Dynamic fluorescence for greenhouses

Abstract

An apparatus configured for integration into a greenhouse is provided. The apparatus includes a motor and a sheet of woven polymeric material that includes fluorophores. The sheet can be automatically deployed or retracted on demand, via operation of the motor, in order to deliver a dynamic spectrum of light to plants within said greenhouse. In another aspect, an optical element including a sheet with at least two distinct film segments is provided. Each distinct film segment has a different fluorescent spectra than other distinct film segments, said differing fluorescent spectra providing differing wavelength ranges along the length of each distinct segment, such that as the sheet is moved through a greenhouse the spectrum of light changes. An agricultural greenhouse including such an apparatus and / or optical element is provided in another aspect.

Description

DYNAMIC FLUORESCENCE FOR GREENHOUSESREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U. S. Application No. 63 / 721,041, filed November 15, 2024, and U. S. Application No. 63 / 721,043, filed November 15, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present invention is directed to dynamic fluorescent greenhouse coverings and fluorescent systems that deliver time-varying light spectra and light intensity for optimized controlled environment agriculture.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In controlled environment agriculture, achieving optimal plant growth occurs by controlling all growth parameters such as temperature, humidity, light quality and quantity, irrigation, and fertigation. Utilizing greenhouses to cultivate plants is one method that can provide control over all growth parameters. As overall use of greenhouses has expanded worldwide, many improvements in control of specific growth parameters remain desirable and continue to receive ongoing research and exploration, including control over the light environment provided to the plants. Advances in light emitting diode-based horticultural lighting has allowed for better understanding of the impact of the light environment on growing plants and most high-tech greenhouses utilize technologies such as shade curtains and supplemental lighting to decrease or increase the total light provided to a plant in a day. It has also been well proven that light spectrum can be used to control plant morphology.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus configured for integration into a greenhouse is provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a motor and a sheet of woven polymeric material. The sheet of woven polymeric material includes fluorophores. The sheet of woven polymeric material can be automatically deployed or retracted on demand, viaoperation of the motor, for example, in order to deliver a dynamic spectrum of light to plants within said greenhouse. In another aspect of the present invention, an optical element is provided including a sheet with at least two distinct film segments. Each distinct film segment has a different fluorescent spectra than other distinct film segments. This different fluorescent spectra provides differing wavelength ranges along the length of each distinct segment, such that as the sheet is moved through a greenhouse, the spectrum of light changes. The different, distinct film segments within the optical element can be oriented so that each distinct film segment emits at the same time or can be oriented so that only one distinct film segment emits at a time.

[0005] In another aspect of the present invention, an agricultural greenhouse, configured for the growth of selected plants within the greenhouse, is provided. The agricultural greenhouse includes a sheet of (knitted or) woven polymeric material (fabric) embedded in a layer of a polymeric material. Either the polymeric fabric or the polymeric material further includes fluorophores. The sheet can be automatically deployed or retracted on demand

[0006] According to one aspect, an apparatus configured for integration into a greenhouse is provided. In an example embodiment, the apparatus includes a motor and a sheet of woven polymeric material further comprising fluorophores and / or one or more photoluminescent species that can be automatically deployed or retracted on demand in order to deliver a dynamic spectrum of light to plants within said greenhouse

[0007] In an example embodiment, the sheet of fluorophore-containing woven polymeric material is embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0008] In an example embodiment, fluorophores are and / or the one or more photoluminescent species include quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2,, CuAlS2, CuAlSe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the sheet of woven polymeric material is configured to provide a dynamic spectrum that changes during the day by at least 5%.

[0010] In an example embodiment, the dynamic spectrum does not change during a single day, but changes during the grow cycle, during a period of weeks or months.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the dynamic spectrum is more blue (has a shorter peak wavelength) in the first two months and more red (has a longer peak wavelength) in the final two months of growth.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the dynamic spectrum is combined with electrically powered lighting.

[0013] According to another aspect, an optical element is provided. In an example embodiment, the optical element includes a sheet with at least two distinct film segments. Each distinct film segment has a different fluorescent spectra than other distinct film segments of the sheet. The differing fluorescent spectra provides differing wavelength ranges along the length of each distinct segment, such that as the sheet is moved through a greenhouse the spectrum of light within the greenhouse changes.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the sheet with at least two distinct film segments includes woven polymeric material embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the different fluorescent spectra from distinct film segments are provided by different fluorophores each emitting a, spectrum of light having a distinct different maximum intensity at wavelengths greater than 400 nm.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the different fluorophores are quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2, CuAlS2, CuAlSe2,, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the at least two distinct film segments are oriented so that each distinct film segment emits at the same time.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the at least two distinct film segments are oriented so that only one distinct film segment emits at a time

[0019] In an example embodiment, the at least one said distinct, film segment has a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength greater than 600nm, and wherein at least one other distinct film segment has a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength less than 550 nm.

[0020] According to another aspect, an agricultural greenhouse configured for the growth of selected plants within the greenhouse is provided In an example embodiment, the agricultural greenhouse includes a sheet of knitted or woven first polymeric material embedded in a layer of a second polymeric material, that can be automatically deployed or retracted on demand, wherein either the first polymeric material, the second polymeric material, or both include fluorophores or one or more photoluminescent species.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the fluorophores or photoluminescent species are quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2,, CUA1S2, CuAlSe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0022] In an example embodiment, the selected plants within the greenhouse are selected from the group consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, microgreens, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, herbs, ornamental plants, cut flowers, and cannabis.

[0023] In an example embodiment, selected plants within the greenhouse are a consumable crop selected from the group consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, microgreens, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, and herbs.

[0024] According to another aspect, a deployable spectral control system is provided. In an example embodiment the system includes a motorized roller system; and a deployable spectral control material configured to be deployed and retracted via the motorized roller system. The deployable spectral control material comprises one or more photoluminescent species selected from the group consisting of quantum dots, phosphors, or fluorescent dyes

[0025] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material is a sheet of a woven, knitted, tape-based, or film-strip polymeric material.

[0026] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material includes woven polymeric fibers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species.

[0027] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material includes woven or knitted tapes slit from polymeric films containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species.

[0028] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material includes hybrid fabrics comprising clear polymeric strands interwoven with strips containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species.

[0029] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material includes polymeric fabrics embedded in or laminated with one or more polymer layers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species.

[0030] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises at least two distinct material segments, each comprising a respective selection of one or more photoluminescent species fluorophores configured to emit at different peak wavelengths, suchthat deployment of different segments is configured to deliver a spectrum tailored to different crop growth stages.

