Coherent Laser Light Source for Plant Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for illuminating plants with specific spectral bands result in waste of unneeded wavelength energy, leading to inefficient biological processes due to reflection from the leaf cuticle, and contribute to light pollution.
Innovation Solution
A coherent laser light source is used to deliver specific wavelengths directly to the photosynthetic processes by expanding the laser beam using a frosted glass substrate like BK7 or quartz, maintaining coherence and reducing heat production, while minimizing light pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plants are illuminated with broad spectral light sources (LEDs, fluorescent lights), then multiple wavelengths are provided for various biological processes, but unneeded wavelength energy is wasted and converted to heat, reducing biological process efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination system into multiple discrete laser wavelengths (450nm blue, 630nm red, 730nm far-red) rather than using a broad spectral source. Each laser targetts specific photosynthetic processes, allowing precise spectral delivery without wasting energy on unused wavelengths. This segmentation of the spectrum into targeted bands resolves the contradiction by maintaining spectral versatility while eliminating energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameters from broad-band illumination to narrow-band laser wavelengths. By adjusting the specific wavelengths (450nm for chlorophyll a, 630nm for chlorophyll a, 730nm for phytochrome) and their temporal patterns, the system optimizes energy delivery to match exact biological needs, reducing heat generation while maintaining process efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used for plant illumination, then general lighting is provided, but light reflection from the leaf cuticle reduces energy delivery to photosynthetic processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing specific laser wavelengths to specific targets on the plant surface. Rather than providing uniform illumination, the system targets the cuticle and leaf surfaces with coherent laser light that penetrates effectively. The 450nm and 630nm lasers are directed to penetrate the cuticle and reach chloroplasts, while the 730nm far-red laser targets phytochrome in the cuticle, optimizing local energy delivery to specific photosynthetic structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional light sources are used to provide comprehensive spectral coverage, then various biological processes are supported, but the number of light sources increases, complicating the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a coordinated system that operates in temporal and spatial sequence. The 450nm, 630nm, and 730nm lasers are controlled to activate at different times during the light-dark cycle, with the blue laser activating first followed by red and far-red lasers. This merging of multiple wavelength sources into a synchronized system provides comprehensive spectral coverage while managing complexity through temporal coordination rather than requiring all sources to operate simultaneously.
4Productivity
If conventional broad-spectrum lighting is used in greenhouses, then plant growth is supported, but light pollution is generated, wasting energy and disrupting ecosystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary spectral components for plant photosynthesis and phytochrome regulation, eliminating unnecessary wavelengths. By using targeted laser wavelengths (450nm, 630nm, 730nm) instead of broad-spectrum lighting, the system extracts only the essential energy bands needed for biological processes, preventing energy waste and light pollution while maintaining plant productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances energy efficiency for plant growth by reducing heat production and light pollution, allowing for targeted energy delivery to chloroplasts and minimizing the number of light sources needed, thus optimizing energy use and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a laser which produces a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
expand a laser beam to deliver coherent light (Laser lamp) to a biological process
Implementation Method 3
a frosted glass substrate such as optical glass BK7, quartz or optical polycarbonate can be used to expand the laser beam with retaining the coherence aspect
Implementation Method 4
Chlorophyll absorbs light most strongly in the blue portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, followed by the red portion
Implementation Method 5
Chlorophyll is photosynthesis for plants to absorb energy and carry out the biological processes
Implementation Method 6
deliver coherent light (Laser lamp) to a biological process to efficiently deliver well known wavelengths for biological/photosynthetic organism growth
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for stimulating biological processes for growth of plants by illuminating with coherent light, such as a laser lamp (100), to deliver the required energy at the growth stage to advance absorption while minimize cost for energy to produce a biological product for photosynthesis based biological growth of plants including Algae, Diatoms, Phytoplankton, Euglena, Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacteria.