Cette thèse a pour objectif d'apporter un regard nouveau sur les principales caractéristiques physiques du Soleil. Avant le développement de l'astrophysique, l'étude d'un astre concernait surtout ses propriétés géométriques. La mesure précise du diamètre du Soleil a été entreprise dès l'antiquité et représente un des plus vieux problèmes en astrophysique. Une partie de cette thèse est consacrée à l'étude du diamètre solaire et de ses variations au cours du temps. Un des objectifs est de déterminer si le diamètre du Soleil varie en fonction de l'activité solaire. Les données acquises par les instruments de la mission PICARD ont été utilisées afin d'essayer de répondre à cette question. Cette thèse porte aussi sur la détermination absolue de l'aplatissement solaire et de ses variations au cours du cycle 24. Cette étude s'est basée sur l'exploitation des mesures acquises par deux télescopes spatiaux (PICARD/SODISM et SDO/HMI). Les mesures de l'aplatissement solaire sont importantes et permettent de valider les hypothèses physiques mises en œuvre dans les modèles du Soleil. Cette thèse consiste aussi à déterminer la valeur absolue de l'éclairement solaire total et de sa variabilité au cours du temps. L'éclairement solaire total représente une entrée essentielle pour tous les modèles climatiques. Sa détermination précise est donc fondamentale. La valeur absolue de l'éclairement solaire total a été obtenue à partir des mesures réalisées par le radiomètre PICARD/SOVAP. Le dernier chapitre de cette thèse est dédié à l'étude de l'éclairement solaire dans l'ultraviolet et de ses variations au cours du cycle 24. Cette étude s'appuie sur les mesures réalisées par le spectromètre SOLAR/SOSLPEC à bord de la station spatiale internationale. La variabilité du rayonnement ultraviolet au cours d'un cycle solaire (environ 10% à 200 nm) est beaucoup plus élevée que celle de l'éclairement solaire total (environ 0.1%). La détermination précise de la variabilité ultraviolet est donc très importante. Il est aussi de plus en plus évident que les variations de l'éclairement solaire dans l'ultraviolet jouent un rôle significatif au niveau de la chimie de l'atmosphère et du climat de la Terre. Les résultats obtenus au cours de cette thèse montrent l'intérêt de réaliser des mesures précises dans l'ultraviolet au cours d'un cycle solaire de 11 ans. / This thesis aims to highlight a new vision on the main physical characteristics of the Sun. Before the development of astrophysics, the study of a star mainly concerned its geometrical properties. The accurate measurement of the solar diameter was carried out since the antiquity and represents one of the oldest problems in astrophysics. Part of this thesis is devoted to the study of the solar diameter and its variation over time. One of the objectives is to determine whether the diameter of the Sun varies with the solar activity. Data acquired by the PICARD mission instruments were used to try to answer this question. This thesis also deals with the absolute determination of the solar oblateness and its variation during the cycle 24. This study was based on the use of the measurements acquired by two space-based telescopes (PICARD/SODISM and SDO/HMI). The solar oblateness measurements are important and allow to validate the physical hypotheses implemented in the solar models. This thesis also consists to determine the absolute value of the total solar irradiance and its variability over time. The total solar irradiance is an essential parameter for all climate models. Its accurate determination is therefore fundamental. The absolute value of the total solar irradiance was obtained from the measurements carried out by the PICARD/SOVAP radiometer during the solar cycle 24. The last chapter of this thesis is devoted to the study of the solar irradiance in the ultraviolet and its variation during the solar cycle 24. This study is based on the measurements carried out by the SOLAR/SOSLPEC spectrometer on board the International Space Station. The variations of the ultraviolet radiation during a solar cycle (10% at 200 nm for a strong solar cycle) are much higher than the variations of the total solar irradiance (0.1%). The accurate determination of the ultraviolet solar irradiance is therefore very important. It is also increasingly evident that the variations of the solar irradiance in the ultraviolet play a significant role in the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere and climate. The results obtained during this thesis show the interests to perform accurate measurements in the ultraviolet during a solar cycle of about 11 years. Through this work, we bring a new perspective with respect to the absolute value of the main solar parameters.

A terapia fotodinâmica é a combinação do agente fotossensibilizador, da fonte de luz e do oxigênio que pode resultar na oxidação de biomoléculas e gerar danos celulares. Esta técnica é aplicada em diversas situações, desde o controle microbiológico até o tratamento de câncer. A maioria dos estudos utiliza as fontes de luz tradicionais, ou seja, lasers, sistemas à LED e lâmpadas. No entanto, poucos são os estudos que se concentram em propostas de fonte de luz alternativas. Iluminação portátil, flexível e independente de energia elétrica são características de grande interesse, principalmente, aos países em desenvolvimento no qual há uma grande parcela da população não assistida por hospitais de referência, além de cidades que não possuem o fornecimento de energia elétrica. Neste estudo, foi avaliada a viabilidade do uso, in vitro, da quimiluminescência como uma fonte de luz para a terapia fotodinâmica, induzindo a redução microbiana de Staphylococcus aureus. A quimiluminescência é uma reação química onde por meio da mistura de reagentes líquidos ocorre a emissão de luz sem a necessidade de qualquer ativação externa. Previamente aos estudos da aplicação terapia fotodinâmica in vitro, foram avaliadas diversas reações de quimiluminescência no intuito de estabelecer as características mais viáveis ao efeito fotodinâmico. Através de um modelo similar a teoria de Förster, foi estabelecida a relação espectral entre a banda de emissão da quimiluminescência e o espectro de absorção do fotossensibilizador Photogem®. Na análise in vitro, o agente fotossensível foi utilizado em quatro concentrações entre 6 e 75 g/ml e iluminação entre 60 minutos até 240 minutos. Longos tempos de irradiação são necessários devido a baixa intensidade de luz oriunda da quimiluminescência (intervalo de algumas dezenas de W/cm²). Os resultados demonstraram que o longo tempo de experimento não gerou redução microbiana nos grupos em que foi avaliado o efeito isolado da fonte de luz e do fotossensibilizador. Porém, quando foi avaliado o efeito fotodinâmico na combinação da reação química e o fotossensibilizador, atingiu-se redução da bactéria próxima de 98% (redução de duas ordens logarítmicas, aproximadamente) nas maiores concentrações de Photogem® e de dose de luz aplicada. Este estudo demonstra a possibilidade do uso da quimiluminescência como uma fonte de luz alternativa no controle microbiano através do efeito fotodinâmico, além de apresentar as vantagens de irradiação portátil, flexível entre outras quando comparada com as fontes de luz convencionais. / Photodynamic therapy is a combined action of the photosensitizer, a light source and the oxygen that may result in an oxidation of biomolecules and cellular damage. This technique is used for several applications, from microbial control to cancer treatment. The majority of the studies use conventional light sources as lasers, LED systems and lamps, just a few focuse on the proposal of alternative light sources. Portable, flexible and non-wired illumination are duired characteristics especially for developing countries where still great part of the population is not assisted by hospitals and several regions do not have electricity. In this study, the viability of chemiluminescence use a PDT light source was evaluated in the in vitro microbial reduction of Staphylococcus aureus. Chemiluminescence is a chemical reaction where after the reagents mixture a light emission occurs. Previously to the microorganism experiment, several chemiluminescence protocols were tested for the determination of the best reaction for this study photodynamic effect. Using a mathematical model similar to the Förster theory, the spectral relation of chemiluminescence emission and Photogem® absorption band was calculated. The photosensitizer was tested at four concentrations between 6 an 75 g/ml and illumination at exposure times between 60 and 240 minutes. Long exposure times were needed due to the low irradiances of about dozens of W/cm².The results showed that the experiment long procedure did not result in microbial reduction, which was verified at the individual effect of light and of photosensitizer. On the other hand, the photodynamic effect produced by the combination of the photosensitizer and chemiluminescence resulted in 98% microorganism reduction for the higher Photogem® concentrations and light dose. This study shows the viability of the chemiluminescence as a light source for the microbial control by PDT, associated with the characteristics of a portable and flexible illumination device.