Abstract: A solar light concentration plate comprises a plurality of holograms diffracting incident light wherein each of the plurality of the holograms has a thickness, at least one intermediate light guide plate disposed between the plurality of the holograms, and a pair of external light guide plates disposed on outer surfaces of outermost holograms of the plurality of the holograms, wherein at least one of the pair of the external light guide plates has an inner surface and an outer surface inclined relative to the inner surface.

Abstract: A solar simulator including a light source and a light conduit array is provided. The light source is used for emitting a beam of ray radiation. The light conduit array includes a plurality of light conduits closely adjacent to one another. Each of the light conduits has an inner reflecting surface used for reflecting the ray radiation, a light input side, and a light output side opposite to the light input side. The ray radiation enters the light conduits through the light input side and emitting from the light output side.

Abstract: A waveguide is provided on which an electromagnetic wave impinges, the electromagnetic wave having a wavelength ? included in a given interval ?? of interest centered on a ?centr. The waveguide comprises a film defining a surface on a plane on which the electromagnetic waves are apt to impinge, having a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface, the film being realized in a material having a first refractive index; a plurality of scatterers being randomly distributed in two directions in at least a portion of the surface of the film, the scatterers having a substantially constant cross section along said substantially perpendicular direction. The scatterers are realized in a material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, wherein the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic waves is comprised between 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a side-light backlight module with assisting solar light source and which comprises a side-light source; a waveguide having an incident surface facing the side-light source and an emitting surface; an optical film set arranged on top of the waveguide and facing the emitting surface; and an assisting light source directing collected solar light into the incident surface of the waveguide. With the provision of the assisting light source, the solar light can be used as an assisting light source making the backlight module and the liquid crystal display device made therefrom become more environmental friendly.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to re-using the energy of natural light. In some examples, a lighting unit is described. An example lighting unit can include a multiple number of bound light-conductive members. A long-lasting phosphorescent material can be dispersed between the multiple number of bound light-conductive members. A luminance of the lighting unit can be at least several thousand cd/m2.

Abstract: A new concept of the light guide device has developed to have multi channels, the present invention comprises: a transparent body through which light can freely pass; channel condensing units disposed at predetermined intervals on the body to form a plurality of one-dimensional arrays; an optical module unit for independently sighting incident light, and re-sighting and focusing light which passes through the one-dimensional arrays formed by the channel condensing units disposed at predetermined intervals in the body; and a fiber channel module for creating independent light passages (fiber channels) which condense light from the left, right, up and down aspects of the optical module unit, at a one-to-one correspondence between the body and the optical module unit. The present device maximizes the efficiency of the solar energy utilization by reducing the guide distance of incident light.

Abstract: An automatic optical coupling device that uses liquid to couple focused light into a light-guide is described. The liquid moves within a chamber or layer via the thermocapillary effect in order to automatically track and couple a moving spot of focused light. Also provided is the application of these coupling devices in an array feeding into a common light-guide, optical designs to improve the performance of these arrays, and the application of such arrays to light collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrally selective planar optical radiation concentrator, in which different spectral components of solar energy can be collected for different applications such as heat, illumination and electricity. The optical radiation concentrator has two basic components, an angle selective optical filter and a light redistribution reflector for collecting, trapping and concentrating radiant energy. It further comprises a light deflecting component and a fluorescent wavelength shifter to improve acceptance angle and concentration efficiency respectively. The planar optical radiation concentrator exhibits the potential for light weight, high concentration ratio and efficiency, and the ability for passive tracking.

Abstract: A multiplicity of Fresnel lenses are attached to tubular branches of a tree-like support structure. Fiber optic bundles are connected to the Fresnel lenses and routed inside the tubular branches and collected as a larger fiber optic bundle inside a main trunk structure to which each of the branches is connected. The larger fiber optic bundle may be connected to a remotely located power generating plant or other processing facility via a fiber optic transmission network. A domed solar energy collector includes an outer dome and one or more inner domes concentrically nested therewith, one or more Fresnel lenses being positioned on the hemispherical surface of each of the outer and inner domes to thereby multiply the solar energy focused through each of the domes to a collection area within the innermost dome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar light condensing system for realization of natural lighting, and more particularly, to a vertical solar light condensing system which is formed on an outer wall of a building using a reflective member and a light condensing member so as to secure large light condensing area and to increase light condensing efficiency.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.

