Optical properties of some luminescent solar concentrators

Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) samples with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the matrix substrate have been prepared by a casting method using the organic laser dyes: Rh.6G, Rh.B and K1. Optical absorption measurements have been carried out in the wavelength region 200–900 nm at room temperature before and after the samples have been exposed to sunlight for up to 95 days. The obtained spectra in the visible region are interpreted in terms of photodegradation of the dye molecules. On the other hand, the u.v. spectra and the optical absorption edge are analysed in the light of approaches delivered by Urbach and by Davis and Mott.