Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite quantum-dot photodetector formed by alternatively dipping a substrate into a colloidal solution containing at least one type of a quantum dot, thereby forming a monolayer of the quantum dots and then dipping the substrate with the monolayer of the quantum dots into a ligand spacing solution to build a film of the quantum dots and then alternatively exposing the film of the quantum dots to a vapor and an infill material.

Abstract: A nonlinear nanocomposite optical-element comprising a first nanocomposite. The first nanocomposite comprising one or more optically nonlinear (NLO) nanofillers. The NLO nanofillers exhibiting dispersed in a cured organic matrix, the NLO nanofillers exhibiting a high level of one or more high order nonlinear susceptibilities. A second nanocomposite, the second nanocomposite different with respect to the nanofiller type, nanofiller concentration, organic-host, or combinations thereof. Wherein the distribution of the first nanocomposite-ink and second nanocomposite-ink result in a nanofiller gradient within the optical-element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite quantum-dot photodetector formed by alternatively dipping a substrate into a colloidal solution containing at least one type of a quantum dot, thereby forming a monolayer of the quantum dots and then dipping the substrate with the monolayer of the quantum dots into a ligand spacing solution to build a film of the quantum dots and then alternatively exposing the film of the quantum dots to a vapor and an infill material.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing nanocomposite material comprising a nanocomposite-ink factory and inkjet printer. The nanocomposite-ink factory producing nanocomposite-ink and the inkjet printer receiving the nanocomposite-ink. The inkjet printer having a printhead and a positioning mechanism. The printhead having one or more nozzles to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets.

Abstract: Optical inks suitable for 3D printing fabrication of gradient refractive index (GRIN) optical components are composed of a monomer matrix material [100] in which ligand-functionalized nanoparticles [102] are well dispersed at more than 2% loading to induce a change in the index of refraction of the matrix of at least 0.02. The ligands are less than 1.2 nm in length and are covalently bonded to both the nanoparticles and the monomer matrix. The nanoparticles are less than 100 nm in size and the doped matrix material has a transmittance of at least 90% at wavelengths of interest. The matrix material has less than 20 cPoise viscosity and is UV crosslinkable to form a cured polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing nanocomposite material comprising a nanocomposite-ink factory and inkjet printer. The nanocomposite-ink factory producing nanocomposite-ink and the inkjet printer receiving the nanocomposite-ink. The inkjet printer having a printhead and a positioning mechanism. The printhead having one or more nozzles to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing nanocomposite material comprising a nanocomposite-ink factory and inkjet printer. The nanocomposite-ink factory producing nanocomposite-ink and the inkjet printer receiving the nanocomposite-ink. The inkjet printer having a printhead and a positioning mechanism. The printhead having one or more nozzles to dispense nanocomposite-ink droplets.

Abstract: Gradient Refractive Index (GRIN) optical materials [100] composed of a polymer matrix doped with functionalized nanocrystals realize high values for Vgrin, and hence nearly uniform focal lengths regardless of the wavelength of light. GRIN optical materials having low Vgrin magnitudes less than 10 are also provided.

Abstract: A methods to manufacture optics and optical subsystems. In one aspect, a method to manufacture an optical-element in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of: Printing at least a part of a mold with an additive manufacturing printer. Optically figuring the mold to the specifications of the desired optical-element. Printing a nanocomposite-ink into the mold. Selectively, curing the nanocomposite-ink. Repeating at least the steps of deposition of the nanocomposite-ink and selective curing, until the mold is sufficiently filled and cured. Optionally, releasing the optical-element from the mold.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-material functional article, the method comprising the steps of providing a design module from a database, the design module encoded with physical characteristics, material needs, additive manufacturing equipment required, and performance outputs required for modeling a multi-material functional article, allowing a user access to the design module to integrate the design module into a functional article design, having the design module interface with available additive manufacturing equipment and allowing the user to print the multi-material functional article.