Advanced solar power systems with photonic spectral control

Abstract

An advanced solar opto-electric power system is disclosed in which solar radiation is collected, concentrated, and transported as optical power prior to electrical conversion. Solar radiation collection assemblies couple concentrated radiation into power-over-fiber cables, enabling low-loss optical transport to remote or distributed opto-electric reactors. Optical components may manage étendue, numerical aperture, and alignment tolerance while supporting aggregation and routing of optical power. Downstream reactors may include conversion fibers for spectral modification and electric power harvesting fibers that convert guided radiation into electrical power along distributed fiber geometries. The system supports modular scaling, separation of optical collection from electrical conversion, and flexible deployment architectures, enabling improved efficiency, thermal management, and reliability compared to conventional photovoltaic systems.

Description

[0001] ADVANCED SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS WITH PHOTONIC SPECTRAL CONTROL

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 746,123, filed on January 16, 2025; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

[0004] 63 / 770,477, filed on March 12, 2025; the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

[0005] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to solar energy systems and power generation technologies. More particularly, the disclosure relates to advanced solar power systems that collect, concentrate, spectrally modify, transport, and convert solar radiation into electrical power using photonic, optical, and opto-electronic components.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This disclosure relates to solar opto-electric power systems for converting solar radiation into electrical power. Various approaches have been developed to harvest solar radiation and convert it into usable electrical energy; however, existing technologies continue to face technical and economic limitations that constrain efficiency, scalability, and overall system performance.

[0009] Solar opto-electric power systems may be configured to collect incident solar radiation and to convert portions of that radiation into electrical power by transforming the spectral content of the radiation to better match the electronic band gap of photovoltaic or other semiconductor materials. Such systems may involve collecting solar radiation, optionally concentrating the radiation, optionally transporting optical power, converting radiation to band-gap-appropriate wavelengths, and converting the resulting radiation into electrical power. These functions may be performed in various configurations, including on-panel, off-panel, distributed, or modular architectures.

[0010] Conventional solar electric power plants take many shapes and forms and are widely deployed in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications. Utility-scale solar farms, for example, are designed to convert sunlight into electrical power delivered toelectric grids, data centers, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, and other energy consumers. Such systems typically include arrays of solar panels, mechanical support structures, electrically conductive wiring networks, solar tracking systems, inverter systems for converting direct current to alternating current, and grid integration infrastructure.

[0011] Despite widespread deployment, conventional photovoltaic systems are constrained by inherent limitations. The conversion efficiency of traditional solar panels is influenced by the electronic band gap of the semiconductor materials employed, which restricts effective energy conversion to a limited portion of the solar spectrum. Solar radiation incident on a panel includes ultraviolet, visible, and infrared components, yet only a fraction of this radiation can be efficiently converted into electrical power. As a result, a substantial portion of available solar energy may be dissipated as heat or otherwise lost.

[0012] Additional challenges include reduced performance at elevated operating temperatures, spectral mismatch losses, limited capacity factors, and increasing system-level costs associated with electrical aggregation and power transmission. Various techniques have been explored to address these challenges, including optical concentration, spectral modification, multi-junction photovoltaic structures, and thermal management strategies. In some cases, wavelength-conversion materials have been incorporated into optical components, such as glass layers, to convert ultraviolet or infrared radiation into more readily harvested wavelengths. However, when such materials are employed in thin optical layers, the effective interaction length may be insufficient to achieve substantial spectral conversion due to limited optical path length.

[0013] The present disclosure describes a solar opto-electric power system architecture that enables solar radiation to be collected, optionally concentrated, transported, spectrally modified, and converted into electrical power. Such an approach may address limitations associated with conventional on-panel photovoltaic architectures, including spectral losses, inefficient utilization of ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and performance degradation at elevated operating temperatures.

[0014] The concepts described herein draw upon developments from multiple scientific and engineering disciplines, including materials science, optical physics, solid-state physics,chemistry, electronics, and systems engineering. The present disclosure integrates these concepts into a unified system architecture for solar opto-electric power generation.

[0015] Accordingly, there remains a need for improved solar power systems and methods that more effectively utilize incident solar radiation across a broader spectral range, while enabling flexible system architectures, improved efficiency, centralized or distributed conversion, reduced material and wiring requirements, and scalable deployment across a wide range of operating environments.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a solar opto-electric power generation architecture in which solar radiation collection, optical power transport, spectral modification, and electrical power generation are intentionally decoupled and coordinated as an integrated system. In contrast to conventional photovoltaic systems that perform optical-to-electrical conversion directly at the point of collection, the disclosed architecture treats optical power as a primary energy transport medium and defers electrical conversion until one or more downstream opto-electric reactors, thereby enabling improved spectral utilization, thermal management, scalability, and system-level optimization.

[0018] In various embodiments, the disclosed solar opto-electric power system comprises a solar radiation collection system configured to receive incident solar radiation and optionally concentrate the radiation, an optical power transmission system configured to transport optical power using one or more power-over-fiber (PoF) pathways, one or more opto-electric reactors configured to convert optically transported radiation into electrical power, and an electric power transmission system configured to deliver electrical power to downstream loads, storage systems, or power conditioning electronics.

[0019] In certain embodiments, optical power is transported from one or more solar radiation collection assemblies to one or more opto-electric reactors using PoF cables, waveguides, or combinations thereof. Optical aggregation architectures may be employed to combine optical power from multiple upstream collection assemblies into fewer high-capacity optical pathways. Such aggregation may occur at the panel level, sub-assembly level, or system level and may be configured to support modular scaling, fault isolation, and staged deployment.In various embodiments, the opto-electric reactor comprises one or more fiber-based components arranged to perform spectral modification and electrical power harvesting. Such components may include conversion fibers configured to spectrally modify incident radiation using upconversion, downconversion, or combinations thereof, and electric power harvesting fibers configured to convert incident radiation into electrical power using semiconductor-based harvesting structures. Optical power may be incrementally converted along the length of such fibers, thereby reducing localized power density and enabling distributed thermal management.

[0020] In certain embodiments, electric power harvesting fibers comprise a waveguiding structure having one or more light scattering regions, spectral conversion centers, transparent conductive layers, semiconductor layers, and conductive electrode layers arranged to promote uniform photon distribution and efficient charge collection. The harvesting architecture may be configured to reduce mismatch losses, improve spectral utilization, and enable compatibility with linear, coiled, or curved fiber geometries.

[0021] In some embodiments, the disclosure further includes optical confinement structures configured to receive optical power from one or more PoF cables and confine the radiation within a closed or looping optical path. Such structures may incorporate refractive index engineering, spectral conversion materials, and light scattering centers to increase optical interaction length, redistribute photon flux, and enhance coupling into one or more semiconductor harvesting layers.

[0022] The disclosed systems may be implemented in centralized, distributed, or hybrid configurations and may support modular assembly, field replacement, and scalable deployment across a wide range of operating environments. The architectures described herein enable improved utilization of solar radiation across a broader spectral range while reducing electrical wiring complexity, improving thermal performance, and decoupling optical collection from electrical conversion.

[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative and non-limiting. Additional features, advantages, and embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a solar opto-electric power plant including solar radiation collection systems, optical power transmission systems, solar opto-electric reactors, electric power transmission systems, inverter systems, and optional electric power storage systems, illustrating optical and electrical power flow paths within the plant.

[0025] FIG. 2A depicts a top (plan) view of a solar radiation collection assembly (SRCA), showing a lens, a surrounding frame, and a seal system defining an external footprint and optical aperture.

[0026] FIG. 2B depicts a rear view of a solar radiation collection assembly, showing a back side frame system and a coupler configured to mechanically and / or optically connect a power-over-fiber (PoF) cable.

[0027] FIG. 3A depicts a side view of a solar radiation collection assembly, showing a lens, frame, seal system, and first and second side walls defining enclosure geometry and optical path length.

[0028] FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of a solar radiation collection assembly, illustrating relative arrangement of optical, mechanical, and coupling components including a lens, waveguide, optional collimator, waveguide-to-PoF coupler, PoF cable, and waveguide framework.

[0029] FIG. 4A depicts a top view of a panel sub-assembly comprising a plurality of solar radiation collection assemblies arranged within a panel sub-assembly frame.

[0030] FIG. 4B depicts a bottom view of the panel sub-assembly, showing routing of power-over-fiber cables associated with the solar radiation collection assemblies.

[0031] FIG. 5A depicts an optical power transmission network component configured to aggregate optical power from multiple power-over-fiber cables into a higher-capacity optical output.

[0032] FIG. 5B depicts a bottom-side view of a panel sub-assembly operably connected to an optical power transmission network component via one or more power-over-fiber cables.FIG. 6A depicts a top view of a panel comprising a plurality of panel sub-assemblies arranged within a panel frame.

[0033] FIG. 6B depicts a bottom view of the panel, showing aggregated optical outputs exiting each panel sub-assembly via higher-capacity power-over-fiber cables.

[0034] FIG. 7 depicts a panel-to-solar opto-electric reactor connection system, showing panels mounted on a panel rack and coupled to downstream optical power transmission networks.

[0035] FIG. 8A depicts an uncoiled solar opto-electric cartridge including a power-over-fiber cable, a conversion fiber, and one or more electric power harvesting fibers arranged in series.

[0036] FIG. 8B depicts a coiled solar opto-electric cartridge in which one or more fibers are arranged on a coil within a cartridge structure.

[0037] FIG. 8C depicts a solar opto-electric cartridge configuration in which electrical power is collected at one or more intermediate coupling locations along the fiber assembly.

[0038] FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of a power-over-fiber cable including an inner core, cladding, and one or more coatings.

[0039] FIG. 9B depicts a cross-sectional view of a conversion fiber configured for guided transport and spectral modification of optical radiation.

[0040] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of an electric power harvesting fiber including an inner core, cladding, semiconductor layers, and electrically conductive terminals.

[0041] FIG. HA depicts an exploded view of an electric power connector system configured to electrically connect an electric power harvesting fiber to an electric power transmission system.

[0042] FIG. 11B depicts an end-face view of a plug / socket connector configuration showing conductive contact elements configured to engage inner and outer terminals of an electric power harvesting fiber.FIG. 11C depicts an end-face terminal configuration of an electric power harvesting fiber showing exposed inner and outer terminals.

[0043] FIG. 12A depicts an exploded view of an electric power connector system configured to electrically connect multiple electric power harvesting fibers.

[0044] FIG. 12B depicts an end-face view of a multi-fiber plug / socket connector configuration showing conductive contact elements and insulated ports.

[0045] FIG. 12C depicts an end-face terminal configuration of an electric power harvesting fiber for use with a multi-fiber connector system.

[0046] FIG. 13A depicts a wired solar opto-electric cartridge case configured to house optical-to-electrical conversion components.

[0047] FIG. 13B depicts a solar opto-electric reactor rack configured to support a plurality of wired solar opto-electric cartridge cases.

[0048] FIG. 13C depicts a reactor building comprising one or more solar opto-electric reactor racks as part of a solar opto-electric power plant.

[0049] FIG. 14 depicts a photonic flux capacitor and spectral amplifier having a toroidal glass structure optically coupled to one or more power-over-fiber cables, with guided radiation circulating within the structure.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In general, the disclosed solar opto-electric power systems are configured to collect incident solar radiation and to convert at least a portion of the collected radiation into electrical power through photonic and opto-electronic processes. The systems may be implemented in a variety of configurations and scales, including modular, distributed, integrated, and utility-scale architectures.

[0052] In various embodiments, the systems may include one or more solar radiation collection assemblies configured to receive solar radiation. Such assemblies may include optical elements that collect solar radiation and, in some implementations, concentrate theradiation to increase optical power density. The collected radiation may be directed toward one or more optical, photonic, or opto-electronic components for further processing.

[0053] The disclosed systems may be configured to spectrally modify at least a portion of the collected solar radiation prior to electrical conversion. Spectral modification may include wavelength conversion processes such as upconversion, downconversion, or combinations thereof, which may shift radiation from portions of the solar spectrum that are less efficiently converted by energy-conversion materials toward wavelengths that more closely correspond to the electronic band gap of such materials.

[0054] In some embodiments, optical power may be transported between system components prior to electrical conversion, while in other embodiments spectral modification and electrical conversion may occur at or near the location of solar radiation collection.

[0055] Accordingly, spectral modification and electrical conversion functions may be performed within a solar panel, within a panel sub-assembly, within a modular cartridge, or at a location remote from the point of collection.

[0056] Electrical power generated by the disclosed systems may be aggregated, conditioned, stored, transmitted, or delivered for use in a variety of applications. The systems may be coupled to electrical transmission infrastructure, energy storage systems, power conditioning equipment, or grid interconnection components, depending on the intended application and deployment environment.

[0057] The modular and flexible nature of the disclosed solar opto-electric power systems enables adaptation to a wide range of installation scenarios, including residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale deployments, while providing improved utilization of incident solar radiation relative to conventional photovoltaic systems.

[0058] In various embodiments, the disclosed solar opto-electric power systems include one or more solar radiation collection assemblies configured to receive incident solar radiation and to direct the collected radiation toward downstream optical, photonic, or optoelectronic components.

[0059] The following detailed description is provided to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed solar opto-electric power systems. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide illustrative examples ofsystems, components, and methods consistent with the principles described. Variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0060] Figures are not drawn to scale and are provided to illustrate exemplary embodiments and structural relationships; features shown in one figure may be combined with features shown in other figures unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0061] FIG. 1 depicts a solar opto-electric power plant 100. Solar opto-electric power plants 100 may contain solar radiation collection systems 101 that may collect solar radiation and move that solar radiation to optical power transmission systems 102. Optical power transmission systems may also be co-located on panels with solar opto-electric reactors. Solar opto-electric reactors 104 may receive solar radiation from the optical power transmission system 102 and convert that solar radiation into electric power. Electric power transmission systems 105, 109, 110, 111 may move electric power. Inverter systems 106 may convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter systems may also be on panel or present in reactors. Electric power AC transmission systems 107 may move electric power from the inverter system 106 to the grid and / or to the grid of the customer for the electric power. Electric power transmission systems 105 may move electric power from solar opto-electric reactors 104 to the inverter system 106. Electric power transmission system 109 may move electric power from solar opto-electric reactors 104 to an electric power storage system 108. An electric power storage system 108 may store electric power for a period of time. An electric power storage system 108 may be a battery storage system. AC electric power may be moved from the electric power storage system 108 to the grid and / or to the grid of the customer over electric power transmission systems 111. DC electric power may be moved from the electric power storage system 108 to the grid and / or to the grid of the customer over electric power transmission systems 110. A solar opto-electric power plant 100 may have an array of solar radiation collection systems 101 may require a number (m) of optical power transmission systems 103 to move optical power from each solar radiation collection system to the solar opto-electric reactors 104, where ni may be equal to a number between 1 and 100 billion. In certain embodiments, the value of ni scales as a function of modular replication rather than physical contiguity or centralized aggregation. A solar opto-electric power plant 100 may be implemented as a single solar radiation collection assembly, a system comprising a plurality of solar radiation collection systems each having a locally integrated or on-panelsolar opto-electric reactor 104, a distributed architecture in which optical power is transported to nearby or field-level solar opto-electric reactors 104, or a utility-scale or geographically distributed deployment comprising millions to billions of solar radiation collection systems 101 coupled to one or more opto-electric reactors. Such scaling may be achieved through hierarchical, parallel, or distributed aggregation, including architectures in which opto-electric reactors are deployed at the panel level, sub-assembly level, field level, regional level, or combinations thereof In this manner, the disclosed architecture enables linear, sub-linear, or multiplicative scaling of solar radiation collection capacity while preserving flexibility in reactor placement, thermal management, electrical aggregation, and system optimization.

[0062] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500. As shown, the solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 may include one or more optical collection elements configured to collect incident solar radiation over a defined surface area. The optical collection elements may include, for example, lenses, refractive elements, reflective elements, diffractive elements, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the optical collection elements may be configured to concentrate solar radiation, while in other implementations concentration may be omitted or minimized.

[0063] FIG. 2A illustrates a top (plan) view of a solar radiation collection assembly (SRCA) 200, 300, 400, 500. The SRCA 200 is shown as an optical collection unit defining an external footprint and an optical aperture through which incident solar radiation is admitted. The illustrated embodiment depicts the relative placement and geometric relationship between a lens 203, 401, 501, a surrounding frame 201, 403, 504, and a seal system 202 disposed between the lens and the frame.

