Ideal concentrators with gaps

Ideal concentrators with large gaps are presented. These new devices use optical elements surrounding the receiver. When their number is large, they (may) constitute a microstructure (many components with small sizes). Smaller gaps can also be achieved by use of a fewer number of optics. Different ways to combine these optical elements are presented for the case of larger and smaller gaps. Designs that use mirrors and total internal reflection are also presented for the case of larger gaps. The mathematical methods used to calculate the shape of the optics are outlined. In spite of the fact that the number of optics may be large, given the symmetries inherent to these designs, the elements in these microstructures are all equal. This is a simplifying feature that is important for their design and eventual production in the future. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.