[0031] In an example embodiment, deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configured to provide a spectrum that is characterized by one of red light to blue light ratio of the spectrum is increased by at least 50% relative to ambient sunlight, a relative red fraction of the spectrum is increased by at least 15%, or providing a crop yield improvement of 5 -30% compared to control conditions.

[0032] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material is a fluorophore- containing woven polymeric material that is embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0033] In an example embodiment, the one or more photoluminescent species include quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2,, CuAlS2, CuAlSe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0034] In an example embodiment, the system further includes a controller configured to control operation of the motorized roller system; and at least one sensor selected from a spectrometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, or light intensity sensor, operatively connected to the controller, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the controller is configured to dynamically select which material segment of the plurality of material segments is deployed based at least in part on information received from the at least one sensor.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configured to cause aspectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material to change during a day by at least 5%.

[0036] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configured to cause a spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material to change over the course of a growing cycle.

[0037] In an example embodiment, the plurality of material segments are configured to provide the dynamic spectra such that a dynamic spectrum that has a first peak wavelength is provided in an early vegetative phase of the growing cycle and a dynamic spectrum that has a second peak wavelength is provided in a reproductive phase of the growing cycle, and the first peak wavelength is shorter than the second peak wavelength.

[0038] In an example embodiment, the first wavelength is less than 500 nm and the second wavelength is greater than 600 nm.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the plurality of materials segments are oriented so that two or more material segments emit at the same time

[0040] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the plurality of material segments are oriented so that only one material segment emits at a time.

[0041] In an example embodiment, the system further includes electrically powered lighting such that said dynamic spectrum is combined with light generated by the electrically powered lighting.

[0042] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material is one of a plurality of deployable spectral control materials the deployment of which is controlled via the motorized roller system and the plurality of deployable spectral control materials are configured to be deployed in one or more layers of deployable spectral control material such that a dynamic spectrum provided by deployment of the plurality of spectral control materials is a composite spectrum of the deployed one or more layers.

[0043] According to another aspect, a deployable spectral control material or spectral cloth is provided. In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material or spectral cloth includes at least two distinct material segments Each distinct material segment having a different fluorescent spectra than other distinct film segments of the sheet The differing fluorescent spectra providing differing wavelength ranges along the length of each distinct material segment, such that as the deployable spectral control material is moved through a greenhouse a spectrum of light within the greenhouse changes as different distinct material segments become illuminated.

[0044] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises a woven polymeric material embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0045] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material comprises woven polymeric fibers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species, woven or knitted tapes slit from polymeric films containing at. least, one of the one or more photoluminescent species, hybrid fabrics comprising clear polymeric strands interwoven with strips containing at. least one of the one or more photoluminescent species, and / or polymeric fabrics embedded in or laminated with one or more polymer layers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species

[0046] In an example embodiment, the deployable spectral control material further includes one or more additives integrated into the deployable spectral control material, wherein the one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of haze modifiers to improve diffusion, reflective ribbons (e.g., aluminum) to enhance light scattering, pigments that selectively absorb undesired wavelengths, and oxygen- and moisture-barrier layers to improve fluorophore stability

[0047] According to another aspect, an agricultural greenhouse is provided. In an example embodiment, the agricultural greenhouse includes at least one of glazing or structural components; a motorized roller system; and a deployable spectral control material configured to be deployed and retracted via the motorized roller system so as to control a spectrum of light in at least a portion of the agricultural greenhouse The deployable spectral control material comprises one or more photoluminescent species selected from the group consisting of quantum dots, phosphors, or fluorescent dyes.

[0048] In an example embodiment, the deployment and retraction of the deployable spectral control material is controlled based at least in part on one or more crops disposed in the at least a portion of the agricultural greenhouse.

[0049] In an example embodiment, the one or more crops comprise at least one crop selected from the group consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, microgreens, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, herbs, ornamental plants, cut flowers, and cannabis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a deployable spectral control material, also referred to herein as a spectral cloth (e.g., a sheet of polymeric material comprising fluorophores), of the present invention composed of multiple sections or material segments with different spectral compositions. Using an integrated spectrometer, different sections of the cloth may be deployed to provide ideal spectral and transmission properties to the plants within the greenhouse.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows two sets of deployable spectral control materials or spectral cloths installed one on top of another thereby providing more options for transmitted optical properties, whereeach cloth can be deployed or retracted. More than two sets of deployable spectral control material or cloths can be used to create even more possibilities.

[0052] Fig. 3(a) - 3(g) show various embodiments of the present invention illustrating additional arrangements to achieve the described benefits. Among the benefits of these embodiments are included: (a) control of some optical and mechanical properties without changing the quantum dot concentration in the polymer strings or fibers by simply changing mesh resolution; optimizing light spectrum by combining multiple colors of quantum dot strings or fibers; sections with altered mesh pattern to control efficiency of the light through following of the sun; utilizing quantum dot film strips in place of quantum dot strings or fibers where thickness gain of the polymer material can be avoided or reduced; and polymer material including different color of quantum dot strings as well as strip fragments to use manufacturing waste.

[0053] Fig. 4(a) - 4 (b) illustrate different combinations of sheets into a single length of polymeric material that can be deployed into a greenhouse. The different sheets could include a variety of quantum dots having different peak emissions. Also, the different sheets could involve a section of black out film or a section of reinforced quantum dot film.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a spectral cloth or polymeric layer deployed from a roller over a crop of tomatoes for enhancing plant growth within a greenhouse. Multiple different sections are shown in the length of the spectral cloth or polymeric layer.

[0055] Fig. 6 illustrates an example deployable spectral control system installed in an agricultural greenhouse, in accordance with various embodiments.DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

[0056] The following explanations of terms and abbreviations are provided to better describe the present disclosure and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art in the practice of systems, methodologies and compositions disclosed herein.

[0057] As used herein, “comprising” means “including”, and the singular form “a” or “an” or “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “or” is inclusive, and thus refers to both a single element of stated alternative elements and a combination of two or more of those elements.

[0058] Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one or ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure relates. Suitable methods and compositions are described herein for the practice or testing of the systems, methodologies and compositions described herein. However, it is to be understood that other methods and materials similar, or equivalent to, those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of these systems, methodologies and compositions disclosed herein.Consequently, the systems, methodologies, compositions and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. Other features of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0059] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, percentages, temperatures, times, and so forth as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Unless otherwise indicated, non-numerical properties such as colloidal, continuous, crystalline, and so forth as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “substantially”, meaning to a great extent or degree. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters and / or non-numerical properties set forth herein are approximations, and the optimal values of these properties and parameters may depend on the desired properties sought, the limits of detection under standard test conditions or methods, the limitations of the processing methods, and / or the nature of the property or parameter. When directly and explicitly distinguishing embodiments from disclosed prior art, the embodiment numbers are not approximations unless the word “about” is recited.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Definitions

[0061] Carcinogen: A material that has been shown to directly or indirectly cause cancer in any mammal.

