Abstract: A solar collector is constructed of a photoelectric cell mounted within a collector of the total internal reflectance type. The photoelectric cell has the form of a rod of a monocrystalline element or compound with a generally cylindrical junction spaced at a distance radially inwardly from the outer surface of the rod. The photoelectric cell is mounted within a trough shaped collector which is at least partially filled with a transparent solid wherein total internal reflectance of incident radiation increases the effectiveness of the collector.

Abstract: A solar energy collector is described which consists of either a photoelectric cell or a heat-absorbing material mounted within a hollow concentrator. The photoelectric cell has the form of a rod of a monocrystalline element or compound with a generally cylindrical junction spaced at a distance radially inwardly from the outer surface of the rod. The photoelectric cell is mounted within a hollow transparent trough shaped concentrator or body which contains a liquid, e.g. water, which can be made to flow in order to both cool the photoelectric cell, thereby improving its efficiency, and to promote transmission of solar energy to the photoelectric cell by total internal reflectance.

Abstract: In a process for data signal recording in which a recording medium is impinged upon by an intensity-modulated, focused laser beam to form a hole in at least one layer of the recording medium, the improvement wherein at least one layer of the recording medium comprises a polymer capable of undergoing residue-free depolymerization and the laser beam is of sufficient intensity to effect said depolymerization.

Abstract: A device for detecting a first material comprising (a) a waveguide having on a peripheral surface of the waveguide a second material which on contacting the first material selectively combines with the first material to measurably change the light transmitting capabilities of the waveguide, (b) a light source positioned to transmit light into the waveguide, and (c) means for measuring the light exiting from the waveguide. The waveguide described in the previous sentence is a new article of manufacture.

Abstract: A device for detecting organic vapors comprising (a) an elongated waveguide having on the surface thereof a sufficient amount of liquid crystal material sensitive to organic vapor to measurably change the light transmitting capability of said waveguide upon contacting said waveguide with said vapor, (b) a light source positioned to transmit light lengthwise through said waveguide, and (c) means for measuring the light exiting from said waveguide. The device is useful in a method for measuring organic vapors comprising the steps of (a) exposing said waveguide to a gas which may contain organic vapor to which said liquid crystals are sensitive, and (b) transmitting light through said waveguide, and (c) detecting the light transmitted in step (b) as a measure of said organic vapor. Waveguides of the device are separately claimed as a subcombination.