LIGHT OPTIMIZED FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

Applications

LIGHT CASCADE® technology encompasses multiple approaches to modify the properties of light, such as wavelength conversion, diffusion, selective filters and waveguides in order to best adapt light quality to the needs of each application
Controlling light makes it possible to improve performance of natural phenomena
Agriculture
Others

LIGHT CASCADE® technology for a sustainable agriculture

Light is an essential component in plant development

Interactions of plants with light are complex and involve two different processes:  photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis. The former is a process by which light is converted into chemical energy, whereas photomorphogenesis is a biological process in which plant’s development is affected by light signals perceived by plant’s photoreceptors.

The key wavelengths involved in photosynthesis are blue (400-500nm) and red (600-700nm) whereas the mechanism of photomorphogenesis is highly dependent on the species of plant involved.

The controlled management of light provides a powerful way to significantly boost agronomic crop yields.

The LIGHT CASCADE® technology adapts light to the needs of the plants  

Only a fraction of natural solar radiation is used effectively in photosynthesis. LitePlus® formulations for agricultural films adapt the solar spectrum to the specific light requirements of plants. The part of the solar spectrum that is of little use to plants is converted into wavelengths that stimulate photosynthesis, thereby leading to enhanced crop growth and overall productivity. LitePlus® formulations are also optimized to maximize the complex effects of the photomorphogenesis processes. To verify the performance improvements, CASCADE conducts more than 120 agronomic trials on various crops in collaboration with experimental farms and experts in agronomic research in France, Spain, Italy, Morocco and internationally.

A societal agricultural challenge at the heart of sustainable development issues

In a context of change in agricultural practices, reduction of cultivated areas due to the development of urbanization and increase in the world population, increasing agronomic yields, saving water resources, reducing fertilizers, producing quality food and meeting the societal demand for a more sustainable agriculture represent a major societal challenge for the coming years to come.

By optimizing the sunlight received by plants under greenhouse films, CASCADE allows both better efficiency of the inputs used to grow plants (fertilizers, water…) and significant gains in agronomic yields. 

LIGHT CASCADE® technology provides an ecological and cost-effective means to increase the yields of protected crops while simultaneously reducing production costs and improving the efficiency of land use.

  Agronomic Results Validated by Multiple Field Trials

More than 120 agronomic trials have been carried out, over 10 years all over Europe, Morocco, USA & Canada, on key crops (berries, tomatoes, cucumber peppers, melons ...) both at producers and at experimental farms. They showed agronomic performances for a > 10% value gain for farmers:

  • Crop Yield increased: Yield gains were obtained by maintaining or improving the qualitative and taste characteristics of fruits and vegetables harvested.
  • Water & Inputs consumption reduced: 11 agronomic trials conducted in reduced fertigation or water stress only, on 4 crops (Cucumber, Pepper, Strawberries and Tomatoes) in 2 countries (Spain and France) since 2021
  • Precocity: in flowering, in early yield allowing higher revenues measured on several crops
  • Improved Plant Health: Pest & Diseases resistance 
  • Fruits/Vegetable Quality: similar or increased sugar content, color, firmness...

CASCADE is continuing its trial campaigns on many other crops and regions in order to further optimize its formulations and adapt them to different specific grower’s demands.

Other applications

LIGHT CASCADE® technology manipulating the propagation of light within materials is transferable to any application using light. Multiple fields of applications have already been identified or explored in the laboratory.

Glass greenhouses

Beyond plastic greenhouse films, work on the durability of our formulations allows LIGHT CASCADES® technology to be applied to glass greenhouses used in Northern Europe or America, regions where light is a critical issue for winter crops

Mulch films, Algae & Microalgae production (Photosynthesis)

Mulch films, widely used in agriculture to help crops get started or limit the growth of competing weeds, offer strong prospects for LIGHT CASCADE® application.

Tests on microalgae carried out with CEA Cadarache research laboratory showed positive results on the growth of spirulina or chlorella confirming that algae and microalgae are promising markets for LIGHT CASCADE® technology.

Industrial applications: Photovoltaics, Lighting (LED's...), Fluo Paints, Print marking...

CASCADE already explored its technology for various industrial applications such as photovoltaics, print security marking, fluorescent paints and even the LED lighting, these applications and markets are in demand to better select the wavelength ranges of light emission. CASCADE recent technological achievements resulting from the industrialization of the first CASCADE LUMINEUSE® products for greenhouses allow CASCADE to transfer its know-how to many other applications and new markets

More generally, LIGHT CASCADE® technology can be adapted to any application involving light, allowing a wide range of potential uses.

Other applications evaluated using LIGHT CASCADE® technology:

  • Microalgae: CEA
  • Fiduciary applications:  Banque de France
  • Print marking & Document authentification: Imprimerie Nationale
  • Photovoltaic Modules: Total
  • Military stealth solutions (in collaboration with a defense organization)

Our Values

CASCADE upholds three core values

Creativity

Encouraging and promoting the creativity of our employees and partners

Collaboration

Developing close partnerships with a broad range of specialists

Environment

Contributing to the improvement of sustainable practices

Do you have questions on our technology or its applications?

Contact Us