[0064] The lens 203, 401, 501 may be centrally positioned within the frame 201, 403, 504 and may comprise one or more optical elements configured to receive solar radiation. The frame 201, 403, 504 may define an outer boundary of the SRCA 200 and may be configured to provide mechanical support, environmental sealing, and geometric alignment relative to adjacent SRC As or support structures. The seal system 202 may extend between the lens and the frame to inhibit ingress of dust, moisture, or debris.The external footprint illustrated in FIG. 2A may have a circular, polygonal, hexagonal, square, or other shape, including shapes selected to facilitate close packing or tessellation when multiple SRCAs are arranged together. The footprint geometry and aperture placement may be selected to balance solar radiation collection efficiency, mechanical integration, and deployment constraints.

[0065] FIG. 2A illustrates the external footprint, aperture layout, and component relationships of an exemplary SRCA as viewed from above and does not depict internal optical, waveguiding, coupling, or conversion components, which may be arranged beneath, within, or behind the lens as described elsewhere herein.

[0066] FIG. 2A depicts to top view 200 of a solar radiation collection assembly (SRCA) 200, 300, 400, 500. A SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may be an assembly within the solar radiation collection system 101. The SRCA 200 may be comprised of a lens 203, 401, 501 that may collect and concentrate solar radiation, may have a frame 201, 403, 504 to hold the lens 203, 401, 501 in position and may have a seal system 202 to form a seal between the lens 203, 401, 501 and the frame 201, 403, 504. The lens 203, 401, 501 may be a magnifying glass, a magnifying lens, a convex lens, a piano convex lens, an aplanatic lens, a converging lens, a fresnel lens, a power lens, a diopter lens, biconvex lens, an aspheric lens, an aplanatic lens, an achromatic lens, a patterned lens or a meta lens. The lens 203, 401, 501 may be designed to have the lowest amount of solar radiation loss and may achieve losses less that 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5% or 10% loss of the radiation entering the lens 203, 401, 501. The lens 203, 401, 501 design may include a lens 203, 401, 501 diameter di where di may be between 6.5 inches and 7.5 inches, 6 inches and 8 inches, 5 inches and 7 inches, 4 inches and 5 inches, 3 inches and 4 inches, 2 inches and 3 inches, 1 inch and 2 inches, 0.1 inch and 1 inch, 8 inches and 10 inches, 10 inches and 15 inches, 15 inches and 20 inches, 20 inches and 50 inches, 50 inches and 100 inches and / or 1 inch and 100 inches. There may be an optimal lens 203, 401, 501 design that produces the lowest total cost electric power. Trade offs between lens 203, 401, 501 diameter di, materials of construction, coatings, shape, manufacturing technique, focal length, numerical aperture, focal point length, focal plane depth and / or focal point area. There may be a lens frame system 201, 403, 504 that holds the lens 203, 401 , 501 in place and may provide a lens seal system 202, 402 that keeps dust and particles from coming inside the SRCA 200. The lens frame system 201, 403, 504 may have a diameter d? that is0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and / or 20% larger than di. The lens frame system 201, 403, 504 may be designed to optimize the amount of solar radiation collected per square meter to SRCA 200 area and may have a hexagon shape, a square shape, a disc shape and / or a polygon shape with n? sides where n2 may equal 3-100.

[0067] In one example the SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may have a lens 203, 401, 501 with a di between 6.5 inches and 7.5 inches, a lens frame system 201 with hexagon shape where the diameter d2 is 2.5% greater than di. In certain embodiments, the SRCA geometry is selected to maximize effective lens surface area per unit external footprint, such that the lens occupies a substantial fraction of the available aperture area defined by the SRCA frame.

[0068] In the rear view illustrated in FIG. 2B, the back side frame system 301 may define a mechanical and optical interface through which collected and concentrated solar radiation is transferred from the solar radiation collection assembly (SRCA) 300 to downstream photonic components. The back side frame system 301 may provide structural support, environmental sealing, optical alignment, and strain relief for one or more optical interfaces extending from the SRCA.

[0069] The coupler 303 may be configured to optically couple solar radiation from internal optical components of the SRCA into a power-over-fiber (PoF) cable 302. The coupler 303 may provide controlled optical alignment, numerical aperture matching, and insertion loss between the SRCA and the PoF cable, and may be permanently affixed, removably attached, integrally formed, or modularly replaceable relative to the back side frame system 301.

[0070] In certain embodiments, a coupler referenced in the solar radiation collection assembly functions primarily as a mechanical alignment and retention interface, rather than as an optical coupling element. In such embodiments, the coupler is configured to mechanically secure, position, and strain-relieve a power-over-fiber (PoF) cable relative to a structural frame, lens mount, or housing. The coupler may maintain positional stability, vibration resistance, and mechanical robustness under environmental loading, thermal cycling, or installation tolerances, without materially altering the optical properties, spectral content, or propagation characteristics of radiation transported within the PoF cable.Accordingly, unless expressly stated otherwise, references to a coupler in the solar radiation collection assembly are not limited to optical coupling devices and may include purely mechanical connectors, ferrules, clamps, sleeves, collets, compression fittings, or hybrid mechanical interfaces configured to support alignment and structural integrity of the PoF cable within the system.

[0071] The PoF cable 302 extending from the rear of the SRCA may transport optical power to one or more downstream photonic elements, including conversion fibers, waveguides, optical aggregation structures, or opto-electric reactors, as described elsewhere in the specification. The rear-facing optical interface shown in FIG. 2B enables optical power to be routed away from the SRCA without constraining the location or configuration of subsequent spectral modification or opto-electric conversion stages.

[0072] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 2B is exemplary and non-limiting. The number, orientation, routing, and attachment of PoF cables associated with a given SRCA may vary based on system scale, optical power level, aggregation strategy, deployment environment, or mechanical constraints.

[0073] FIG. 2B depicts the back view 300 of a SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500. A SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may be an assembly within the solar radiation collection system 101. The SRCA 300 may have a back side frame system 301 that may provide structural support and may provide a seal and / or enclosure, may have a coupler 303 that may connect a power over fiber (PoF) cable 302 to the back side frame system 301.

[0074] In the side view illustrated in FIG. 3A, the relative dimensions and proportions of the first side wall 404, 506 and the second side wall 405 may be selected to define an internal optical path length, enclosure volume, and mechanical stack-up suitable for a wide range of optical designs and deployment configurations. The length li of the first side wall may be selected to accommodate lens focal length, focal region tolerance, beam convergence angle, and optical efficiency targets, while also balancing enclosure depth, material usage, and structural rigidity.

[0075] The length I2 of the second side wall may be selected to provide sufficient enclosure depth to accommodate rear-side structural elements, optical interfaces, environmental sealing, and mechanical attachment features, while maintaining a compact form factor suitable forintegration into panel sub-assemblies, panels, or larger arrays. In various embodiments, the relative ratio of h to h may be selected based on optical performance requirements, thermal considerations, manufacturability, or system-level packing density.

[0076] The enclosure geometry shown in FIG. 3A is exemplary and non-limiting. The lens 203, 401, 501, frame 201, 403, 504, seal system 202, 402, first side wall 404, 506, and second side wall 405 may be configured in a variety of relative dimensions and proportions while preserving the functional relationship between solar radiation collection, optical concentration, and downstream optical coupling as described elsewhere in the specification.

[0077] FIG. 3A depicts the side view 400 of a SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500. The side view of a SRCA 400 may be an assembly within the solar radiation collection system 101. The SRCA 400 may be comprised of a lens 203, 401, 501 that may collect and concentrate solar radiation, may have a frame 201, 403, 504 to hold the lens 203, 401, 501 in position and may have a lens-frame seal system 202, 402 to form a seal between the lens 203, 401, 501 and the frame 201, 403, 504. The SRCA 400 may contain a first side wall 404, 506 for the frame 201, 403, 504 that may provide structural stability, enclosure and / or support for the lens 203, 401, 501. The first side wall 404, 506 may extend around the sides of the SRCA 400 to provide an enclosure. The first side wall 404, 506 length h and the length may be determined by the design of the lens 203, 401, 501 such that solar radiation is concentrated at a focal point and where h may be adjusted to accommodate the focal length and / or the lens 203, 401, 501 may be designed to have both low loss and short focal length. The SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain a second side wall 405 for the frame system 201, 403, 504 that may provide structural stability, enclosure and / or support for the lens 203, 401, 501, the back side frame system 301, a coupler 303 and / or a PoF cable 302. The second side wall 405 may have a length I2 that is long enough to provide a enclosed SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 where the length h may be between O.linch and linch, linch and 2inches, 2inches and 3inches, 3inches and 4inches, 5inches and 7inches, 7inches and 1ft, 1ft and 2ft.

[0078] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500, showing the relative arrangement, modularity, and cooperative interaction of optical, mechanical, and coupling components used to collect, condition,and transfer solar radiation. As illustrated, the exploded configuration highlights how individual components may be assembled along an optical axis to define a controlled optical pathway from an incident-radiation interface to a downstream power-over-fiber or waveguide interface.

[0079] In certain embodiments, FIG. 3B illustrates how structural elements, including frames, sidewalls, spacers, stabilization posts, and internal frameworks, cooperate to maintain precise alignment between optical elements during assembly, operation, thermal cycling, and environmental exposure. The illustrated exploded arrangement further emphasizes manufacturability, serviceability, and modular replacement of individual components without requiring disassembly of the entire solar radiation collection system.

[0080] In some embodiments, FIG. 3B illustrates the integration of optical conditioning elements within the solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500, including waveguides, optional collimators, and coupling structures configured to accept concentrated radiation from a lens and to direct the radiation toward a power-over-fiber cable or other downstream photonic element. The illustrated arrangement supports optical concentration, beam shaping, angular conditioning, and coupling efficiency optimization prior to radiation transport.

[0081] In various implementations, the exploded view shown in FIG. 3B illustrates how sealing elements, protective enclosures, and interface features may be incorporated to isolate internal optical components from contaminants while maintaining optical performance. The configuration further supports scalable manufacturing, tolerance control, and repeatable assembly across large numbers of solar radiation collection assemblies used in panel-level or plant-level deployments.

[0082] The solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 may further include a structural frame or housing configured to support, align, and protect the optical collection elements. The frame may define an enclosure that shields internal components from environmental exposure while maintaining optical access for incident solar radiation. One or more sealing elements may be provided between the optical collection elements and the frame to inhibit ingress of contaminants such as dust, moisture, or particulates.FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view 500 of a SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500. A SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain stabilization posts 507 that may provide structural stability to frame system 201, 403, 504, the first side wall 404, 506, the second side wall 405, 512. The SRCA 500 may be comprised of a lens 203, 401, 501 that may collect and concentrate solar radiation, may have a frame 201, 403, 504 to hold the lens 203, 401, 501 in position and may have a lens-frame seal system 202, 402, 502 to form a seal between the lens 203, 401, 501 and the frame 201, 403, 504. The SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain a first side wall 404, 506 for the frame 201, 403, 504 that may provide structural stability, enclosure and / or support for the lens 203, 401, 501. The first side wall 404, 506 may extend around the sides of the SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 to provide an enclosure. The SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain a spacer 505 to accommodate the lens 203, 401, 501 thickness in the design. The SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain a waveguide 513 that may accept the solar radiation and may guide it into an optional collimator 514. An optional collimator 514 directs the angle of solar radiation so that it can travel down the length of the PoF cable 516, 703 with low loss. Depending on the design, a collimator 514 may not be necessary to achieve the desired electric power production. The waveguide 513 may be designed to further concentrate solar radiation from the lens 203, 401, 501 as solar radiation exiting the waveguide 513 may enter a collimator 514 and / or a waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517 that may be connected to a PoF cable 302, 516, 703. The positioning of the waveguide 513, collimator 514, waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517 and PoF cable 516 may be important to ensure the least amount of solar radiation loss in through the system, therefore a waveguide framework 515 may provide structural support to maintain orientation and position of each. The waveguide framework 515 may act as a cage and may secure the waveguide 513, the optional collimator 514, the waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517, the PoF cable 302, 516, 703, and / or the assembly to the second side wall 405, 512. The SRCA 200, 300, 400, 500 may contain a seal 510 to protect the waveguide opening 509 from contamination. The solar radiation collection assembly may be comprised of a lens 203, 401, 501 that concentrates solar radiation, a waveguide 513 that further concentrates solar radiation into a beam that may enter a power over fiber cable 302, 516, 703, a waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517 that may couple the waveguide 513 to the PoF cable 302, 516, 703, a waveguide framework 515 that may align and hold in position the waveguide 513 and the power over fiber cable 302, 516, 703.In the exploded configuration illustrated in FIG. 3B, the relative positioning of the waveguide 513, optional collimator 514, waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517, and PoF cable 302, 516, 703 may be established and maintained by the waveguide framework 515 to define a controlled optical path from the lens 203, 401, 501 to the core of the PoF cable. The waveguide framework 515 may constrain translational and rotational degrees of freedom of the optical components to reduce coupling loss and sensitivity to vibration, thermal cycling, mechanical shock, or assembly tolerances.

[0083] The optical geometry of the solar radiation collection assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 may be selected in accordance with conservation of optical etendue, such that the spatial extent and angular distribution of concentrated solar radiation produced by the lens are compatible with the acceptance characteristics of downstream optical components, including the waveguide 513 and the fiber core of the PoF cable. Because the lens forms a focal region having a finite area and angular distribution, the fiber core diameter and numerical aperture may be selected to accept a desired fraction of the associated etendue, thereby limiting coupling loss attributable to etendue mismatch.

[0084] In some embodiments, the waveguide 513 may function as an etendue-preserving optical conditioning element, including an adiabatic taper, configured to gradually redistribute spatial and angular characteristics of the concentrated radiation while maintaining optical throughput and minimizing mode conversion, scattering, or coupling loss. In certain embodiments, the optional collimator 514 may further condition ray angles prior to entry into the PoF cable, and one or more of the waveguide 513, collimator 514, and waveguide-to-PoF coupler 517 may be omitted, combined, or integrated depending on system architecture.

[0085] In various embodiments, the SRCA may be configured to achieve efficient optical coupling using passive alignment without requiring active alignment during installation or replacement, although active alignment may be employed during manufacture, service, and / or operation. The configuration shown in FIG. 3B enables the solar radiation collection assembly to operate as a self-contained optical injection module delivering conditioned optical power into downstream power-over-fiber cables, conversion fibers, or opto-electric reactors located on-panel, adjacent to the panel, or remote from the assembly.The waveguide core and the waveguide cladding may each have a refractive index. In certain embodiments, the difference in refractive index between the waveguide core and the waveguide cladding may be expressed as AFRN = FRNcore - FRNcladding. The refractive index difference AFRN may be selected to support optical confinement, controlled leakage, scattering-assisted light redirection, taper-assisted concentration, or combinations thereof, depending on the desired optical function of the waveguide.

[0086] In non-limiting examples, AFRN may be between 0.002 and 0.016, 0.02 and 0.06, 0.002 and 0.10, 0.10 and 0.20, 0.2 and 0.37, 0.37 and 0.50, 0.09 and 1.0, 0.45 and 0.65, 0.65 and 0.90, or 0.90 and 0.99. In further non-limiting embodiments, AFRN may be between -0.002 and -0.016, -0.02 and -0.06, -0.002 and -0.10, -0.10 and -0.20, -0.2 and -0.37, -0.37 and -0.50, -0.09 and -1.0, -0.45 and -0.65, -0.65 and -0.90, or -0.90 and -0.99, for embodiments in which partial mode leakage, radiation extraction, or scattering behavior is desired. The foregoing refractive index relationships are illustrative and do not limit the invention to any particular refractive index values, sign of refractive index difference, or material combination.

[0087] In further embodiments, the refractive index difference AFRN between the waveguide core and the waveguide cladding is not limited to the foregoing ranges and may exceed 0.99. Such embodiments may include, without limitation, waveguides having high-refractive-index glass, glass-ceramic, or element-doped cores in combination with low-refractive-index claddings, including polymeric claddings, fluoroacrylate claddings, fluoropolymer claddings, porous claddings, void-containing claddings, gas-filled regions, air-gap structures, or structured materials having an effective refractive index approaching that of air or vacuum. Refractive index differences greater than 0.99 may be used to achieve high numerical aperture, strong optical confinement, enhanced coupling from a lens, controlled optical leakage, taper-assisted concentration, scattering-assisted extraction, or improved tolerance to angular and positional misalignment. Accordingly, no upper bound on the refractive index difference AFRN is intended unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0088] The refractive index difference AFRN further determines the numerical aperture (NA) of the waveguide, which defines its angular acceptance and supported optical etendue. In various embodiments, the NA and core dimensions of the waveguide and / or a receiving optical fiber may be selected to be compatible with the spatial extent and angulardistribution of concentrated solar radiation produced by a lens focal region and with the acceptance characteristics of downstream power-over-fiber cables.