[0062] Colloidal suspension: A mixture consisting of a disperse phase (the suspended particles) and a continuous phase (the liquid medium of suspension), wherein the mixture either does not settle, or would take a very long time to settle appreciably.

[0063] Dispersibility: The ability of QDs to form a colloidal suspension.

[0064] Emission spectrum: Those portions of the electromagnetic spectrum over which QDs (or a composition containing them) exhibit photoluminescence (PL) (in response to excitation by a light source) whose amplitude is at least 1% of the peak PL emission.

[0065] Flocculation: A process whereby the disperse phase in a colloidal suspension forms aggregates and comes out of suspension.

[0066] Nanoparticle: A nanoscale particle of a solid material. The nanoparticles disclosed herein are preferably crystalline and have a size of less than 500 nanometers in dimension. The nanoparticles disclosed herein may form a colloidal suspension. Embodiments of the disclosed nanoparticles may be of a single material or may include an inner core and an outer shell of differing materials. The nanoparticles may further include a plurality of ligands bound to the nanoparticle outer surface. Exemplary nanoparticles which may be utilized in the compositions, systems and methodologies described herein may comprise metals, metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, semiconductors, and insulators. Nanoparticles may be crystalline (i.e., nanocrystals), amorphous, or mixtures thereof.

[0067] Photoluminescence (PL): The emission of light (electromagnetic radiation, in the form of photons) after the absorption of light. It is one form of luminescence (light emission) and is initiated by photoexcitation (excitation by photons).

[0068] Polar solvents: A polar solvent is any solvent containing an electric dipole. Exemplary polar solvents include acetone, ethanol, water, ethanol / water mixtures, isopropanol, isopropanol / water mixtures, methanol, methanol / water mixtures, dimethyl sulfoxide, diethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran, and tetrahydrofuran / water mixtures.

[0069] Polymers (as well as polar polymers): A large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeating subunits. Polymers range from familiar synthetic plastics such as polystyrene or poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are fundamental to biological structure and function. Polymers, both natural and synthetic, are created via polymerization of many smaller molecules, e.g., monomers. Exemplary polymers include poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polystyrene, silicones, epoxy resins, and the like.

[0070] Polar polymers: Polar polymers are polymers that contain a permanent electric dipole. Polymers containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms are non-polar polymers. Polar polymers typically contain other atoms such as chlorine, fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur whereby the polymer will contain a permanent electric dipole. Exemplary polar polymers include poly vinyl alcohol, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, an acrylic polymer, polyvinyl butyral, and polyamides, e.g., nylons.

[0071] Quantum Dots: A nanoparticle that exhibits size dependent electronic and optical properties due to quantum confinement. The quantum dots disclosed herein preferably have at least one dimension less than about 50 nanometers. The disclosed quantum dots may be colloidal quantum dots. Some of the quantum dots which may be utilized in the compositions, systems, and methodologies described herein are made from a binary semiconductor material having a formula MX where M is a metal and X is typically selected from sulfur, selenium, tellurium, nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary binary quantum dots which may be used in the compositions, systems and methodologies described herein include CdS, CdSe, CdTe, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, InP, InAs, Cu2S, and In2S3. Other quantum dots which may be utilized in the compositions, systems and methodologies described herein are ternary, quaternary, and / or alloyed quantum dots including, but not limited to, ZnSSe,ZnSeTe, ZnSTe, CdSSe, CdSeTe, HgSSe, HgSeTe, HgSTe, ZnCdS, ZnCdSe, ZnCdTe, ZnHgS, ZnHgSe, ZnHgTe, CdHgS, CdHgSe, CdHgTe, ZnCdSSe, ZnCdSeTe, ZnHgSeTe, ZnHgSSe, CdHgSSe, CdHgSeTe, CuAlS2, CuAlSe2, CuFeSe2, CuFeSe2, CuInS2, CuAlSexS2-x, CuInS2, CuInSe2, CuInGaSe2, CuInZnS2, CuZnSnSe2, CuInSexS2-x, CuInZnSexS2-x, AgInS2, AgInSe2, AgInGaSexS2-x, and AgInSexS2-xwhere 0 < x < 2. Embodiments of the disclosed quantum dots may be of a single material or may include an inner core and an outer shell of differing materials. The outer shell may be a thin shell or layer formed by any suitable method, such as cation exchange. The quantum dots further include a plurality of ligands bound to the quantum dot surface.

[0072] Ligand: A ligand is an ion or molecule that binds to another, usually larger, molecule. In general, a ligand bonds to a metal atom, which in the case of the present disclosure, is part of a quantum dot and / or nanoparticle. A ligand may be configured to bind to a particular receptor, interact with various types of matter in prescribed ways, and / or the like. Capping ligands are configured to stabilize the interface where nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, interact with their surrounding medium.

[0073] Solubility: When used in reference to QDs, the ability of QDs to form a clear colloidal suspension without haze caused by formation of aggregates.

[0074] Toxic: Denotes a material that can damage living organisms due to the presence of phosphorus or heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, or mercury.

[0075] Neutral or balanced light: Neutral or balanced light has a red-to-blue ratio of approximately 1.0.

[0076] Red-shifted light or light with a high red fraction is light where the relative red portion of the light is increased by at least 15% such that the optical power present in the red portion of the spectrum is at least 15% greater than the input light.

[0077] Blue-shifted light or light with a high blue fraction is light where the relative blue portion of the light is increased by at least 15% such that the optical power present in the blue portion of the spectrum is at least 15% greater than the input light.

[0078] The present invention provides improved deployable spectral control materials and system for use of such materials. In various embodiments, a deployable spectral control material may be a fluorescent greenhouse film. In various embodiments, deployable spectral control materials include one or more photoluminescent species configured to control a spectrum of light emitted therethrough in response to a white light source (e.g., sunshine) being incident on a first surface thereof. For example, sunlight or another broad spectrum light (e.g., electrically controlled lighting) may be incident on a first surface of the deployable spectral control material and a controlled spectrum of light is provided through a second surface of the deployable spectral control material, where the second surface is opposite the first surface.

[0079] Various embodiments provide deployable spectral control materials, multi-segment deployable spectral control materials where each segment provides a different controlled spectrum, deployable spectral control systems configured to control deployment of one or more deployable spectral control materials, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a deployable spectral control system includes at least one deployable spectral control material and a roller system configured to deploy and retract the at least one deployable spectral control material. The roller system may be motorized and / or controlled by a control system (possibly based on sensor input).

