Abstract: An infrared high-pass plasmonic filter includes a copper layer interposed between two layers of a dielectric material. An array of patterned openings extend through the copper layer and are filled with the dielectric material. Each patterned opening is in the shape of a greek cross, with the arms of adjacent patterns being collinear. A ratio of the width to the length of each arm is in the range from 0.3 to 0.6, and the distance separating the opposite ends of arms of adjacent patterns is shorter than 10 nm.

Abstract: A spectral filter includes an assembly of filtering cells. Each cell has a same nanostructured pattern and a preferential direction of the pattern. This preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately radially with respect to a single point of the spectral filter. Alternatively, this preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately ortho-radially with respect to the single point of the spectral filter. The single point may be a center point. Alternatively, the single point may correspond to an optical axis of a lens element associated with the spectral filter.

Abstract: A spectral filter is manufactured using a process wherein a first rectangular bar is formed within a first layer made of a first material, said first rectangular bar being made of a second material having a different optical index. The process further includes, in a second layer over the first layer, a second rectangular bar made of the second material. The second rectangular bar is positioned in contact with the first rectangular bar. The second layer is also made of the first material.

Abstract: An auxiliary steam supply system in a solar power plant includes a solar receiver having a superheater section, a turbine, a steam circuit, a thermal energy storage arrangement and an auxiliary steam circuit. The thermal energy storage arrangement, including a thermal energy storage medium, is configured for the steam circuit to receive a portion of the steam to heat the thermal energy storage medium. The thermal energy storage arrangement may receive the steam from any location across the superheater section. Moreover, the auxiliary steam circuit generating auxiliary steam flow, which thermally communicates with the thermal energy storage arrangement to be heated, is introduced to any location across the superheater section. Capacity of the thermal energy storage arrangement may be relatively small as compared to the solar receiver and may be compact for placement on top of a tower.

Abstract: An integrated imaging device supports front face illumination with one or more photosensitive regions formed in a substrate. A lower dielectric region is provided over the substrate, the lower dielectric region having an upper face. A metal optical filter having a metal pattern is provided on the upper face (or extending into the lower dielectric region from the upper face). An upper dielectric region is provided on top of the lower dielectric region and metal optical filter. The lower dielectric region is at least part of a pre-metal dielectric layer, and the upper dielectric region is at least part of a metallization layer.

Abstract: An integrated imaging device supports front face illumination with one or more photosensitive regions formed in a substrate. A lower dielectric region is provided over the substrate, the lower dielectric region having an upper face. A metal optical filter having a metal pattern is provided on the upper face (or extending into the lower dielectric region from the upper face). An upper dielectric region is provided on top of the lower dielectric region and metal optical filter. The lower dielectric region is at least part of a pre-metal dielectric layer, and the upper dielectric region is at least part of a metallization layer.

Abstract: An auxiliary steam supply system in a solar power plant includes a solar receiver having a superheater section, a turbine, a steam circuit, a thermal energy storage arrangement and an auxiliary steam circuit. The thermal energy storage arrangement, including a thermal energy storage medium, is configured for the steam circuit to receive a portion of the steam to heat the thermal energy storage medium. The thermal energy storage arrangement may receive the steam from any location across the superheater section. Moreover, the auxiliary steam circuit generating auxiliary steam flow, which thermally communicates with the thermal energy storage arrangement to be heated, is introduced to any location across the superheater section. Capacity of the thermal energy storage arrangement may be relatively small as compared to the solar receiver and may be compact for placement on top of a tower.

Abstract: A spectral filter includes an assembly of filtering cells. Each cell has a same nanostructured pattern and a preferential direction of the pattern. This preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately radially with respect to a single point of the spectral filter. Alternatively, this preferential direction is, for each cell, oriented approximately ortho-radially with respect to the single point of the spectral filter. The single point may be a center point. Alternatively, the single point may correspond to an optical axis of a lens element associated with the spectral filter.