Abstract: A nanocluster source constituted of: a cooled aggregation chamber; a magnetron arranged to sputter a target, the magnetron in communication with the cooled aggregation chamber such that sputtered atoms of the target are received within the cooled aggregation chamber; a vacuum source in communication with the cooled aggregation chamber; a source of at least one noble aggregation gas in communication with the cooled aggregation chamber; and a source of hydrogen gas in communication with the cooled aggregation chamber. Advantageously, the hydrogen gas prevents oxidation of the target and silicon film covering a cooled inner surface of the aggregation chamber, and reduces the surface tension of the formed nanoclusters.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the conversion of radiation. The apparatus includes a mesoscopic sized region, an interface surrounding the mesoscopic sized region and contacting the mesoscopic region to form an energetic barrier sufficient to spatially confine free carriers in the mesoscopic sized region, and a matrix material surrounding the interface. At least one of the interface and the matrix material provides radiative recombination of the free carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the conversion of radiation. The apparatus includes a mesoscopic sized region, an interface surrounding the mesoscopic sized region and contacting the mesoscopic region to form an energetic barrier sufficient to spatially confine free carriers in the mesoscopic sized region, and a matrix material surrounding the interface. At least one of the interface and the matrix material provides radiative recombination of the free carriers.

Abstract: Methods and specialized media adapted to the formation of a steady-state, non-equilibrium distribution of free carriers using mesoscopic classical confinement. Specialized media is silicon-based (e.g., crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon dioxide) and formed from mesoscopic sized particles embedded with a matrix of wide-bandgap material, such as silicon dioxide. An IR to visible light imaging system is implemented around the foregoing.

Abstract: Methods and specialized media adapted to the formation of a steady-state, non-equilibrium distribution of free carriers using mesoscopic classical confinement. Specialized media is silicon-based (e.g., crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon dioxide) and formed from mesoscopic sized particles embedded with a matrix of wide-bandgap material, such as silicon dioxide. An IR to visible light imaging system is implemented around the foregoing.

Abstract: Methods and specialized media adapted to the formation of a steady-state, non-equilibrium distribution of free carriers using mesoscopic classical confinement. Specialized media is silicon-based (e.g., crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon dioxide) and formed from mesoscopic sized particles embedded with a matrix of wide-bandgap material, such as silicon dioxide. An IR to visible light imaging system is implemented around the foregoing.

Abstract: Methods and specialized media adapted to the formation of a steady-state, non-equilibrium distribution of free carriers using mesoscopic classical confinement. Specialized media is silicon-based (e.g., crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, silicon dioxide) and formed from mesoscopic sized particles embedded with a matrix of wide-bandgap material, such as silicon dioxide. An IR to visible light imaging system is implemented around the foregoing.