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T19:24:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paulo Takashi Oyama.pdf: 1180607 bytes, checksum: 074f38189849e2992a8ebe1bb7d53df4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-06-27 / This project evaluated the performance of a motor pump connected to two photovoltaic panels in order to determinate the outflow equations in relation to the solar irradiance on the photovoltaic panels. All data were collected between September 15th, 2007 and February 1st, 2008. For each lift height, it was verified: year, julian day, hour, panels temperature, motor pump voltage, panels voltage, solar irradiance at the panels plane, irradiance at the horizontal plane, motor pump outflow and pressure on the transducer. The outflow equations were obtained as a result of the solar irradiance on the photovoltaic panels plane for water lifts with heights between 2,2 and 18,2 meters, the equation varies according to the irradiance and the height of the lift and the efficiency equation of the water lift system in relation to the water height. The results pointed that for a water pumping system constituted by two photovoltaic modules and a motor pump used in this experiment, the outflow equation in relation to the solar irradiance and lift height, allows, with a margin of error of 17%, to calculate the water outflow, knowing the data of the average solar irradiance in the period and the needed height of the water lift, the efficiency of the water pumping system improved linearly according to the increase of the manometric height of the water lift. / Nesse trabalho foi avaliado o comportamento de uma motobomba conectada a dois painéis fotovoltaicos, para determinar equações da vazão em relação à irradiância solar incidente nos painéis. Os dados foram coletados no período de 15 de setembro de 2007 a 1 de fevereiro de 2008, verificando-se para cada altura de recalque: ano, dia juliano, hora, temperatura dos painéis, tensão na motobomba, tensão nos painéis, irradiação solar no plano dos painéis, irradiação no plano horizontal, vazão na motobomba e pressão no transdutor. Foram obtidas as equações da vazão em função da irradiação solar no plano dos painéis fotovoltaicos para recalques de água com alturas entre 2,2 e 18,2 metros, a equação da vazão em função da irradiância solar e da altura de recalque e a equação da eficiência do sistema de recalque de água em relação à altura de recalque da água. Os resultados apontaram que para um sistema de bombeamento de água constituído por dois módulos fotovoltaicos e uma motobomba utilizados no experimento, a equação da vazão em função da irradiância solar e altura de recalque, permite, com uma margem de erro de 17%, calcular a vazão de água, tendo-se conhecimento de dados da irradiância solar média no período e a altura necessária de recalque de água, a eficiência do sistema de bombeamento aumentou linearmente, conforme o aumento da altura manométrica de recalque da água.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-12T14:47:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paulo Takashi Oyama.pdf: 1180607 bytes, checksum: 074f38189849e2992a8ebe1bb7d53df4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-06-27 / This project evaluated the performance of a motor pump connected to two photovoltaic panels in order to determinate the outflow equations in relation to the solar irradiance on the photovoltaic panels. All data were collected between September 15th, 2007 and February 1st, 2008. For each lift height, it was verified: year, julian day, hour, panels temperature, motor pump voltage, panels voltage, solar irradiance at the panels plane, irradiance at the horizontal plane, motor pump outflow and pressure on the transducer. The outflow equations were obtained as a result of the solar irradiance on the photovoltaic panels plane for water lifts with heights between 2,2 and 18,2 meters, the equation varies according to the irradiance and the height of the lift and the efficiency equation of the water lift system in relation to the water height. The results pointed that for a water pumping system constituted by two photovoltaic modules and a motor pump used in this experiment, the outflow equation in relation to the solar irradiance and lift height, allows, with a margin of error of 17%, to calculate the water outflow, knowing the data of the average solar irradiance in the period and the needed height of the water lift, the efficiency of the water pumping system improved linearly according to the increase of the manometric height of the water lift. / Nesse trabalho foi avaliado o comportamento de uma motobomba conectada a dois painéis fotovoltaicos, para determinar equações da vazão em relação à irradiância solar incidente nos painéis. Os dados foram coletados no período de 15 de setembro de 2007 a 1 de fevereiro de 2008, verificando-se para cada altura de recalque: ano, dia juliano, hora, temperatura dos painéis, tensão na motobomba, tensão nos painéis, irradiação solar no plano dos painéis, irradiação no plano horizontal, vazão na motobomba e pressão no transdutor. Foram obtidas as equações da vazão em função da irradiação solar no plano dos painéis fotovoltaicos para recalques de água com alturas entre 2,2 e 18,2 metros, a equação da vazão em função da irradiância solar e da altura de recalque e a equação da eficiência do sistema de recalque de água em relação à altura de recalque da água. Os resultados apontaram que para um sistema de bombeamento de água constituído por dois módulos fotovoltaicos e uma motobomba utilizados no experimento, a equação da vazão em função da irradiância solar e altura de recalque, permite, com uma margem de erro de 17%, calcular a vazão de água, tendo-se conhecimento de dados da irradiância solar média no período e a altura necessária de recalque de água, a eficiência do sistema de bombeamento aumentou linearmente, conforme o aumento da altura manométrica de recalque da água.

