Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed that includes an electron conductor layer and a quantum dot layer. The quantum dot layer may include a plurality of quantum dots. A bridge layer may be coupled to the electron conductor layer and to the quantum dot layer. The bridge layer may include an antibiotic, a sulfur-containing amino acid, a vitamin, and/or a vitamin analogue. In some cases, a hole conductor layer may be coupled to the quantum dot layer.

Abstract: A solar cell may include a quantum dot and an electron conductor. A bifunctional ligand may be disposed between the quantum dot and the electron conductor. The ligand molecule may include an electron conductor anchor that bonds to the electron conductor and a first quantum dot anchor that bonds to the quantum dot. A hole conductor such as a conductive polymer may include a second quantum dot anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for bonding a cover wafer to a MEMS threshold sensors located on a silicon disc. The cover wafer is trenched to form a region when bonded to the silicon wafer that produces a gap over the contact bond pads of the MEMS threshold sensor. The method includes a series of cuts that remove part of the cover wafer over the trenches to permit additional cuts that may avoid the contact bond pads of the MEMS threshold sensor. In addition the glass frit provides for isolation of the sensor with a hermetic seal. The cavity between the MEMS threshold sensor and the cover wafer may be injected with a gas such as nitrogen to influence the properties of the MEMS threshold sensor. The MEMS threshold sensor may be utilized to sense a threshold for pressure, temperature or acceleration.

Abstract: A solar cell may include a light sensitive molecule such as a hyperpolarizable molecule. In one example, a solar cell may include a layer of hyperpolarizable molecules disposed between a p-type electrode and an n-type electrode. In some cases, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode. In some instances, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode.

Abstract: A battery protection and monitoring system includes a plurality of MAFET (Mechanically Actuated Field Effect Transistor) switches, wherein each MAFET switch among the MAFET switches is capable of switching from an open switch condition to a closed switch condition or vice versa, such that the plurality of MAFET switches are connectable to a battery. Such a system further includes one or more transistors associated with and which communicate electrically with at least one MAFET switch among the MAFET switches. A PPTC (Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient) device is also associated with the transistors and the MAFET switches, such that the PPTC device, the MAFET switches and the transistors operate in association with one another and the open switch condition or the closed switch condition of the plurality of MAFET switches to identify, monitor and thus prevent at least one dangerous condition associated with the battery.

Abstract: A wireless monitoring system and method. A distributed electrical circuit can be printed on a dielectric film for wrapping pallets or containers in a logistic chain, wherein the distributed electrical circuit (e.g., a Wheatstone Bridge) detects a rupture of the film through an electrical resistance change of one or more elements of the distributed electrical circuit. The electrical resistance change is indicative of a potential tampering event. An electronic module can be provided that conditions and processes a signal transmitted from the distributed electrical circuit and thereafter transmits the signal wirelessly via an antenna to a monitoring station. Additionally, a monitoring station can be implemented, which communicates with a network and the electronic module, and permits a user in real time to receive data concerning the potential tampering event.