Abstract: A detector for use in detecting reflected or scattered light pulses for a lidar system includes a primary lens, a secondary lens, and a photodiode array. The primary lens is configured to collect and focus the light pulses, the secondary lens is configured to receive and further focus the light pulses from the primary lens, and the photodiode array is configured to receive and sense the light pulses from the secondary lens. At least one of the primary lens or the secondary lens are configured using liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

Abstract: An optical device includes a first axicon lens to which collimated light is incident and which is configured to form diverging ring-shaped light; a lens to which the ring-shaped light formed by the first axicon lens is incident and which is configured to form ring-shaped collimated light; and a condensing mirror that is configured to condense the ring-shaped collimated light formed by the lens. A photoacoustic microscope includes the optical device described above and a detector that is configured to detect an acoustic wave caused by light condensed by the condensing mirror.

Abstract: A waveguide for plastic welding has an entry end, an exit end as well as a first and a second inner face arranged between the entry end and the exit end, which are arranged opposite to each other and by means of which laser light can be reflected. A first distance between the entry end and the exit end defines a length of the waveguide and a second distance between the first and the second inner face defines a thickness of the waveguide. The exit end may be arranged opposite to the entry end and a central plane of the waveguide may extend centrally from the entry end to the exit end. The first inner face comprises a continuously curved, concave shape so that a third distance between the first inner face and the central plane varies continuously from the entry end in the direction of the exit end.

Abstract: A reflector array includes a support structure, a motor, a shaft operatively coupled to the motor, a free plate, and a drive plate. The free plate includes a free plate first side and a free plate second side axially opposed to the free plate first side. The free plate further may include a latching mechanism disposed on the free plate second side and a drive plate. The drive plate is rotatably coupled to the shaft. The drive plate includes a drive plate first side and a drive plate second side axially opposed to the drive plate first side. The drive plate further includes a drive plate finger coupled to the drive plate second side. The drive plate finger is configured to contact the latching mechanism in response to rotation of the driver plate. The drive plate finger is further configured to couple the drive plate to the free plate.

Abstract: A device, such as a light-emitting device, e.g. a laser device, comprising: a plurality of group III-V semiconductor NWs grown on one side of a graphitic substrate, preferably through the holes of an optional hole-patterned mask on said graphitic substrate; a first distributed Bragg reflector or metal mirror positioned substantially parallel to said graphitic substrate and positioned on the opposite side of said graphitic substrate to said NWs; optionally a second distributed Bragg reflector or metal mirror in contact with the top of at least a portion of said NWs; and wherein said NWs comprise aim-type doped region and a p-type doped region and optionally an intrinsic region there between.

Abstract: A solar radiation conversion device is described that uses a luminescent Tm2+ inorganic material for converting solar radiation of at least part of the UV and/or visible and/or infrared solar spectrum into infrared solar radiation, preferably the infrared solar radiation having a wavelength of around 1138 nm; and, a photovoltaic device for converting at least part of the infrared solar radiation into electrical power.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a luminescent solar concentrator having a vitreous or plastic matrix containing colloidal indirect band-gap semiconductor nanocrystals and in particular silicon nanocrystals.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a solar tracker (1000) comprising at least: a mobile device (1100) comprising at least: a table (1110) comprising at least one solar energy collector device (1112); a support structure (1120); first support arch (1130) and a second support arch (1150) configured to support the support structure (1120); a first ground support (1140) and a second ground support (1160) configured to support the first support arch (1130) and the second support arch (1150), respectively; a kinematic drive device (1141); the solar tracker (1000) being characterized in that: the support structure (1120) is a beam formed of a lattice structure comprising: at least one first, one second and one third longitudinal members; a plurality of crossmembers; a plurality of tie rods (1225).

Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for solarizing soil using a moveable optical focusing array. In one example, an apparatus to solarize soil from a moveable platform includes a vehicle, an array of mirrors located on the exterior of the vehicle, in which the mirrors are steerable to control the orientation of the mirrors to direct sunlight to a spot on soil that generates heat to a solarize the soil, and a sensor coupled to the vehicle to measure the temperature of the soil, in which the orientation of the mirrors is determined based at least in part on the measured temperature to control the temperature of the soil.

