Focusing Luminescent Concentrator Microcavity Design

The patent replaces mechanical tracking systems with a static microcavity luminescent concentrator that uses optical resonance and photonic crystal structures to achieve high concentration ratios without mechanical movement or active tracking. The microcavity structure with specific geometric configurations (spherical, cylindrical, or planar) creates resonant modes that naturally focus light onto photovoltaic elements without requiring external actuation or control systems.

The patent eliminates cooling systems by using luminescent concentrators that operate at ambient temperatures. The photonic crystal and microcavity structures guide and concentrate light through optical resonance rather than thermal processes, removing the need for active thermal management and cooling infrastructure that would add device complexity.

The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying refractive index distributions within the luminescent concentrator through photonic crystal structures. These structures have different local optical properties that guide light through total internal reflection and resonance effects, preventing re-absorption and scattering losses by directing energy flow along specific pathways to the photovoltaic elements.

The patent transitions from conventional planar luminescent concentrators to three-dimensional microcavity structures with spherical, cylindrical, or complex geometries. This dimensional enhancement creates resonant modes and photonic bandgaps that confine and guide light more effectively, reducing re-absorption and scattering losses by utilizing volumetric optical confinement rather than surface-level light management.