  Optimizing the photon spectrum for photosynthesis and improving crop yields
presents an efficient pathway to alleviate global food shortages. Luminescent
solar concentrators (LSCs), consisting of transparent host matrices doped with
fluorophores, show excellent promise to achieve the desired spectral tailoring.
However, conventional LSCs are predominantly engineered for photon harvesting,
which results in a limited outcoupling efficiency of converted photons. Here,
we introduce a scheme to implement LSCs into Horticulture (HLSC) by enhancing
light extraction. The symmetry of the device is disrupted by incorporating
micro-cone arrays on the bottom surface to mitigate Total Internal Reflection
(TIR). Both Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations and experimental results have
verified that the greatest enhancements in converted light extraction, relative
to planar LSCs, are achieved using micro-cone arrays (base width 50 um, aspect
ratio 1.2) with extruded (85.15% improvement) and protruded (66.55%
improvement) profiles. Angularly resolved transmission measurements show that
the HLSC device exhibits a broad angular radiation distribution. This
characteristic indicates that the HLSC device emits diffuse light, which is
conducive to optimal plant growth.
