LIGHT ROD FOR ACCELERATING ALGAE GROWTH

摘要

A light pipe for use in aqueous environments comprising an optical rod capable of total internal reflection, and disposed in the optical path of a light source such as a light emitting diode or other source. The optical rod has frosted and unfrosted portions, such that the light is propagated distally along the rod at the unfrosted portions, but a portion of the light is coupled out of the rod into the aqueous environment at each of the frosted portions. The relative sizes of the frosted portions are arranged so that substantially the same light power is coupled out of the rod at each frosted section, thus facilitating rapid and uniform growth of algae in the aqueous environment.

主权项

1. A light pipe comprising:
a rod disposed to receive at a proximal end of the rod light from a light source during use, wherein the rod comprises:
a transverse cross-section that permits total internal reflection within the rod at a wavelength of the light; anda plurality of separated frosted portions disposed along a longitudinal length of the rod, each of the frosted portions defined by a surface texture on at least a portion of a circumference of the rod that frustrates the total internal reflection; wherein the light propagates along the longitudinal length of the rod, and a portion of the light is coupled out of the rod at the frosted portions during use; and wherein the frosted portions are disposed at pre-selected positions along the longitudinal length of the rod selected to facilitate growth of a plant when disposed in proximity to the plant during use.