reflective layer reflects and concentrates incident light. A second concentrator which is a parabola is formed on the upper transparent surface as an integral portion of the surface such that the second concentrator reflects the concentrated sunlight back to the center of the lower transparent surface. The lower transparent surface further comprises a CPC (Compound Parabolic Concentrator) which is an integral portion of the surface to accommodate the concentrated light and couple it to receiver.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system has a solar receiver with an external surface configured for high absorption of light incident thereon. The solar receiver also has a plurality of light-reflecting elements arranged on the external surface. The light-reflecting elements produce at least partially diffuse reflection of light energy incident thereon. Heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto the external surface of the solar receiver. An imaging device provides a digital image of at least a portion of the external surface of the solar receiver. A controller can control the heliostats in response to apparent brightness of the light-reflecting elements as represented in the digital image.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar collection apparatus and a steam generator including the same. The solar collection apparatus includes a housing having an open upper surface; a dual glass plate coupled with the upper surface of the housing and formed therein with a storage space for receiving and storing water, in which solar light is transmitted through the dual glass plate; a first mirror fixed to a lower surface of the housing to collect and reflect the solar light transmitted through the dual glass plate; a second mirror fixed in the housing to reflect the solar light reflected from the first mirror; and an optical fiber having a first end located in the housing to receive the solar light reflected from the second mirror and a second end connected to a place of use to transmit the solar light to the place of use.

Abstract: A mirror module including one or more rib elements made of the same materials as a rear plate and/or front plate. The rib elements are placed between the rear glass plate and the front glass plate to afford rigidity to the mirror module. Since the rib elements are made of the same materials as the rear plate and/or front plate, the rib elements have the same or similar coefficients of thermal expansion as the rear plate or the front plate. Consequently, when the mirror module is subject to temperature fluctuation, the rib elements exert less stress on the glass plates compared to structure elements made of the materials different from the rear or front glass plate. The rib elements may also be integrated with the rear plate to simplify the process for manufacturing the mirror module.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with solar energy. A curved surface includes integral support ribs extending away from a backside thereof. A dichroic surface treatment is born on the curved surface to define a curved dichroic surface. A curved reflector is disposed apart from the backside of the curved dichroic surface. Photovoltaic cells can be disposed at respective photonic energy concentration regions defined by the curved dichroic surface and the curved reflector.

Abstract: A solar reflective condensing device, including a condensing film (2), a face-contour bottom plate (3), and a face-contour focusing support (4). The condensing film (2) is arranged on a top surface of the face-contour bottom plate (3). The face-contour bottom plate (3) is a thin plate, a bottom surface of which is attached to a top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4), and reproduces the shape of the top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4). The face-contour focusing support (4) includes a top optical surface (4a) and a focusing structure (4b) integrated with the face-contour focusing support. The top optical surface (4a) is positioned on the top surface of the face-contour focusing support (4), and a central point of the focusing structure (4b) integrated with the face-contour focusing support is positioned at a focus (f) of the top optical surface (4a).

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.

Abstract: Advanced stationary solar concentrating wedges are described. Using the latest collection optics, sunlight is directed into the wedge to produce a short hot focus. The wedge acceptance angle allows for a two-sided collector. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber. The scalable wedge will be useful in making steam for motive power and purified water for human consumption.