[0080] A deployable spectral control material may be fabricated using a number of techniques. Extrusion is a widely used technique in the fabrication of agricultural films, and is commonly used to prepare greenhouse films with up to seven layers. Various polymers have been utilized in extrusion techniques, including acrylics, polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).

[0081] These greenhouse films generally contain quantum dots (QDs) as exemplary fluorescent materials that have the potential to modify light spectra to improve application performance. Thiscan be true in agriculture, where QDs are utilized to create the lighting conditions that are highly conducive to plant growth. Examples of agricultural films containing QDs are disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned US Patent No. US 11,569,402 entitled “Luminescent Optical Elements for Agricultural Applications”

[0082] The deployable spectral control materials may be polymeric materials for greenhouses that may be a sheet comprised of knitted or woven fabric. The fabric may further include one or more photoluminescent species. In various embodiments, the one or more photoluminescent species may include QDs, fluorophores, fluorescent phosphors, fluorescent organic dyes, and / or the like. Such a fabric can be a polymeric fabric such as a polyester although other polymers may be used. In one approach the knitted or woven fabric can itself be embedded in a layer of polymeric material. In various embodiments, the In such instances, either or both the polymeric fabric or the polymeric material can include the one or more photoluminescent species. For example, the one or more photoluminescent species may be embedded in a knitted or woven fabric (which may be embedded in a polymeric material) and / or the one or more photoluminescent species may be embedded in a polymeric material.

[0083] Another manner of describing this approach is that an agricultural greenhouse configured for growth of selected plants within the greenhouse can be formed from the knitted or woven fabric itself embedded in a layer of polymeric material, where either or both the polymeric fabric or the polymeric material can include the one or more photoluminescent species (e.g., QDs, fluorescent phosphors, fluorescent organic dyes).

[0084] In some embodiments, in addition to QDs, a greenhouse film of a deployable spectral control material disclosed herein may incorporate one or more fluorescent phosphors as the photoluminescent species embedded within the woven, knitted, slit-tape, or laminated optical elements. Suitable phosphors include, without limitation, inorganic down-converting materials such as: (i) rare-earth doped orthosilicates (e.g., SrzMgSizC Eu^Dy3*), (ii) nitrides and oxynitrides (e.g., CaAlSiNs: Eu2+, Sr2SisNs: Eu2\ BaSi2O2N2: Eu2’), (iii) aluminates and aluminate garnets (e.g., YaALOiaiCe3' (YAG: Ce), LuAG: Ce, SrAl2O4: Eu2l, Dy3i), (iv) sulfide and thiogallate phosphors (e.g., CaS: Eu2t, SrGa^S^Tm2), (v) oxyfluoride phosphors (e g.,LaOBr: Tb3GdOsF / Tb3), (vi) silicate-based red phosphors (e.g., CazSisNs / Eu24; SrzSis Eu23), (vii) borate phosphors (e.g., Srl^Ozdiu24), and (viii) manganese-activated alkaline earth phosphors (e.g., ZmSiO^Mn24). These phosphors may be selected to produce emission in blue, green, orange, red, or far-red spectral bands depending on the dopant ion and host lattice, allowing crop-specific spectral tailoring.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the phosphors are selected from Eu2+-activated nitrides (such as CaAlSiNvEu2+and Sr?. SisNs: Eu24) and Ce34-doped yttrium aluminum garnet phosphors (YAG: Ce), owing to their high quantum efficiency, narrow emission profi les, strong photothermal stability, and proven outdoor durability. In certain embodiments, the phosphor is configured to emit in the orange-to-deep-red range (580-680 nm), thereby increasing the red:blue ratio of incident sunlight and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency in greenhouse crops.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the deployable spectral control material disclosed herein may incorporate one or more fluorescent organic dyes as at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species, either in place of or in combination with quantum dots and / or phosphors. Suitable fluorescent dyes include, without limitation: (i) perylene diimide (PDI) derivatives (e.g., N, N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide), (ii) rhodamine dyes (e.g., Rhodamine B, Rhodamine 6G), (iii) coumarin dyes (e.g., Coumarin 153, Coumarin 6, Coumarin 30), (iv) fluorescein and xanthene-based dyes (e.g., Fluorescein, Eosin Y, Rose Bengal), (v) naphthalimide dyes, (vi) BODIPY dyes (boron-dipyrromethene derivatives), (vii) pyrene and polyaromatic hydrocarbon dyes, (viii) oxazine and styryl dyes, and (ix) azo-based chromophores. These dyes may be incorporated into a polymer matrix, coated onto fibers, co-extruded into films, or encapsulated within barrier layers to prevent photo-oxidative degradation.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the fluorescent dye is selected from the group consisting of perylene diimide (PDI) dyes and BODIPY dyes, due to their high photoluminescence quantum yield, strong resistance to photobleaching, broad absorption in the UV-blue range, and tunable emission peaks spanning green, orange, and red spectral regions. In certain embodiments, the dye is configured to emit in the 580-650 nm range to enhance photosynthetically efficientY1red / orange light transmission while maintaining high visible transparency and minimal selfabsorption. In some embodiments, the fluorescent dye is chemically modified to increase compatibility with polyolefin matrices (e.g., polyethylene or EVA), thereby enabling long-term stability in outdoor greenhouse environments.

[0088] As noted, in some embodiments, the deployable spectral control material may be a polymeric material, a knitted or woven material, or a knitted or woven material embedded in a polymeric material. For example, the deployable spectral control material may include one or more polymer films and / or fibers disclosed by U. S. Application No. 63 / 721,043, filed November 15, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is not limited to a woven fabric, but may instead comprise a knitted polymeric structure, a tape-based fabric formed from slit films, a filmstrip lattice, or a hybrid textile-film assembly. In a knitted configuration, photoluminescent species-containing polymeric yarns (or alternately, photoluminescent species-free yarns (e.g., fluorophore-free yarns) are interspaced with photoluminescent species-loaded yarns (e.g., fluorophore-loaded yarns) loop-interlinked to form a flexible, stretch-tolerant sheet that can be deployed and retracted without, for example, wrinkling or mechanical failure. In another embodiment, an extruded photoluminescent species-containing polymer film (e.g., a fluorophore-containing polymer film) is slit into narrow tapes (e.g., 1-10 mm) and subsequently woven or knitted into a mesh, thereby enabling spectral tuning by adjusting tape width, spacing, or weave / knit density without altering fluorophore concentration. In still further embodiments, continuous photoluminescent species-loaded film strips (e.g., fluorophore-loaded film strips) may be laminated, welded, or heat-bonded onto a carrier mesh or scrim to form a lightweight grating-type optical element. In certain embodiments, at least some of the film strips may contain reflective, diffusing, or pigment-based elements to further tailor optical output.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, the deployable spectral control material is a hybrid fabric that includes both (i) clear polymeric fibers or yams providing mechanical strength and high PAR transmission, and (ii) intermittent fluorescent film tapes, yarns, or strips providing spectral conversion, such that the overall fabric mass and material cost are reduced while photoluminescent function is retained. These hybrid designs can also incorporate barrier-coatedstrips only where needed, enabling a lower total photoluminescent species loading than fully coated films or monolithic sheets.

