Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell is provided and includes multiple semiconducting layers and an interface layer disposed between the multiple semiconducting layers. The interface layer is made from an interface bonding material that has a refractive index such that a ratio of a refractive index of each of the multiple semiconducting layers to the refractive index of the interface bonding material is less than or equal to 1.5.

Abstract: A multi junction solar cell is provided and includes multiple semiconducting layers and an interface layer disposed between the multiple semiconducting layers. The interface layer is made from an interface bonding material that has a refractive index such that a ratio of a refractive index of each of the multiple semiconducting layers to the refractive index of the interface bonding material is less than or equal to 1.5.

Abstract: A method for protecting the photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) way from reverse bias damage by utilizing a rechargeable battery for bypassing current from a shaded photovoltaic cell or group of cells, avoiding the need for a bypass diode. Further, the method mitigates the voltage degradation of a PV array caused by shaded cells.

Abstract: A method for protecting the photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) array from reverse bias damage by utilizing a rechargeable battery for bypassing current from a shaded photovoltaic cell or group of cells, avoiding the need for a bypass diode. Further, the method mitigates the voltage degradation of a PV array caused by shaded cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides intraocular polymer delivery compositions based on biodegradable polyester amide (PEA), polyester urethane (PEUR), and polyester urea (PEU) polymers, which contain amino acids. The compositions can be formulated as an implantable solid or as a liquid dispersion of polymer particles for sustained delivery of ophthalmologic agents dispersed therein or incorporated into the backbone of the polymers. Methods of delivering an ophthalmologic agent to the exterior or interior of the eye by implanting the composition in the eye of a subject are also included.

Abstract: A method for protecting the photovoltaic cells in a photovoltaic (PV) array from reverse bias damage by utilizing a rechargeable battery for bypassing current from a shaded photovoltaic cell or group of cells, avoiding the need for a bypass diode. Further, the method mitigates the voltage degradation of a PV array caused by shaded cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable polymer particle delivery compositions for delivery of macromolecular biologics, for example in crystal form, based on polymers, such as polyester amide (PEA), polyester urethane (PEUR), and polyester urea (PEU) polymers, which contain amino acids in the polymer. The polymer particle delivery compositions can be formulated either as a liquid dispersion or a lyophilized powder of polymer particles containing bound water molecules with the macromolecular biologics, for example insulin, dispersed in the particles. Bioactive agents, such as drugs, polypeptides, and polynucleotides can also be delivered by using particles sized for local, oral, mucosal or circulatory delivery. Methods of delivering a macromolecular biologic with substantial native activity to a subject, for example orally, are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable solid polymer delivery composition that can be formulated to release a bioactive agent to an interior body site at a controlled rate over an extended period of time by adjusting the various components of the composition. The controlled delivery of the composition avoids an initial drug spike, resulting in a smooth delivery profile over time. Polymer layers in the composition can be porous and are both biodegradable in water and body enzymes and biocompatible. Methods of making the implantable solid polymer compositions and methods of delivering a bioactive agent at a controlled rate to an interior body site are also provided.

Abstract: A two-junction solar cell has a bottom solar cell junction of crystalline silicon, and a top solar cell junction of gallium phosphide. A three (or more) junction solar cell has bottom solar cell junctions of silicon, and a top solar cell junction of gallium phosphide. The resulting solar cells exhibit improved extended temperature operation.

Abstract: A heat engine, preferably combined with an electric generator, and advantageously implemented using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technologies as an array of one or more individual heat engine/generators. The heat engine is based on a closed chamber containing a motive medium, preferably a gas; means for alternately enabling and disabling transfer of thermal energy from a heat source to the motive medium; and at least one movable side of the chamber that moves in response to thermally-induced expansion and contraction of the motive medium, thereby converting thermal energy to oscillating movement. The electrical generator is combined with the heat engine to utilize movement of the movable side to convert mechanical work to electrical energy, preferably using electrostatic interaction in a generator capacitor.

Abstract: A system for providing wireless, charging power and/or primary power to electronic/electrical devices is described whereby microwave energy is employed. Microwave energy is focused by a power transmitter comprising one or more adaptively-phased microwave array emitters onto a device to be charged. Rectennas within the device to be charged receive and rectify the microwave energy and use it for battery charging and/or for primary power. A locator signal generated by the device to be charged is analyzed by the system to determine the location of the device to be charged relative to the microwave array emitters, permitting the microwave energy to be directly specifically towards the device to be charged. Backscatter detectors respond to backscatter energy reflected off of any obstacle between the device to be charged and the microwave array emitters. Power to any obstructed microwave array emitter is reduced until the obstruction is removed.

Abstract: The invention features a thin light transmissive layer of the ternary semiconductor indium aluminum arsenide (InAlAs) as a front surface passivation or "window" layer for p-on-n InP solar cells. The window layers of the invention effectively reduce front surface recombination of the object semiconductors thereby increasing the efficiency of the cells.

Abstract: Low angle V-grooves are provided in the target surfaces of optoelectronic or photovoltaic devices such as solar cells and photodetectors. The low angle V-grooves increase the efficiency of the devices by promoting total internal reflection of light reflected from the target surface at the interface of the coverglass and the external environment.

Abstract: A solar cell of improved conversion efficiency and a process of making it are disclosed. The solar cell is designed to trap incident light within the cell by multiple internal reflections and thus increases the absorption of light in the cell. The solar cell is formed with a plurality of spaced parallel grooves on both the front and the back surfaces. The direction of the grooves on the front surface is at an angle with respect to the direction of the grooves on the back surface.

Abstract: A solar cell of improved conversion efficiency and a process of making it are disclosed. The solar cell is designed to trap incident light within the cell by multiple internal reflections and thus increases the absorption of light in the cell. The solar cell is formed with a plurality of spaced parallel grooves on both the front and the back surfaces. The direction of the grooves on the front surface is at an angle with respect to the direction of the grooves on the back surface.