Juan Carlos Martínez Antón

Achromatic Fresnel Lens with Improved Efficiency for PV Systems

This work is aimed to design and evaluate different achromatic Fresnel lens solutions capable of operating as concentrators aimed at photovoltaic cells systems. Throughout this study, the theoretical parametric design of the achromatic lens will be shown together with a series of simulations to verify the performance of each lens topology. The results will be compared with a standard Fresnel lens to ascertain the validity and effectiveness of the obtained design. Finally, a novel kind of hybrid lens is proposed, which combines the advantages of each type of lens (standard and Fresnel) according to the optimal operating region of each design. Efficiency and concentration ratios of each particular lens are shown, regarding lens dimension, light’s incidence angle, or wavelength. Through this innovative achromatic design concentration ratios above 1000 suns, which hardly reach standard Fresnel lenses. Furthermore chromatic dispersion is minimized and the efficiency rate is over 85% of efficiency for a wide spectral range (from 350 nm to 1100 nm).

Topographic optical profilometry by absorption in liquids

Optical absorbance within a liquid is used as a photometric probe to measure the topography of optical surfaces relative to a reference. The liquid fills the gap between the reference surface and the measuring surface. By comparing two transmission images at different wavelengths we can profile the height distribution in a simple and reliable way. The presented method handles steep surface slopes (<90°) without difficulty. It adapts well to any field of view and height range (peak to valley). A height resolution in the order of the nanometer may be achieved and the height range can be tailored by adapting the concentration of water soluble dyes. It is especially appropriate for 3D profiling of transparent complex optical surfaces, like those found in micro-optic arrays and for Fresnel, aspheric or free-form lenses, which are very difficult to measure by other optical methods. We show some experimental results to validate its capabilities as a metrological tool and handling of steep surface slopes.

Optical cavity for auto-referenced gas detection

An enhanced optical system design for NDIR gas detection is presented. Multiple paths lengths within the same cavity are used to auto reference the system. The system has good thermo-mechanical stability: it requires no special thermal stabilization, shows no sensitivity to thermal emitter drift and has no moving parts involved. Long term stability, virtually no zero-drift and sub-ppm level gas detection were achieved using commercial thermopile sensors and a thermal emitter modulated at low frequency (~0.5 Hz). Experimental tests were performed using carbon monoxide (CO) and a 30.5 cm cavity length. The design can be extended to allow multiple gas detection within the same optical cavity.

Optical method for the surface topographic characterization of Fresnel lenses

Fresnel lenses and other faceted or micro-optic devices are increasingly used in multiple applications like solar light concentrators and illumination devices. As applications are more exigent this characterization is of increasing importance. We present a technique to characterize the surface topography of optical surfaces. It is especially well adapted to Fresnel lenses where abrupt surface slopes are usually difficult to handle in conventional techniques. The method is based on a new photometric strategy able to codify the height information in terms of optical absorption in a liquid. A detailed topographic map is simple to acquire by capturing images of the surface. Some experimental results are presented. A single pixel height resolution of ~0.1 μm is achieved for a height range of ~50 μm. A surface slope analysis is also made achieving a resolution of ~±0.15°.

3D-form metrology of arbitrary optical surfaces by absorption in fluids

We present an imaging technique for the 3D-form metrology of optical surfaces. It is based on the optical absorption in fluids situated between the surface and a reference. An improved setup with a bi-chromatic light source is fundamental to obtain reliable topographic maps. It is able to measure any surface finish (rough or polished), form and slope and independently of scale. We present results focused on flat and spherical optical surfaces, arrays of lenses and with different surface finish (rough-polished). We achieve form accuracies from several nanometers to sub-lambda for sag departures from tens to hundred of microns. Therefore, it seems suitable for the quality control in the production of precision aspheric, freeform lenses and other complex shapes on transparent substrates, independently of the surface finish.

Method for the characterization of Fresnel lens flux transfer performance

Fresnel lenses and other faceted or micro-optic devices are increasingly used in multiple applications like solar light concentrators and illumination devices, just to name some representative. However, it seems to be a certain lack of adequate techniques for the assessment of the performance of final fabricated devices. As applications are more exigent this characterization is a must. We provide a technique to characterize the performance of Fresnel lenses, as light collection devices. The basis for the method is a configuration where a camera images the Fresnel lens aperture. The entrance pupil of the camera is situated at the focal spot or the conjugate of a simulated solar source. In this manner, detailed maps of the performance of different Fresnel lenses are obtained for different acceptance angles.

Topographic optical profilometry of steep slope micro-optical transparent surfaces.

Optical profilometers based on light reflection may fail at surfaces presenting steep slopes and highly curved features. Missed light, interference and diffraction at steps, peaks and valleys are some of the reasons. Consequently, blind areas or profile artifacts may be observed when using common reflection micro-optical profilometers (confocal, scanning interferometers, etc…). The Topographic Optical Profilometry by Absorption in Fluids (TOPAF) essentially avoids these limitations. In this technique an absorbing fluid fills the gap between a reference surface and the surface to profile. By comparing transmission images at two different spectral bands we obtain a reliable topographic map of the surface. In this contribution we develop a model to obtain the profile under micro-optical observation, where high numerical aperture (NA) objectives are mandatory. We present several analytical and experimental results, validating the techniques capabilities for profiling steep slopes and highly curved micro-optical surfaces with nanometric height resolution.

System for variable spectra solar light source

We present a variable spectral and angular light source generator. The design and presented results are focused on solar radiation simulation, reproducing the spectral and angular distribution observed from the sun. This system is particularly interesting in the area of solar concentration. It permits to measure and test multi-junction photovoltaic cells alone or together with concentrating optics. We present some system setups and its performance in reproducing solar radiation around the visible band.