[0090] In certain preferred embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is formed from slit-tape woven or knitted fabrics, because such structures enable precise spectral control via tape spacing and patterning, exhibit superior rollability on greenhouse shade-screen rollers, and permit multi-segment or multi-color assemblies without increasing sheet thickness. However, any of the above textile, slit-film, or hybrid forms may be used provided that the photoluminescent species is stably retained and the material withstands repeated deployment cycles in a greenhouse environment.

[0091] In various embodiments, the deployable spectral control material further includes one or more of haze modifiers, reflecting elements (aluminum), scattering elements, pigments, barrier layers for O2 resistance, and / or the like configured to control the spectrum of light emitted therethrough, enhance the longevity of the deployable spectral control material, and / or to improve the ease with which the deployable spectral control material may be rolled and / or unrolled.

[0092] The polymeric materials are effectively photoconversion materials that can be deployable by seasons and can be retractable for deployment at different times or seasonal variation or differing needs of crops at different times.

[0093] One different approach is to use a composite deployable spectral control material. Such a composite deployable spectral control material can include at least two material segments wherein a first material segment includes a first one or more photoluminescent species emitting light at a first peak wavelength and a second material segment includes a second one or more photoluminescent species emitting light at a second peak wavelength, said two peak wavelengths are selected to provide different benefits. For example, each material segment may be configured to provide light characterized by a different wavelength range.

[0094] The one or more photoluminescent species embedded in a deployable spectral control material and the density thereof defines a dynamic spectrum of the deployable spectral control material. In certain embodiments, the dynamic spectrum of the deployable spectral control material is configured to change by at least 5% over the course of a day. For example, the deployable spectral control material may include a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters (e.g., peak wavelength, red light to blue light ratio, relative red light fraction, whether the spectrum includes UV, and / or the like). The deployment of the deployable spectral control material may be modified throughout a day to change the dynamic spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material by at least 5% over the course of a day.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the dynamic spectrum does not change during a single day. However, the dynamic spectrum is configured to change during the grow cycle (e.g., during a period of weeks or months). In certain embodiments, the dynamic spectrum is more blue (has a shorter peak wavelength) in the first two months and more red (has a longer peak wavelength) in the final two months of growth. For example, a section or material segment of the deployable spectral control material having a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength of less that 550nm, less than 500 nm, and / or the like may be used during a first / early portion (e.g., the first two months) of the growing cycle. A section or material segment of the deployable spectral control material having a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength greater than 500 nm, greater than 600nm, and / or the like may be used during a second / late portion (e.g., the last two months) of the growing cycle. For example, in some embodiments, deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configured to change the spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material on a time scale of weeks or months.

[0096] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate spectral cloths 400, 410 that each include a plurality of material segments 402A, 402B, 402C, 412A, 412B, 412C that are each configured to provide a different spectrum.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the dynamic spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material is combined with electrically powered lighting to provide a controlled light environment within the greenhouse.[009S] Numerous crops can be grown within a greenhouse employing the deployable spectral control material and a corresponding deployment system in accordance with the present invention. Some of the crops can be consumable by humans and other crops can be nonconsumable crops for landscaping and florists. Typical plants or crops that may be within the greenhouse include tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens., microgreens., strawberries, eggplant, peppers, herbs, ornamental plants, cut flowers and cannabis. For example, the plants within the greenhouse may be a consumable crop such as tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, microgreens, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, and / or herbs.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is operatively coupled to a deployment system that is a sensor-driven control system configured to determine when, and to what extent, the deployable spectral control material is deployed. The control system may include one or more environmental sensors, optical sensors, and / or crop-status sensors, either individually or in combination, and may be configured to actuate a motorized roller, linear drive, or other deployment mechanism in response to real-time data. For example, the control system may control whether or not the deployable spectral control material is deployed to control a light spectrum in an area (e.g., within a greenhouse) and / or which material segment of the deployable spectral control material is deployed to control the light spectrum in the area.

[0100] Non-limiting examples of sensors that may be used in various embodiments include Spectroradiometers or spectrometers for measuring instantaneous spectral distribution of sunlight within the greenhouse; Quantum light sensors (PAR or ePAR sensors) for measuring photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD); Temperature sensors (air, canopy, substrate, or leaf-surface infrared); Relative humidity sensors and VPD (vapor pressure deficit) sensors; CO2 concentration sensors for monitoring plant respiration and photosynthetic demand; Photodiode-based irradiance sensors for total solar load; Crop-proximal sensors such as chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv / Fm), ND VI, or leaf-thickness probes; and Weather-forecast or sky-radiance sensors located externally to predict cloud cover or incoming storm / cold-front conditions.

[0101] In one embodiment, the control system includes a sensor array and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may be configured as a field-programmable array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor configured to execute computerexecutable instructions stored on a non-transitory memory of the control system, and / or the like. In various embodiments, the sensor array communicates with a local microcontroller. The local microcontroller executes a rule-based algorithm (e.g., deploy the deployable spectral control material when PAR > 900 pmol m2s1or when canopy temperature exceeds 27 °C). In other embodiments, the sensor data is transmitted via wired or wireless protocol to a greenhouse climate computer, which integrates the data with existing climate-control logic (e g., vents, shade screens, fogging systems, supplemental LEDs). Cloud-based or Al-based decision engines may also be used to compute optimized deployment schedules based on historical and forecasted light availability, crop developmental stage, and energy cost models.

[0102] In certain preferred embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is tied to a dual-threshold control strategy, such that the fabric is (i) partially or fully deployed when internal PPFD exceeds a user-defined value and (ii) retracted when PPFD falls below a second value, thereby preventing unnecessary shading while maximizing spectral conversion. In other embodiments, a time-varying or growth-stage-based schedule is used, wherein a blue-emitting or low-shade material segment is deployed during the vegetative phase and a red-emitting or higher-shade material segment is deployed during flowering or fruit-set.

[0103] Optional manual override, fail-safe retraction, and sensor-redundancy modes may also be included in the control system to satisfy horticultural safety requirements. The sensorbased deployment system may be powered by AC mains, DC solar-battery systems, or by the greenhouse’s pre-existing shade-screen controller infrastructure.

