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This paper summarizes the results of a program to develop key components for the Optical Waveguide (OW) Solar Plant Lighting System. In the OW solar lighting system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator which transfers the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to the OW transmission line consisting of low-loss optical fibers. The OW line transmits the solar radiation to the plant growing units where the PAR component of the radiation is directed to the plants. The non-PAR components of the solar radiation is directed to the energy conversion device for non-plant lighting applications. This program, conducted by Physical Sciences Inc.

In this paper we discuss the results of theoretical and experimental study of key components of the optical waveguide (OW) solar plant lighting system. In this system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator which transfers the concentrated solar radiation to the OW transmission line consisting of low-loss optical fibers. The OW line transmits the solar radiation to the selective beam splitter where the solar spectra is divided into two components: plant lighting spectra (400 nm < λ < 700 nm) and power generation spectra (λ > 700 nm). The plant lighting spectra are transmitted to the plant growth chamber where the solar radiation from the optical fibers is de-focused for optimum intensity for plant growing. The power generation spectra are transmitted to the photovoltaic (PV) power generator for power generation.