[0089] In accordance with conservation of optical etendue, the refractive index difference, numerical aperture, and geometry of the waveguide or receiving fiber may be selected such that its acceptance etendue equals or exceeds a desired fraction of the etendue associated with the concentrated solar radiation delivered by the lens. This selection may reduce coupling loss attributable to angular overfilling, underfilling, or mode truncation and may improve tolerance to positional and angular misalignment between the lens focal region, the waveguide (if present), and the receiving fiber core.

[0090] In some embodiments, the waveguide may function as an etendue-preserving optical conditioning element, including an adiabatic taper, configured to gradually redistribute the spatial and angular characteristics of the concentrated radiation while maintaining optical throughput and minimizing mode conversion, scattering, or coupling loss. In embodiments employing a waveguide and / or collimator, the refractive index difference and resulting numerical aperture may be selected to enable efficient acceptance, conditioning, and delivery of focused radiation into a power-over-fiber cable. In embodiments omitting a waveguide or collimator, the numerical aperture and core geometry of the receiving fiber itself may be selected to directly accept the lens-formed focal distribution while remaining consistent with physically achievable etendue limits.

[0091] The selected refractive index difference may be achieved through material selection, compositional tuning, or doping. In certain embodiments, the waveguide core may be comprised of glass doped with rare earth elements, sensitizers, or co-dopants, while the waveguide cladding may be comprised of polymeric materials including fluorinated acrylates, fluoroacrylates, fluoropolymers, or combinations thereof. Other material systems capable of achieving similar refractive index differences may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0092] As described further in connection with the conversion fiber embodiments, numerical aperture may be independently selected or varied in different portions of the system to satisfy distinct optical functions including collection efficiency, transport stability, and spectral conversion performance.As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the panel sub-assembly 600 may define a planar, modular grouping of SRCAs arranged in a selected geometric pattern to facilitate dense packing, mechanical integration, and scalable assembly. The SRCAs may be arranged in repeating or tessellating configurations to promote efficient surface-area utilization. The panel subassembly frame 601 may provide alignment, spacing, and structural support for the SRCAs, enabling the panel sub-assembly to function as an intermediate structural unit between individual SRCAs and larger panels, arrays, or solar radiation collection systems.

[0093] FIG. 4A depicts the top view 600 of a panel sub-assembly 600, 700. The panel subassembly 600 may be made up of a number ns of SRCAs 200, 300, 400, 500, 602, 701 where the number ns may be equal to a number between 1 and 1000. FIG 4A depicts the top view of a panel sub-assembly 600, 700 where ns is equal to 7. The SRCA200, 300, 400, 500, 602 within the panel sub-assembly 600 may be joined together by a panel subassembly frame 601.

[0094] FIG. 4B depicts the bottom view 700 of a panel sub-assembly 600, 700. The panel subassembly 600, 700 may be made up of a number n4 of SRCAs 200, 300, 400, 500, 602, 701 where the number n4 may be between 1 and 1000. FIG. 4B depicts the bottom view 700 of a panel sub-assembly 600, 700 where n4 is equal to 7. The SRCAs 200, 300, 400, 500, 602, 701 within the panel sub-assembly 600, 700 may have a PoF coupler 517, 702 and / or a PoF cable 302, 516, 703 that may make it possible for the concentrated solar radiation to be transported as power over fiber from the panel sub-assembly 600, 700.

[0095] As illustrated, the bottom-side configuration may provide organized routing, mechanical retention, bend-radius control, and strain relief for optical transmission elements while maintaining separation from electrical conductors and power conversion components. In various embodiments, the panel sub-assembly aggregates optical outputs from multiple SRCAs without performing optical-to-electrical conversion at the sub-assembly level, thereby enabling optical power to be directed toward downstream conversion or utilization components located beneath, adjacent to, or remote from the panel sub-assembly.

[0096] FIG. 5A depicts an optical power transmission network 800 configured to aggregate, route, and transport optical power from multiple power-over-fiber (PoF) inputs to one or more downstream optical or opto-electric subsystems. In various embodiments, an opticalpower transmission system 102 may comprise the optical power transmission network 800 to provide scalable aggregation of optical power carried by multiple PoF cables.

[0097] As illustrated, the optical power transmission network may include one or more optical aggregation assemblies 801 comprising input couplers 802 associated with respective PoF cables 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809. Optical radiation delivered by the multiple PoF cables may be combined within a combining waveguide 810 and directed into a single waveguide 811, which may be coupled via an aggregation waveguide-to-fiber coupler 812 to a single higher-capacity PoF cable 302, 813 exiting the aggregation assembly. The illustrated configuration represents a non-limiting example in which multiple PoF inputs are aggregated into a single PoF output.

[0098] In various embodiments, the optical power transmission network enables modular scaling, reconfiguration, and fault isolation by allowing individual PoF inputs to be independently connected, disconnected, or rerouted while maintaining low optical loss, controlled alignment, and power density management. The network may aggregate optical outputs originating from multiple solar radiation collection assemblies, panel sub-assemblies, or panels without performing optical-to-electrical conversion at the aggregation level.

[0099] PoF cables 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 813, 1306, 1307, 516, 302, and 703 may be configured to transport optical power over a wide range of capacities, including, without limitation, from less than 1 watt to greater than 100 watts, from 100 watts to 1 kilowatt, from 1 kilowatt to 10 kilowatts, or from 10 kilowatts to 500 kilowatts, depending on fiber design, numerical aperture, core diameter, materials, cooling, and system architecture.

[0100] Optical coupling efficiency between upstream optical sources and PoF cables may be governed by numerical aperture, acceptance cone angle, focal spot size, and alignment tolerance. In various embodiments, waveguides and / or collimators may be configured to transform concentrated radiation into a beam profile compatible with the PoF core diameter and numerical aperture while reducing angular spread to maintain total internal reflection through couplers and fiber bends. In some embodiments, total optical loss from lens entry to reactor entry is maintained below 10%, below 5%, below 2%, below 1%, below 0.5%, or below 0.1% through selection of low-loss materials, coatings, interface design, and alignment techniques.In certain embodiments, the system includes an optical loss budget accounting for lens transmission loss, waveguide loss, coupler insertion loss, fiber attenuation, bend loss, connector loss, and aggregation loss. Optical monitoring may be performed at one or more locations within the optical power transmission network to detect misalignment, fouling, fiber damage, or degradation.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the optical power transmission network 800 (including, for example, the optical aggregation assembly 801, combining waveguide 810, single waveguide 811, coupler 812, and / or associated interfaces) may be configured to operate not only as an optical combiner that aggregates multiple power-over-fiber (PoF) inputs into a higher-capacity PoF output, but also as an optical spectral distribution subsystem configured to separate broadband solar radiation into a plurality of wavelength bands and deliver the separated bands to different downstream optical fibers, waveguides, and / or opto-electric subsystems.

[0102] In such embodiments, broadband solar radiation may enter the optical power transmission network from a single optical input, including a single PoF cable or waveguide, and the network may provide multiple optical outputs, each carrying a different spectral band. Non-limiting examples of such bands include ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), infrared (IR), and sub-bands thereof. Each output may be coupled to a respective PoF cable, waveguide, conversion fiber, or optical delivery path associated with a downstream optical utilization, spectral conversion, or opto-electric conversion function.

[0103] In various embodiments, spectral separation may be achieved by integrating one or more wavelength-selective or dispersive elements within the optical aggregation region, including within or coupled to the combining waveguide 810 and / or the single waveguide 811. Such elements may include, without limitation, grating-based structures, planar waveguide demultiplexers, diffraction or interference elements, photonic crystal structures, or combinations thereof, configured to spatially separate incident radiation by wavelength and direct different spectral components toward different output ports or waveguides.

[0104] In some embodiments, the spectral distribution subsystem may provide a number of optical outputs m, where m may be between 2 and 64, between 2 and 16, between 3 and 8, or between 4 and 12. Spectral boundaries for each output may be selected to align withdownstream optical functions, including routing UV-rich bands to downconversion materials, routing visible-rich bands to photovoltaic conversion regions optimized for visible wavelengths, routing NIR or IR bands to upconversion materials or thermal capture subsystems, and / or routing different spectral bands to different opto-electric reactors having different bandgap characteristics.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the spectral distribution subsystem may be characterized by performance parameters including insertion loss less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 2%, or less than 1% across a designated spectral band; channel isolation between adjacent outputs greater than 10 dB, greater than 20 dB, or greater than 30 dB; and spectral transition widths between adjacent bands less than 200 nm, less than 100 nm, less than 50 nm, or less than 20 nm. In some embodiments, the subsystem may be thermally stabilized or packaged to maintain spectral alignment under outdoor operating conditions.

[0106] In various embodiments, the optical power transmission network 800 may include a reversible or reconfigurable optical architecture such that a given optical subassembly may operate in a combiner mode, in which multiple PoF inputs are aggregated into a single output, or in a splitter mode, in which broadband optical power entering a single input is separated into multiple wavelength-band outputs. Spectral distribution may occur prior to aggregation, during aggregation, or downstream of aggregation, depending on system architecture, spectral utilization strategy, and opto-electric conversion requirements.

[0107] FIG. 5B depicts a bottom-side view 900 of a panel sub-assembly 600, 700 operably connected to an optical power transmission network 800, 902. As illustrated, optical power collected within the panel sub-assembly is routed from the underside of the panel sub-assembly into the optical power transmission network via one or more power-over-fiber (PoF) cables 302, 516, 703.

[0108] The panel sub-assembly includes a panel sub-assembly frame 601 (also referenced as 901 in FIG. 5B), which provides structural support, alignment, and routing features for PoF cables exiting the panel sub-assembly. The frame 601, 901 may enable organized optical routing, controlled bend radius, strain relief, and environmental protection while maintaining separation from electrical conductors and power conversion components.In various embodiments, optical outputs from multiple solar radiation collection assemblies within the panel sub-assembly may be aggregated, routed, or distributed via optical coupling interfaces, waveguides, or PoF cables without performing optical-to-electrical conversion at the panel sub-assembly level. The configuration illustrated in FIG.

[0109] 5B supports modular installation, removal, and replacement of panel sub-assemblies, as well as scalable fan-in of optical power from multiple panel sub-assemblies into shared optical aggregation or trunk pathways for downstream transport, conversion, or utilization.

[0110] FIG. 6A depicts a top (plan) view 1000 of a panel 1001, 1101 comprising a plurality of panel sub-assemblies 600. The panel 1001, 1101 may include a number ns of panel subassemblies 600, where ns may be between 1 and 1000.

[0111] In various embodiments, the panel sub-assemblies 600 are arranged within the panel 1001, 1101 to optimize one or more system-level metrics, including surface-area utilization, optical collection efficiency, optical transmission loss, electrical power production per unit area, cost per watt, or combinations thereof.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, each panel sub-assembly 600 comprises a plurality of solar radiation collection assemblies (SRCAs) 200, 300, 400, 500 arranged in a hexagonal pattern, such that ns equals seven SRCAs per panel sub-assembly. The panel 1001, 1101 is shown as comprising seven panel sub-assemblies 600, such that ns equals seven. These quantities and geometries are illustrative and non-limiting, and other numbers, arrangements, and tiling geometries may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0113] FIG. 6B depicts a bottom (rear-facing) view 1100 of a panel 1001, 1101. As illustrated, the panel comprises a plurality of panel sub-assemblies 600, each panel sub-assembly configured to output optical power via a single higher-capacity power-over-fiber (PoF) cable 813, 902, 1102.

[0114] In various embodiments, the single PoF cable exiting each panel sub-assembly represents an aggregated optical output derived from multiple solar radiation collection assemblies within the sub-assembly. This configuration enables panel-level consolidation of optical power, reduces the number of downstream optical interconnects, and facilitates scalable routing of optical power from the panel toward optical power transmission networks,conversion fibers, or opto-electric reactor assemblies located beneath, adjacent to, or remote from the panel.

[0115] FIG. 7 illustrates a panel-to-solar opto-electric reactor connection system 1200. As illustrated, one or more panels 1201, 1001, 1101 are mounted on a panel rack 1202 that provides structural support and, in some embodiments, solar tracking capability.

[0116] In various embodiments, the panel rack 1202 may include passive or active tracking mechanisms, including mechanically actuated tracking systems and optionally computer-assisted control systems, to orient the panel toward incident solar radiation. In some implementations, the panel rack 1202 may be self-powered, including embodiments in which a portion of collected optical power is converted to electrical power on or near the panel to supply rack operation. The panel rack 1202 may further include electrical energy storage, such as a battery, for storing excess power.

[0117] Each panel 1201 may include a number m of high-capacity power-over-fiber (PoF) cables 813, 903 exiting the panel, where ne may be between 1 and 1000. The high-capacity PoF cables may be bundled as a PoF cable bundle 1203 that passes through or along the panel rack 1202 and interfaces with an optical power transmission network 800, 902, 102.

[0118] The panel-to-reactor connection system 1200 thereby provides an optical pathway for delivering aggregated optical power from one or more panels to downstream optical power transmission networks and solar opto-electric reactor assemblies, while maintaining mechanical support, modularity, and separation between optical transport and opto-electric conversion.

[0119] FIG. 8A illustrates an uncoiled solar opto-electric cartridge 1300 configured to receive optical power and convert the optical power into electrical power through one or more serially and / or parallelly connected fiber-based components.

[0120] As illustrated, the solar opto-electric cartridge 1300 may include a high-capacity power-over-fiber (PoF) cable 1306 having a length I3. The length I3 may be selected based on system architecture, installation requirements, and optical power transport considerations, and may be between 0.01 ft and 100,000 ft. The PoF cable 1306 may be optically coupled via a coupler 1310 to a conversion fiber (CF) 1309 configured to perform spectral modification of transported radiation, including upconversion, downconversion, orcombinations thereof. The conversion fiber 1309 may have a length h between 0.01 ft and 100,000 ft and may be comprised of glass, glass-ceramic materials, rare-earth dopants, spectral conversion additives, sensitizers, co-dopants, elements, coatings, or combinations thereof.

[0121] Optical power exiting the conversion fiber 1309 may be delivered to one or more electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs) 1311, 1313, 1315 arranged in series, parallel, or combinations thereof. A first electric power harvesting fiber 1311 may have a length I5, a second electric power harvesting fiber 1313 may have a length k, and a third electric power harvesting fiber 1315 may have a length I7. Each of the lengths k, k, and I7 may independently be selected based on optical extraction, electrical current matching, thermal management, and system architecture considerations, and may each independently be between 0.01 ft and 100,000 ft. Each EPHF may be configured to convert incident radiation into electrical power using photovoltaic, photoconductive, thermophotovoltaic, or hybrid conversion mechanisms.

[0122] In certain embodiments, the solar opto-electric cartridge 1300 is configured not only to condition the spectral content of transported radiation but also to distribute optical flux substantially uniformly along and / or around one or more photovoltaic harvesting regions. Uniform distribution may reduce non-uniform illumination effects that could otherwise produce electrical mismatch losses analogous to those observed in partially shaded photovoltaic modules. Accordingly, optical power delivered through the PoF cable 1306 and / or conversion fiber 1309 may be redistributed such that the photovoltaic harvesting layer(s) of one or more EPHFs receives illumination having a substantially uniform distribution, a graded distribution, or a distribution tailored to local electrical and thermal constraints.

[0123] Uniformity and redistribution may be achieved by selection and / or control of one or more of (i) the number of fiber segments, (ii) the lengths of segments, (iii) optical concentration and coupling conditions, (iv) the density, size, type, and spatial distribution of scattering centers or extraction features, (v) the composition, concentration, and spatial distribution of spectral conversion centers, and / or (vi) refractive-index and numerical-aperture characteristics that govern guided-mode confinement and optical extraction. In non-limiting examples, the cartridge may include one or more optical conditioningsegments configured to homogenize optical power and one or more harvesting segments configured to deliver redistributed radiation to photovoltaic harvesting layers with reduced spatial hot spots.