[0104] As mentioned above, the deployable spectral control systems disclosed herein may be used with a wide variety of greenhouse-grown crops, including both consumable andnon-consumable species. Representative crops include, without limitation: tomato, cucumber, pepper, eggplant, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, leafy greens (lettuce, romaine, butterhead, oakleaf, spinach, kale, arugula, mizuna, tatsoi), culinary herbs (basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, dill, chives), microgreens, sprouts, cannabis, ornamentals (gerbera, chrysanthemum, rose, carnation, poinsettia), potted foliage plants, bedding plants, floriculture species, seedlings, grafted rootstocks, nursery liners, and specialty crops such as saffron, vanilla, wasabi, edible flowers, and medicinal plants.

[0105] In certain preferred embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is configured to be deployed over light-sensitive, high-value fruiting crops such as tomato, cucumber, pepper, strawberry, or cannabis, where a shift toward red / orange wavelengths (e.g., 580-680 nm) improves biomass accumulation, flowering, fruit set, or cannabinoid / terpene synthesis. In other embodiments, blue-enriched or UV-supplementing segments may be used for compact morphology, pigment enhancement (e.g., anthocyanin accumulation in lettuce, kale, or ornamental foliage), or flavor intensification in leafy herbs.

[0106] Different crops may benefit from different multi-segment deployment strategies. For example, Tomato, cucumber, and pepper (tall vining crops) may benefit during early growth stages from a higher blue fraction for compact internodes and may benefit from a high red fraction flowering and fruiting to increase assimilate partitioning and fruit load. Therefore, in some embodiments, the deployable spectral control system may include a first deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having a high blue fraction (e.g., a blue fraction increased compared to normal sunlight) and a second deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having a high red fraction (e.g., a red fraction increased compared to normal sunlight). The first deployable spectral control material may be deployed during early growth stages and the second deployable spectral control material may be deployed during flowering and fruiting. In another example, a deployable spectral control system may include a deployable spectral control material that includes a first material segment configured to provide light having a high blue fraction (e.g., a blue fraction increased compared to normal sunlight) and a material segment configured to provide light having a high red fraction (e.g., a red fraction increased compared to normal sunlight). The first material segment may be deployedduring early growth stages and the second material segment may be deployed during flowering and fruiting.

[0107] Another example crop that may benefit from the use of a deployable spectral control system is Leafy greens and lettuce. A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having a high red fraction (e.g., a red fraction increased compared to normal sunlight) may be deployed during winter to maintain growth rate under low DLL A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having blue-biased or UV-containing segments (e.g., configured to emit blue and / or UV light) may be used pre-harvest to increase coloration, phenolic content, or post-harvest shelflife.

[0108] Another example crop that may benefit from the use of a deployable spectral control system is Strawberry. A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having a high red fraction (e.g., a red fraction increased compared to normal sunlight) may be deployed only during flower initiation and fruit bulk-up. A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deployable spectral control material configured to provide light that is neutral (e.g., balanced between red and blue) or slightly blue-shifted (e.g., light where the red-to-blue ratio is at least 0.6) may be preferred during runner suppression phases.

[0109] Another example crop that may benefit from the use of a deployable spectral control system is Herbs (e.g., basil, mint, cilantro). A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deployable spectral control material configured to provide light having a high red fraction (e.g., a red fraction increased compared to normal sunlight) may be deployed during a productivity growth portion. A deployable spectral control material or a material segment of a deploy able spectral control material configured to provide light having blue-biased or UV-containing segments (e.g., configured to emit blue and / or UV light) may be deployed during a flavor / aroma enhancing growth portion, based for example, on the crop harvest cycle.

[0110] Another example crop that may benefit from the use of a deployable spectral control system are ornamental crops and floriculture. For such crops, a deployable spectral control system may use multi-sheet control may be used to alternate between deployable spectral control materials or material segments configured to provide a controlled spectrum configured to encourage (i) compact vegetative morphology for transport efficiency and (ii) red-enhanced “finishing” prior to shipment to intensify color and flowering uniformity.

[0111] In some embodiments, a single deployable spectral control material contains multiple material segments along its length with each material segment configured to provide a different spectrum. The desired segment is moved into position by roller actuation. In other embodiments, two or more physically separate deployable spectral control material sheets are installed in parallel (e.g., one red-emitting, one blue-emitting, one neutral shade), allowing the grower to deploy or retract each sheet independently, creating combinatorial spectral states (e.g., red-only, blue-only, red+blue, or no sheet). In still further embodiments, a three-sheet stack may be used, in which a QD-based red-shift fabric, a dye-based blue-enhancement fabric, and a non-luminescent high-haze diffuse curtain are controlled independently to support both spectral optimization and climate shading.

[0112] Example crop classes for commercial deployment include (i) high-wire vining crops (tomato, cucumber, pepper), (ii) berry crops (strawberry, raspberry), and (iii) premium leaf crops (lettuce, basil, cannabis), owing to their high sensitivity to spectrum, high embodied value per square meter, and year-round greenhouse production cycles.

[0113] In various embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is configured for compatibility with existing greenhouse deployable shade or energy screen systems. In various embodiments, the deployable spectral control material is configured to maintain a stable quantum yield and mechanical durability equivalent to at least five years of greenhouse use.

[0114] Fig 6 illustrates an example agricultural greenhouse 600. The agricultural greenhouse includes structural components 610 and / or glazing 615. The structural components 610 may include wood, metal, and / or other structural components. The glazing 615 maycomprise glass, plexiglass, sheet plastic, and / or other optically transparent or translucent material.

[0115] A deployable spectral control system 605 is installed within the greenhouse 600 The deployable spectral control sy stem 605 includes a motorized roller system 670 and a deployable spectral control material or spectral cloth 620. The motorized roller system 670 comprises a motor 674 and at least one roller 672A, 674B. The at least one roller 672A, 672B is configured to control deployment and / or retraction of the deployable spectral control material 620 For example, a deployable spectral control material 620 may be wrapped around a roller 672 and / or unwrapped from a roller 672 to control deployment and / or retraction thereof. The deployable spectral material 620 or spectral cloth comprises one or more photoluminescent species selected from the group consisting of quantum dots, phosphors, or fluorescent dyes. In various embodiments, the composition of photoluminescent species (e.g., quantum dots, phosphors, and / or fluorescent dyes) present in the deployable spectral control material 620 controls the spectrum of light provided to an area 630 of the greenhouse 600 as a result of ambient sunlight and / or light generated by electrically powered lights 665 of the greenhouse being incident on the deployable spectral control material 620.