Abstract: An optical concentrator having a concentrating element for collecting input light, a redirecting element for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so the optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system is presented. The system comprises at least one waveguide arrangement having at least one light input respectively. The waveguide arrangement comprises a core unit for passing input solar radiation therethrough and a cladding material arrangement interfacing with the core therealong. The cladding material arrangement is configured as an array of spaced-apart solar cells arranged along the core unit and having different optical absorption ranges, such that an interface between the waveguide core and the cladding arrangement spectrally splits the photons of the input solar radiation by causing the photons of different wavelengths, while passing through the core unit, to be successively absorbed and thereby converted into electricity by the successive solar cells of said array.

Abstract: A light emitting fixture carried by a ceiling, wherein the fixture includes an electrical light source which emits generated light in response to an electrical signal and an optical fiber with light emitting and light collecting ends. The optical fiber emits collected light from the light emitting end in response to receiving incident light at the light receiving end.

Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously imaging the corona and inner heliosphere of the Sun from a space borne platform. The system includes, a wide-field annular coronagraph (WAC) having annular, aspheric reflecting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system towards the Sun. The WAC incorporates an occulting cone having an axis of symmetry coinciding with that of the reflecting optic system and a baffle system for reducing stray light at angles far from the Sun. The system includes a solar coronal imager (SCI) positioned within the occulting cone of the WAC. The SCI includes axially aligned refracting optics centered on an axis coinciding with the azimuthal orientation of the imaging system and includes at least one occulting disk. The WAC and SCI each utilize digital electronic imaging and associated image processing instrumentation. The occulting cone of the WAC also functions as a radiative cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, system, and method for optimizing and altering electromagnetic frequency using Doppler shifts of electromagnetic radiation, and, in particular, optimizing frequency for application to photovoltaic devices and the like. The device comprises a crystal positioned in a channel undergoing a vibration, wherein an interaction between an incoming electromagnetic radiation and the vibration of the crystal optimizes a frequency of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A device comprising a conversion channel including: a first end configured to accept ambient electromagnetic radiation, the ambient electromagnetic radiation having an initial frequency, a second end configured to allow the ambient electromagnetic radiation to exit, and at least two opposing walls connecting the first end and the second end, wherein the at least two opposing walls include one or more crystals, the at least two opposing walls being separated by at least one-half of a wave length; wherein when the ambient electromagnetic radiation interacts with the one or more crystals of the at least two opposing side walls, the initial frequency of the ambient electromagnetic radiation being repeatedly increased to an optimal frequency is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Hourly CO2 concentration, amount of solar radiation, and plant distribution information are calculated through observation from predetermined satellites. A concentration of CO2 absorbed by plant-chlorophyll per each time unit is calculated. By adding up the CO2 concentration on the earth and the concentration of CO2 absorbed by the plant-chlorophyll, a CO2 concentration obtained provided that no plant-chlorophyll exist is calculated for a certain period. Thereafter, a mean concentration of CO2 that is absorbed according to changes in the distribution of plant-chlorophyll is calculated on the basis of a monthly mean solar radiation amount and plant-chlorophyll distribution information. By subtracting the CO2 concentration, which is a mean, from the total CO2 concentration, a CO2 concentration, which is a normal, is calculated.

Abstract: A bioreactor and bioreactor system are suitable for the growth of materials from algae. More specifically, the system preferred embodiments use concentrated sunlight in a solo- or co-generation system to produce algae and products therefrom as well as solar thermal energy.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting distribution system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates all components.

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a concentrator element for collecting input light, a redirecting component with a plurality of incremental steps for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so system optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a concentrator element for collecting input light, a reflective component with a plurality of incremental steps for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light.