[0124] In various embodiments, radiation transported within the PoF cable 1306 and / or conversion fiber 1309 is guided predominantly as one or more guided modes. When the guided radiation interacts with a spectral conversion center, the resulting emitted photon may be produced with an angular distribution that is not confined to the original guided mode. As a result, at least a portion of the spectrally converted emission may propagate as unguided or weakly guided radiation and be directed toward one or more photovoltaic harvesting surfaces. Similarly, scattering centers, micro- or nano-structured extraction features, refractive-index discontinuities, or controlled roughness may couple a controlled fraction of guided radiation out of guided propagation and toward the photovoltaic harvesting interface. Thus, illumination of the photovoltaic harvesting layer may be provided by a combination of scattered guided radiation and spectrally converted emission.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the conversion fiber 1309 and / or one or more EPHFs 1311, 1313, 1315 are configured as segmented optical reactors in which different segments contain different spectral conversion compositions, scattering or extraction densities, optical confinement properties, or combinations thereof. Segmentation may be used to optimize quantum efficiency and overall system performance by mitigating deleterious interactions between different spectral conversion compositions, sensitizers, co-dopants, or scattering centers, including concentration quenching, reabsorption, cross-relaxation, excited-state absorption, or spectral overlap effects. For example, different upconversion and / or downconversion compositions may be spatially separated into different axial segments, different fibers, or different layers to enable each composition to operate near its respective optimal excitation intensity, pump wavelength band, and local thermal environment.

[0126] In various implementations, the segmented architecture may be selected to satisfy one or more predetermined performance criteria, including minimum or maximum optical extraction per unit length, a maximum allowable peak-to-average irradiance ratio at the photovoltaic harvesting layer, a maximum allowable local power density or temperaturerise, a minimum spectral conversion yield over one or more wavelength bands, and / or electrical current-matching conditions between electrically connected harvesting regions. The illustrated configuration is non-limiting, and additional or fewer conversion fibers, harvesting fibers, segments, or alternative arrangements may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0127] FIG. 8Ais an illustration of an uncoiled solar opto-electric cartridge 1300. The PoF cable 1307 may have a length h. Length I3 may be between 0.01 and 0.1ft, 0.1ft and 1ft, 1ft and 10ft, 10ft and 50ft, 50ft and 100ft, 100ft and 200ft, 200ft and 500ft, 500ft and 1,000ft, 1,000ft and 2,000ft, 2,000ft and 5,000ft, 5,000ft and 10,000ft, 10,000ft and 50,000ft, 50,000ft and 100,000ft. The high capacity PoF cable 1307 may be coupled with a coupler 1310 to a conversion fiber CF 1309 that may be capable of upconversion and / or downconversion and may have a length I4. L may be between 0.01ft and 0.1ft, 0.1ft and 1ft, 1ft and 10ft, 10ft and 50ft, 50ft and 100ft, 100ft and 200ft, 200ft and 500ft, 500ft and 1,000ft, 1,000ft and 2,000ft, 2,000ft and 5,000ft, 5,000ft and 10,000ft, 10,000ft and 50,000ft, 50,000ft and 100,000ft. The CF 1309 may be comprised of glass, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, elements and / or coatings. The CF 1309 may be coupled to a number of electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs) 1311, 1313, 1315 where each EPHF 1311, 1313, 1315 may be connected in series and each EPHF 1311, 1313, 1315 may convert radiation to electric power. A first EPHF 1311 may have a length I5, a second EPHF 1313 may have a length k and a third EPHF 1315 may have a length I7. Length I5 may be between 0.01ft and 0.1ft, 0.1ft and 1ft, 1ft and 10ft, 10ft and 50ft, 50ft and 100ft, 100ft and 200ft, 200ft and 500ft, 500ft and 1,000ft, 1,000ft and 2,000ft, 2,000ft and 5,000ft, 5,000ft and 10,000ft, 10,000ft and 50,000ft, 50,000ft and 100,000ft. Length 16 may be between 0.01ft and 0.1ft, 0.1ft and 1ft, 1ft and 10ft, 10ft and 50ft, 50ft and 100ft, 100ft and 200ft, 200ft and 500ft, 500ft and 1,000ft, 1,000ft and 2,000ft, 2,000ft and 5,000ft, 5,000ft and 10,000ft, 10,000ft and 50,000ft, 50,000ft and 100,000ft. Length 17may be between 0.1ft and 1ft, 1ft and 10ft, 10ft and 50ft, 50ft and 100ft, 100ft and 200ft, 200ft and 500ft, 500ft and 1,000ft, 1,000ft and 2,000ft, 2,000ft and 5,000ft, 5,000ft and 10,000ft, 10,000ft and 50,000ft, 50,000ft and 100,000ft. The EPHFs 1311, 1313, 1315 may be comprised of glass, semiconductor materials, electrically conductive substances, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, light scattering centers, elements and / or coatings. CF 1309 may be coupled to EPHF 1311 by a coupler 1312. EPHF 1311 may be coupled to EPHF 1313 by a coupler 1314. EPHF 1313 may be coupled to EPHF 1315by a coupler 1316. EPHF 1315 may be capped with a solar opto-electric cartridge cap 1317.

[0128] FIG. 8B depicts a solar opto-electric cartridge 1350. The solar opto-electric reactors 104 may be comprised of one or more solar opto-electric cartridges 1350.

[0129] A solar opto-electric cartridge 1350 may comprise a coil 1354, wherein one or more fibers and / or cables 1353 are arranged in a coiled configuration. The fiber and / or cable 1353 disposed on the coil 1354 may include any combination of power-over-fiber cables, conversion fibers, and electric power harvesting fibers, including but not limited to components 1306, 1309, 1311, 1313, 1355, and / or 1315, arranged in series, parallel, or combinations thereof.

[0130] A high-capacity power-over-fiber (PoF) cable 1351, 1306 may be optically coupled to the fiber and / or cable entering the coil 1354 by a coupler 1352, such that optically transported power is delivered into the coiled fiber architecture. The distal end of the fiber and / or cable may be capped with a solar opto-electric cartridge cap 1356, 1317, which may provide optical termination, environmental sealing, mechanical protection, and / or electrical interface functionality.

[0131] The coiled configuration of the solar opto-electric cartridge 1350 may increase effective optical interaction length while enabling compact packaging, thermal management, and modular deployment of opto-electric conversion functionality. The illustrated configuration is non-limiting, and alternative coil diameters, winding geometries, fiber routing patterns, or fiber combinations may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0132] An electric power cable 1357 may transport electric power generated within the solar opto-electric cartridge 1350 out of the cartridge. The electric power cable 1357 may be in electrical contact with one or more electric power transmission systems 105, 109, and may deliver direct current and / or alternating current electric power to downstream components including inverters, storage systems, control electronics, or external electrical loads.

[0133] FIG. 8C depicts an exemplary configuration in which electrical current generated along one or more electric power harvesting fibers may be collected at one or more intermediate locations, rather than only at a terminal end cap. In the illustrated embodiment, a solaropto-electric cartridge 1375 includes a plurality of fiber segments and optical coupling regions 1312, 1314, 1316, and / or 1378 configured to optically connect adjacent fiber sections (for example, segments configured for spectral conversion and / or photovoltaic harvesting as described with respect to FIGS. 8A-8B). One or more of the coupling regions 1312, 1314, 1316 and / or 1377 may further be configured as electrical take-off regions such that current generated in one or more adjacent fiber sections is extracted at or near the coupling region.

[0134] In certain embodiments, each electrical take-off region may include one or more conductive contacts, wraps, coatings, clips, rings, deposited conductors, or other electrical interface structures (collectively, electrical collection features) 1379 disposed to make electrical contact with one or more conductive layers, electrodes, current collectors, or transparent conductors associated with the electric power harvesting fiber(s). Electrical power collected at one or more take-off regions may be delivered to an output conductor or electric power cable 1380 configured to carry generated power out of the cartridge 1375 to downstream electric power transmission systems, power conditioning electronics, storage systems, or loads.

[0135] Collecting electrical power at multiple distributed take-off regions (e.g., at couplers between segments) may reduce resistive loss, reduce local current density, enable segment-by-segment electrical isolation, and support modular electrical architectures (including series, parallel, or series-parallel combinations across segments). In various embodiments, the number and placement of take-off regions may be selected to achieve desired electrical performance targets, including reduced voltage drop, improved thermal distribution, improved fault isolation, and improved tolerance to non-uniform optical intensity along the cartridge. The configuration of FIG. 8C is non-limiting, and electrical collection may be implemented at one, some, or all coupling regions, and / or at other locations along the cartridge, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0136] FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view 1400 of a power-over- fib er (PoF) cable, which may correspond to any of PoF cables 102, 302, 516, 703, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 903, 1203, 1307, and / or 1306 used within the solar opto-electric power plant. In the illustrated embodiment, the PoF cable may comprise a PoF inner core 1402 having aninner core diameter ds, a PoF cladding 1404 having a cladding diameter d4, and one or more outer coatings 1406.

[0137] The PoF inner core 1402 may be comprised of glass, elements, germanium, dopants, and / or coatings. The PoF cladding 1404 may likewise be comprised of glass, elements, germanium, dopants, polymeric materials, fluoropolymers, or combinations thereof. A difference in refractive index between the PoF inner core 1402 and the PoF cladding 1404 may cause the PoF cable to function as a waveguide for transporting concentrated optical power. In general, increasing the refractive index difference increases optical confinement and numerical aperture, while decreasing the refractive index difference may increase tolerance to bending, mode redistribution, or controlled optical leakage. The refractive index difference may be achieved by methods known to those skilled in the art, including compositional adjustment, elemental doping, co-doping, material selection, nanostructuring, or graded-index constructions.

[0138] The PoF inner core diameter da may be selected to transport optical power while maintaining a bend radius suitable for routing between system components such as the panel 1001, 1101 and the coupler 1310. In non-limiting examples, the PoF inner core diameter da may be between 1 pm and 50 pm, 50 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 350 pm, 350 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 1 mm, or 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0139] The PoF cladding diameter d4 may be selected to provide mechanical protection, optical confinement, compatibility with coatings and connectors, and environmental robustness. In non-limiting examples, the PoF cladding diameter d4 may be between 1 pm and 55 pm, 55 pm and 65 pm, 65 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 125 pm, 125 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 175 pm, 175 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 225 pm, 225 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 275 pm, 275 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 325 pm, 325 pm and 375 pm, 375 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 425 pm, 425 pm and 450 pm, 450 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 550 pm, 550 pm and 600 pm, 600 pm and 650 pm, 650 pm and 700 pm, 700 pm and 750 pm, 750 pm and 850 pm, 850 pm and 950 pm, 950 pm and 1 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, or 2 mm and 3 mm.The PoF cable may further include one or more coatings 1406 disposed over the cladding 1404. The coating thickness may be between 0.01 pm and 10 pm, 10 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 1 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm, or greater than 3 mm. The coating may provide mechanical protection, environmental resistance, abrasion resistance, thermal stability, or chemical compatibility and may comprise polymeric materials including fluorinated polymers, acrylates, fluoroacrylates, or combinations thereof.

[0140] In various embodiments, the numerical aperture (NA) of the PoF cable may be determined by the refractive indices of the PoF inner core 1402 and the PoF cladding 1404 and may define an acceptance cone for optical radiation entering the PoF cable. The NA may be selected to be compatible with the angular distribution and optical etendue of concentrated solar radiation delivered from an upstream lens, waveguide, collimator, or optical coupling assembly, thereby reducing coupling loss attributable to etendue mismatch.

[0141] In various embodiments, the inner core diameter ds and the cladding diameter d4 may be independently selected and combined from the foregoing ranges to achieve desired optical power capacity, numerical aperture, bend radius, coupling efficiency, thermal performance, and compatibility with upstream solar radiation collection assemblies and downstream optical conversion components. Specific combinations, ratios, or proportional relationships between ds and d4 may be selected without limitation.

[0142] In embodiments of the solar opto-electric power plant described herein, refractive index engineering may be applied to lenses, waveguides, PoF cables, conversion fibers, electric power harvesting fibers, claddings, coatings, and interfaces therebetween to guide, confine, transport, redistribute, or selectively extract optical power. Refractive index profiles may be uniform, stepped, graded, spatially varying, or anisotropic. In certain embodiments, refractive index differences may be selected to intentionally allow a portion of guided radiation to exit a waveguide or fiber and interact with a conversion region, semiconductor layer, or power harvesting structure. The refractive index relationships described herein are illustrative and non-limiting, and no upper or lower bound on refractive index difference is intended unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0143] FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional representation 1450 of a conversion fiber (CF) 1309 configured to receive optically concentrated radiation and to perform one or more optical functions including guided transport, spectral modification, scattering-assisted redirection,and delivery of radiation toward downstream opto-electric conversion elements. The conversion fiber 1309 may be configured as a waveguiding structure comprising a CF inner core 1452 having a CF inner core diameter ds, a surrounding CF cladding 1454 having a CF cladding diameter de, and an optional fiber or cable coating 1456.

[0144] In various embodiments, the conversion fiber 1309 functions as both an optical transport medium and an optical interaction medium. Radiation propagating within the CF inner core 1452 may undergo one or more of: (i) downconversion of higher-energy radiation to longer wavelengths; (ii) upconversion of lower-energy radiation to shorter wavelengths; (iii) scattering-assisted redirection toward one or more semiconductor harvesting regions; and (iv) controlled optical leakage to enhance coupling efficiency into adjacent electric power harvesting fibers. These optical functions may be achieved through coordinated selection of CF core diameter, CF cladding thickness, refractive index contrast, dopant composition, and internal micro- or nano-structural features.

[0145] The difference in refractive index between the CF inner core 1452 and the CF cladding 1454 allows the conversion fiber 1309 to act as a waveguide. The refractive index of the CF inner core 1452 may be expressed as CFRNcore, the refractive index of the CF cladding 1454 may be expressed as CFRNcladding, and the refractive index difference may be expressed as ACFRN = CFRNcore - CFRNcladding. In general, a larger magnitude of ACFRN provides stronger optical confinement, while smaller or negative values of ACFRN may be used to enable controlled optical leakage, radiation extraction, or enhanced interaction with spectral conversion additives.

[0146] The CF inner core diameter ds may be selected to transport optical power while maintaining a bend radius suitable for routing between the coupler 1310 and the coupler 1312. In non-limiting examples, the CF inner core diameter ds may be between 1 pm and 50 pm, 50 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 350 pm, 350 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 1 mm, or 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0147] The CF cladding diameter de may be selected to provide optical confinement, mechanical robustness, and compatibility with coatings and couplers. In non-limiting examples, the CF cladding diameter de may be between 1 pm and 55 pm, 55 pm and 65 pm, 65 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 125 pm, 125 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 175pm, 175 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 225 pm, 225 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 275 pm, 275 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 325 pm, 325 pm and 375 pm, 375 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 425 pm, 425 m and 450 pm, 450 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 550 pm, 550 pm and 600 pm, 600 pm and 650 pm, 650 pm and 700 |im, 700 pm and 750 pm, 750 pm and 850 pm, 850 pm and 950 pm, 950 pm and 1 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, or 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0148] In non-limiting embodiments, the value of CFRNcore may be between 1.44 and 1.46, 1.46 and 1.50, 1.49 and 1.53, 1.35 and 1.44, 1.53 and 1.70, 1.00 and 1.35, 1.35 and 1.70, 1.70 and 1.90, or 1.90 and 2.00. In further non-limiting embodiments, the value of CFRNcladding may be between 1.40 and 1.50, 1.35 and 1.40, 1.00 and 1.35, 1.43 and 1.44, 1.44 and 1.55, 1.44 and 1.46, 1.46 and 1.50, 1.49 and 1.53, 1.35 and 1.44, 1.53 and 1.70, 1.35 and 1.70, 1.70 and 1.90, or 1.90 and 2.00.

[0149] In certain embodiments, ACFRN may be between 0.002 and 0.016, 0.02 and 0.06, 0.002 and 0.10, 0.10 and 0.20, 0.20 and 0.37, 0.37 and 0.50, 0.45 and 0.65, 0.65 and 0.90, or 0.90 and 0.99. In additional embodiments, ACFRN may be between -0.002 and -0.016, -0.02 and -0.06, -0.002 and -0.10, -0.10 and -0.20, -0.20 and -0.37, -0.37 and -0.50, -0.45 and -0.65, -0.65 and -0.90, or -0.90 and -0.99, for embodiments in which partial optical leakage, radiation extraction, scattering-assisted redirection, or enhanced interaction with spectral conversion additives is desired.

