A solar collector is disclosed in which a light pipe having an optical axis and extending from a proximal end configured to receive sunlight to a distal end, and a plurality of reflective elements optically coupled to the light pipe. Each of the reflective elements is configured to direct at least a portion of sunlight incident thereon into the light pipe via the proximal end substantially parallel to the optical axis for a plurality of positions of the sun in the sky. Baffles coupled to the reflective elements further enhance the collectors ability to increase the light collected.

A daylighting apparatus of the present invention includes: a daylighting sheet (13) that has first and second surfaces opposite to each other and that lets light in through the first surface and lets the light out through the second surface at a predetermined distribution of angles; and a visible light-reflecting sheet (15) that reflects part of visible light falling on the first surface of the daylighting sheet (13).

A skylight cover is provided that includes a light transmitting body including first and second integral lenses. The first and second integral lenses define polygonal perimeters, each polygonal perimeter having a first element and a second element residing therein, the first and second elements disposed adjacent to each other in each instance. The skylight cover may include a plurality of ridges and creases, the individual, respective ridges and creases disposed in advantageous configurations. The cover may likewise include a plurality of surfaces, some optionally parallel and some optionally co-planar.

A light pipe for distributing light from a light source within a space, comprises a first portion adapted for receiving light from the light source and directing the light along an internal path in a first direction; a second portion adapted for receiving and distributing light received by the first portion from the light source in the first direction into the space; and a third portion intermediate the first and second portions, wherein the third portion is adapted for distributing light to the space in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction. The first portion may comprise a band, a lens, or both. Related aspects and methods are also disclosed.

A sunlight redirector has a first mirror array formed of a first plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal outward mirror segments; and a second mirror array formed of a second plurality of substantially parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal inward mirror segments. Each mirror segment has a normal vector. The outward mirror segments are adjustably positionable, such that their normal vectors remain parallel. The first mirror array is rotatable about a normal vector of the sunlight redirector. The inward mirror segments may remain fixed in position at all times; or they may be moved, twice per day, between first and second fixed positions.

A device for positioning the intake of a member, for transmitting solar energy relative to a convergent optical concentrator, including a mounting provided with at least one reserve suitable for receiving and supporting the optical concentrator in a predetermined direction and allowing light to pass through said mounting, a receiver suitable for receiving and supporting the intake of the transmitting member, and at least one spacer element in order to keep said receiver spaced apart from the mounting in a stationary position relative to said reserve, said stationary position being defined in accordance with the features of the transmitting member and optical concentrator.

An optical article for directing and distributing light including an optically transmissive layer having one or more arrays of TIR channels and a light diffusing element disposed in optical communication with the optically transmissive layer. The TIR channels define reflective surfaces extending perpendicular or near-perpendicular to a prevailing plane of the optically transmissive layer. The TIR channels and the light diffusing element operate concurrently to redirect and redistribute a beam of light received from a light source such as daylight or an LED over a broad angular range.

An example optical device for backlighting includes a receiver disposed in a mobile device to receive ambient light. The optical device also includes a concentrator to concentrate the received ambient light received through the receiver. The optical device further includes a channeler to direct the ambient light beneath a surface of the mobile device to a digital display of the mobile device.

A daylight illumination system for integration into a building or larger vehicle comprises a translucent facade element (800) containing a glass sheet and a light redirection element (302 or 708), and a light transport channel (801) for guiding light about horizontally into an interior of the building, the light transport channel comprising one opening attached to the interior side of said facade element and at least one opening towards the interior of the building, characterised in that the light redirection element (302 or 708) is formed as a structured polymer film or sheet attached to a glass sheet of the facade element (800) and is configured for changing the direction of incident light into the about horizontal light transport channel.

A light harvester or collector collects solar radiation from an unshaded location adjacent a growing plant. The light harvester can be either imaging (e.g., parabolic reflectors) or non-imaging (e.g., compound parabolic concentrator). The concentrated solar radiation is projected into a light transmitter that conducts the light through the plant's outer canopy and into the inner canopy to a diffuser which disperses and reradiates the light into the inner canopy. The diffused light transforms a non-productive, potentially leafless zone of the plant into a productive zone so that more fruit can be produced per volume of land surface. The system can prevent transmission of infrared into the inner canopy so that the inner canopy zone is not heated and the amount of water lost to transpiration is reduced. The system can also modify other spectral components to affect plant development and to control pests and diseases.