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a concentrator element for collecting input light, a redirecting component with a plurality of incremental steps for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so system optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light pipe having an improved structure of prisms. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises an inner-surface including a linear array of prisms; and a substantially smooth outer-surface, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a hollow base pipe; and an insertion inserted into the base pipe and having a structured surface including an array of prisms, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region.

Abstract: A light guide plate that eliminates haze while obtaining a desired uniformity of luminance to enhance light efficiency. The light guide plate can be used with a backlight unit using the light guide plate and an LCD using the backlight unit. The light guide plate includes an incidence face to allow light emitted from a light source to be incident to the light guide plate, an outgoing face to allow the incident light to exit the light guide plate, a backside face opposite to the outgoing face, and mirror patterns provided at the outgoing face or backside face, and adapted to increase an exiting rate of the light at a low luminance region defined in a vicinity of the light source.

Abstract: A hybrid solar lighting system and components having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one fiber receiver, at least one hybrid luminaire, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator and each hybrid luminaire. A controller operates each component.

Abstract: A solar filter assembly combines a high-precision Fabry-Perot etalon with a variety of conditioning filters judiciously selected to effectively block completely all radiation except for the spectral line of interest. In addition, a tuning mechanism is provided to precisely control the peak frequency of the filter's output by varying the optical length of the etalon's cavity.

Abstract: A light emissive display having a specular waveguide that propagates short wavelength light and photoluminescent features adjacent to the waveguide that fluoresce, for example, in visible red, green, blue, and mixed colors when selectively coupled with the short wavelength light. The photoluminescent layers emit light primarily and, therefore, efficiently in the direction of an observer only. This light emissive display may be utilized as a planar light source, as patterned information signage, or as a re-configurable information display containing intensity modulated pixels. The light emissive display may be enhanced optically such that only a small portion of ambient light is reflected from the display while preserving the majority of emitted display luminance.

Abstract: An artificial and natural lighting system placed in the roof of a building that is substantially self-contained and powered. A photovoltaic cell provides electricity stored in a battery to power light emitting diodes. A highly reflective interior coating applied to the light shaft maximizes lighting intensity. A sensor detects illumination intensity and temperature within the light shaft to control the balance of natural and artificial light provided to maintain predetermined illumination intensity. The light shaft is insulated to reduce heat transfer and a thermal collector removes heat from the building. In one embodiment, a Fresnel lens is utilized to focus natural light onto the photovoltaic cell. In another embodiment, conventional fluorescent lighting powered by external line voltage is combined with light emitting diodes powered primarily by a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A solar collection system and method having means for receiving solar radiation through a main refractive interface and means for internally reflecting at least once, at least a portion of the received solar radiation. The refractive medium may be liquid, gel or solid. The device may be integrated with a photovoltaic device, photohydrolytic device, a heat engine, a light pipe or a photothermal receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light guide film that can take in sunlight or the like for easy guidance of the light to any desired site. The light guide film comprises a flexible transparent film 1 that is provided with entrance means 2 on one side of a part 11 of its longitudinal portion and exit means 2 on one side of other part 12. An intermediate portion 13 between the parts 11 and 12 remains smooth on both sides. Light introduced from the entrance means 2 of the part 11 into the transparent film 1 is guided via the intermediate portion 13 to the exit means 2 of the part 12, from which the light is emitted.

Abstract: An adaptive full spectrum solar energy system having at least one hybrid solar concentrator, at least one hybrid luminaire, at least one hybrid photobioreactor, and a light distribution system operably connected to each hybrid solar concentrator, each hybrid luminaire, and each hybrid photobioreactor. A lighting control system operates each component.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a panel light-guiding element, including the step of rolling a metal body of one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy in at least one pass between at least two rolls to form a rolled product having at least one structured surface as a light guiding structure having a rib pattern of height h and a tooth-like cross-section. The tooth-like cross-section have a periodic structure of rows of triangles. The triangles have bases which follow each other, a first side of each of the triangles running at an angle &agr;, and a second side at an angle &bgr; from the base which has a length l. At least one of the rolls exhibits an embossed pattern that is structured to form the rib pattern in a rolling direction over a full length of the rolled product and is tooth-like in cross-section so that the angle &agr; is in a range of 5 to 60°, the angle &bgr; in a range of 10 to 90°, the length l in a range of 0.01 to 10 mm and the height h is 0.1 to 2 mm.