[0150] In further embodiments, the refractive index difference ACFRN is not limited to the foregoing ranges and may exceed 0.99. Such embodiments may include conversion fibers having high-refractive-index glass or glass-ceramic cores in combination with low-refractive-index polymeric, fluoropolymeric, porous, void-containing, gas-filled, or structured claddings, including claddings having an effective refractive index approaching that of air or vacuum. No upper or lower bound on refractive index difference is intended unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0151] The CF inner core 1452, CF cladding 1454, and / or the interface therebetween may comprise glass, doped glass, glass-ceramic materials, elements in selected oxidation states, rare-earth dopants, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, nanoparticles, nanocrystals, or combinations thereof. The illustrated conversion fiber cross-section is representative and non-limiting, and variations in geometry, materials,refractive index profiles, and functional layering may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0152] In certain embodiments, the conversion fiber is further configured to directly harvest photons emitted by one or more spectral conversion centers disposed within the conversion fiber. Optical radiation guided within the conversion fiber interacts with upconversion and / or downconversion additives, resulting in emission of photons at one or more different wavelengths. Such emitted photons are not guided by total internal reflection and may be emitted isotropically or quasi-isotropically from the conversion fiber core or cladding. Without an adjacent harvesting structure, a portion of the emitted photons may exit the conversion fiber and be lost.

[0153] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the conversion fiber includes one or more semiconductor harvesting layers disposed radially outward of the conversion fiber core and cladding. The semiconductor harvesting layers may be configured to absorb photons emitted from spectral conversion centers and convert the absorbed radiation into electrical power. The semiconductor harvesting layers may be arranged as a conformal coating, multilayer stack, segmented stack, or patterned structure surrounding at least a portion of the conversion fiber.

[0154] In certain embodiments, the semiconductor harvesting structure disposed on the conversion fiber comprises:

[0155] (i) a transparent conductive layer disposed over the conversion fiber cladding;

[0156] (ii) one or more semiconductor layers configured to absorb emitted photons and generate charge carriers;

[0157] (iii) one or more conductive collection layers configured to extract electrical current; and (iv) one or more insulating or passivation layers configured to electrically isolate the harvesting structure from adjacent optical components.

[0158] The semiconductor harvesting layers disposed on the conversion fiber may be compositionally matched to the emission spectrum of the spectral conversion centers, including rare-earth emitters, quantum dots, nanocrystals, or other luminescent materials. In some embodiments, different axial segments of the conversion fiber include different spectral conversion compositions and corresponding semiconductor harvesting stacks,enabling wavelength-selective harvesting and reducing parasitic absorption, reabsorption, or thermalization losses.

[0159] In various implementations, the conversion fiber and the electric power harvesting fiber may be integrated, partially integrated, or functionally merged, such that spectral conversion and electrical harvesting occur within the same fiber structure. In other embodiments, the conversion fiber includes a semiconductor harvesting stack but remains optically coupled downstream to one or more separate electric power harvesting fibers.

[0160] The configuration described herein enables efficient radial extraction of emitted photons, improved quantum efficiency, reduced optical loss, and more uniform power harvesting along the length of the conversion fiber, while remaining compatible with guided optical transport of incident radiation.

[0161] FIG. 10 depicts the electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF) cross-sectional illustration 1500 of an EPHF 1311, 1313, and / or 1315. The EPHF cross-sectional illustration 1500 shows that an EPHF 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 may comprise an EPHF inner core 1502 having an EPHF inner core diameter d?, an EPHF cladding 1503 having an EPHF cladding diameter ds, an EPHF inner terminal 1504, an EPHF inner semiconductor layer 1505, an EPHF outer semiconductor layer 1508, an EPHF outer terminal 1507, and / or a coating 1510.

[0162] The EPHF inner terminal 1504 may be comprised of an electrically conductive coating and may extend as a contiguous coating along the EPHF 1311 length E, the EPHF 1313 length k, and / or the EPHF 1315 length I7.

[0163] The EPHF inner core diameter d? may be between 1 pm and 50 pm, 50 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 350 pm, 350 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 1 mm, or 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0164] The EPHF cladding diameter ds may be between 1 pm and 55 pm, 55 pm and 65 pm, 65 pm and 75 pm, 75 pm and 100 pm, 100 pm and 125 pm, 125 pm and 150 pm, 150 pm and 175 pm, 175 pm and 200 pm, 200 pm and 225 pm, 225 pm and 250 pm, 250 pm and 275 pm, 275 pm and 300 pm, 300 pm and 325 pm, 325 pm and 375 pm, 375 pm and 400 pm, 400 pm and 425 pm, 425 pm and 450 pm, 450 pm and 500 pm, 500 pm and 550 pm,550 pm and 600 pm, 600 pm and 650 pm, 650 pm and 700 pm, 700 pm and 750 pm, 750 pm and 850 pm, 850 pm and 950 pm, 950 pm and 1 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, or 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0165] The EPHF inner core 1502 may be comprised of glass, elements, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, and / or light scattering centers 1511. The EPHF cladding 1503 may be comprised of glass, elements, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, and / or light scattering centers 1513. The interface between the EPHF inner core 1502 and the EPHF cladding 1503 may comprise light scattering centers 1512. The EPHF inner terminal 1504 may further comprise electrically conductive substances and / or light scattering centers 1514.

[0166] The EPHF 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 may comprise an EPHF inner terminal 1504 and / or an EPHF outer terminal 1507. The EPHF inner terminal 1504 may be comprised of an electrically conductive substance and may be formed as a coating, mesh, line, helix, and / or patterned structure. The EPHF inner terminal 1504 may support the flow of electric current and may have a thickness between 0.1 nm and 1 nm, 1 nm and 5 nm, 5 nm and 10 nm, 10 nm and 50 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm, 100 nm and 500 nm, 500 nm and 1 pm, 1 pm and 10 pm, 10 pm and 100 pm, or 100 pm and 1 mm. In certain embodiments, the EPHF inner terminal 1504 may be transparent, such that a majority of incident radiation passes through the EPHF inner terminal 1504.

[0167] The EPHF outer terminal 1507 may be comprised of an electrically conductive substance and may be formed as a coating, mesh, line, helix, and / or patterned structure. The EPHF outer terminal 1507 may support the flow of electric current and may have a thickness between 0.1 nm and 1 nm, 1 nm and 5 nm, 5 nm and 10 nm, 10 nm and 50 nm, 50 nm and 100 nm, 100 nm and 500 nm, 500 nm and 1 pm, 1 pm and 10 pm, 10 pm and 100 pm, or 100 pm and 1 mm.

[0168] The EPHF cross-sectional illustration 1500 further shows that the EPHF 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 may comprise an inner semiconductor layer 1505 and / or an outer semiconductor layer 1508. The inner semiconductor layer 1505 may be comprised of semiconductor materials and / or a stack of si semiconductor layers, where si may be 1-20. The inner semiconductor layer 1505 may absorb light energy and convert the absorbed light into electric power. Light entering the inner semiconductor layer 1505 may be scattered fromthe EPHF inner core 1502 and / or the EPHF cladding 1503, and may pass through the EPHF inner terminal 1504. The inner semiconductor layer 1505 may be considered analogous to the semiconductor layer(s) closest to the illumination side of a conventional solar panel stack.

[0169] The outer semiconductor layer 1508 may be comprised of semiconductor materials and / or a stack of S2 semiconductor layers, where S2 may be 1-20. The outer semiconductor layer 1508 may absorb light energy and convert the absorbed light into electric power and may be considered analogous to the semiconductor layer(s) furthest from the illumination side of a conventional solar panel stack.

[0170] In certain embodiments, the electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF) 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 is configured to operate in coordination with one or more upstream conversion fibers 1309 such that incident radiation delivered to the EPHF has been spectrally modified prior to photovoltaic conversion. Such spectral modification may include downconversion of higher-energy photons, upconversion of lower-energy photons, wavelength redistribution, spectral narrowing, or combinations thereof, such that a greater fraction of the delivered radiation falls within one or more absorption bands of the semiconductor layers 1505 and / or 1508.

[0171] In certain embodiments, the EPHF architecture enables spectral folding, in which broadband optical power transported by a power-over-fiber cable or conversion fiber is redistributed across one or more semiconductor bandgaps along the length of the EPHF. Spectral folding may be achieved through coordinated selection of spectral conversion additives, light scattering centers 1511, 1512, 1513, refractive index profiles, and semiconductor layer compositions, such that optical power is progressively converted and harvested along the fiber length rather than at a single localized junction.

[0172] In some embodiments, the EPHF is configured to achieve substantially uniform photon harvesting along its length. Uniform harvesting may reduce local power density, mitigate thermal gradients, and reduce mismatch losses analogous to shading-induced mismatch effects in planar photovoltaic panels. Uniform harvesting may be achieved by adjusting one or more of:

[0173] (i) the number of EPHF segments;

[0174] (ii) the axial length of individual EPHF segments;(iii) the concentration or spatial distribution of light scattering centers;

[0175] (iv) the concentration, composition, or spatial separation of upconversion and / or downconversion additives;

[0176] (v) the optical leakage rate from guided modes into semiconductor regions; and

[0177] (vi) the refractive index contrast between adjacent optical regions.

[0178] In certain embodiments, radiation propagating within the EPHF inner core 1502 is guided prior to interaction with spectral conversion additives, whereas photons emitted by upconversion or downconversion centers are not guided and may be emitted isotropically or quasi-isotropically. Such emitted photons may therefore be preferentially directed toward the inner semiconductor layer 1505, the outer semiconductor layer 1508, or both, via scattering, refractive index discontinuities, or geometric proximity. This distinction between guided excitation photons and emitted photons may be exploited to enhance coupling efficiency between spectral conversion regions and photovoltaic harvesting regions.

[0179] In some embodiments, different spectral conversion compositions are intentionally segmented into distinct axial regions of the EPHF or into separate fibers coupled in series. Segmentation may be employed where co-location of certain upconversion and downconversion compositions would otherwise result in quenching, reabsorption losses, parasitic energy transfer, or reduced quantum efficiency. Segmenting spectral conversion regions enables independent optimization of quantum yield, emission wavelength, interaction length, and thermal stability for each spectral function.

[0180] In various embodiments, the EPHF semiconductor layers 1505 and 1508 comprise lightweight semiconductor stacks disposed on or adjacent to the EPHF cladding 1503. In some embodiments, the EPHF includes a transparent conductive layer disposed between the cladding and the semiconductor layer to enable charge collection while maintaining optical transmission. The semiconductor layer may be followed by an electrically conductive terminal layer and, in some embodiments, an insulating or passivation layer. Layer thicknesses, compositions, and ordering may be selected to balance optical absorption, carrier extraction, series resistance, and mechanical flexibility.

[0181] In certain embodiments, the EPHF architecture supports optimization of quantum efficiency, spectral utilization efficiency, and power conversion efficiency throughcoordinated control of spectral conversion chemistry, refractive index engineering, semiconductor bandgap selection, and spatial distribution of optical interaction regions. The configurations described herein enable distributed, fiber-based photovoltaic conversion with reduced mismatch losses, improved thermal management, and scalability across a wide range of optical power levels.

[0182] The foregoing spectral conversion, folding, segmentation, and uniform harvesting configurations are illustrative and non-limiting, and may be applied to any EPHF 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 described herein unless expressly excluded in the claims.

[0183] FIG. HA depicts an exploded view of electric power connector system configuration A’ 1550. The electric power connector system configuration A’ 1550 may be comprised of an electrical connection 1554, 1555 between the EPHF inner terminal 1504, 1651, the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652, and one or more electric power transmission systems 1560, 105, 109.

[0184] The plug / socket configuration A’ 1557 may be a framework to position an electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF) 1553, 1311, 1313, and / or 1315, such that an EPHF end face 1559 is aligned with a corresponding plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613 in a manner that provides electrical contact with low contact resistance. The plug / socket configuration A’ 1557 may be designed as an end-cap plug / socket and may be comprised of a solar opto-electric cartridge cap 1356, 1317. In embodiments where EPHF 1315 is omitted from the design, the plug / socket configuration A’ 1557 may be comprised of a coupler 1316. In embodiments where EPHFs 1313 and 1315 are omitted from the design, the plug / socket configuration A’ 1557 may be comprised of a coupler 1314.

[0185] In certain embodiments, FIG. HA illustrates that the electric power connector system configuration A’ 1550 establishes independent electrical paths for the EPHF inner terminal 1504 and the EPHF outer terminal 1507, thereby allowing collection of charge carriers generated in one or more semiconductor layers while maintaining electrical isolationbetween the terminals. Electrical isolation may be achieved through insulating layers, dielectric structures, spatial separation, patterned conductors, or combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the plug / socket configuration A’ 1557 functions as a precision alignment and contact interface, providing repeatable positioning of the EPHF end face 1559 relative to corresponding conductive contacts 1554, 1555. Such precision alignment may reduce contact resistance, mitigate localized heating, and improve long-term electrical reliability under conditions including thermal cycling, vibration, mechanical shock, or repeated connection and disconnection. Electrical contact may be achieved through axial compression, surface contact, patterned contacts, spring-loaded contacts, compliant conductors, or combinations thereof.

[0186] In various embodiments, the electric power connector system configuration A’ 1550 supports direct current (DC) power delivery from one or more EPHFs to downstream electrical components including conductors, bus structures, inverters, storage systems, power conditioning electronics, or other electric power transmission systems 1560, 105, 109.

[0187] In further embodiments, the connector architecture enables modular assembly, replacement, or reconfiguration of EPHFs within a solar opto-electric reactor or cartridge system and supports series, parallel, or hybrid electrical interconnection of multiple EPHFs. The connector system may be compatible with different cartridge lengths, fiber counts, terminal geometries, and electrical output requirements while maintaining compatibility with upstream optical interfaces.

[0188] The illustrated electric power connector system configuration A’ 1550 is representative and non-limiting, and variations in contact geometry, conductor routing, insulation strategy, alignment mechanisms, or mechanical retention features may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0189] FIG. 11B depicts the end face system of plug / socket configuration A’ 1600. The plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613 may have an electrical contact pin 1612 that may be designed to be positioned to make electrical contact with the EPHF inner terminal 1651, 1504 of an EPHF 1553, 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 when the plug / socket connector is connected. The plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613 may further have an electrical contact pin 1607 that may be designed to be positioned to make electrical contact with the EPHF outer terminal 1652, 1507 of an EPHF 1553, 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 when the plug / socket connector is connected.The electrical contact pin 1612 may have an electrically conductive pattern 1602, and the electrically conductive pattern 1602 may be in electrical contact with the EPHF inner terminal 1651, 1504. The electrically conductive pattern 1602 may be a circle, an oval, a line, a dot, a shape, a pattern, and / or a pin. The electrical contact pin 1612 and / or the electrically conductive pattern 1602 may be raised above the plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613 and / or may be recessed into the plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613.

[0190] The electrical contact pin 1607 may have an electrically conductive pattern 1604, and the electrically conductive pattern 1604 may be in electrical contact with the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652. The electrically conductive pattern 1604 may be a circle, an oval, a line, a dot, a shape, a pattern, and / or a pin. The electrical contact pin 1607 and / or the electrically conductive pattern 1604 may be raised above the plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613 and / or may be recessed into the plug / socket configuration A’ end face 1558, 1613.

[0191] The end face system of plug / socket configuration A’ 1600 may be comprised of an insulated port 1611. The insulated port 1611 may be a tunnel through the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652 layer that is electrically insulated from contact with the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652. The insulated port 1611 enables an electrical connection 1610, 1555 between the electrical contact pin 1612 associated with the EPHF inner terminal 1504, 1651 and one or more electric power transmission systems 1614, 1560, 105, and / or 109 without electrical shorting to the EPHF outer terminal.

[0192] The electrical contact pin 1607 associated with the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652 may have an electrical connection 1609, 1554 between the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652 and the electric power transmission systems 1614, 1560, 105, and / or 109.

[0193] In certain embodiments, FIG. 11B illustrates that the end-face system includes distinct conductive contact elements positioned to engage an inner terminal and an outer terminal of an electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF), respectively. The illustrated configuration supports independent electrical pathways for charge collection from one or more semiconductor layers while preventing unintended shorting or cross-coupling between terminals. Electrical isolation between conductive elements may be achieved usinginsulating ports, dielectric layers, recessed features, spatial separation, or combinations thereof.

