Solar fiber-optic mini-disit-concentrators: First experimental results and field experience

The experimental realization and field experience of a recently proposed solar fiber-optic mini-dish concentrator are reported. The prototype is 200 mm in diameter. We have repeatably transported concentrated sunlight in a one-millimeter-diameter optical fiber and measured flux levels of 11-12 kilosuns at a remote target (up to 20 in away). The prototype-assembled from off-the-shelf parts and customized items that rely solely upon existing commercial technologies-proved impervious to dust penetration and condensation. For the particular application of solar surgery, dielectric second-stage concentrators were designed and fiber tips were sculpted to boost flux concentration by a factor of 2 to 4, for light extraction into air and tissue, respectively. Our Endings strengthen the feasibility of the efficient and complete de-coupling of the collection and remote delivery of highly concentrated solar radiation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.