Abstract: Concentrator for use with photovoltaic devices includes a waveguide (2) incorporating quantum dots. The quantum dots red-shift the incident radiation to produce red-shifted radiation which is internally reflected within the waveguide (2). A photovoltaic device (10) converts the red-shifted radiation to electrical energy.

Abstract: A light-guiding panel element arrangeable on a wall or a ceiling for lighting purposes. The light-guiding panel element including a walled metal body having at least one structured surface as a light deflecting structure with a ray of the pattern height h and a toothed-like cross-section. The tooth-like cross-section represents a period structure of rows of triangles. The triangles have bases that follow each other. A first side of each triangle runs at an angle &agr; and a second side at an angle &bgr; from the base which is length 1. The rib structure runs in a rolling direction, &agr; is an angle of 5 to 60°, &bgr; at an angle of 10 to 90°, a length l is 0.01 to 10 mm and the height h of the rib pattern is 0.1 to 2 mm. A line of contact of both sides of each triangle forms an edge with a radius r1 that is less than l/10.

Abstract: A transmission cell apparatus for in-process spectroscopy comprising symmetric compound parabolic light concentrators (4, 5) terminating optical transmission fibers (8, 9) and abutting windows (2, 3) defining the sample cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sunlight collection apparatus with increased sunlight gathering and receiving capabilities, which is cheap to produce and allows reliable collection of sunlight without having to track the sun. This sunlight collection apparatus has a light collection portion, facing toward the sun, for collecting sunlight; a light conducting portion, having optical fiber cables, for conducting sunlight collected by said light collection portion indoors; and a light scattering portion, provided at a tip of said light conducting portion, for lighting a room with sunlight conducted by said light conducting portion. The light collection portion has a plurality of lens elements arranged facing in the direction of the sun, with the front surface of each lens element which faces toward the sun having a curved surface. The lens elements have a tapered shape in a rearward direction from the front surface.

Abstract: A light pipe with Solar Bulb energy conservation system that includes: one or more solar and/or artificial light sources; one or more opaque and/or transparent hollow tubular conduits; a reflective material means covering the inside surfaces of the hollow tubular conduits; a mirror at either end of the conduits and between any vertical and horizontal connecting joint sections; a plurality of photovoltaic cell arrays mounted on substrates, positioned inside the hollow tabular conduits, whereby part of the light energy source illuminates, and part of the light energy source is converted into electric energy. The light pipe system optionally includes: an exterior transparent protective dome and reflector; a light concentrator means; a battery charge controller; a rechargeable battery or plurality of batteries; a DC to AC inverter; an AC/DC light ballast, with a battery charge switch; and single or multiple light fixtures, that include conventional bulbs, and/or Power Saver Bulbs, and/or Solar Bulbs.

Abstract: A liquid light guide system for ultraviolet light is disclosed that has a light shaping arrangement for the emitted light, a stable liquid core and sheath and reliable and effective end closures.

Abstract: A light transmitting apparatus of the present invention has cylindrical ducts in which the light transmits, the ducts having an internal light reflection effect and a bending portion having an internal light reflection effect, a cross section of the bending portion is elliptical; wherein the bending portion connects the ducts. Accordingly, the present invention can improve the light transmitting efficiency of the bending part of the apparatus for transmitting the light.

Abstract: A light coupler includes an array of non-imaging optical microcollectors. Each of the microcollectors has an entrance aperture for receiving light emitted from a source, an optical axis, and an exit aperture for emitting the light received by the entrance aperture. The array of non-imaging optical microcollectors are adapted and arranged such that the entrance apertures together subtend an acceptance angle for accepting divergent light emitted from the source and such that the optical axes of the non-imaging optical microcontrollers converge. The acceptance angle preferably is substantially matched to a divergence angle of the source. The entrance apertures can be mapped to a portion of a spherical surface (e.g., a hemisphere) which has a radial center at an apparent or actual center of the source. Alternatively, the entrance apertures can be mapped to a portion of a parabolic surface which has a focus at an apparent or actual center of the source.

