Abstract: A parabola light reflector includes multiple light reflecting surfaces on an umbrella skin. A first or outer skin is used to provide support for and to define the shape of the inner skin. A second or inner skin has a larger surface area than the outer skin and the inner skin is made up of panels of light reflecting material. The panels of the inner skin are stitched together in a variety of different configurations to achieve differing results. The inner skin is configured into a collection of three dimensional folds, creases, bends and angles that significantly increases the surface area of the inner skin that is available to reflect light and to create novel light dispersion patterns from a light source associated with the light reflector.

Abstract: A table comprising a base and a plurality of support members supported by the base is used to shape a mirror. The height of the plurality of support members is adjusted to form a predetermined shape. A mirror is placed over the plurality of support members, such that the mirror assumes the predetermined shape. A frame is then attached to the mirror such that when the mirror and frame are lifted off the table, the mirror substantially retains the predetermined shape.

Abstract: A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of solar energy generating devices, and a roadway system electricity grid. The solar energy generating devices are electrically connected to the roadway system electricity grid and are positioned on part of or near to a road in a system of roads and being optionally fixed in a position such that a multi-form, solar energy gathering network can be formed.

Abstract: A tracking system for reflecting electromagnetic radiation from a source to a target area, having at least one reflecting surface or mirror mounted to a support that fixes the reflecting surface orientation to focus electromagnetic radiation on the target area when the reflecting surface is at a first location at a first predefined time. The system has a path with at least the first location and a second location. The reflecting surface is movable along the path to maintain focus on the target area. The reflecting surface may have an orientation with a fixed declination angle and fixed hour angle. The source may include a moving source such as the Sun.

Abstract: A solar antenna having a parabolic reticular structure (1), which represents a solar ray concentration device, which is provided with heliostats (8) and with a solar concentration point (26); devices are provided which are adapted to define a dimensionally reduced and substantially less cumbersome dimensional shape during transportation. The antenna includes two sub-structures (3,4), which are provided with a distinct articulation adapted to define a dimensionally reduced and substantially less cumbersome shape during its transportation.

Abstract: There is provided an optical element comprising an optical element body, a reflecting area and an optical passageway. The optical element body defines an axis of rotational symmetry. The reflecting area is disposed on the optical element body and adapted to be optically used in an exposure process. The optical passageway is arranged within the optical element body and allows light to pass the optical element body, the optical passageway being arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotational symmetry.

Abstract: A nontracking solar concentrator, called the wedge, is given the ability to collect overhead light. This is made possible by a new prism, having the cross section of a cornucopia, that delivers an abundance of bright light into the wedge to create a higher intensity focus.

Abstract: A highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. This allows maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters.

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 solar concentrator assembly comprises a stepped wave-guide assembly, a reflective mirror assembly, and an optical target providing unit. The stepped wave-guide assembly includes at least one surface, comprising a set of parallel but offset adjacent surfaces, and an opposing surface. The wave-guide assembly propagates light in a total internal reflection mode between the at least one surface and the opposing surface. The wave-guide assembly also includes transition surfaces between the adjacent parallel surfaces and the transition surfaces include edges perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the wave-guide assembly. The reflective mirror assembly includes a plurality of mirrors each being aligned to reflect the light to one of the transition surfaces between two of the parallel adjacent surfaces. The optical target providing unit converts solar energy from the light propagated in the wave-guide assembly to a different form of energy.

Abstract: A collector optical system is provided in which radiation is collected from a radiation source and directed to an image focus. The collector optical system includes one or more mirrors, with each mirror being symmetric about an optical axis extending through the radiation source and each mirror having at least first and second reflective surfaces. The first and second reflective surfaces have a common focus, such that radiation from the source undergoes successive grazing incidence reflections at the first and second reflective surface and wherein the common focus is transversely offset by a predetermined distance ?r with respect to the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer, surface structured solid plate for light guidance, the base material of which consists of a transparent plastic material, and optionally one or more cover layers.

Abstract: A TIRing condensing array includes a plurality of condensing elements with at least one of the condensing elements having a first section and a second section. The first section provides substantially total internal reflection of light entering at a base of the first section. The second section tapers from the first section towards an optical axis extending through the first and second sections. The first and second sections are configured so a half-power angle of the light output from the second section is less than the half-power angle of the light entering the first section. At least one of the condensing elements is optically and mechanically connected to at least one other of the condensing elements at an attachment area between the condensing elements.

