In this work, a novel photobioreactor structure using optical fibers being fixed vertically to culture flow direction as inner light source was proposed to fulfill flashing light effects (FLE) of microalgae, so as to obtain high light efficiency. Three types of optical-fiber photobioreactor fulfilling FLE of microalgae, i.e. air-driven panel, pump-driven panel and stirred tank type, were proposed and a 130 L airlift panel one was practically constructed on which both cold (light profile, liquid velocity) and hot model tests were carried out. Results demonstrated that it could produce uniformed light/dark frequencies being over 10 Hz and microalgae productivity increased by 43% and 38% for Spirulina platensis and Scenedesmus dimorphus respectively, compared with the control. This suggested the structure to be a viable and promising option for future photobioreactors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.