Optoelectronic devices employing fibers for light collection and emission

Abstract

An optoelectronic device, such as a solar cell, light-emitting device, or photodetector, comprises a substrate, a number of fibers supported by the substrate so that an end of each fiber is in electrical communication with the substrate surface; an optional first layer, covering the substrate, though which the fibers protrude, and a second layer overlaid on at least part of the first layer and exposed fiber surfaces. The second layer may be electrically conducting, and electrically isolated from the substrate surface by the first layer. The second layer can be in electrical communication with each fiber, and an electrically conducting path can exists between the second layer and the substrate surface through each fiber. The substrate, in whole or in part (such as the substrate surface) can be electrically conducting. The electrically conducting path may comprises a semiconductor p-n junction, so that the optoelectronic device emits light, provides a photovoltaic potential, and/or is sensitive to light, for example acting as a photoresistor, photodetector, and the like.

1 . A photothermal system, comprising:
 a tube having an outer surface and an aperture in which a fluid can be located;   a layer of adhesive on the outer surface of the tube; and   a plurality of fibers disposed on the outer surface of the tube, held in place by the layer of adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a light absorbing layer on the outer surface of the tube. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fibers contain a light absorbing material. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a sinuous form. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein water is pumped through the aperture. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube is mounted on a surface exposed to sunlight, and protected from mechanical damage by a transparent sheet mounted above the tube. 
     
     
         7 . A light emitting system, comprising:
 a substrate having a substrate surface;   a plurality of fibers supported held on the substrate surface by a layer of adhesive;   a source of energy, wherein the source of energy induces a light emission from the fibers.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the source of energy comprises a laser. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the source of energy comprises an electric potential. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the fibers comprise an electroluminescent material.