Abstract: A reflector assembly for use with a paraboidal reflector comprises a generally-cylindrical body (302) having a plurality of stepped facets (306) extending circumferentially around its internal surface. Each facet serves to reflect divergent light from a light source (308) back onto the primary reflector (314) for re-reflection thereby enhancing the beam produced. Such a reflector can be used with existing lamps or alternatively a purpose built composite reflector incorporating such an element can be designed.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting module comprising a concave reflector, and at least one light source disposed in the concavity of the reflector in order to illuminate at least upwards, and a lens situated in front of the reflector and light source. The reflector is associated with a flat plate, the top face of which is reflective in order to bend the beam coming from the reflector, the said plate comprising a front end edge able to form the cutoff in the lighting beam. The reflector is determined so as to transform a spherical wave surface coming from the source into a wave surface boiling down to an arc of a circle situated in the plane of the plate, and the lens is of revolution about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the plate and passing through the center of the said arc of a circle.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC), a liquid light guide, and an algae mixer. These embodiments may be used singularly or in combination, for example, as part of a bioreactor. In various embodiments an ACPC may be used to capture light without the aid of motors or positioning. As such, the ACPC may be used despite seasonal solar variations. The illuminating light guide may be used to guide light, for example, from an exit aperture of an ACPC, through walls substantially perpendicular to the entrance window of the illuminating light guide. In some embodiments, the illuminating light guide may provide substantially uniform light distribution through a vertical profile. Other embodiments include, for example, an algae mixer and bioreactors.

Abstract: A solar concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) device in which concentrator elements (optics, PV cells and wiring) are laminated to form a composite, substantially planar structure. The concentrator optics are implemented by a solid (e.g. glass) optical element that defines a focal point at which solar light received by the optical element is concentrated. Using vacuum lamination techniques, a printed circuit structure attached by way of an adhesive layer onto a surface of the optical element. The printed circuit structure includes one or more non-conductive layers and conductors that are disposed on the non-conductive layers. The PV cell is connected to printed circuit structure, and is positioned at the focal point of the optical element. Optional front and/or back protective layers are also attached prior to the lamination process. A CPV array includes multiple devices formed on an optical tile using a string-like flexible printed circuit structure.

Abstract: A direct beam solar lighting system for collecting and distributing sunlight into a room. The system includes a rotatable solar collector head to receive sunlight and to reflect the sunlight downward into a transition tube having a reflective interior surface. The light-concentrating transition tube reflects sunlight into a reflective light tube which directs the reflected sunlight through a plenum space into the room. The system includes a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable solar collector, and a light fixture at end of the light tube to disburse said reflected sunlight onto a ceiling and a wall in the room. In an embodiment the system includes one or more homogenizing reflectors within the solar collector for collecting the sunlight and directing the sunlight more uniformly over the aperture of the transition tube. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector includes a rotatable tiltable mirror for providing two-axis tracking.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator system includes a supporting structure and a plurality of solar modules coupled to the supporting structure. Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors. The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell providing two axis concentration. The supporting structure is rotatably connected to a plurality of support members and aligned to allow the supporting structure to rotate about a polar axis. A plurality of optical trusses is connected to the plurality of solar modules and rotatably connected to the supporting structure to allow the plurality of solar modules to be rotated about a declination axis to track a motion of the sun through seasons of the year.

Abstract: A condensing and collecting optical system comprises two asymmetric reflectors. The first and second reflectors comprise a portion of an ellipsoid or paraboloid of revolution having parallel optical axis. A source of electromagnetic radiation is placed at one of the focal points of the first reflector to produce radiation that is received by the second reflector, which focuses the radiation toward a target. To achieve maximum output coupling efficiency, the second reflector has a different focal length than the first reflector such that the radiation inputted to the target has lower angle of incidence.

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 multi-curvature convex mirror is comprised of a first reflective surface having a first curvature and defined by a portion of the surface area of a greater sphere and a second reflective surface having a second curvature greater than the first curvature and defined by a portion of the surface area of a lesser sphere that intersections the surface area of the greater sphere. The primary and secondary reflective surfaces are comprised of a series of locations, each defined by an x, y and z coordinate, determined in accordance with the relationship z = x a + y b where 600?a?1,300 and 100?|b?a|?200.

Abstract: Methods for designing optical systems, including homogenizer element(s), that concentrate light from a distant source, such as the sun, onto a target device, such as a solar cell.

Abstract: An arrangement utilizes diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements combined to intensify and homogenize electromagnetic energy, such as natural sunlight in the terrestrial environment, for purposes such as irradiating a target area with concentrated homogenized energy. A heat activated safety mechanism is also described.

Abstract: A micro-optical device includes a plurality of minute optical elements each having a curved surface operable to condense incident light. The minute optical elements are arranged at constant intervals. The curved surface is expressed by two or more F values. Each of the minute optical elements is a transmission lens element having the curved surface including a substantially flat part at a center of the transmission lens element, wherein the curved surface is convex or concave.

