a building. These three vital components are the collector, the fiber optic cables, and the cable terminal or light fitting. The Collector The collector of a fiber optic lighting system is the component that is placed directly in the sunlight (typically on the roof of the building). As its name suggests, the collector “collects” solar radiation and directs it into the fiber optic cables for redistribution. One very important component of the collector is the lens. In a way that is similar to a magnifying glass concentrating solar radiation, a lens on the collector concentrates solar radiation and aims it into the fiber optic cables. In order to maintain consistent light levels, the collector system needs to follow the movement of the sun. Collectors can be equipped with an internal clock mechanism, a photo-sensor, and a microprocessor which all work together to calculate the position of the sun and automatically adjust the angle of the collector for maximum light collection. The Fiber Optic Cables The fiber optic cables are the pathways for the radiant energy to travel into the building. The length of the cable, the wavelength of the light, and the quality of the cable itself all play significant roles in the loss of radiant energy during transmission. Fiber optic cables are extremely efficient and do not cause a large loss of radiant energy (light). However, to minimize light loss, it would be best to use the shortest length of the highest quality cables. The Cable Terminal or Light Fitting The cable terminal, or light fitting, is the component that distributes the light from within the fiber optic cable to the interior of the garden space. The light fitting(s) can consist of a series of different light diffusers or lenses which appear similar to conventional lighting fixtures. For indoor horticulture applications, a light fitting that most efficiently and evenly diffuses the sunlight would be most applicable. Depending on the size of the collector and the configuration of the fiber optic cables, multiple light fittings can be illuminated from a single collector. Daily Light Integrals (DLI) for Greenhouses Fiber optics could revolutionize indoor horticulture, but would do very little for greenhouse growers who already have access to the sun. However, many greenhouse growers rely on artificial light systems for supplemental light to extend the growing season and/ or maximize their return on investment. Recent advancements in lighting automation allow greenhouse horticulturists to maximize the efficiency of their given supplemental lighting systems and provide the optimal amount of light for any given crop. All varieties of plants or crops have an ideal daily light integral, or DLI. The term “daily light integral” refers to the actual number of light particles (photons) received during a 24 hour period at a given location. By using a sophisticated lighting monitor and control system, greenhouse horticulturists can actually program a desired DLI for a crop. The monitor will trigger a lighting controller to turn on, off, or even dim the supplemental artificial lighting system as needed. These sophisticated greenhouse light monitor/controllers actually measure the intensity of the light and can, almost intuitively, control the artificial light system for the most effective combination of sunlight and artificial lighting. The future of artificial lighting in horticulture is unknown. The sun is the pinnacle of radiant energy for plants and matching its power will always be a white whale for horticultural lighting system manufacturers. The use of solar radiation via fiber optics would change the way we view lighting for indoor gardening. When the cost of the collection and distribution systems for fiber optics becomes viable, fiber optics will become a revolutionary technology for indoor gardeners. Until then, double ended HIDs, ceramic metal halides, and COB LEDs are the technologies that will shape the future of indoor growing. These efficient technologies will also shape the future of artificial lighting for greenhouses. Efficient artificial horticultural lighting systems teamed with sophisticated automation