Abstract: A composite material with enhanced electrical conductivity. The composite material includes two distinct phases. The first distinct phase is an excluded volume phase that includes an electrical insulator. The second distinct phase, a conductor phase, is a composite including an electrically insulating matrix and an embedded conductor phase that has sufficient concentration to exceed a percolation threshold within the conductor phase.

Abstract: A composite material with enhanced electrical conductivity. The composite material includes two distinct phases. The first distinct phase is an excluded volume phase that includes an electrical insulator. The second distinct phase, a conductor phase, is a composite including an electrically insulating matrix and an embedded conductor phase that has sufficient concentration to exceed a percolation threshold within the conductor phase.

Abstract: Bi-material terahertz (THz) sensors with metamaterial structures are described. In one embodiment, MEMS fabrication-friendly SiOx and Al are used to maximize the bi-material effect and metamaterial absorption at 3.8 THz, the frequency of a quantum cascade laser illumination source. Sensors with different configurations were fabricated and the measured absorption is near 100% and responsivity is around 1.2 deg/?W. Fabrication and use of the sensors in focal plane arrays for real time THz imaging is described. In a further embodiment, the metamaterial structure is utilized as a THz emitter when heated by an external source.

Abstract: A bimaterial microelectromechanical system (MEMS) solar power generator device converts radiant energy received from the sun, or other light source, into heat, which is then used to produce electricity through the piezoelectric effect. As the efficiency of piezoelectric materials can often reach up to 90%, the efficiency is greater than that of conventional solar cells.

Abstract: A position locating device for identifying the distance and direction from a first object located with a user to a second object. The first object transmits a signal to the second object. The second object returns a signal to the first object. Microphones are arranged around the first object such that the time at which a microphone receives the returned signal is related to the direction of the second object relative to the first object. A receiver located at the first object decodes and analyzes the signal and its intensity to determine the distance of the second object.

Abstract: A position locating device for identifying the distance and direction from a first object located with a user to a second object. The first object transmits a signal to the second object. The second object returns a signal to the first object. Microphones are arranged around the first object such that the time at which a microphone receives the returned signal is related to the direction of the second object relative to the first object. A receiver located at the first object decodes and analyzes the signal and its intensity to determine the distance of the second object.