Orientador: Orlando Necchi Júnior / Banca: Ricardo Moreira Chaloub / Banca: Gustavo Habermann / Resumo: Respostas de curto período das características fotossintéticas a temperatura e irradiância foram avaliadas na rodófita Batrachospermum delicatulum em condições naturais e em laboratório. A variação diária dos parâmetros fotossintéticos por fluorescência da clorofila foi amostrada em duas épocas (junho, período frio e seco; outubro, quente e chuvoso) em um riacho da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo (20o43’24-S, 49o18’21-W). Os valores de RQE e RQP (rendimento quântico efetivo e potencial, respectivamente) apresentaram correlação negativa com a irradiância nas duas épocas e valores similares no início e final do dia, indicando respectivamente alta pressão de excitação sobre o fotossistema II (FSII) e boa capacidade de recuperação e ausência de fotodano ao aparato fotossintético. Os valores de NPQ (extinção não-fotoquímica) também apresentaram correlação negativa com irradiância (significativa apenas em junho), o que possivelmente indica baixa capacidade de dissipação da energia absorvida pelos centros de reação. Sob temperatura e irradiância fixas a variação diária para fotossíntese líquida foi caracterizada por dois picos: o primeiro (maior) durante a manhã e o segundo (menor) durante a tarde. Os valores de ETR (taxa de transporte de elétrons) também apresentaram padrão semelhante, o que demonstra a ocorrência de ritmos endógenos que controlam as taxas fotossintéticas. Curvas de fotossíntese-irradiância e de indução escuro/luz foram testadas em laboratório (sob condições de baixa e alta irradiância) e em campo sob luz natural (não-sombreada) e artificialmente sombreada em duas épocas (junho e novembro). O isolado em cultura e as plantas em condições naturais (novembro) tiveram maiores valores de fotossíntese máxima (Fmax), eficiência fotossintética ( ) e rendimento quântico em baixa irradiância... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Short-term responses of photosynthetic characteristics to temperature and irradiance were analyzed in the rhodophyte Batrachospermum delicatulum under natural and laboratory conditions. The diurnal variation of photosynthetic parameters by chlorophyll fluorescence was sampled in two seasons (June, cool and dry season; October, warm and rainy season) in a stream of northwest region of São Paulo state (20o43’24”S, 49o18’21”W). Values of EQY and PQY (effective and potential quantum yield, respectively) were negatively correlated with irradiance in both seasons and had similar values at the beginning and end of the day, indicating, respectively high excitation pressure on photosystem II (PSII) and good recovery capacity and lack of photodamage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Values of NPQ (non-photochemical quenching) were also negatively correlated with irradiance (significantly only in June) possibly indicating low dissipation capacity of absorbed energy by reaction centres. The diurnal variation of net photosynthesis under fixed conditions of temperature and irradiance was characterized by two peaks the first (higher) in the morning and the second (lower) in the afternoon. ETR (electron transport rate) values also presented a similar pattern, suggesting the occurrence of endogenous rhythm that controls photosynthetic rates. Photosynthesis-irradiance and dark/light (induction) curves were tested in laboratory (under low and high irradiance conditions) and in field under natural light (unshaded) and artificially shaded in two seasons (June and November). Specimens from culture isolate and in natural conditions (November) had higher values of maximum photosynthesis (Pmax) photosynthetic efficiency ( ) and EQY at low irradiance, whereas at high irradiance (laboratory and field), values of were significantly higher than at low irradiance. A positive correlation between of ETR with NPQ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

L'étude des relations Soleil-Terre est une science en pleine effervescence, tant à cause des problèmes physiques qu'elle souléve que par son impact grandissant sur nos sociétés, ce dernier cas étant illustré par l'émergence de la météorologie de l'espace. Dans ce cadre, cette thèse s'emploie à mieux connaître et modéliser le flux extrême ultraviolet (EUV) solaire, principal créateur de l'ionosphère diurne terrestre et plus généralement planétaire. Un traitement routinier original des mesures du spectromètre SUMER à bord de SOHO permet d'obtenir une statistique considérable sur l'émission des raies EUV dans les régions calmes et les trous coronaux de l'atmosphère solaire, répartie sur une fraction significative du cycle d'activité solaire de onze ans. La quantité de données réduites permet ensuite l'étude du réseau de la zone de transition au cours du cycle, montrant qu'il n'est pas observé de variations importantes de la structure réseau/cellules avec l'activité solaire. En utilisant ces résultats, nous calculons les mesures différentielles d'émissions (DEM), puis les spectres EUV synthétiques pour les 2 composantes de l'atmosphère solaire citées plus haut. La comparaison avec les données TIMED/SEE d'un calcul du flux solaire EUV basé sur ces 2 spectres et sur celui d'une région active rend la démarche convaincante. Nous étendons ensuite le concept de la DEM au soleil entier, et calculons ainsi le flux EUV à partir de la mesure de l'irradiance de 5 raies solaires, sur 100 jours. La comparaison sur l'ensemble du spectre avec les données de TIMED/SEE est encourageante.