[0194] In some embodiments, FIG. 11B illustrates that conductive contact elements may be implemented as raised, recessed, patterned, compliant, or spring-loaded structures configured to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, thermal expansion, vibration, and repeated mating cycles. Contact pressure, contact area, and surface finish may be selected to minimize contact resistance, reduce localized heating, and improve long-term electrical stability under sustained current flow.

[0195] In various implementations, the end-face system illustrated in FIG. 11B enables modular electrical connection between the EPHF and downstream electric power transmission systems, including wiring harnesses, bus bars, power conditioning electronics, inverters, or energy storage systems. The illustrated architecture supports series, parallel, or hybrid electrical interconnection of multiple EPHFs and is compatible with cartridge-based assembly, field replacement, and scalable system deployment. The illustrated configuration is representative and non-limiting, and alternative contact geometries, insulation strategies, and conductor arrangements may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0196] FIG. I IC depicts the EPHF end face terminals 1650 where only the EPHF inner terminal 1504, 1651 and the EPHF outer terminal 1507, 1652 are depicted.

[0197] In certain embodiments, FIG. 11C illustrates an end-face terminal configuration of an electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF) in which electrical power extraction is represented by distinct inner and outer terminal regions exposed at the fiber end face. As illustrated, the end-face terminal configuration defines spatially separated conductive regions corresponding to an inner terminal and an outer terminal, enabling direct electrical coupling to external connector systems without requiring removal or modification of the fiber structure.

[0198] In certain embodiments, FIG. 11C illustrates that the inner terminal and outer terminal are arranged concentrically, coaxially, or radially with respect to the fiber axis, reflecting the layered opto-electronic architecture of the EPHF. The illustrated terminal geometrysupports independent electrical access to charge carriers generated within one or more semiconductor layers disposed between or adjacent to the terminals.

[0199] In some embodiments, FIG. 11 C illustrates that the exposed terminal regions are configured to interface with complementary plug / socket connector systems, contact pins, conductive pads, or patterned electrodes, allowing reliable electrical connection while maintaining electrical isolation between terminals. The illustrated configuration supports low contact resistance, repeatable mating, and compatibility with modular cartridge-based assemblies.

[0200] In various implementations, the terminal arrangement illustrated in FIG. 11C enables series, parallel, or hybrid electrical interconnection of multiple EPHFs and facilitates scalable power extraction architectures. The illustrated terminal configuration is representative and non-limiting, and alternative terminal geometries, shapes, surface finishes, and conductive materials may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0201] FIG. 12A illustrates an exploded view of an electric power connector system configured to electrically couple multiple electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs) within a shared connector architecture. As illustrated, the connector system provides a structured interface for simultaneously positioning, aligning, and electrically contacting two or more EPHFs with downstream electric power transmission systems.

[0202] In certain embodiments, FIG. 12A illustrates a connector configuration in which exposed end-face terminals of multiple EPHFs are brought into controlled electrical contact with corresponding conductive elements of a plug / socket assembly. The illustrated configuration enables coordinated electrical access to inner and outer terminal regions of each EPHF while maintaining electrical isolation between terminals and between individual fibers.

[0203] In some embodiments, FIG. 12A illustrates a multi-fiber connector architecture that supports series, parallel, or hybrid electrical interconnection of EPHFs within a single connector body. Such configurations may be used to aggregate voltage, current, or power output from multiple EPHFs prior to delivery to an electric power transmission system, power conditioning circuitry, or load.In various implementations, the connector system illustrated in FIG. 12A supports modular assembly, replacement, and reconfiguration of EPHFs by employing couplers, end-cap interfaces, or contact coupler elements that provide repeatable alignment and low electrical contact resistance. The illustrated connector architecture is representative and non-limiting, and alternative connector geometries, contact arrangements, and coupling mechanisms may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0204] FIG. 12A depicts an exploded view of electric power connector system configuration B’ 1700. The electric power connector system configuration B’ 1700 may be comprised of an electrical connection 1710, 1709 between the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504, the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507, and the electric power transmission systems 1711, 1814, 105, 109. The plug / socket configuration B’ 1708 may be a framework to position two EPHFs 1701, 1707, 1311, 1313, and / or 1315 where the EPHF end face 1702, 1705 may be aligned with the plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813 in such a way that there may be electrical contact. The plug / socket configuration B’ 1708 may be comprised of a contact coupler that may be comprised of a coupler 1352, 1317 1312, 1314, 1316.

[0205] In certain embodiments, FIG. 12B illustrates an end-face interface of a multi-fiber electric power connector system configured to establish controlled electrical contact with inner and outer terminals of one or more electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs). As illustrated, the end-face system provides spatially defined contact regions that enable simultaneous, low-resistance electrical coupling to multiple terminal layers of an EPHF when the plug / socket connector is engaged.

[0206] In certain embodiments, FIG. 12B illustrates an end-face architecture in which separate conductive contact elements are positioned to independently engage an inner terminal and an outer terminal of an EPHF, while maintaining electrical isolation between the terminals. The illustrated insulated port structure enables an electrical pathway to the inner terminal to pass through surrounding layers without unintended electrical shorting or leakage.

[0207] In some embodiments, FIG. 12B illustrates an end-face system configured to support repeatable mating, demating, and re-mating of EPHFs while preserving stable electrical contact geometry, contact pressure, and alignment. Such configurations may reducecontact resistance, minimize arcing, and improve reliability during thermal cycling, vibration, or long-term operation.

[0208] In various implementations, the end-face system illustrated in FIG. 12B may support single-fiber or multi-fiber connector configurations, and may be used in series, parallel, or hybrid electrical architectures. The illustrated contact patterns, pin geometries, and insulation features are representative and non-limiting, and alternative electrical contact arrangements may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0209] FIG. 12B depicts the end face system of plug / socket configuration B’ 1800. The plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813 may have an electrical contact pin 1812 that may be designed to be in a position to make an electrical contact with the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504 of an EPHF 1701, 1708, 1311, 1313, 1315 when the plug / socket connector is connected. The plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813 may have an electrical contact pin 1807 that may be designed to be in a position to make an electrical contact with the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507 of an EPHF 1701, 1707, 1311, 1313, 1315 when the plug / socket connector is connected. The electrical contact pin 1812 may have an electrically conductive pattern 1802 and the electrically conductive pattern 1802 may be in electrical contact with the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504, may be a circle, and oval, a line, a dot, a shape, a pattern, and / or a pin. The electrical contact pin 1812 and / or the electrically conductive pattern 1802 may be raised above the plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813, and / or may be recessed into the plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813. The electrical contact pin 1807 may have an electrically conductive pattern 1804 and the electrically conductive pattern 1804 may be in electrical contact with the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507. The electrically conductive pattern 1804 may be a circle, and oval, a line, a dot, a shape, a pattern and / or a pin. The electrical contact pin 1807 and / or the electrically conductive pattern 1804 may be raised above the plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813 and / or may be recessed into the plug / socket configuration B’ end face 1703, 1706, 1813. The end face system of plug / socket configuration B’ 1800 may be comprised of an insulated port 1811. The insulated port 1811 may be a tunnel through the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507 layer that may be insulated from electrical contact with the EPFH outer terminal 1902, 1507, such that an electrical connection 1710, 1709, 1810, 1555 between the electrical pin 1812 on the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504 may have an electrical connection 1710, 17091810, 1809 between the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504 and the electric power transmission systems 1711, 1814, 105, 109. The electrical pin 1807 on the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507 may have an electrical connection 1809, 1554 between the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507 and the electric power transmission systems 1711, 1814, 105, 109.

[0210] FIG. 12C illustrates a simplified terminal end-face representation of an electric power harvesting fiber (EPHF), showing electrical terminal layers independently accessible at the fiber end. As illustrated, the EPHF end face includes an inner terminal and an outer terminal that are spatially separated and electrically isolated, enabling selective electrical contact by a corresponding connector system.

[0211] In certain embodiments, FIG. 12C illustrates a terminal geometry in which the inner terminal and outer terminal define concentric, nested, or radially separated conductive regions at the fiber end face. Such geometries enable reliable electrical coupling while maintaining insulation between terminals and supporting controlled current flow paths.

[0212] In some embodiments, FIG. 12C illustrates an EPHF end face configured to interface with plug / socket connector systems configured to engage the inner terminal and outer terminal independently. The illustrated terminal arrangement supports repeatable electrical contact, low contact resistance, and compatibility with series, parallel, or hybrid electrical architectures.

[0213] In various implementations, the terminal structures illustrated in FIG. 12C may be used with single-fiber or multi-fiber connector systems, and may be implemented using coatings, patterned conductors, meshes, helices, or other electrically conductive geometries. The illustrated terminal configuration is representative and non-limiting, and alternative terminal shapes, arrangements, and material systems may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0214] FIG. 12C depicts the EPHF end face terminals 1900 where only the EPHF inner terminal 1901, 1504 and the EPHF outer terminal 1902, 1507 are depicted.

[0215] FIG. 13 A illustrates a wired solar opto-electric cartridge case configured to house optical-to-electrical conversion components and provide a removable electrical interface to an external power transmission system. As illustrated, the cartridge case defines a compact,serviceable form factor that integrates optical fiber components, electrical conversion elements, and electrical output connections within a protective housing.

[0216] In certain embodiments, FIG. 13A illustrates a cartridge architecture in which one or more conversion fibers and / or electric power harvesting fibers are arranged in a coiled configuration within the case to achieve high conversion density while maintaining controlled bend radius and thermal management. The illustrated coil arrangement enables efficient use of volume and supports scalable power output by adjusting fiber length, fiber count, or winding geometry.

[0217] In some embodiments, FIG. 13A illustrates a wired cartridge case that provides both an optical interface and an electrical interface, each configured for rapid connection and disconnection. The optical interface may receive concentrated optical power from a power-over-fiber cable, while the electrical interface delivers converted electrical power to an external electrical power transmission system. Such dual-interface configuration enables modular installation, replacement, and servicing without disturbing adjacent cartridges or system components.

[0218] In various implementations, the cartridge case illustrated in FIG. 13 A is dimensioned and shaped for compatibility with standardized rack systems, trays, or enclosures to enable high-density packing, centralized thermal management, and simplified system expansion. The illustrated configuration supports field-replaceable cartridge operation, redundancy, and staged scaling of solar opto-electric reactor capacity. The illustrated cartridge case structure is representative and non-limiting, and alternative housing geometries, mounting systems, and interface arrangements may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0219] FIG.13A depicts a wired solar opto-electric cartridge case 2000. A wired solar opto-electric cartridge case 2000 may be comprised of a coil 2004 that may be comprised of EPHF conversion fiber (CF) 1309, 2003 and / or EPHF 1311, 1313 and / or 1315. The coil 2004 may be in electrical contact 2005 with the electric power transmission systems 105, 109. A coil 2004 may have a case 2006 that may act as a housing. The case 2006 may be made compatible with a rack system 3004, 3003 that may allow for high density packing of solar opto-electric cartridge cases 2000. The wired solar opto-electric cartridge case 2000 may be connected to a high capacity PoF cable 2001, 1351, 1306 and may have acoupler 2002. A coupler 2002 may allow a wired solar opto-electric cartridge case 2000 to be easily replaced, installed, and / or removed. The electrical contact 2005 may have a coupler 2007 to allow a wired solar opto-electric cartridge case 2000 to be easily replaced, installed, and / or removed.

[0220] FIG. 13B illustrates a solar opto-electric reactor rack configured to mechanically support, electrically interconnect, and optically route a plurality of solar opto-electric cartridges in a scalable reactor architecture. As illustrated, the reactor rack provides a structured framework that enables high-density arrangement of multiple wired solar opto-electric cartridge cases while maintaining organized routing of optical fibers, electrical conductors, and thermal pathways.

[0221] In certain embodiments, FIG. 13B illustrates a rack architecture in which support members and conduit systems are integrated to guide conversion fibers and electric power harvesting fibers between cartridges, connectors, and downstream electrical power transmission systems. The illustrated rack support and conduit system may serve both structural and functional roles, including mechanical stabilization, fiber protection, electrical isolation, and thermal management.

[0222] In some embodiments, FIG. 13B illustrates a modular reactor rack that supports incremental scaling by allowing individual cartridge cases to be added, removed, or replaced without interrupting operation of neighboring cartridges. The rack may support vertical, horizontal, or multi-dimensional stacking of cartridge cases and may be configured for indoor, outdoor, containerized, or facility-integrated deployment.

[0223] In various implementations, the reactor rack illustrated in FIG. 13B defines a centralized solar opto-electric reactor in which optical power delivered via power-over-fiber cables is converted to electrical power at the cartridge level and aggregated through rack-level electrical interconnections. The illustrated rack architecture supports redundancy, fault isolation, maintenance access, and system-level optimization of power density, thermal performance, and electrical output. The illustrated configuration is non-limiting, and alternative rack geometries, cartridge arrangements, and conduit systems may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.FIG. 13B depicts a solar opto-electric reactor rack 3000. A solar opto-electric reactor rack 3000 may have a rack support / conduit system 3002, 3003. The rack support / conduit system 3002, 3003 may be comprised EPHF conversion fiber (CF) conduit and / or EPHF conduit. The rack support / conduit system 3002, 3003 may be comprised a solar opto-electric holder 3004. The solar opto-electric reactor rack 3000 may have a stack of nswired solar opto-electric cartridge cases 3001, 2000 where nsis equal to a number between 1 and 100,000.

[0224] FIG. 13C illustrates a reactor building configured to house, organize, and operate one or more solar opto-electric reactor racks as part of a scalable solar opto-electric power plant. As illustrated, the reactor building defines a physical and functional enclosure that enables centralized deployment of multiple reactor racks while supporting optical, electrical, thermal, and operational integration at the facility level.

[0225] In certain embodiments, FIG. 13C illustrates a reactor building that provides structural support, environmental protection, and controlled access for a plurality of solar opto-electric reactor racks. The building may be configured to manage routing of power-over-fiber cables, electrical conductors, cooling systems, monitoring systems, and safety systems associated with high optical and electrical power operation.

[0226] In some embodiments, FIG. 13C illustrates a modular reactor building architecture in which additional reactor racks may be installed incrementally to scale total power output. The reactor building may be configured for indoor installation, outdoor installation, containerized deployment, or integration into existing industrial, commercial, or utilityscale infrastructure.

[0227] In various implementations, the reactor building illustrated in FIG. 13C serves as a system-level aggregation point in which electrical power generated by individual solar opto-electric cartridges and reactor racks is collected, conditioned, stored, converted, or delivered to downstream electrical grids, microgrids, energy storage systems, or end-use loads. The illustrated reactor building architecture supports redundancy, fault isolation, maintenance access, and system-level optimization of power density, reliability, and operational efficiency. The illustrated configuration is non-limiting, and alternative building layouts, rack arrangements, and facility configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.FIG. 13C depicts a reactor building 4000. A reactor building 4000 may be comprised of number nrof solar opto-electric reactor racks 3000 where nrmay be between 1 and 100,000. A solar opto-electric power plant 100 may be comprised of nb reactor buildings 4000 where nb may be a number between 1 and 1,000.

[0228] The opto-electric reactors may be located at any suitable distance from the SRCAs, including on-panel, on-rack, at the edge of a row, in a centralized reactor building, in distributed reactor pods, and / or in mobile or containerized enclosures. Locating reactors off-panel may reduce mass and heat load on trackers, while on-panel reactors may reduce optical transmission distance. Hybrid configurations with both on-panel and centralized reactors are also contemplated.

[0229] In some embodiments, opto-electric reactors are located in a thermally managed enclosure (e.g., reactor building 4000) that provides passive and / or active cooling. Cooling may include forced air, liquid cooling loops, cold plates, thermally conductive potting compounds, heat pipes, immersion cooling fluids, phase change materials, and / or thermally conductive structural members. Locating the opto-electric conversion components in a centralized or semi-centralized thermal environment may reduce photovoltaic operating temperature relative to panel-mounted photovoltaic conversion and thereby reduce bandgap shift, improve conversion stability, and extend component lifetime. In some embodiments, waste heat recovered from the reactor building is used for auxiliary heating, absorption chilling, desalination, industrial process heat, or other cogeneration applications.

[0230] Photonic Flux Capacitor and Spectral Amplifier

[0231] In certain embodiments, the solar opto-electric power plant comprises a photonic flux capacitor and spectral amplifier configured to receive guided optical power from one or more power-over-fiber (PoF) cables, confine the optical power within a closed optical path, spectrally modify the radiation, and convert the radiation into electrical power using a semiconductor harvesting architecture.

