Xu, Zhijie;
(2025)
Bright Harvest: Concepts, Modelling, and Fabrication of Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are capable of achieving spectral conversion, allowing for the tailoring of the solar spectrum to better suit the demands of photosynthesis. However, traditional LSCs are engineered to trap spectrally converted light instead of extracting it. In this thesis, a novel optical device termed Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators (HLSCs) is presented, developed from the framework of conventional LSC devices. HLSCs distinguish themselves from traditional LSCs by not only facilitating efficient spectral conversion but also by their improved ability to extract light from the bottom surface, which faces the plants. Overall, HLSCs are defined by their dual capabilities: spectral conversion and effective light extraction. I start by evaluating the specific needs of horticulture to explain the reasons for using HLSCs. For the first time, we reevaluate and define the optical metrics for HLSCs by analyzing potential loss channels and performance metrics in HLSC devices. The impact factors are then derived from a detailed analysis of the total emission expression. To enhance the comprehension of how these factors affect HLSC performance, I develop a model of the HLSC device using the Monte Carlo ray tracing method. This model incorporates an analysis of several factors, such as optical density, absorption and emission spectra, refractive index, and quantum yield (QY), which are examined through both simulation and experimental results. Additionally, I propose a potential method to enhance the overall outcoupling efficiency of HLSC devices through the use of micro-cone arrays. A prototype device is fabricated using two-photon polymerization (2PP), nano-imprint lithography (NIL) and soft lithography. This device has demonstrated improved light extraction performance and diffused emission, which are beneficial for plant growth.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Bright Harvest: Concepts, Modelling, and Fabrication of Horticulture Luminescent Solar Concentrators |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2025. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. Access may initially be restricted at the author’s request. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Electronic and Electrical Eng |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10203014 |
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