Abstract: Systems and methods for growing high-quality CdTe-based materials at high growth rates are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a method includes depositing a first CdTe-based layer on a CdTe-based template at a rate of greater than 1 ?m/min. Each of the first CdTe-based layer and the CdTe-based template has a single-crystal structure and/or a large-grain polycrystalline structure. The depositing is performed by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for growing high-quality CdTe-based materials at high growth rates are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a method includes depositing a first CdTe-based layer on a CdTe-based template at a rate of greater than 1 ?m/min. Each of the first CdTe-based layer and the CdTe-based template has a single-crystal structure and/or a large-grain polycrystalline structure. The depositing is performed by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A permeation standard is provided. The permeation standard may include a substrate that is impermeable to an analyte, an orifice disposed in the substrate, and a permeable material filling the orifice. The orifice and the permeable material are configured to provide a predetermined transmission rate of the analyte through the permeation standard. Also provided herein are methods for forming the permeation standard.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for surface passivation for CdTe devices is provided. The method includes adjusting a stoichiometry of a surface of a CdTe material layer such that the surface becomes at least one of stoichiometric or Cd-rich; and reconstructing a crystalline lattice at the surface of the CdTe material layer by annealing the adjusted surface.

Abstract: A permeation standard is provided. The permeation standard may include a substrate that is impermeable to an analyte, an orifice disposed in the substrate, and a permeable material filling the orifice. The orifice and the permeable material are configured to provide a predetermined transmission rate of the analyte through the permeation standard. Also provided herein are methods for forming the permeation standard.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for surface passivation for CdTe devices is provided. The method includes adjusting a stoichiometry of a surface of a CdTe material layer such that the surface becomes at least one of stoichiometric or Cd-rich; and reconstructing a crystalline lattice at the surface of the CdTe material layer by annealing the adjusted surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for at least biological applications, e.g., oligonucleotides, peptide nucleic acids (“PNA”), proteins, polysaccharides, polypeptides, inorganic solutions, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), optical sensors, and other applications. The dispensing system includes a fluid dispensing apparatus for applying selected fluids in a predetermined manner to form a plurality of spots based upon one or more of the selected fluids on a surface of a substrate. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having at least a tip portion, which extends from the elongated member. The apparatus also has an etched trench extending along a portion of a length of the elongated member to the tip to form an opening defined on the tip portion and coupled to the etched trench. A flexible region is defined within the elongated member to allow the tip to adjust in position upon contact with the surface of the substrate. A fluid is disposed within the etched trench.