[0232] FIG. 14 illustrates one such embodiment, in which a photonic flux capacitor 5000 comprises a glass structure having a toroidal, annular, ring-shaped, or donut-shaped geometry. One or more PoF cables 5101 are optically coupled to the photonic fluxcapacitor 5000 and configured to deliver guided, concentrated solar radiation into the glass structure.

[0233] The photonic flux capacitor 5000 comprises a glass body having a core region and a surrounding cladding region, wherein the core and cladding have different refractive indices selected to support guided optical propagation by total internal reflection within the glass body. Optical power entering the photonic flux capacitor 5000 from the PoF cable 5101 is coupled at an angle of incidence selected such that the guided radiation propagates along a closed or looping optical path within the annular geometry.

[0234] As schematically illustrated by ray path 5102 in FIG. 14, the guided radiation circulates around the circumference of the photonic flux capacitor 5000 one or more times, thereby increasing effective optical interaction length, photon residence time, and optical flux density within the structure. The refractive index profile, geometric curvature, and coupling angle may be selected such that the guided radiation remains confined within the photonic flux capacitor 5000 without substantial optical loss, leakage, or mode escape.

[0235] In some embodiments, the photonic flux capacitor 5000 functions as an optical storage, redistribution, or temporal averaging structure that accumulates and redistributes optical flux delivered from one or more PoF cables 5101. Multiple PoF cables may be coupled into a single photonic flux capacitor 5000 at respective angular positions and coupling angles selected to maintain optical confinement and to distribute optical power without destructive interference or excessive localized power density.

[0236] In various embodiments, the photonic flux capacitor 5000 further comprises one or more spectral conversion complexes disposed within the glass body. Such spectral conversion complexes may include upconversion centers, downconversion centers, or combinations thereof, and may be configured to convert portions of the incident solar spectrum into one or more wavelength bands matched to the bandgap of a semiconductor harvesting layer. The spectral conversion complexes may be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly within the photonic flux capacitor 5000 and may be spatially separated to reduce deleterious interactions between different spectral conversion mechanisms.

[0237] In certain embodiments, light scattering centers are incorporated into the glass body of the photonic flux capacitor 5000, including within the core, cladding, or interfacestherebetween. The light scattering centers may be configured to redirect guided photons and / or photons emitted by spectral conversion processes toward an exterior surface of the photonic flux capacitor 5000, thereby improving optical coupling into one or more semiconductor harvesting layers and promoting uniform photon distribution.

[0238] In various embodiments, a semiconductor harvesting structure is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the photonic flux capacitor 5000. The semiconductor harvesting structure may comprise, in radial order:

[0239] (a) a transparent conductive layer;

[0240] (b) one or more semiconductor layers configured to convert incident radiation into electrical power; and

[0241] (c) a conductive electrode layer.

[0242] The transparent conductive layer may be configured to allow the majority of incident radiation to pass into the semiconductor layer while providing electrical conductivity. The semiconductor layer may comprise one or more photovoltaic materials selected to convert radiation emitted or scattered from the photonic flux capacitor 5000 into electrical power. The conductive electrode layer may be configured to collect charge carriers generated within the semiconductor layer.

[0243] Electrical power generated by the semiconductor harvesting structure may be extracted using an electrical harvesting system analogous to that used for the electric power harvesting fibers described herein. In certain embodiments, a first electrical connection is made to the transparent conductive layer and a second electrical connection is made to the conductive electrode layer, thereby enabling extraction of electrical power without interfering with optical confinement within the photonic flux capacitor 5000.

[0244] The photonic flux capacitor and spectral amplifier embodiment described herein is nonlimiting. Variations in geometry, refractive index profiles, coupling strategies, spectral conversion compositions, scattering center distributions, semiconductor materials, electrode architectures, and electrical harvesting configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0245] System-Level Integration, Optimization, and Deployment ConsiderationsIn certain embodiments, the solar opto-electric power plant is configured as a system-level architecture in which solar radiation collection, optical concentration, waveguiding, spectral modification, optical power transport, and electrical power extraction are designed and operated as an integrated whole rather than as isolated subsystems. Optical parameters including lens geometry, focal length, numerical aperture, refractive index profiles, waveguide dimensions, coupling interfaces, and spectral conversion characteristics may be selected in coordination with electrical parameters including semiconductor material selection, bandgap configuration, terminal geometry, series and parallel electrical interconnection, and downstream power conditioning architecture. Such system-level coordination may improve overall efficiency, reduce thermal loading, increase power density, improve tolerance to manufacturing variation, and enhance longterm operational stability.

[0246] In various embodiments, optical power is treated as a primary energy transport medium within the solar opto-electric power plant, with electrical conversion intentionally deferred until one or more downstream locations. Transporting energy in optical form may reduce electrical losses, improve electrical isolation, enhance safety, and enable flexible routing relative to conventional electrical conductors. Optical power may be transported over distances ranging from centimeters to kilometers prior to aggregation, conversion, or distribution, enabling centralized or distributed electrical generation architectures.

[0247] In some embodiments, solar radiation collection and electrical power conversion are physically decoupled. Solar radiation may be collected at one location and transported optically to a different location for spectral modification and electrical conversion. This decoupling enables independent optimization of collection surfaces and conversion modules, facilitates centralized maintenance and replacement, and allows electrical generation to occur in controlled or protected environments spatially separated from solar exposure.

[0248] In certain embodiments, one or more system parameters may be actively or passively adjusted in response to operating conditions. Adjustable parameters may include, without limitation, optical alignment, focal position, coupling geometry, refractive index relationships, spectral conversion behavior, electrical load configuration, or power routing. Adjustments may be based on sensed variables including irradiance, temperature,optical power level, electrical output, or component health. Such adaptation may be implemented using mechanical adjustment, material response, electronic control, software control, or combinations thereof, and may improve reliability, efficiency, and operational lifetime under varying environmental conditions.

[0249] Components of the solar opto-electric power plant may be manufactured using a variety of techniques including, without limitation, molding, drawing, extrusion, deposition, coating, lamination, machining, additive manufacturing, or hybrid processes. Assembly may include mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, fusion, modular coupling, or combinations thereof. Manufacturing and assembly choices may be selected based on cost, performance, scalability, or deployment environment, and no particular fabrication technique is required unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0250] In various embodiments, the solar opto-electric power plant may be configured for deployment in a wide range of environments including terrestrial, marine, desert, arctic, mobile, industrial, defense, or infrastructure-related settings. Materials, coatings, seals, and structural elements may be selected to withstand temperature extremes, vibration, radiation exposure, humidity, dust, or mechanical shock. Such configurations enable use in fixed installations, mobile platforms, emergency power systems, or mission-critical applications.

[0251] The embodiments described herein are illustrative and non-limiting. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments unless expressly stated otherwise. Ranges, values, materials, and configurations are provided to enable broad understanding and do not limit the scope of the invention unless explicitly recited in the claims. The invention includes all equivalents, variations, and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0252] Control, Optimization, and Methods of Operation

[0253] In certain embodiments, the plant is operated according to one or more control objectives including maximizing electrical energy yield, minimizing levelized cost of energy, maintaining component temperatures within limits, minimizing optical loss, and / or maximizing conversion efficiency of one or more photovoltaic conversion regions. A controller may receive inputs from solar position data, weather data, optical powersensors, temperature sensors, electrical current / voltage sensors, and / or inverter feedback and may generate outputs that control tracker position, shutter / defocus state, coupling alignment actuators, reactor cooling rate, and / or electrical power conditioning (e.g., MPPT).

[0254] A method of operating a solar opto-electric power plant may include: collecting and concentrating solar radiation with a plurality of SRCAs; injecting the concentrated radiation into an optical power transmission system; aggregating optical power from multiple SRCAs into one or more higher-capacity transmission fibers; delivering the optical power to one or more opto-electric reactors; spectrally conditioning at least a portion of the optical power to shift wavelengths toward one or more semiconductor bandgaps; converting the delivered radiation to electrical power in one or more photovoltaic conversion regions; and transmitting the electrical power to an inverter, storage system, grid, and / or load. In some embodiments, the method further includes monitoring optical and electrical performance and initiating protective actions when a fault condition is detected.

[0255] In addition to the embodiments described above, the solar opto-electric power plant may be implemented in a wide variety of alternative configurations and arrangements, all of which are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0256] In certain embodiments, opto-electric conversion may occur at or on the solar radiation collection assembly or panel, rather than exclusively at a remote reactor location. In such embodiments, spectral conditioning, wavelength conversion, and photovoltaic conversion may be performed substantially within the panel structure, within a panel-mounted housing, or within an opto-electric cartridge integrated with or attached to the panel frame. In other embodiments, opto-electric conversion may occur partially at the panel and partially at one or more remote reactor locations, including distributed or centralized reactor facilities.

[0257] In some embodiments, optical-to-electrical conversion may be performed by one or more electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs). An electric power harvesting fiber may comprise a glass core, a cladding, one or more semiconductor conversion layers, and electrically conductive terminals configured to collect electrical current generated by absorbed radiation. The semiconductor conversion layers may be disposed radially,axially, helically, or in stacked arrangements along the length of the fiber. The EPHF may further include light scattering centers, wavelength-selective structures, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, or combinations thereof to direct radiation into the semiconductor layers at wavelengths corresponding to the semiconductor band gap.

[0258] In some embodiments, an EPHF may be optically coupled to a conversion fiber configured to perform upconversion, downconversion, or both, prior to photovoltaic conversion. The conversion fiber may comprise a glass core and cladding doped with wavelengthconverting materials, and may be configured to condition radiation transmitted through a power-over-fiber cable before delivery to the EPHF. Conversion fibers and EPHFs may be connected in series, parallel, or hybrid configurations, and may be coiled, linear, stacked, or otherwise spatially arranged to achieve desired power density, thermal performance, or manufacturability.

[0259] In certain embodiments, the solar radiation collection system, optical power transmission system, opto-electric reactor, or combinations thereof may be highly scalable, including implementations comprising very large numbers of solar radiation collection assemblies, optical transmission pathways, fibers, or reactors. Such systems may include from a small number of components to very large numbers, including thousands, millions, or more, depending on deployment scale, application, or site requirements.

[0260] In some embodiments, the solar radiation collection system may include self-powered panel racks, tracking structures, or mounting assemblies. Such panel racks may derive operating power from locally converted optical or electrical energy and may include local electrical storage such as batteries or capacitors. Self-powered panel racks may operate autonomously or in coordination with centralized control systems.

[0261] In certain embodiments, tracking, spectral optimization, optical routing, power aggregation, thermal management, or system health monitoring may be controlled by one or more controllers executing software instructions. Such controllers may employ machine learning, artificial intelligence, optimization algorithms, or adaptive control logic to improve system efficiency, reduce losses, predict maintenance needs, or respond dynamically to environmental conditions including solar angle, temperature, spectral distribution, or load demand.In certain embodiments, one or more electric power harvesting fibers (EPHFs) may further include upconversion additives, downconversion additives, or combinations thereof. Such spectral conversion centers may be distributed within the EPHF inner core, the cladding, and / or at the core-cladding interface, and may operate in conjunction with or independently of spectral conversion performed in an upstream conversion fiber.

[0262] Distributed spectral conversion within EPHF segments may be used to locally tailor the spectral content of radiation incident on adjacent semiconductor layers, improve bandgap matching, and promote more uniform charge generation along the length of the fiber.

[0263] In some embodiments, the opto-electric reactors, cartridges, fibers, couplers, or housings may include mechanical features such as cartridge caps, grounding conductors, electrical connectors, sealed enclosures, replaceable modules, or rack-mountable cases to facilitate installation, replacement, servicing, or safety. Electrical grounding, shielding, thermal interfaces, and environmental sealing may be implemented using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0264] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms ‘comprising,’ ‘including,’ and ‘having’ are intended to be open-ended. Singular forms include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges include all subranges. ‘Optical power’ includes electromagnetic radiation across ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and other spectral regions. No described embodiment is limiting unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0265] The performance values recited herein represent theoretical, modeled, simulated, or target values and do not require simultaneous achievement in a single embodiment unless expressly claimed.

[0266] DEFINITIONS / INTERPRETATIONS

[0267] The foregoing definitions are provided for interpretive clarity and do not require that every listed material, composition, or feature be present or operable in every embodiment unless expressly recited in the claims.

[0268] As used herein, the terms “may,” “configured to,” “in certain embodiments,” and “in some implementations” indicate optional features. Singular terms include plural embodiments unless context dictates otherwise. Ranges include all subranges and endpoints. Opticalpower includes coherent and incoherent radiation. “Fiber” includes waveguides, rods, and elongated optical structures unless expressly limited.

[0269] Materials used in lenses, waveguides, fibers, conversion fibers, electric power harvesting fibers, semiconductor layers, coatings, or couplers may include glass, doped glass, polymers, semiconductor materials, conductive materials, or combinations thereof

[0270] Glass compositions used throughout the system may include dopants, elements, or compounds selected to achieve desired optical, electrical, thermal, or wavelengthconversion properties. Such elements may include rare earth elements, transition metals, or main-group elements in various oxidation states, including but not limited to erbium, ytterbium, cerium, yttrium, holmium, thulium, neodymium, europium, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, germanium, silicon, boron, oxygen, or combinations thereof.

[0271] All combinations and permutations of the foregoing embodiments, including partial implementations, hybrid architectures, and alternative material systems, are expressly contemplated and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosed solar opto-electric power plant.

[0272] Lens. A lens may be a magnifying glass, a magnifying lens, a convex lens, a piano convex lens, an aplanatic lens, a converging lens, a fresnel lens, a power lens, a diopter lens, biconvex lens, an aspheric lens, an aplanatic lens, an achromatic lens, a patterned lens or a meta lens. A lens may be comprised of glass, elements, upconversion additives, downconversion additives, plastic, acrylate, coatings, anti-reflective coatings, protective coatings and / or self cleaning coatings.

[0273] Electrically conductive substance. An electrically conductive substance may be a transparent electrical conductive substance, a radiation transparent electrically conductive substance, indium tin oxide, ITO, aluminum-doped zinc oxide, AZO, indium zinc oxide, aluminum zinc oxide, molybdenum-doped tin oxide, molybdenum tin oxide, indium-doped cadmium oxide, silver, copper, gold, platinum, aluminum, carbon nanotubes, copper alloy, beryllium copper, bronze, brass, nickel, tin, silver nanowires, and / or an electrically conductive polymer. An electrically conductive polymer may be but is not limited to polyacetylene, polyaniline, polypyrrole or polythiophene, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(3,4-ethylenedi oxythiophene) PEDOT: poly(styrene sulfonate) PSS, and / or poly(4,4-dioctyl cyclopentadithiophene) and / or derivatives thereof.

[0274] Band gap. Bandgap means band gap. It is well known that a semiconductor material has a band gap and that the band gap limits the wavelengths of light that may be converted to electric power. Many semiconductor materials used in solar panels have a band gap that limits the wavelengths of light that can be converted to electric power to wavelengths that fall within the visible light spectrum. Different semiconductor compositions have slightly shifted band gap therefore some approaches involve stacking compositions to get the broadest combination of band gaps and thus convert more of the solar radiation spectrum to electric power.

