DEVICE FOR CONCENTRATING OPTICAL RADIATION

A holographic planar concentrator (HPC) (10') for collecting and concentrati ng optical radiation is provided. The holographic planar concentrator (10') comprises a planar highly transparent plate (12, 12') and at least one multiplexed holographic optical film (14, 14') mounted on a surface thereof. The multiplexed holographic optical film (14, 14') has recorded therein a plurality of diffractive structures having one or more regions (14, 114, 214 ) which are angularly and spectrally multiplexed. Two or more of the regions (14, 114, 214) may be configured to provide spatial multiplexing. The recording of the plurality of diffractive structures is tailored to the intended orientation of the holographic planar concentrator (10') to solar energy. At least one solar energy-collecting device (30), such as a photovoltaic cell, is mounted beneath said holographic optical film (14, 14' ). The optical radiation is guided within the plate by the holographic film (14 , 14') and total internal reflection to be concentrated on the solar energer collecting device (30).