Abstract: A procedure is described for wet chemical surface modification of formed articles and substrates coated with made of organopolysiloxanes: the articles formed were contacted with metal hydroxide solutions to tailor the binding capacity for ions, particularly metal ions, bivalent cations, organic macro anions, and organic macro cations, e.g. proteins. The procedure creates organopolysiloxane surfaces which are better wettable, have reduced surface resistance, are less sticky, are smoother and more biocompatible.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a planar luminescent solar concentrator including an optical fiber comprised of laser material. Solar energy collected by the concentrator is processed into laser radiation emitted by the optical fiber with high energy density corresponding to a concentration factor much greater than possible with prior art luminescent solar concentrators.

Abstract: An optical coupling assembly is useful for coupling a source of light, having high brightness and focussed at a focal plane, to a plurality of optical light conductors. The coupling assembly includes a light transmissive elongated segmented rod-shaped coupling member formed of a plurality of longitudinal sections and a retainer member for holding the longitudinal sections together in an assembled relationship. The coupling member has a central longitudinal axis and at an input end is disposed at the focal plane of the light source, while at an output end is disposed against leading ends of the plurality of optical light conductors. Each longitudinal section of the coupling member has a plurality of spaced longitudinal surfaces capable of internally reflecting light traveling within the longitudinal section.

Abstract: An optical waveguide hose includes a hollow tubular cladding, a fluid core in the cladding, the fluid having a higher index of refraction than the cladding, and sealing plugs mated with opposite end openings of the cladding. In one form, the core fluid is filled in the cladding under positive pressure. In another form, a sheath of a gas barrier material encloses the outer periphery of the cladding. The pressurized fluid core or the gas barrier sheath prevents air from penetrating into the core, allowing the hose to maintain its light transmission function.

Abstract: Nonmaterial deflector-enhanced collector (NDC) is a device in which a nonmaterial, such as electromagnetic (EM) wave, provides a medium in which an obliquely incident nonmaterial (IN) can be intercepted and deflected, so that by proper arrangement, some desired objective can be achieved, such as: deflecting, concentrating, diverging, protecting, receiving, propagating/guiding--by many (fiber-optic-like) deflections--the IN. NDC comprises: a projector of nonmaterial, PON, its projected nonmaterial deflector(s) ND, and (intended) collector or receiver, C or R. The projector projects the ND obliquely towards the incident nonmaterial to be deflected, IN (such as EM radiation) so that this IN is deflected towards an intended receiver--if any is present. It may be necessary to ensure build up of proper optical density gradient, in the vicinity of the ND, to encourage refraction and/or total internal reflection of the IN.

Abstract: An actuator includes a closed space defined by a deformable member in which an amount of thermally expansible gas is filled. In the closed space, there is also a substance which changes the light into the heat. A control device is set to establish the supply of the light into the closed space. Upon turning-on of the control device, the substance changes the supplied light into the heat, resulting in that the resultant heat brings the expansion of the gas. Thus, the member is brought into deformed condition. The deformation can be used as a force for operating a specific element.

Abstract: Excitation of a triad artificial photosynthetic reaction center consisting of a porphyrin (P) convalently linked to a fullerene electron acceptor (C60) and a carotenoid secondary donor (C) leads to the formation of a long-lived C+-P-C60? charge-separated state via photoinduced electron transfer. This reaction occurs in a frozen organic glass down to at least 8 K. At 77 K, charge recombination of C*+-P-C60? occurs on the ?s time scale, and yields solely the carotenoid triplet state. In the presence of a small (20 mT) static magnetic field, the lifetime of the charge-separated state is increased by 50%. This is ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on interconversion of the singlet and triplet biradicals. At zero field, the initially formed singlet biradical state is in equilibrium with the three triplet biradical sublevels, and all four states have comparable populations. Decay to the carotenoid triplet only occurs from the three triplet sublevels.