Abstract: A thermoelectric generator and methods of fabricating a thermoelectric generator are disclosed. An exemplary thermoelectric generator includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a thermocouple disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The upper electrode, the lower electrode, and the thermocouple are configured to effect heat flux laterally through the thermocouple.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell for use in a solar cell panel and a method of forming a photovoltaic cell for use in a solar cell panel are disclosed. The photovoltaic cell includes a plurality of first layers of a first material having a first thickness and a first optical characteristic; a plurality of second layers of a second material having a second thickness and a second optical characteristic, each of the plurality of layers of the first material adjacent to two of the plurality of layers of the second material; wherein the second material includes a metal. In one aspect, the first material includes a semiconductor. In a further aspect, the plurality of first layers includes layers formed from two different semiconductor materials.

Abstract: An optically transmissive structure for laser protection is provided including a plurality of metallic layers of material interspersed with a plurality of dielectric layers of material. The metallic layers are interposed with the dielectric layers; the metallic layers include individual layers each having a thickness smaller than a skin depth of the metal at a selected wavelength; and the dielectric layers separating two metallic layers have a thickness equal to or smaller than the selected wavelength in the dielectric layer of material. A method for fabricating the above structure is also provided. An optically transmissive structure for laser protection including a plurality of metal layers interposed with dielectric material layers is also provided. A transmittance of the structure is greater than fifty percent (50%) for an incident light having a wavelength of 550 nm; and an optical density of the structure is greater than two (2) for an incident light having a wavelength between 1000 nm and 1400 nm.