Thermal compensation of molded silicone optics

Nicholas P. Lyons, Sifang Cui, Remington S. Ketchum, Kyung Jo Kim, Robert A. Norwood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Optical grade silicone has various properties that make it attractive for solar concentrators, such as excellent transmission across the solar spectrum and flexible moldability for freeform profiles. In this study, a glass-silicone lens structure is proposed to reduce the optothermal effect on the silicone lens. Experimental measurements and simulation modeling results demonstrate that the focal length sensitivity of the glass-silicone lens with respect to temperature can be reduced by a factor of 10 when compared to a silicone lens alone. This model has been extended to the simulation of a proposed two-stage silicone solar concentrator, consisting of an array of acylindrical lenslets and rows of waveguides that focus light onto microphotovoltaic cells. The optical efficiency of the solar concentration system showed a change of less than 10% compared to the efficiency at room temperature for temperature changes from-10°Cto 70°C.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)G99-G106
JournalApplied optics
Volume59
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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