Abstract: A coordinate system defines the length of the curve of a parabola used in constructing a parabolic trough reflector. The origin (0,0) of the coordinate system is at the bottom center of the coordinate system. The two upper points of the coordinate system define the width, height of the parabola. These points are defined as (X1,Y1)=(?width,height), and (X2,Y2)=(width,height). The equation defining the parabola is f(x)=a·x2, where a=height/width2. The plot of this equation produces a parabola that fits into the coordinate system. Two small blocks are used as anchor points for the ends of the parabola. The length of the curve of the parabola is defined in the equation: length(x)=a·[x·(x?{square root over (x2+b2)})+b2·ln(x+?{square root over (x2+b2)})] where b=½·a. An inexpensive trough reflector is constructed out of flexible material. It is used to build a much more complicated six reflector system to concentrate parallel radiation like sunlight much like a magnifying glass.

Abstract: A luminaire assembly generally includes a reflector having a center of symmetry and a lamp supported within the reflector, wherein the lamp is offset from the reflector center of symmetry, whereby light emitted from the lamp is reflected by the reflector in an asymmetric pattern. In a method of illuminating a roadway having traffic moving in a flow direction, a luminaire having a reflector and a lamp is mounted at a side of the roadway and light emitted from the lamp is reflected with the reflector whereby a greater portion of the reflected light is directed in the traffic flow direction than is directed against the traffic flow direction.

Abstract: A compact dual ellipsoidal reflector (DER) system for illuminating a target with rays of electromagnetic radiation comprises first and second molded module. The first molded module has at least a first ellipsoidal reflector section comprising an optical axis, a first focal point and a second focal point. The rays of electromagnetic radiation being directed substantially proximate to the first focal point of the first ellipsoidal reflector section and substantially converge at the second focal point of the first ellipsoidal reflector section. The second molded module has at least a second ellipsoidal reflector section comprising an optical axis, a first focal point and a second focal point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector having a light-diffusing property which suppresses inter-object reflection over a wide angle, and giving particularly high reflectance in an intended range of viewing angle; and to provide a reflection type liquid crystal display device using the same. The reflector includes a plurality of light-reflective concave portions. Each of the concave portions is formed so that an inclination angle (an angle between a plane tangential to a point on a concave surface and the surface of the base material) is maximum on a side portion of the curved surface, and so that the direction of the side portion having the maximum inclination angle is on a far side from a view point of an observer.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously turning and tilting an array of mirror concentrators includes a first stepper motor operable to drive a first lead screw coupled to each row of the array of mirror concentrators, the rotation of the first lead screw simultaneously turning the rows of the array about a first axis thereof, and a second stepper motor operable to drive a second lead screw coupled to each mirror concentrator of each row, the rotation of the second lead screw simultaneously tilting each mirror concentrator about a second axis thereof.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a laser processing system includes a mirror configured to deflect laser radiation incident on the mirror arrangement onto a workpiece. The mirror arrangement includes first, second, and third mirror regions. A surface of the third mirror region is parallel to or recessed from a direction of propagation of the laser radiation incident on the mirror arrangement such that the third mirror region forms a shadow zone.

Abstract: A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of solar energy generating devices, and a roadway system electricity grid. The solar energy generating devices are electrically connected to the roadway system electricity grid and are positioned on part of or near to a road in a system of roads and being optionally fixed in a position such that a multi-form, solar energy gathering network can be formed.

Abstract: Enhancement of the contrast ratio of optical flat panel displays by integrating an array of corner-cube retroreflectors into the front face of the optical display, said integration involving mutual adaptation of both the display and the corner-cube retroreflector geometry to unite the two disparate optical systems. The light emission from the display passes through the truncated vertex of the corner-cubes to the observer. The display directs its emitted light through the vertex apertures (either as a natural behavior, or by interposing a registered array of light concentrators between the display and the corner-cube array). The improvement in contrast ratio arises due to the corner-cube retroreflectors' ability to direct incident ambient light directly back to its source, rather than the viewer's eyes. Ambient light reflections are not attenuated but maximized; this maximization is directed away from the viewer, causing the array to appear dark even in direct sunlight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting the phase of incident light to induce a continuous phase variation in an azimuthal direction. A phase mask apparatus includes a conical mirror assembly and a flexible annular reflector that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the conical mirror assembly. The flexible annular reflector is configured to receive reflected light from the conical mirror assembly. A plurality of driver assemblies are operative to deform the flexible annular reflector as to produce the desired phase response in light reflected from the annular reflector.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the optical elements (mirrors and lenses) of a Fresnel solar concentrator tracking array which approximately eliminates gravitational torque by use of a central universal pivot or gimbals. Linkage torque is produced by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion that is enhanced by the presence of highly polarizable material. This system is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical linkages, the instant invention is applicable for fabrication from the mini- to the nano-technology realm. The elimination of gravitational torque by balancing the optical elements on a universal pivot or gimbals greatly reduces the power required for the optical elements to track the sun and focus sunlight onto a receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical concentrators having one or more spot focus (point, region, area, for example), preferably plural spot foci, provided by one or more optic systems. Other aspects of the present invention provides optical concentrators having self refrigeration devices.