Abstract: A seat illuminating system (101D) for, in particular sunlight-like, illuminating a target region (144) comprises a seat arrangement (140) having a seat surface (142A). The target region (144) is defined for a person sitting on the seat surface (142A). The seat illuminating system (101D) comprises further a mounting structure (150A) being spatially fixed with respect to the seat arrangement (140); a reflector unit (106) mounted at the mounting structure (150A) and comprising a reflective surface and a luminous layer for homogenously emitting diffuse light at a first color, the luminous layer extending in front of the reflective surface and comprising a visible front area section (110A) of the reflector unit (106).

Abstract: A color shifting illuminator includes a first luminescent material that absorbs first incident photons having an energy greater than or equal to a first threshold energy, and emits first photons with less energy than the first incident photons. The color shifting illuminator also includes a second luminescent material that absorbs second incident photons having an energy greater than or equal to a second threshold energy, and emits second photons with less energy than the second incident photons and less energy than the first photons. The first luminescent material and the second luminescent material are included in a waveguide, and the waveguide exhibits total internal reflection for the first photons and the second photons satisfying conditions for total internal reflection. An extraction region is coupled to the waveguide to emit the first photons and the second photons.

Abstract: A curvature adjustment device of a curved display screen, a curvature adjustment method for a curved display screen and a curved display device. A curvature adjustment device for a curved surface display screen includes: a supporting back plate, which is a supporting plate having a fixed curvature; an elastic back plate, which is connected to the supporting back plate and capable of being elastically deformed to change a curvature; and an adjusting device, configured to adjust the curvature of the elastic back plate. The adjustment device is used to change the curvature of the elastic back plate, such that the display screen can be curved into different arc shapes, improving the applicability of the curvature adjustment device of the curved display screen.

Abstract: A support structure for solar panels is comprised of two or more circular and concentric tracks or rails on which a plurality of pylons are mounted. The pylons are parallel and equipped with support wheels so as to support, through respective frames, a plurality of solar panels. The pylons rotate with respect to the common center of the concentric tracks so as to carry out a rotational movement for the azimuthal tracking (RA) of the sun (from east to west), while a plurality of actuators, which are mounted within each pylon, move one or more panels in order to obtain a rotational movement for the zenithal tracking (RZ). The combination of the two rotations is controlled by an electronic control unit, so as to follow at every moment of the day the sun's position. The support structure may be mounted on poles and can be isolated or can be installed on coverings, building roofs or generic flat surfaces.

Abstract: Antenna system includes an elongated antenna feed tower structure having a tower base at one end which includes a plurality of feet arranged to align with a plurality of predetermined structural mounting points associated with a space vehicle bus. The antenna system also includes a deployable reflector assembly comprising a hub ring. The hub ring includes a reflector deployment mechanism around which a plurality of reflector ribs are disposed. The hub ring is advantageously arranged to engirdle the feed tower assembly. As such, the central aperture is configured to receive the feed tower assembly therein after the feed tower has already been mounted to the space vehicle.

Abstract: A resonator coupled to a system exhibiting a negative phase index of refraction presents a magnified absorption cross-section providing an optical element that can be used for enhancing taggant detection or increasing photodetector efficiency.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for heliostat mirror control. Here, each heliostat mirror generates a low intensity “signal beam”, directed at an angle off from the heliostat mirror's high intensity and sensor blinding “main beam” of reflected solar energy. The low intensity signal beams may be created by reflecting a small portion of the incident solar light at an angle from the main beam, by reflected artificial light, or from lasers shinning onto mirrors from known locations. The signal beams are detected by optical sensors mounted way from the main heliostat receiver focus, and can be used in a closed loop control system to efficiently ensure that individual heliostat mirrors in a heliostat array accurately track sunlight and direct the sunlight to a central receiver. Because heliostat mirrors need not be taken “off sun” for positioning, the system allows heliostat arrays to be run at high efficiency.

Abstract: A composite particle that includes: a fluorescent semiconductor core/shell nanoparticle (preferably, nanocrystal); and a phthalic acid derivative attached to the core/shell nanoparticle outer surface, wherein the phthalic acid derivative (prior to attachment to the nanoparticle) has the following Formula (I): wherein each R is independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 or more carbon atoms and wherein n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The system and method for modifying the output beam parameters of a plurality of laser diode array sources comprises scalable pump sources for use with diode pumped alkali lasers. The present invention optimizes a diode laser pump source by spectrally-narrowing stacks of diode laser array bars using a single external cavity outfitted with a proprietary step-mirror and cylindrical optical elements. The system and method of the present invention multiplies by one-hundred fold the number of stacks that can be narrowed, vastly increasing the attainable power output by utilizing beam-splitters.