Abstract: A heliostat device comprising: a mirror assembly (1); an elevation angle adjusting mechanism; an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism; a alignment sensor (4) which faces to the mirror assembly and sends out elevation angle controlling signals and azimuth angle controlling signals to control the reflecting direction of the mirror assembly; and a post (5) which supports the back side of the mirror assembly, wherein a supporting arm (10), on one end of which is mounted the alignment sensor, and the other end of which is fixed on the post, passes through a gap of the mirror assembly under the center mirror (1a), and thereby the alignment sensor protrudes to the front of the center mirror, such that all of the reflected light from the mirror assembly is controlled to strike the target of the collector during the motion of the sun.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector for uniaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, comprising an elastic panel and a means that introduces the oppositely directed bending moments from two opposite sides into the panel. The invention further relates to a receiver for highly concentrating thermal solar collectors, the receiver being arranged inside a protective casing, wherein the protective casing is radiopaque and has an opening that is sealed air-tight, through which opening the radiation can penetrate into the interior of the protective casing. One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor for uniaxially and biaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, the sensor having a hollow body, in which a photoelectric cell is arranged and which has an opening, in which a transparent scattering element is arranged, wherein the outside of the hollow body is reflective to radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concave reflecting mirror (10) for a heliostat, said concave reflecting mirror being provided with: a reflecting member (11) wherein a mirror surface section (15) is provided on the front surface of a base material (14), the rigidity of the peripheral portion is lower than that at the center, and the mirror surface section (15) can be elastically deformed such that the mirror surface section forms a concave paraboloidal surface; a frame member (12), which supports the peripheral portion of the rear surface (16, 35) of the reflecting member (11); and an adjusting member (13), which is attached to the frame member (12), at a position facing substantially the center of the rear surface (16, 35) or that of the front surface of the reflecting member (11), and which elastically deforms the reflecting member (11) by pulling the rear surface (16, 35) of the reflecting member (11) or pressing the front surface of the reflecting member (11).

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: The invention relates to a segment of a solar collector extending in a longitudinal direction, said segment being provided with a plate arrangement having a two-dimensional upper side on which a reflective layer is arranged. A plurality of rib elements are arranged on a lower side of the plate arrangement, each rib element extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the solar collector. At least one rigidifying element, preferably at least one brace element, extends in the longitudinal direction of the solar collector, connecting the rib elements.

Abstract: A mirror includes multiple layers, each layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A first layer is a cementitious material and a second layer is a material compatible with the cementitious material. A first surface of the second layer is integral to the first layer. The second layer is thinner than the first layer and includes an additive that provides electrical conductivity. A third layer provides a transition between the second layer and a reflective surface. A first surface of the third layer is in direct contact with a second surface of the second layer. A fourth layer provides the reflective surface. A first surface of the fourth layer is in direct contact with a second surface of the third layer. A fifth layer includes a transparent material. A first surface of the fifth layer is in direct contact with a second surface of the fourth layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for selective thermal treatment of tissue, below the surface, while avoiding injury to the superficial layers of the tissue. The apparatus comprises a reflective beam conversion system for providing a pre-selected therapeutic dose of light energy of optimal spectrum and optimal pulse duration to a confined target volumes at predetermined depth under the tissue surface, while reducing the thermal exposure of the surface of the tissue, and the overlying and surrounding tissues. The method is advantageous for treating a variety of medical and dermatological conditions in a safer and more effective manner.

Abstract: An example space-based power generation panel arrangement includes a first reflective panel and at least one heat pipe configured to communicate thermal energy to the first reflective panel and a second reflective panel. The heat pipe is configured to hinge the first reflective panel to the second reflective panel.

Abstract: A reflector (e.g., mirror) for use in a solar collector or the like is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a reflector is made by (a) forming a reflective coating on a thin substantially flat glass substrate (the thin glass substrate may or may not be pre-bent prior to the coating being applied thereto), (b) optionally, if the glass substrate in (a) was not prebent, then cold-bending the glass substrate with the reflective coating thereon; and (c) applying a plate or frame member to the thin bent glass substrate with the coating thereon from (a) and/or (b), the plate or frame member (which may be another thicker pre-bent glass sheet, for example) for maintaining the thin glass substrate and coating thereon in a desired bent orientation in a final product which may be used as parabolic trough or dish type reflector in a concentrating solar power apparatus or the like.

Abstract: The light concentrator having a primary optical element which has an optical axis and a core comprising a rigid body which is co-linear with the optical axis and configured to support the primary optical element.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar concentrator structure including a first concentrating element. The first concentrating element includes a first aperture region, a first exit region, a first side and a second side. The solar concentrator structure further includes a second or more concentrating elements integrally coupled with the first concentrating element in a parallel manner. The second concentrating element includes a second aperture region, a second exit region, the third side, and a fourth side. The third side joins with the second side to form an apex notch structure characterized by a radius of curvature. Additionally, the solar concentrator structure includes a separation region by a width separating the first exit region from the second exit region and a triangular region including the apex notch structure and a base defined by the separation region and a refractive index of about 1 characterizing the triangular region.