Abstract: A facet mirror (10) is provided with a number of mirror facets (11), in which the mirror facets (11) respectively have a spherical or conical facet body (17) with a reflecting surface (12). The side of the facet body (17) averted from the reflecting surface (12) is mounted in a bearing device (15).

Abstract: Devices and methods that collect, concentrate, and disperse celestial light into spectra of different wavelengths by utilizing a large collection mirror and a means for dispersion located at a focal point.

Abstract: A balanced radiation concentrating device used to focus radiation from a moving source onto a stationary receiver is disclosed. The primary application of such an invention relates to concentrating the radiation from the sun onto a stationary target. In such an application the device may be termed a “ganged heliostat”, which is an array of mirrors controlled by a common positioning mechanism such that each mirror reflects light from the sun onto a stationary target. The design of the device is greatly simplified in comparison to ganged heliostats of the prior art. One major improvement included in the present invention as compared to devices of the prior art is the balancing feature.

Abstract: Collectors with mirror shells arranged inside each other, illumination systems equipped with such collectors, projection exposure apparatuses equipped with such illumination systems, methods of manufacturing microelectronic components with such projection exposure apparatuses, and related systems, components and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a set of alternatively provided first and second reflection surfaces that reflect the light emitted by a first and second respective diodes toward a lamp lens. Each of the first and second reflection surface is a part of a rotational paraboloid having a focus on a light emission source of a respective one of the first and second diodes such that the paraboloids corresponding to reflection surfaces that are farther from the their respective diodes have longer focal lengths.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive polymer composition suitable for making molded reflector articles having light-reflecting surfaces is provided. The composition comprises: a) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a base polymer matrix such as polycarbonate; and b) about 20% to about 80% by weight of a thermally-conductive carbon material such as graphite. The composition can be used to make reflector articles such as housings for automotive tail lamps, head lamps, and other lighting fixtures. A method for manufacturing reflector articles is also provided.

Abstract: An illumination system for a video-imaging device has a light source and a collector of light from the light source. The collector is formed according to the principles of non-imaging optics and receives a portion of the light from the light source. The collector is configured to reduce the angular distribution of the collected light from the light source to match the requirements of a digital pixelation device.

Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a second aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.

Abstract: A method for effecting solar radiation in space prior to the solar radiation reaching Earth. The method includes the steps of choosing a location between the Earth and the sun, focusing reflected solar radiation from two reflectors upon the location, monitoring solar radiation that passes through the focal location, and adjusting the reflectors to increase the size or change the shape of the focal location. The disclosure further includes a structure having a single joint for articulating the structure, where the single joint rotates the structure about a first axis in response to a first input and where the single joint rotates the structure about a second axis in response to a second input.

Abstract: An instrument for a solar energy system including a receiver and a heliostat to reflect solar energy on to the receiver. The instrument includes a first element adapted to form an image of the sun, a second element adapted to form an image of the receiver, and a detector. The detector is positioned to receive each of the images and a comparator is adapted to detect a distance between the images. The comparator generates an error correction signal based on the distance between the images. The error correction signal is received by a controller that controls the operation of a postioner that adjusts the position of the heliostat accordingly.

Abstract: A ground-based tracking heliostat array comprises a first plurality of elongate row mounts. The elongate row mounts are positioned at least partially between, and are supported by, a first side bracket and a second side bracket. The row mounts are rotatable in a first axis. The array further comprises a plurality of optical elements that are mounted to one or more of the elongate row mounts. The array further comprises a linkage that is mechanically coupled to a first plurality of elongate row mounts. Movement of the linkage causes the first plurality of elongate row mounts to simultaneously rotate in the first axis. The array further comprises a motor configured to move the linkage.

Abstract: A light collection system includes a substantially elliptical first reflector that defines first and second focal points on an axis. The first reflector has an annular region that encompasses the first focal point. The annular region has a width W that is the distance of its projection onto the axis in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the width W is less than or equal to about 1/20 of a distance Df between the first and second focal points. A second reflector has an aperture through the second reflector on the axis. The second reflector is shaped and positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the annular region on the first reflector back to the annular region for reflection to a different portion of the annular region and back to the aperture.