Abstract: A thermotactile stimulation prosthesis includes a prosthesis extremity having a prosthesis interface configured for attachment to a human limb, and a thermoelectric actuator array coupled to the prosthesis interface and configured to establish a noninvasive thermoneural human-machine interface capable of providing sensations of temperature to the human limb.

Abstract: A fast-rate thermoelectric device control system includes a fast-rate thermoelectric device, a sensor, and a controller. The fast-rate thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric actuator array disposed on a wafer, and the thermoelectric actuator array includes a thin-film thermoelectric (TFTE) actuator that generates a heating and/or a cooling effect in response to an electrical current. The sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with the heating or cooling effect and output a feedback signal indicative of the measured temperature. The controller is in communication with the fast-rate thermoelectric device and the sensor, and is configured to control the electrical current based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for manufacturing nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric (NETT) devices for photovoltaic applications, such as NETT converters that harness the coldness of space for satellite applications or for integration with terrestrial PV. An example method can include mounting a thin-film thermoelectric device to a photovoltaic device. The example method can further include mounting a heat sink device to the thin-film thermoelectric device. The example method can further include mounting a radiator device or heat exchanger device to the heat sink device.

Abstract: A fast-rate thermoelectric device control system includes a fast-rate thermoelectric device, a sensor, and a controller. The fast-rate thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric actuator array disposed on a wafer, and the thermoelectric actuator array includes a thin-film thermoelectric (TFTE) actuator that generates a heating and/or a cooling effect in response to an electrical current. The sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with the heating or cooling effect and output a feedback signal indicative of the measured temperature. The controller is in communication with the fast-rate thermoelectric device and the sensor, and is configured to control the electrical current based on the feedback signal.

Abstract: A fast-rate thermoelectric device control system includes a fast-rate thermoelectric device, a sensor, and a controller. The fast-rate thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric actuator array disposed on a wafer, and the thermoelectric actuator array includes a thin-film thermoelectric (TFTE) actuator that generates a heating and/or a cooling effect in response to an electrical current. The sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with the heating or cooling effect and output a feedback signal indicative of the measured temperature. The controller is in communication with the fast-rate thermoelectric device and the sensor, and is configured to control the electrical current based on the feedback signal.