Abstract
BIDR researchers have recently designed miniature, potentially inexpensive solar light collectors that can be engineered for various applications in arid regions.
Figure 1: Front view of a solar fiber-optic mini-dishconcentrator with the distal fiber tip being held about 20 meters behind the dish. Light exits the fiber with approximately ¼ the brightness of the sun.
These devices are based on a novel approach. They concentrate and send high-intensity light through an optical cable. The mini-collectors can be configured, for example, to feed concentrated light into an optical fiber, whose exit end can be used for state-of-the-art surgery. As an inexpensive alternative to current laser surgical instruments, the solar device could expand light-based surgery in medical centers in sun-belt regions. The mini-dish can also be engineered to irradiate specialized, high efficiency photovoltaic cells, for the production of electricity in clear climates, or to produce high temperatures for the synthesis of valuable materials used in nanotechnology.
Mini-dishes for Concentrating Solar Light
Exploiting Solar Radiation for Medicine and Chemistry - Solar Surgery
Solar Collectors and High-Tech Synthesis of Nano
Mini-dishes for Electricity Production
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