Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon capture system, including an illumination apparatus, the illumination apparatus, including: at least one tray, the at least one tray including a substantially planar base and a peripheral rim around the base to form a receptacle; a supporting frame configured to receive the at least one tray; a light-dispersing layer disposed on a surface of the planar base to enable substantially uniform distribution of light through the planar base; and at least one light source, positioned adjacent the planar base and configured to emit light toward the planar base such that at least a portion of the emitted light is dispersed by the light dispersing layer through the surface of the planar base. The system further includes a carbonation device, a defouler, an automated nutrient dosing system, and a harvester. The carbon capture system may also be configured to carry out a method for determining optimal temporal variations in flux output for algal growth.

Abstract: A device for assessing temporal variations in flux output. The device includes at least one light source, a sample plate; at least one sensor and a processor. The light source can emit light in accordance with temporally varying flux output conditions. The sample plate is affixed above the light source and configured to receive at least one sample. The processor is in communication with the light source and configured to control the light source to provide a flux output, the flux output including at least a duty cycle and a pulse frequency. The sensor is configured to obtain a measurement of at least one response parameter of the sample. The processor is also configured to control the light source to adjust the provided flux output based on the at least one response parameter.