<p>The purpose of this thesis work was to find a way to measure basic light emission properties of nitrogen-and-boron-doped 6H-SiC, which are fabricated with a growth method developed at Linköping University. The research is in its initial phase and the light properties as well as optical measurement techniques are important. The aim is that the results of the measurements will provide feedback to the growth process what quality and doping levels that are required to get the maximum amount of light. The measurements were performed at the Laboratory of Lighting Technology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany.</p><p>Two measuring methods with different excitation sources were tested: a double monochromator and a setup using near UV-filters. While the double monochromator was able to project wavelengths in steps down to 0.5 nm with a high accuracy, the filters were only available in steps of 10 nm where the accuracy of the wavelength values varied. The double monochromator was chosen for the continuing measurements.</p><p>When using excitation light between 375-390 nm the emitted light was in the visible wavelength region. The light properties measured were the irradiance (measured in W/m²) and the peak wavelength were maximum luminescence occurred.</p><p>The result showed that sample 2-4 had a peak wavelength at approximately 580‑582 nm for the excitation wavelength 375 nm. For sample 5 the peak wavelength occurred at 582 nm at the excitation wavelength 390 nm. Sample 1, the unintentionally doped, did not show any measurable results as expected.</p><p>When irradiance of the excitation light was approx. 8 W/m² the irradiance at the peak of luminescence for the samples varied between 15.03-29.35 mW/m². The low values are believed to be the result of the emitted light scattering in all directions whereas the measurements are done in one direction and only from a small area of the sample.</p><p>The measurements has shown that it is possible to measure the light properties of the grown material even though the samples were not finalized (capsulated) LED’s. The results from the measurements are of interest for the continuing development of the material.</p>

The purpose of this thesis work was to find a way to measure basic light emission properties of nitrogen-and-boron-doped 6H-SiC, which are fabricated with a growth method developed at Linköping University. The research is in its initial phase and the light properties as well as optical measurement techniques are important. The aim is that the results of the measurements will provide feedback to the growth process what quality and doping levels that are required to get the maximum amount of light. The measurements were performed at the Laboratory of Lighting Technology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. Two measuring methods with different excitation sources were tested: a double monochromator and a setup using near UV-filters. While the double monochromator was able to project wavelengths in steps down to 0.5 nm with a high accuracy, the filters were only available in steps of 10 nm where the accuracy of the wavelength values varied. The double monochromator was chosen for the continuing measurements. When using excitation light between 375-390 nm the emitted light was in the visible wavelength region. The light properties measured were the irradiance (measured in W/m2) and the peak wavelength were maximum luminescence occurred. The result showed that sample 2-4 had a peak wavelength at approximately 580‑582 nm for the excitation wavelength 375 nm. For sample 5 the peak wavelength occurred at 582 nm at the excitation wavelength 390 nm. Sample 1, the unintentionally doped, did not show any measurable results as expected. When irradiance of the excitation light was approx. 8 W/m2 the irradiance at the peak of luminescence for the samples varied between 15.03-29.35 mW/m2. The low values are believed to be the result of the emitted light scattering in all directions whereas the measurements are done in one direction and only from a small area of the sample. The measurements has shown that it is possible to measure the light properties of the grown material even though the samples were not finalized (capsulated) LED’s. The results from the measurements are of interest for the continuing development of the material.

