Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to methods for making CA(I,G,A)S, CAIGAS, A(I,G,A)S, AIGAS, C(I,G,A)S, and CIGAS materials by providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical surveillance using modulated lasers, or other forms of light, and optical detection. In one embodiment, an optical surveillance system includes a light source, such as a laser or light emitting diode, and a signal generator operable to modulate the light source. The system also includes a detector operable to detect the modulated light source and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector to distinguish the modulated light source from other detected light based on the modulating waveform of the modulated light source. The processor is also operable to determine a presence of an object between the laser and the detector based on an obscuration of the laser pulses on the detector.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and articles using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers including CAIGAS.

Abstract: Design of a rapidly rechargeable gas battery is disclosed. In one embodiment, a rapidly rechargeable gas battery is constructed of a plurality of high surface area, gas adsorbing electrodes and an electrolyte, wherein, during charging operation, gases are formed and adsorbed at the plurality of electrodes such that they generate an electrochemical potential for discharge of the cell formed by electrodes and electrolyte until the state-of-charge has become negligible (deep discharge). The rapidly rechargeable gas battery is designed such that it can withstand high charging current and a deep discharge without irreversible changes in the electrode materials.

Abstract: A unique physical design of 532 nm Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) laser elements to achieve independent crystal phasing (rotation), spacing and output coupler (OC) alignment in a robust small package is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to thin film CA(I,G,A)S, CAIGAS, A(I,G,A)S, AIGAS, C(I,G,A)S, and CIGAS materials made by a process of providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.

Abstract: Processes and compositions for making photovoltaic absorber materials for thin film solar cells including CIGS are disclosed. The processes and compositions achieve high thickness per pass for efficient manufacturing. Processes include depositing one or more layers of an ink onto a substrate, wherein the ink contains one or more polymeric precursor compounds. An ink for making a photovoltaic absorber material may contain one or more precursor compounds and an additive dissolved in one or more solvents, including hydrocarbon solvents.

Abstract: Ink compositions for making materials, including photovoltaic absorber materials for solar cells. An ink composition of this invention can contain one or more compounds having the formula MB(ER)3, wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, E is S or Se, and R is selected from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, and silyl.

Abstract: Methods for photovoltaic absorber materials for uses including solar cells. The methods include depositing onto a substrate an ink comprising one or more compounds having the formula MB(ER)3 wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, E is S or Se, and R is selected from alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, amido, and silyl, and heating the substrate.

Abstract: Processes for making a photovoltaic layer on a substrate by depositing a first layer of an ink onto the substrate, wherein the ink contains one or more compounds having the formula MB(ER)3, wherein MB is In, Ga, or Al, E is S or Se, and depositing a second layer of one or more copper chalcogenides or a CIGS material.

Abstract: Processes for making a photovoltaic absorber by depositing various layers of components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. Processes of this disclosure can be used to make a photovoltaic absorber having a concentration gradient of various atoms. CIGS thin film solar cells can be made.

Abstract: Processes for making a process for making a photovoltaic absorber by depositing various layers of components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. Processes for depositing an ink containing compounds having the formula MB(ER)3 wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, and polymeric precursor compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a range of compounds, inks and compositions used to make materials for photovoltaics, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to inks containing precursor compounds, as well as the precursor compounds, and materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. The precursor compounds and inks contain compounds having the formula MB(ER)3 wherein MB is In, Ga or Al, which can be deposited and converted to a material form.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein generally provide for the controlled voltage of bipolar electrical energy through the selected operation of power stages. In one embodiment, a system that provides electrical energy includes a power supply and at least two power stages coupled to the power supply. The power stages are operable to selectively output electrical energy. By selecting the number of power stages which are turned on at a given time the total voltage of the electrical energy is controlled at that time. The system may further include one or more controllers coupled to the power stages to control selection of the power stages and thereby vary the output voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein are generally directed to enhancing electrical discharge. A hollow conical electrode may be provided to discharge electrical energy in a directed manner. The conical electrode has two openings: a larger entrance opening; and a smaller exit opening. These openings are configured to allow radiated energy to pass therethrough and form a preferential path of electrical conduction. The larger entrance opening has a surface with a radius of curvature that is larger than that of the second smaller exit opening. The smaller exit opening directs electrical energy to the path because of stronger electric fields. In one embodiment, a protruding electrode element is configured with the smaller exit opening to further enhance electrical discharge by focusing electric fields in the vicinity of the protruding electrode.

Abstract: Solution-based processes for making thin film solar cells including CIGS are disclosed. A solar cell can have a conversion efficiency of 15% to 20% or greater. Processes for making solar cells include depositing various layers of monomer and polymeric components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. The stoichiometry of metal atoms in a solar cell can be controlled and targeted.

Abstract: Processes for making a solar cell by depositing various layers of components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. Processes of this disclosure can be used to control the stoichiometry of metal atoms in making a solar cell, and for targeting a particular concentration. CIGS thin film solar cells can be made.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers including CAIGAS.

Abstract: The systems and methods presented herein provide for readily configurable high voltage electrical energy generation. For example, a high voltage electrical energy generation system may include an AC power supply configured with an inductor to transfer AC electrical energy. In this regard, the system may also include a first receptor stage that includes an inductor for inductively coupling to the inductor of the AC power supply to receive the AC electrical energy. Similarly, a second receptor stage may inductively couple to the inductor of the AC power supply as well as to the inductor of the first receptor stage to receive the AC electrical energy, with each receptor being configured as a stackable plate. Each receptor stage may include a rectifier that converts the AC electrical energy to DC electrical energy. The rectifiers may be coupled together via a DC to DC connection provide a DC bias.

Abstract: One system described herein provides electrical energy by means of a Tesla coil that generates a strong electric field in the vicinity of an electrical target. An energy booster provides additional electrical energy to increase the probability of disabling and/or disrupting the electrical target. For example, an electrode may be configured with the Tesla coil to from the electric field of the electrical target. The electric field may cause a breakdown in the air about the Tesla coil that allows electric current to conduct to the electrical target. The Tesla coil may repetitively burst the electric field such that pulses of electric current are conducted to the electrical target.