Development of Optical Components for Space-Based Solar Plant Lighting

This paper summarizes the results of a program to develop key components for the Optical Waveguide (OW) Solar Plant Lighting System. In the OW solar lighting system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator which transfers the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to the OW transmission line consisting of low-loss optical fibers. The OW line transmits the solar radiation to the plant growing units where the PAR component of the radiation is directed to the plants. The non-PAR components of the solar radiation is directed to the energy conversion device for non-plant lighting applications.

This program, conducted by Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is a basic study leading to the development of: (1) components pertaining to coupling of the solar concentrator and the optical fibers; (2) efficient, light weight OW transmission cables; (3) spectral modification and optical switching devices; and (4) light distribution device. Key components for the OW system studied include: the concentrator; the optical fiber; the cable connector; plant lighting device; and spectral modification optics.