Microalgae produce large quantities of lipids that can be used for biofuel feedstock. The goal of this project was to determine the effect of several engineering and management parameters on the productivity of microalgae cultivated in large, outdoor facilities. The specific objectives were focused on the effects of inoculation ratios; the effects of light, temperature, and culture depth on growth; and the minimum circulation velocity necessary to maintain growth and minimize settling in open ponds. Microalgae must first be cultured in smaller quantities before the raceway is inoculated for optimized growth. Concentration ratios are defined as the ratio of the volume of microalgae inoculum to the volume of new growth media. The microalgae species used was Nannochloris oculata (UTEX #LB 1998). Inoculation ratios studied varied from 1:1 to 1:32 and were grown in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks. The study found that 1:16 and 1:32 were too dilute, while the 1:8 concentration had the largest growth rate. Determination of the effects of temperature, light intensity, and cultivation depth is critical to maintaining healthy cultures. Excess light intensity can result in photoinhibition and temperatures above the maximum growing tolerance can have detrimental effects. These factors can affect growth and evidence suggests an interaction that exacerbates these effects. In an outdoor culture there are few practical control variables other than pond depth. As cultivation depth increases, the algae undergo "selfshading" and the increased cultivation volume hinders temperature changes. Scaled raceway ponds were maintained at 10.16 cm (4 inch) and 13.97 cm (5.5 inch) depths. The species used was Nannochloris oculata and it was found to grow best at 785 micromol m⁻² s⁻¹m^-2 s^-1, 20°C, and 10.16 cm. Diatoms are attractive because of high growth rates, faster lipid production, and greater cell density. The latter promotes rapid settling once mixing has stopped. Because of the silica cell wall composition, diatoms are believed to be more susceptible to shear forces which can result in lysis. Determining the natural settling rate to the minimum channel velocity relationship in cultivation ponds was the objective. No flocculants/coagulants were added which created a case of "natural" settling. Four pennate Nitzschia sp. and one centric diatom were tested in a jar tester. There was no significant difference in settling times between the species. The mean settling time was 4.55 cm min⁻¹ and the minimum channel velocity was determined to be 10.12 cm min⁻¹.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are photoelectrochemical cells that offer efficient and potentially economical alternative to conventional solar electricity production technologies. DSSCs belong to the third generation of solar cells and offer several advantages over the solid-state junction solar cells. They utilize materials, such as titanium dioxide that are inexpensive and abundant relative to those used in conventional solar cells. Moreover, DSSCs can be fabricated with simple and scalable manufacturing processes. Finally, in DSSCs, photon absorption and charge-carrier transport are undertaken by different materials, namely molecular dyes and wide band gap semiconductors, respectively. Unlike conventional solar cells, no compromise is necessary between decreasing the band gap for visible light absorption and increasing the band gap to resist photocorrosion. For successful commercialization, a photovoltaic system incorporating DSSCs must operate reliably under a wide range of solar irradiance and operating temperatures. This experimental study reports the fabrication and characterization of the performance of a DSSC as a function of irradiance and operating temperature. The prototyped DSSCs had (i) nanocrystalline titanium(IV) dioxide, TiO₂, photoanode, (ii) platinum thin film cathode, and (iii) acetonitrile based liquid electrolyte. The photoanodes were sensitized with N-749 dye. The current-voltage characteristics of the DSSCs were measured at operating temperatures from 5 to 50° C and under 500, 1000, and 1500 W m⁻² irradiance. The open circuit voltage, V[subscript oc], decreased linearly with increasing temperature and had positive, logarithmic relation with irradiance. At temperatures lower than 15° C and 1500 W m⁻² irradiance, short circuit current density, J[subscript sc], was limited by the diffusion of I₃ in the electrolyte and increased with increasing temperature. At temperatures lower than 15° C and lower irradiance, J[subscript sc] increased with increasing temperature due to electron density limited recombination of electrons injected into the TiO₂ conduction band. At higher temperatures, the recombination was dominant over diffusion and J[scubscript sc] decreased with increasing temperature. Moreover, J[subscript sc] increased linearly with increasing irradiance. The DSSC photoconversion efficiency did not vary appreciably at temperatures lower than 15° C but decreased with increasing temperature. Finally, the DSSC efficiency increased with increasing irradiance. There was no indication of significant coupling effect of irradiance and temperature on DSSC efficiency. This study reports for the first time the coupling between irradiance and thermal effects on the operation of DSSCs. The results reported in this study can be used in recovering kinetic and transport properties that can be used in modeling and optimization of DSSCs. / text