Abstract: Lighting system including first and second enclosures, and pivotable joint assembly. First enclosure is elongated along first longitudinal axis and configured for mounting array of plurality of lighting modules; and includes: two opposing end panels spaced apart along first axis; first and second spaced-apart pairs of opposing elongated side panels; and four elongated enclosure edges joining together first and second pairs of side panels. Second enclosure is elongated along second longitudinal axis and configured for containing lighting module power supply; and includes: two opposing end panels spaced apart along second axis; third and fourth spaced-apart pairs of opposing elongated side panels; and four elongated enclosure edges joining together third and fourth pairs of side panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to bi-directional long-cavity semiconductor lasers for high power applications having two AR coated facets (2AR) to provide an un-folded cavity with enhanced output power. The lasers exhibit more uniform photon and carrier density distributions along the cavity than conventional uni-directional high-power lasers, enabling longer lasers with greater output power and lasing efficiency due to reduced longitudinal hole burning. Optical sources are further provided wherein radiation from both facets of several 2AR lasers that are disposed at vertically offset levels is combined into a single composite beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for configuring and arranging heliostats for use in a solar power system. The present invention seeks to improve the overall energy harvesting capacity of a heliostat system while using minimal land area and providing maximum access paths. The present invention teaches that, instead of raising the height of the tower or spacing heliostats according to a rigid schedule, it may be advantageous to vary the height of individual mirrors within a heliostat group, thus mitigating blocking while nonetheless permitting adjacent rows of heliostats to be placed close to one another.

Abstract: An exit-side fly-eye mirror is provided with a first mirror block having a mirror element as one of a plurality of mirror elements, and a second mirror block having a mirror element as one of the plurality of mirror elements. The first mirror block has a connecting part that protrudes from an area other than the mirror surface of the mirror element, the connecting part providing a connection to the second mirror block. With the connecting part of the first mirror block, a plurality of mirror elements that includes the mirror element of the second mirror block is positioned relative to the mirror element of the first mirror block.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a solar tracker assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a track, a centrally-positioned base member, a motor operably coupled to the base member, and a plurality of arms extending from the base member towards the track, with the track including a plurality of arcuate members that are assembled to form the track. A rotatable frame is coupled to the arms and has one or more towers and an actuator positioned on the one or more towers. A pivoting frame is coupled to the one or more towers, with the pivoting frame configured to carry a solar panel array. In operation, the motor can rotate the base member and arms around a Z-axis to position the rotatable frame at azimuth and the actuator can move the pivoting frame around an X-Y axis to position the pivoting frame at zenith.

Abstract: A toroidal heliostat and reflector frame for a heliostat are provided which passively adjust the apparent sagittal and/or tangential focal lengths of the reflector. This adjustment is provided by way of passive deflection of the reflector caused by one or more of gravitationally-induced deflection of one or more components of the heliostat; differential thermal expansion of materials of the heliostat; and/or relative movement between two or more components of the heliostat. Careful design of the heliostat enables optimisation of the power delivery profile and/or shape of the reflected image throughout the day.

Abstract: Optics are provided for use in solar concentrators, the optics having a light guide, a redirecting layer including a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of reflector elements. Sunlight is received by the redirecting lenses, which focus the sunlight onto reflective surfaces of the reflector elements. The reflective surface of each reflector element redirects the light into the light guide, which guides the light toward a solar energy collector, such as a photovoltaic cell. The light from the light guide may be directed onto the solar energy collector by a light conditioning element.

Abstract: A gore assembly is provided which is made from at least two metal panels. The metal panels comprise downturned flanges along opposing radial edges. The flanges point away from an A-surface of the gore assembly and face a B-surface. The panels are fastened to each other along the flanges on the radial edges. In addition, the gore assembly includes further metal reinforcement members fastened to the B-surface of the gore assembly to provide additional structural support to the gore assembly. Moreover, local attachment brackets can be fastened to the panel reinforcement members for further structural support and for mounting the gore assembly to a chassis.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to concentrating daylight collectors and in particular to concentrating daylight collectors useful for interior lighting of a building. The concentrating daylight collectors generally include a cassegrain-type concentrator section that provides for a full-tracking solar collector with one moving part and with a high efficiency of coupling of collected solar irradiation to a stationary duct. In some cases, the disclosed concentrating daylight collectors can be used more conventionally, such as for directing sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell for generation of electrical power, or an absorbing surface for extraction of thermal energy.

