Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for concentrating light for solar thermal and solar photovoltaic generating systems. The system includes a plurality of concentrating regions. Each concentrating region includes an input end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, an output end having a perimeter or width in a lenticular configuration, and a portion located therebetween defined by a reflective boundary. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a light collection system. The method includes forming a film having multiple recesses. Each recess includes an input end, an output end and a reflective boundary. The output end has a smaller perimeter or a width in a lenticular configuration than a perimeter or a width of the input end in the lenticular configuration.

Abstract: A collimating device and a transflector for use in a system having a backlight is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the application, the collimating device and the transflector each include an immersing layer, a reflecting layer, and an optical element layer formed from a plurality of three-dimensional, optical elements. Each optical element is tapered such that a small area end has a horizontal plane cross-sectional area that is less than that of a wide area end. The optical elements of the collimating device are tapered towards the backlight and the optical elements of the transflector are tapered away from the backlight. The reflecting layer has apertures which correspond to the position and shape of the light input ends of the optical elements.

Abstract: A collimating device and a transflector for use in a system having a backlight is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the application, the collimating device and the transflector each include an immersing layer, a reflecting layer, and an optical element layer formed from a plurality of three-dimensional, optical elements. Each optical element is tapered such that a small area end has a horizontal plane cross-sectional area that is less than that of a wide area end. The optical elements of the collimating device are tapered towards the backlight and the optical elements of the transflector are tapered away from the backlight. The reflecting layer has apertures which correspond to the position and shape of the light input ends of the optical elements.

Abstract: A device which simultaneously maximizes light reflectivity from one side of the device while maximizing light tansmmissivity from the opposite side of the device. The device is configured with distinct regions of transparency and reflectivity including a plurality of reflective structures. The structures generally smaller towards a light transmitting side of the device and larger towards a light reflective side of the device.

Abstract: A device which simultaneously maximizes light reflectivity from one side of the device while maximizing light transmissivity from the opposite side of the device. The device is configured with distinct regions of transparency and reflectivity including a plurality of reflective structures. The structures are generally smaller towards a light transmitting side of the device and larger towards a light reflective side of the device.

Abstract: A film which simultaneously maximizes light reflectivity from one side of the film while maximizing light transmissivity from the opposite side of the film. This is achieved by configuring the film with distinct regions of transparency and reflectivity where the extended boundary of the reflective region is shaped into a light funnel/pipe and where periodically placed discrete and/or extended/continuous shapes are created (such as extended triangular indentations, or discrete shapes such as a cone, a pyramid, or any polyhedron). The reflective region is composed of mirror-like material such as aluminum or silver, but may be a composite paste, a composite material, or multiple materials with different refractive indices or reflective qualities. In some embodiments, the reflective material is embedded in the transparent material such that the base of each shape is approximately parallel to and coincident with, or slightly recessed from the surface of the transparent material.