Abstract: An optical element is provided which includes an optical fiber, and a plurality of fluorophores disposed inside the optical fiber. The fluorophores have a quantum yield greater than 50%, and emit a spectrum of light having a maximum intensity at wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 2000 nm.

Abstract: An optical element is provided which includes an optical fiber, and a plurality of fluorophores disposed inside the optical fiber. The fluorophores have a quantum yield greater than 50%, and emit a spectrum of light having a maximum intensity at wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 2000 nm.

Abstract: A fluorescent liquid penetrant is provided which includes a liquid medium having a plurality of fluorophores disposed therein. Upon excitation with a suitable light source, the penetrant exhibits a quantum yield greater than 40% (or in some embodiments, greater than 90%). In some embodiments, the fluorophore is a low-toxicity quantum dot. In some embodiments, the fluorophore has significantly reduced self-absorption, which allows for surface discontinuity depth measurement. Also disclosed are apparatuses for using these fluorescent liquid penetrants for non-destructive testing purposes. In some embodiments, these tests include measuring the depth of a discontinuity by analyzing photoluminescence intensity and/or photoluminescence peak position shift.

Abstract: A laminated glass luminescent concentrator is provided which includes a solid medium having a plurality of fluorophores disposed therein. In some embodiments, the fluorophore is a low-toxicity quantum dot. In some embodiments, the fluorophore has significantly reduced self-absorption, which allows for unperturbed waveguiding of the photoluminescence over a long distance. Also disclosed are apparatuses for generating electricity from the laminated glass luminescent concentrator, and its combination with buildings and vehicles.

Abstract: A fluorescent liquid penetrant is provided which includes a liquid medium having a plurality of fluorophores disposed therein. Upon excitation with a suitable light source, the penetrant exhibits a quantum yield greater than 40% (or in some embodiments, greater than 90%). In some embodiments, the fluorophore is a low-toxicity quantum dot. In some embodiments, the fluorophore has significantly reduced self-absorption, which allows for surface discontinuity depth measurement. Also disclosed are apparatuses for using these fluorescent liquid penetrants for non-destructive testing purposes. In some embodiments, these tests include measuring the depth of a discontinuity by analyzing photoluminescence intensity and/or photoluminescence peak position shift.