Abstract: A photonic surface has a thin film layer having an array of nano-holes formed within a material, wherein the nano-holes are uniformly dimensioned and distributed to enhance plasmonic response of the material over a range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for nanoparticle fabrication deposits a seed layer of a transparent conductive oxide onto a substrate and deposits a layer of a plasmonic metal onto the transparent conductive oxide layer. The method forms nanoparticles from the deposited metal by transporting the substrate along a transport path and, as the substrate is moving, energizing one or more flash lamps disposed along the transport path to apply a plurality of light pulses that impart a dewetting energy to the deposited metal layer.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for solar energy power conversion comprising: a planar array of light concentrators distributed in a pattern; a planar array of PV cells distributed in alignment with the light concentrators; and a spectral converter that extends between the planar array of light concentrators and the planar array of PV cells, wherein the spectral converter is configured to convert incident light of a first spectral distribution from the array of light concentrators to outgoing light of a second spectral distribution for the array of PV cells.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for solar energy power conversion comprising: a planar array of light concentrators distributed in a pattern; a planar array of PV cells distributed in alignment with the light concentrators; and a spectral converter that extends between the planar array of light concentrators and the planar array of PV cells, wherein the spectral converter is configured to convert incident light of a first spectral distribution from the array of light concentrators to outgoing light of a second spectral distribution for the array of PV cells.

Abstract: An optical coating has a set of layers to reflect a predetermined range of wavelengths, the set of layers including two or more pairs of alternating first and second layers, the first layers having a first refractive index, n1, and the second layers having a second refractive index, n2, greater than the first refractive index n1. The second layers each include a first distribution of nanoparticles of a first material. The layers exhibit a spectral characteristic that shifts a portion of the incident light to a first range of wavelengths and that directs light of the first range of wavelengths to a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) layer. The SERS layer is configured with a second distribution of conductive nanoparticles of a second material to further shift the light of the first range of wavelengths to a second range different from the first range, according to the second distribution of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Automated system enabling educators to create and organize educational materials appealing to students' varied learning styles and cognitive capabilities. Templates conforming to five basic learning styles are provided for material creation and organization, though other templates conforming to other learning styles are definable as well. Once created, educational materials are exported to complementary systems for presentation to students via a standard electronic interface.