[0275] Elements. Elements may be used to make compositions incorporated into in any component / part / cable / fiber / coupler / waveguide / lens / collimator and / or system of the solar opto-electric power plant 100. The up conversion compositions, down conversion compositions, semiconductor layers, semiconductor elements, lens, waveguide, collimator, PoF fiber, PoF inner core, PoF cladding, PoF coating, conversion fiber, CF inner core, CF cladding, conversion fiber coating, electric power harvesting fiber, EPHF inner core, EPHF cladding, EPHF inner terminal, EPHF inner semiconductor layer, EPHF semiconductor outer layer, EPHF outer terminal, EPHF coating and / or couplers may be comprised of elements. The elements may include but are not are not limited to Scandium-Sc, Yttrium- Y, Lanthanum -La, Cerium-Ce, Praseodymium-Pr, Neodymium-Nd, Promethium-Pm, Samarium-Sm, Europium-Eu, Gadolinium-Gd, Terbium-Tb, Dysprosium-Dy, Holmium-Ho, Erbium-Er, Thulium-Tm, Ytterbium-Yb, Lutetium-Lu, Cadmium-Cd, Indium-In, Gallium-Ga, Selenium-Se, Tellurium-Te, Cesium-Cs, Thorium-Th, Lead-Pb, Tin-Sn, Titanium-Ti, Copper-Cu, Gold-Au, Silver-Ag, Arsenic-As, Silicon-Si, Germanium-Ge, Boron-B, Phosphorous-P, Oxygen-O, Carbon-C, Sulfur-S, Aluminum-Al, Zinc-Zn, Nitrogen-N, Hydrogen-H, Iron-Fe, Manganese-Mn, Cobalt-Co, Chromium-Cr, Bismuth-Bi, Antimony-Sb, Calcium-Ca, Sodium-Na, Lithium-Li, Potassium-K, Lanthanide-Ln, Molybdenum-Mo, Rhenium-Re, Osmium-Os, Strontium-Sr, Tantalum-Ta, Tungsten-W, Zirconium-Zr, Magnesium-Mg, Praseodymium-Pr, and / or Neodymium-Nd. The elements may be represented as their symbols. The element symbols may include but are not limited to Sc, Nd, Pr, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Cd, In, Ga, Se, Te, Cs, Th, Pb, Sn, Ti, Cu, Au, Ag, As, Si, Ge, B, P, O, C, S, Al, Zn, N,H, Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Bi, Sb, Ca, Ln, Mo, Re, Os, Sr, Ta, W, Zr and / or Mg. Each element may be in an oxidation state of -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7, +8 or +9 and may be represented as the symbol and its oxidations state En+ where E may be the element symbol and n may be its oxidation state, for instance here are some examples of elements with +3 oxidation states Ce3+, Yb3+, Er3+, Sc3+, Ga3+, In3+, B3+, Al3+, Eu3+, Cs3+, Yb3+, Y3+, La3+, Fe3+, Mn3+, Co3+, Cr3+, Bi3+, Sb3+, Ge3+, Ln3+, Ln2+, Ti2+, Ni2+, Mo3+, Re4+, Os4+, Dy3+, Ho3+, and / or Te3+.

[0276] Semiconductor material. Semiconductor materials may include but are not limited to perovskite, perovskites, silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGdSe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium indium phosphate (GalnP), gallium indium arsenide (GalnAs), germanium (Ge), GalnP / GalnAs / Ge stacked on top of each other, graphene, dye-sensitized materials, organic semiconductors, indium phosphide (InP), gallium antimonide (GaSb), aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), cadmium sulfide (CdS), copper indium diselenide (CuInSe), titanium(IV) oxide, CZTSSe, quantum dot materials, metamorphic semiconductor materials, titanium oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0277] Perovskite. Perovskite means a material that has a band gap and may participate in converting radiation to electric power. A perovskite may be any material of formula ABX3, where A and B may be cations and X may be an anion. Common perovskites for solar cells may include methylammonium lead trihalide (CH3NH3PbX3, where X may be a halogen ion such as fluoride, iodide, bromide, and / or chloride), formamidinium lead trihalide (H2NCHNH2PbX3, where X may be a halogen ion such as fluoride, iodide, bromide, and / or chloride), methylammonium tin trihalide (CH3NH3SnX3, where X may be a halogen ion such as fluoride, iodide, bromide, and / or chloride), and / or formamidinium tin trihalide (H2NCHNH2SnX3, where X may be a halogen ion such as fluoride, iodide, bromide, and / or chloride).

[0278] Additional perovskite compositions may include methylammonium lead triiodide, cesium lead iodide perovskite, strontium titanate, calcium titanate, lead titanate, bismuth ferrite, lanthanum ytterbium oxide, silicate perovskite, organo-lead perovskite, lanthanum manganite, yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP), lutetium aluminum perovskite (LuAP),lanthanum strontium manganite, LSAT (lanthanum aluminate-strontium aluminum tantalate), lead scandium tantalate, lead zirconate titanate, methylammonium lead halide, methylammonium tin halide, formamidinium tin halide, cesium lead iodide, and perovskite oxides, including but not limited to LaA103and SrTiO3, as well as layered perovskites.

[0279] Additional structural representations may fall into general categories of cation pairing, including A'B2'X3(1:2 perovskites), A2'B4'X32(2:4 perovskites), A3'B2'X32(3:3 perovskites), and / or A+B5+X32~ (1:5 perovskites), where A and B may be positively charged ions (cations), often of very different sizes, and X may be a negatively charged ion (anion), frequently oxide, that bonds to both cations.

[0280] Upconversion. Upconversion means up conversion. Upconversion means a process in which the absorption of two or more photons may lead to the emission of light at shorter wavelength than the excitation wavelength. Examples may be conversion of infrared light to visible light, conversion of near infrared light to visible light and / or conversion of heat to visible light. Upconversion may be achieved by incorporating upconversion additives into components of the system that interact with the solar radiation. Any component of the solar opto-electric power plant 100 and may contain an upconversion additive that may participate in upconversion. Upconversion additives may be part of upconversion compositions, semiconductor layers, semiconductor elements, including lens, waveguide, collimator, conversion cable / fiber, CF inner core, CF cladding, conversion cable / fiber coating, electric power harvesting fiber, EPHF inner core, EPHF cladding, EPHF inner terminal, EPHF inner semiconductor layer, EPHF outer semiconductor layer, EPHF outer terminal, EPHF cable / fiber coating and / or couplers. Upconversion additives may be comprised of elements, elements in oxidation states, elements as part of complexes, elements oxides, element doped glass, element doped nanoparticles, organic molecules, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), perylene, functionalized perylene, coronene and / or functionalized coronene. Examples of elements include but are not limited to Ln, Ti, Ni, Mo, Re, Os, Er, Yb, Al, Tm, Sr, Nd, Dy, Eu, Te, Zn, and / or elements in their oxidation states included but are not limited to Ln3+, Ti2+, Ni2+, Mo3+, Re4+, Os4+, Er3+ / Yb3+, Er3+, Yb3+, AF+, Tm3+, Er3+, Sr3+, Nd3+, Dy3+, Pr3+, Eu3+, Ho3+, and / or Te3+.Downconversion. Downconversion means down conversion. Downconversion may be a process in which the absorption of one or more photons may lead to the emission of light at longer wavelength than the excitation wavelength. Examples may be conversion of UV light to visible light, UVA light to visible light, UVB light to visible light, UVC light to visible light and / or far UV to visible light. Downconversion may be achieved by incorporating downconversion additives into components of the system that interact with the solar radiation. Any component of the solar opto-electric power plant 100 and may contain a downconversion additive that may participate in downconversion.

[0281] Downconversion additives be part of downconversion compositions, semiconductor layers, semiconductor elements, including lens, waveguide, collimator, conversion fiber, CF inner core, CF cladding, conversion cable / fiber coating, electric power harvesting fiber, EPHF inner core, EPHF cladding, EPHF inner terminal, EPHF inner semiconductor layer, EPHF semiconductor outer layer, EPHF outer terminal, EPHF coating and / or couplers. Downconversion additives may be comprised of elements, elements in oxidation states, elements as part of complexes, elements oxides, element doped glass, element doped nanoparticles, organic molecules, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), perylene, functionalized perylene, coronene and / or functionalized coronene. Examples of elements include but are not limited to Ln, Ho, Ti, Ni, Mo, Re, Os, Er, Yb, Al, Tm, Sr, Nd, Dy, Eu, Te, Zn and / or elements in their oxidation states included but are not limited to Ho3+, Ln3+, Ti2+, Ni2+, Mo3+, Re4+, Os4+, Er3+ / Yb3+, Er3+, Yb3+, Al3+, Tm3+, Sr3+, Nd3+, Dy3+, Eu3+, Nd3+, Pr3+, and / or Mn4+.

[0282] In certain embodiments, combinations of rare-earth and / or transition-metal ions are selected to form sensitizer-activator pairs, cooperative complexes, or energy-transfer networks that provide intermediate electronic energy levels, enabling controlled spectral shifting and tunable absorption-emission pathways tailored to target semiconductor band gaps.

[0283] Glass. Glass may be comprised of highly pure silica glass, high purity silica glass, germanium doped silica glass, silica glass, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, lead glass, lead oxide glass, antimony glass, antimony oxide glass, aluminosilicate glass, fused silica, optical glass, chalcogenide glass, sulfide glass, selenide glass, telluride glass, phosphate glass, potassium-barium-phosphate glass, calcium fluoride glass, quartz glass, fluorozirconate glass, fluoroaluminate glass, lithium fluoride glass, magnesium fluoride,halide glass, fluorophosphate glass, ZBLAN, alkali oxides glass, boron trioxide glass, doped glass, X-doped glass (where X is an element and / or a mixture of elements). Any component of the solar opto-electric power plant 100 and may contain glass. Glass may be part of upconversion compositions, downconversion compositions, semiconductor layers, semiconductor elements, including lens, waveguide, collimator, conversion fiber, CF inner core, CF cladding, conversion cable / fiber coating, electric power harvesting fiber, EPHF inner core, EPHF cladding, EPHF inner terminal, EPHF inner semiconductor layer, EPHF outer semiconductor layer, EPHF outer terminal, EPHF cable / fiber coating and / or couplers. A glass that is doped may contain a dopant that may be an element that may be added at ml mol% where ml may be between 0.001mol% and 0.01mol%, 0.01mol% and 0.1mol%, 0.1mol% and 1.0mol%, lmol% and 2mol%, 2mol% and 3mol%, 3mol%and 4mol%, 4mol% and 5mol%, 5mol% and 6mol%, 6mol% and 7mol%, 7mol5 and 8mol%, 8mol% and 9mol%, 9mol% and 10mol%, and / or 10mol% and 20mol%.

[0284] Light scattering centers. Glass may be comprised of light scattering centers. Cable / fiber coatings may be comprised of light scattering centers. The inner terminal may be composed of light scattering centers. Any part of component in the solar opto-electric power plant 100 may be comprised of light scattering centers. Light scattering centers may be comprised of voids, air bubbles, gas bubbles, bubbles, particles, complexes, aggregates, quantum dots, and / or nanoparticles. Gas bubbles my be comprise of air, vacuum, argon, nitrogen, helium, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorine, hydrogen, neon, hydrogen chloride, and / or krypton. Light scattering centers in glass may be areas in the glass that may interact with light and may cause light to deviate from its original path and scatter in multiple directions. The light scattering centers may divert light away from traveling down the core and toward the cladding layer at an angle that allows the selected light to pass through the cladding and / or inner terminal and into the semiconductor layer. The light scattering centers may be engineered into the glass to cause a greater or lesser amount of light scattering, scatter certain wavelengths of light preferentially over others, scatter light within the bulk glass, scatter light at a surface and / or scatter light at a glass interface. The light scattering centers my be varying shapes and sizes. The light scattering centers may be engineered to scatter light that matches the wavelength that corresponds to the band gap of the semiconductor, the wavelength that corresponds to the band gap of the inner semiconductor layer, and / or the wavelength that corresponds to the band gap of the outer semiconductor layer. The spectra of light scattered by the light scattering centersmay be 98% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor, 95% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor, 90% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor, 85% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor, 80% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor, and / or 75% within the wavelength corresponding to the band gap of the semiconductor as measured by a spectrophotometer.

[0285] Cable / fiber coating. A cable / fiber coating may be a single layer, a dual layer and / or a multi-layer coating. The cable / fiber coating may be comprised of a polymer where the polymer may be comprised of an acrylate, polyacrylate, acrylic polymer, methacrylate, polymethacrylate, acrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile, acrylamide, polyacrylamide, PEEK, styrene, polystyrene, amide, polyamide, silicone and / or polysilicone. The cable / fiber coating may have a thickness ti where ti may be between O.lum and lum, lum and lOum, and / or lOum and lOOum.

[0286] Light. Light may mean any wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic energy. Light may include but is not limited to visible light, NIR, IR, UV, UV / Vis, x-rays, microwaves, radio waves, heat and / or gamma rays. Electromagnetic radiation may include but is not limited to visible light, NIR, IR, UV, UV / Vis, x-rays, microwaves, radio waves, heat and / or gamma rays. Electromagnetic energy may include but is not limited to visible light, NIR, IR, UV, UV / Vis, x-rays, microwaves, radio waves, heat and / or gamma rays. Radiation means light. Electromagnetic radiation means light. Solar radiation means light. Electromagnetic energy means light.

[0287] Desired light spectra. A desired light spectra may be a spectra that results in the most optimal electricity production. The light from the light source may not be the optimal spectra. Upconversion and down conversion additives may be incorporated in to various components of Solar Opto-Electric Power Plant such that the spectra of light hitting the semiconductor results in the highest and most stable electricity production. The upconversion and downconversion additives may shift light with a wavelength that is not in the bandgap to a wavelength that is in the bandgap. Such additive may be incorporated into the panel 1001 components such that the conversion efficiency (CE) is greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greaterthan 45%, greater than 50%, greater than 55%, greater than 60%, greater than 65%, greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, or greater than 85%.

[0288] Conversion efficiency. Conversion efficiency (CONV) may be a measure of the ratio of the electrical power output (EOP) to the incident solar power input (SPI) where CONV = (EOP / SPI)xlOO%. For instance a CONV of 20% may be a solar cell where SPI=1000W and EOP=200W, therefore CONV=200W / 1000Wxl00% = 20%. Conversion efficiency values described herein may refer to localized, theoretical, simulated, or system-level efficiencies and are not intended to require simultaneous achievement of all stated values in a single embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A solar opto-electric power plant, comprising:a solar radiation collection system configured to collect solar radiation;an optical power transmission system configured to transport the collected solar radiation as guided optical power;a solar opto-electric reactor configured to receive the guided optical power and convert the optical power into electrical power; andan electric power transmission system configured to transport the electrical power.

2. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 1, wherein the solar opto-electric reactor comprises one or more electric power harvesting fibers.

3. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 2, wherein each electric power harvesting fiber comprises:a glass-based inner core;a glass-based cladding surrounding the inner core;one or more light scattering centers disposed within the inner core, the cladding, or an interface therebetween;a semiconductor harvesting layer disposed radially outward of the cladding;a transparent conductive electrode disposed between the cladding and the semiconductor harvesting layer; anda conductive electrode disposed radially outward of the semiconductor harvesting layer.

4. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the light scattering centers are configured to redistribute guided optical power radially toward the semiconductor harvesting layer to provide substantially uniform illumination along a length of the electric power harvesting fiber.

5. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the electric power harvesting fiber further comprises one or more spectral conversion centers configured to perform upconversion, downconversion, or combinations thereof.

6. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 5, wherein the spectral conversion centers are spatially distributed along the electric power harvesting fiber to reduce photon flux nonuniformity and mitigate current mismatch effects.

7. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 5, wherein the spectral conversion centers comprise rare-earth dopants selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb), thulium (Tm), neodymium (Nd), holmium (Ho), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), tellurium (Te), and combinations thereof.

8. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the semiconductor harvesting layer comprises a perovskite semiconductor material.

9. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 8, wherein the perovskite semiconductor material is deposited as a conformal coating on a curved surface of the electric power harvesting fiber.

10. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the transparent conductive electrode comprises one or more of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, silver nanowires, graphene, conductive polymers, or combinations thereof.

11. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the conductive electrode comprises a metal coating, mesh, helix, patterned conductor, or combination thereof.

12. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 3, wherein the glass-based inner core and the glass-based cladding are comprised of a base glass selected for high optical transmission across the solar irradiation spectrum.

13. The solar opto-electric power plant of claim 12, wherein the base glass comprises a fluorophosphate glass, a ZBLAN glass, or a glass composition suitable for power-over-fiber applications.

14. A solar opto-electric reactor, comprising:one or more electric power harvesting fibers configured to receive guided optical power and convert the optical power into electrical power,wherein each electric power harvesting fiber comprises light scattering centers, spectral conversion centers, a perovskite semiconductor harvesting layer, a transparent conductive electrode, and a conductive electrode arranged radially around a glass-based fiber structure.

15. The solar opto-electric reactor of claim 14, wherein optical power propagating within the fiber is redistributed by light scattering and spectral emission such that emitted photons are directed toward the semiconductor harvesting layer.

16. The solar opto-electric reactor of claim 14, wherein the spectral conversion centers are segmented along the fiber to separate upconversion compositions from downconversion compositions.

17. The solar opto-electric reactor of claim 14, wherein the reactor is configured to convert optical power distributed over a length of the fiber into electrical power with reduced localized heating and improved conversion uniformity.

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