[0116] In some embodiments, the deployable spectral control system 605 further includes a controller 650 tha t is configured to control the operation of the motor 674 so as to control the deployment of the deployable spectral control materi al 620. In vari ous embodiments, the controller may control the deployment of the deployable spectral control material 620 based at least in part on the one or more material segments of the deployable spectral control material 620, a crop 640 present in the area 630 of the greenhouse 600, a stage in the growing cycle of the plants, and / or information received from the one or more sensors 600. For example, the deployable spectral control system 605 may include one or more sensors 660 such as spectrometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, or light intensity sensor, operatively connected to the controller 650.

[0117] By tailoring the spectrum of light provide to the crop 640 in the area 630 of the greenhouse 600, the use of the deployable spectral control material 620 may increase crop yield,increase crop quality, and / or reduce the length of time required for a crop cycle. In an example instance, the length of a crop cycle was reduced by ten days via the use of an example deployable spectral control system 605. This amounts to an entire extra crop cycle per year. In other words, using the same greenhouse space, additional crop cycles and therefore increased overall yield is enabled.EXAMPLES

[0118] The following examples are non-limiting and are merely intended to further illustrate the compositions, systems and methodologies described herein.

[0119] EXAMPLE 1

[0120] In this example, a spectral dynamic cloth is composed of multiple sections or segments whose spectral compositions differ from each other. As shown in Fig. 1, the dynamic spectral cloth can be mounted on rollers

[0002] that contain a motor

[0006] and an integrated controller

[0008] , For example, one section or segment could be used for early-stage growth of plants which require a specific intensity and spectral composition

[0004] of light. The controller

[0008] would then be connected to the motor

[0006] that would rotate to deploy only the specific section or segment of the spectral dynamic cloth desired during the growth stage. For the same crop, different optical properties might be required for different growth stages. The different optical properties may be composed of a different specific light intensity and / or spectral composition. In an example case, the spectral dynamic cloth would continue to move until the first section or segment

[0004] is no longer deployed, replaced by the second section or segment of the spectral dynamic cloth

[0005] , The first section or segment has a first specific spectral and transmission composition and the second section or segment has a second specific spectral and transmission composition. The first specific spectral and transmission composition differs from the second transmission composition. Any number of sections or segments could be used to create various light environments within the greenhouse, including letting the unmodified sunlight in by retracting the spectral dynamic cloth completely

[0003] ,

[0121] The specific spectral and transmission composition of a section or segment of the spectral dynamic cloth may be controlled and / or configured via the fluorophores present in thesection or segment. In various embodiments, the fluorophores are quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, A InS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2,, (A1AIS2, CuAlSe2,, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2. ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0122] EXAMPLE 2

[0123] Using the same setup as example 1, the different spectral dynamic cloth sections or segments contain different pluralities of fluorophores. In one section or segment of the cloth, UV light is absorbed by a fluorophore (e.g., a quantum dot fluorophore) and converted or shifted to blue light, overall improving the transmission of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) light for the plants. This would increase the overall intensity of light that the plants use for photosynthesis compared to the unaltered sunlight. The section of cloth might be deployed during low light transmission times such as the beginning and end of the day, during cloudy weather, or during winter months to help increase the total daily light integral (DLI) for the plants within the greenhouse.

[0124] The next section of cloth or segment might contain a second plurality of different fluorophores (e.g., a different quantum dot fluorophore) which can absorb both UV and blue light and convert or shift the absorbed light to longer wavelengths, such as red light. By shifting at least a portion of the shorter wavelengths (UV / blue) to longer wavelengths (orange / red), plants would grow more efficiently as red photons are more efficient for photosynthesis than blue photons. Depending on the growth stage of the plants, the incoming light from the sun and required spectral and intensity properties of the plants, different sections or segments of the spectral dynamic cloth may be deployed.

[0125] For example, a spectral dynamic cloth may include a sequence of sections or segments. For example, a length of the spectral dynamic cloth may be segmented into different sections or segments. In certain embodiments, the spectral dynamic cloth may be mounted on rollers such that actuation of the rollers causes the movement of the spectral dynamic cloth along the length direction. For example, actuation of the rollers is configured to change which section or segment of the sequence of sections or segments is actively deployed. Each section or segment may have different spectral and transmission composition compared to the sections or segmentsthat immediately neighbor it. For example, a section or segment may have a spectral and transmission composition that differs from the section or segment that immediately proceeds or follows it in the sequence of sections or segments. In certain embodiments, the spectral dynamic cloth is formed by welding together the sequence of sections or segments, as shown in Figures 4 A and 4B.

[0126] In various embodiments, the fluorophores are quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2, CUA1S2, CuAlSe2,. AgGaS2, AgGaSez ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0127] EXAMPLE 3

[0128] Using the same construction of cloth in example 1 and 2, sections of rollers can be installed side by side and controlled separately. This would allow a grower to mix and match compositions from each section or segment to provide overall custom light environments to the greenhouse plants. For example, if there were three rollers installed side by side in a greenhouse, the first set of rollers might have no spectral dynamic cloth deployed, the second set of rollers might have a section or segment that converts UV light to blue light and the third set of rollers might deploy a section or segment of spectral dynamic cloth that can convert both UV and blue light to red / orange light. This might be done to provide different light environments to different crops or plants grown in different areas of a single greenhouse.

[0129] The specific spectral and transmission composition of a section or segment of the spectral dynamic cloth may be controlled and / or configured via the fluorophores present in the section or segment. In various embodiments, the fluorophores are quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS2, CuInSe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2, Q1AIS2, CuAlSe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.

[0130] EXAMPLE 4

[0131] In this example, two sets of rollers are installed one on top of another. The top roller

[0101] includes a spectral dynamic cloth composed of a first specific set of optical properties

[0103] and the bottom roller

[0102] includes a second spectral dynamic cloth

[0104] composed of a second specific set of optical properties

[0105] , Both rollers would be motorized so that the different cloths could be deployed and retracted independently to allow custom light environments for the plants below. More than two sets of spectral dynamic cloth could be installed on top of each other to create even more custom light recipes.

[0132] EXAMPLE 5

[0133] In this example, a woven textile is composed of clear plastic strands that do not alter the optical properties of the transmitted light as well as strips of fluorescent plastic that are woven into the textile. The width and periodicity of the fluorescent plastic strips can be modified to increase or decrease the spectral effects of the fluorescent plastic strips in the textile. Other materials can be incorporated as well to modify the transmitted optical property such as the inclusion of reflecting elements, such as aluminum ribbons, the inclusion of scattering elements to increase haze, or the inclusion of pigments that selectively absorb specific wavelengths to reduce transmission of those colors of light. Similar to the prior examples, these woven cloths or textiles can be combined into different sections or segments and deployed at various times depending on the needs of the crops grown below and the status of the incoming light.

