Axially-graded index-based couplers for solar concentrators
US5936777A · kind A · utility
32Cited by
2References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optical coupler is provided that comprises a single lens component, comprising two axially-graded index of refraction elements, each having a low refractive index surface and a high refractive index surface and joined along their respective high refractive index surfaces. As configured, the optical coupler is useful as a solar concentrator for concentrating solar radiation onto a solar cell or other solar-receptive medium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.