Abstract: A light concentrating apparatus is presented. Disclosed apparatuses include a collection of shaped reflectors capable of redirecting incident light, sunlight for example. The reflectors are configured to modify the spatial distribution of the redirected light in a manner where the distribution of light associated with a first dimension is modified differently than the distribution of light associated with a second, different dimension, via a relay of reflections. Contemplated apparatuses generate a substantially collimated output beam subsequent to the relay of reflections.

Abstract: A solid state lighting component comprising a layer having high reflectivity and/or scattering properties, the layer positioned about a solid state lighting component, and manufacturing methods of making same is disclosed. A method of increasing the luminous flux of the solid state lighting component, is also provided.

Abstract: A reflection device including a sheet made of a flexible material with at least one surface having reflective properties including a first edge and a second edge on opposite sides of a center line of the sheet where the first edge and the second edge of the sheet are shaped such that the flexible material is formed into a mostly parabolic shape in cross section when bent about a line perpendicular to the center line and the sheet is secured at two points along the center line.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a waveguide includes: a substrate and a member. The member covers at least a part of the substrate and has a difference in the refractive index from the substrate not less than 2. A plurality of concave parts are provided on the substrate. The concave parts are arrayed on an upper face of the substrate. At least a part of a side face of each of the concave parts includes an arc. An inner diameter of each of the concave parts is not more than 50 nm. Intervals of the neighboring concave parts are not more than the inner diameter. The member fills the concave part.

Abstract: A parabolic collector for the concentration of solar radiation has a reflective surface which is approximated to an ideal paraboloid and has a number of individual collectors. According to the invention, individual collectors are provided with a pressure cell with a concentrator formed from a flexible film, whereby, under operating pressure conditions, the concentrator is curved differently in a predetermined manner in a first and in a second direction for approximating the ideal paraboloid, such that the radius of curvature in the first direction is greater than that in the second direction. The production method for such a concentrator consists in the fact that the outline of the individual collectors is designed in the outline of the parabolic collector, the true dimensions of the individual collectors being determined from the intersection of cylinders positioned on the outline with the paraboloid of the parabolic collector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method including targets for heliostat health monitoring. A controller in communication with a target and the heliostat may be operable to determine heliostat health. The disclosed system and method may be used to automatically focus individual heliostats, as needed, and to generally increase the overall health of a heliostat field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collector and a collector arrangement for generating heat, especially from incident radiation. In principle, such collectors and collector arrangements are know in prior art. An individual collector known in prior art typically comprises of a reflector device (110) for reflecting the incident radiation onto one focusing zone (120-1) of the reflector device (110). A typical collector further comprises an absorber device that is disposed in the focusing zone. In order to provide the reflector device with great inherent stability, particularly against wind and torsion, the inventive reflector device is embodied with a plurality of facet elements (110-I-i, 110-II-n) which are placed at an angle from each other such that the reflector device (110) has a zigzag shaped file (116).

Abstract: A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is L-shaped viewed on end.

Abstract: A dish structure (10) has a virtual front surface, the front surface having a periphery, and a plurality of spaced apart non overlapping elongate front beams (16), each of which extends between two points on the periphery. Each front beam (16) has at least one mounting area (20) for receiving a reflective panel (150), the at least one mounting area (20) conforming substantially to the virtual front surface in the longitudinal direction of the front beam (16).

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.

Abstract: A solar collector module has a support frame provided for attachment of a number of reflector elements forming a parabolic trough when viewed in a longitudinal direction, wherein on each of the end faces the support frame has, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, a respective coupling plate, which is provided with a number of adjusting elements, for connection to the support frame of a neighbouring module. The coupling plates are designed in pairs with regard to the adjusting elements thereof in such a way that the adjusting elements of the first coupling plate each have a reference bearing surface for a contact surface of an adjusting element of the second coupling plate.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed including: a non-imaging secondary concentrator having an entry aperture and an exit aperture, and configured to receive light focused by a primary focusing element from a source onto the entry aperture. The non-imaging secondary concentrator includes: a first portion proximal the entry aperture; and a second portion proximal the exit aperture which is not rotationally symmetric about an optic axis. The optical device further comprises a means for homogenizing the light focused onto the entry aperture of the secondary concentrator.

Abstract: A solar concentrating system including a concentrator operative to track the Sun so as to concentrate incident sunlight on to a focal location, the concentrator including a support structure, and an array of concentrating reflectors mounted on the support structure, wherein at least one of the reflectors is formed with a reflective surface facing the Sun and configured as a concave surface such that the incident sunlight impinging on the reflective surface is reflected on to the focal location, the array of concentrating reflectors being mounted on the support structure in a Fresnel-like reflector arrangement thus defining the concentrator as a Fresnel reflector.