[0134] EXAMPLE 6

[0135] A controller can be used in conjunction with various sensors, such as a spectrometer, a temperature and / or humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, and irrigation sensors to control which sections of spectral dynamic cloths are deployed and at what time. Depending on the data from the various sensors, software can analyze and decide what type of light environment is needed and dynamically deploy or retract the different sections or segments of cloth or textile accordingly.

[0136] EXAMPLE 7

[0137] In accordance with the prior examples, the fluorophores in the various film sections or segments can be quantum dots of materials such as CuInSz, CuInSez, AglnSz, AglnSej, CuGaSz, CuGaSez, CuAISz, CuAlSez, AgGaSz, AgGaSez, ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing. By selection of such materials, the fluorescence in different sections or segments may be controlled to have a maximum fluorescence intensity in a selected wavelength range, forexample. A first example section or segment is configured, via selection of the fluorophores therein, to have a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength greater than 500 nm, greater than 600nm, and / or the like. Another example section or segment, which may be part of the same spectral cloth or a different cloth as the first example section or segment, is configured, via selection of the fluorophores therein, to have a maximum fluorescence intensity at a wavelength of less that 550nm, less than 500 nm, and / or the like.

[0138] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific details, it is not intended that such details should be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various modifications, substitutions, combinations, and ranges of parameters may be made or utilized in the compositions, and methodologies described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat IS CLAIMED IS:Claim 1: A deployable spectral control system, the system comprising:a motorized roller system, anda deployable spectral control material configured to be deployed and retracted via the motorized roller system,wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises one or more photoluminescent species selected from the group consisting of quantum dots, phosphors, or fluorescent dyesClaim 2: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material is a sheet of a woven, knitted, tape-based, or film-strip polymeric material.Claim 3: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises at least one of:woven polymeric fibers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species,woven or knitted tapes slit from polymeric films containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species,hybrid fabrics comprising clear polymeric strands interwoven with strips containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species, orpolymeric fabrics embedded in or laminated with one or more polymer layers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species.Claim 4: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises at least two distinct material segments, each comprising a respective selection of one or more photoluminescent species fluorophores configured to emit at different peak wavelengths, such that deployment of different segments is configured to deliver a spectrum tailored to different crop growth stagesClaim 5: The system of claim 1, wherein deployment of the deploy able spectral control material is configured to provide a spectrum that is characterized by one of:red light to blue light ratio of the spectrum is increased by at least 50% relative to ambient sunlight,a relative red traction of the spectrum is increased by at least 15%, orproviding a crop yield improvement of 5-30% compared to control conditionsClaim 6: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material is a fluorophore-containing woven polymeric material that is embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethaneClaim 7: The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more photoluminescent species include quantum dots of a material selected from the group of CuInS, CuInSe2, AglnS, AgInSe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2,. CUA1S2, CuAlSe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2. ZnS, ZnSe, and alloys of the foregoing.Claim 8: The system of claim 1, further comprising:a controller configured to control operation of the motorized roller system; and at least one sensor selected from a spectrometer, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, carbon dioxide sensor, or light intensity sensor, operatively connected to the controller, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the controller is configured to dynamically select which material segment, of the plurality of material segments is deployed based at least in part on information received from the at least one sensor.Claim 9: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configuredto cause a spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material to change during a day by at least 5%.Claim 10: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and deployment of the deployable spectral control material is configured to cause a spectrum provided by the deployable spectral control material to change over the course of a growing cycle.Claim 11: The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of material segments are configured to provide the dynamic spectra such that a dynamic spectrum that has a first peak wavelength is provided in an early vegetative phase of the growing cycle and a dynamic spectrum that has a second peak wavelength is provided in a reproductive phase of the growing cycle, and the first peak wavelength is shorter than the second peak wavelength.Claim 12: The system of claim 1 wherein the first wavelength is less than 500 nm and the second wavelength is greater than 600 nm.Claim 13: The system of claim 1 wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the plurality of materials segments are oriented so that two or more material segments emit at the same time.Claim 14: The system of claim 1 wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a plurality of material segments configured to provide dynamic spectra characterized by different parameters and the plurality of material segments are oriented so that only one material segment emits at a time.Claim 15: The system of claim 11, further comprising electrically powered lighting such that said dynamic spectrum is combined with light generated by the electrically powered lighting.Claim 16: The system of claim 1, wherein the deployable spectral control material is one of a plurality of deployable spectral control materials the deployment of which is controlled via the motorized roller system and the plurality of deployable spectral control materials are configured to be deployed in one or more layers of deployable spectral control material such that a dynamic spectrum provided by deployment of the plurality of spectral control materials is a composite spectrum of the deployed one or more layers.Claim 17: A deployable spectral control material comprising:at least two distinct material segments, each distinct material segment having a different fluorescent spectra than other distinct film segments of the sheet, said differing fluorescent spectra providing differing wavelength ranges along the length of each distinct material segment, such that as the deployable spectral control material is moved through a greenhouse a spectrum of light within the greenhouse changes as different distinct material segments become illuminated.Claim 18: The deployable spectral control material of claim 17, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises a woven polymeric material embedded in a layer of polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, nylon, polyester and thermoplastic polyurethaneClaim 19: The deployable spectral control material of claim 17, wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises at least one of:woven polymeric fibers containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species,woven or knitted tapes slit from polymeric films containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent species,hybrid fabrics comprising clear polymeric strands interwoven with strips containing at least one of the one or more photoluminescent speci es, orpolymeric fabrics embedded in or laminated with one or more polymer layers containing at least, one of the one or more photoluminescent speciesClaim 20: The deployable spectral control material of claim 17, further comprising one or more additives integrated into the deployable spectral control material, wherein the one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of haze modifiers to improve diffusion, reflective ribbons (e g., aluminum) to enhance light scattering, pigments that selectively absorb undesired wavelengths, and oxygen- and moisture-barrier layers to improve fluorophore stability.Claim 21: An agricultural greenhouse comprising:at least one of glazing or structural components;a motorized roller system; anda deployable spectral control material configured to be deployed and retracted via the motorized roller system so as to control a spectrum of light in at least a portion of the agricultural greenhouse,wherein the deployable spectral control material comprises one or more photoluminescent species selected from the group consisting of quantum dots, phosphors, or fluorescent dyes.Claim 22: The agricultural greenhouse of claim 21, wherein the deployment and retraction of the deployable spectral control material is controlled based at least in part on one or more crops disposed in the at least a portion of the agricultural greenhouse.Claim 23: The agricultural greenhouse of claim 22, wherein the one or more crops comprise at least one crop selected from the group consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, microgreens, strawberries, eggplant, peppers, herbs, ornamental plants, cut flowers, and cannabis

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