ABSTRACT
Ways of improving the optical efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators based on multiple poly(methyl methacrylate) plastic optical fibers peripherally doped with two promising types of dyes are analyzed by means of a Monte-Carlo computational model developed by us. By comparing the performance of optical fibers doped with lumogen red and lumogen yellow, or combinations of them at several concentrations, this work clarifies how to achieve a better compromise between the trapping efficiency of the sunlight and the reabsorption of the light emitted by the mixture in stacked optical fibers connected to a photovoltaic solar cell.
ABSTRACT
A comprehensive model for the theoretical simulation of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) has been developed and examined. It can simulate the interdependent effects of multiple dopants having two main electronic energy states, which are incorporated simultaneously into the fiber core, as well as the effect of the cladding. The available experimental results appear to confirm the accuracy of the model, which is a valuable tool for gaining insight into the behavior of LSC prototypes, since it may guide the designers at the early stages of optimization processes.
ABSTRACT
We present a method to obtain the frequency response of step index (SI) plastic optical fibers (POFs) based on the power flow equation generalized to incorporate the temporal dimension where the fibre diffusion and attenuation are functions of the propagation angle. To solve this equation we propose a fast implementation of the finite-difference method in matrix form. Our method is validated by comparing model predictions to experimental data. In addition, the model provides the space-time evolution of the angular power distribution when it is transmitted throughout the fibre which gives a detailed picture of the POFs capabilities for information transmission. Model predictions show that angular diffusion has a strong impact on temporal pulse widening with propagation.
Subject(s)
Computer-Aided Design , Models, Theoretical , Optical Fibers , Plastics/chemistry , Computer Simulation , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Light , Reproducibility of Results , Scattering, Radiation , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
The behavior of tapered graded-index polymer optical fibers is analyzed computationally for different refractive indices of the surrounding medium. This serves to clarify the main parameters affecting their possible performance as refractive-index sensors and extends an existing study of similar structures in glass fibers. The ray-tracing method is employed, its specific implementation is explained, and its results are compared with experimental ones, both from our laboratory and from the literature. The results show that the current commercial graded-index polymer optical fibers can be used to measure a large range of refractive indices with several advantages over glass fibers.
Subject(s)
Computer-Aided Design , Models, Theoretical , Optical Devices , Optical Fibers , Polymers/chemistry , Refractometry/instrumentation , Transducers , Computer Simulation , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Light , Scattering, RadiationABSTRACT
We have designed and measured a passive device based on plastic optical fibers (POF's) that one can use to determine the indices of refraction of liquids. A complementary software has also been designed to simulate the behavior of the device. We report on the theoretical model developed for the device, its implementation in a simulation software program, and the results of the simulation. A comparison of the experimental and calculated results is also shown and discussed.
