Novel All-Passive Lightpipe Illumination

This SBIR proposal aims to develop all-passive fiberoptic lighting systems that can be used on long space missions or here on earth. By addressing the traditional problems of concentration and solar tracking in a novel way, we will create a high efficiency lighting system that is also very durable and inexpensive. In this Phase I work, Applied Optical Materials will research two distinct methods for improving on conventional plastic fiber lighting technology. These innovations are directly relevant to the concentration efficiency of the system and have very high potential to reduce the cost and maintainability of passive lighting systems to a level commensurate with business and consumer applications.