Abstract: A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber (2), an anchoring frame (8) and an inflatable concentrator pad (3), which has a light-transmissive entry window (4) for coupling in the solar radiation and a reflector film (5) subdividing the concentrator pad (3) into at least two cavities (6, 7), wherein the reflector film (5) is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber (2) which is arranged in the cavity (6) of the concentrator pad (3), and with an anchoring frame (8), arranged outside of the concentrator pad (3), for anchoring the concentrator pad (3), wherein the absorber (2) is attached to the anchoring frame (8) by means of an absorber mount (15) and the concentrator pad (3) has at least one attachment opening (26) for the absorber mount (15) to pass through.

Abstract: A space frame having a high torsional strength comprising a first square bipyramid and two planar structures extending outward from an apex of the first square bipyramid to form a “V” shape is disclosed. Some embodiments comprise a plurality of edge-sharing square bipyramids configured linearly, where the two planar structures contact apexes of all the square bipyramids. A plurality of bridging struts, apex struts, corner struts and optional internal bracing struts increase the strength and rigidity of the space frame. In an embodiment, the space frame supports a solar reflector, such as a parabolic solar reflector. Methods of fabricating and using the space frames are also disclosed.

Abstract: The primary mirror support structure comprises an EL rotation structure including two arc-shaped members, a truss structure frame, and a primary mirror support structure. The arc-shaped members face each other via the EL axis and supporting the primary mirror, each of which rotates about the EL axis along an outer surface so as to rotate the primary mirror about the EL axis. The truss structure frame is connected to either one of the arc-shaped members at the ends. The primary mirror support structure includes multiple support members connecting multiple points on the circumference of the primary mirror provided above the truss structure frame to the truss structure frame. At least the support members nearest to the arc-shaped members are connected to the truss structure frame at parts different from the ends at which the truss structure frame is connected to the arc-shaped members.

Abstract: A plural axis sun tracking system, including a base, a spatial structure assembly, and a rotating system mounted on the base for rotating the spatial structure assembly, where the spatial structure assembly includes a frame having a lower portion at a first peripheral end of the spatial structure assembly and an upper portion at a second peripheral end of the spatial structure assembly, the lower portion being more proximal to the rotating system than the upper portion, and an anchoring location for anchoring the spatial structure assembly to the rotating system, the anchoring location located at the lower portion, where the mass of the frame increasingly recedes as the distance from the anchoring location towards the upper portion increases.

Abstract: A textured reflector for a solar cell of thin film type is produced by deposition of a metal film on a support through openings of a mask. The mask is formed by a thin film formed by coplanar and preferably joined balls, the gaps between the balls forming the openings of the mask. The thin film is further advantageously formed by balls made from silica or from polymer material.

Abstract: A solar concentrator has frame members connected together to form a framework, and a flexible sheet attached to the framework such that the flexible sheet takes a loose shape and can flex in response to shaping forces exerted thereon. The sheet has a reflective surface located between the frame members. A shaping force system is operative, when activated, to exert the shaping forces on the sheet, the shaping forces configured to draw the sheet from the loose shape into a desired shape such that solar rays striking the reflective surface are focused on a target, and a solar energy receiver is attached to the framework at a location corresponding to the target. Thin wall tubing filled with pressurized air can provide strong light frame members. When the shaping force system is deactivated, the flexible sheet reverts substantially to the loose shape.

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: An array of Fresnel reflectors is presented with an adjustable focus. The focus of the array is controlled by only a few mechanical parts and simple inputs. One preferred embodiment of this device is to collect sunlight and focus it onto a photovoltaic (PV) cell or a boiler, for the purpose of collecting solar energy. This solar collector, or heliostat, is easily adjusted so that it always directs the sun's rays onto the PV cell or boiler.

Abstract: Spherical mechanical linkages may include a yoke defining a first axis and a second axis, a crank rotatably coupled to the yoke about the first axis; a deflecting member that defines a plane and that is coupled to the crank along a third axis, and a rocking frame slideably coupled to the yoke in the plane defined by the deflecting member and rotatably coupled to the yoke about the second axis. One or more components of the spherical mechanical linkage may be symmetric about an axis. A payload, such as a mirror or a camera, can be mounted on the linkage as part of a multi-axis tracker.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.