Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for molecular-scale electronic switching generally includes a carbon nanotube, an anode, a cathode and two conductive particles encapsulated within the carbon nanotube, wherein the particles are configured to move between high resistance and low resistance states. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved switching function.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed, described, and/or claimed herein relate to copolymers comprising copolymers comprising electron accepting A subunits that comprise thiazolothiazole, benzobisthiazole, or benzobisoxazoles rings, and electron donating subunits that comprise certain heterocyclic groups. The copolymers are useful for manufacturing organic electronic devices, including transistors and solar cells. The invention also relates to certain synthetic precursors of the copolymers. Methods for making the copolymers and the derivative electronic devices are also described.

Abstract: Solar cells having active layers that include poly(3-alkylthiophene) nanowires.

Abstract: An antenna embedded into armor plates. The armor material is of low dielectric constant preferably less than 20 permitting radio radiation to be emitted through the armor by the antenna. In a preferred embodiment the armor is a composite of different materials, with the antenna placed between elements of the armor, creating a multi-level design. The antenna elements are preferably printed for low-profile and ease of integration or the antenna elements can be fabricated from larger elements and placed into a space between vehicle and armor or in a cavity cut into the vehicle or armor.

Abstract: Solar cells having active layers that include poly(3-alkylthiophene) nanowires.

Abstract: An electrical generator includes one or more magnets that move relative to one or more conductors to generate an electrical signal in each conductor. Each magnet has ferrofluid bearings in the vicinity of its opposite ends to provide a low friction interface between the magnet and a support structure. The ferrofluid bearings establish a field expansion medium that directs at least a portion of the magnetic field so that a greater portion of the field intersects the conductors than in the absence of the medium. The magnet aspect ratio is preferably on the order of unity.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for molecular-scale electronic switching generally includes a carbon nanotube, an anode, a cathode and two conductive particles encapsulated within the carbon nanotube, wherein the particles are configured to move between high resistance and low resistance states. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved switching function.

Abstract: A band gap discontinuity is propagated across a Photonic Crystal (PC) to capture thermal energy in a region near the primary emission wavelength of the Planck spectral distribution and transfer that energy to a different spectral region where it is emitted. To extend the range of frequency shifting beyond the width of a single band gap, the intrinsic control parameters (e.g., lattice geometry factors, scattering element geometric factors, and variations in the index of refraction) are spatially varied across the PC to form a band gap gradient. Propagation of the band gap discontinuity, starting in the infrared wavelength region where the thermally generated electromagnetic energy is concentrated and propagating towards the long wavelength region, locally captures the thermal electromagnetic radiation, shifts it downwards in frequency, and pushes the lower-frequency thermal electromagnetic radiation on to the next region. The same principles apply to shift the frequency to shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: A filter includes a waveguide with at least one impedance structure with a resonant frequency. The impedance structure is positioned in the waveguide to reflect signals at the resonant frequency. The filter can be tunable by including variable capacitance devices in the impedance structure(s) so that the resonant frequency can be adjusted.

Abstract: A multiple-frequency common antenna has a first substrate sheet and a second substrate sheet respectively structured by an HIP consisting of a metal plate, small metal plates disposed in two dimensions and linear metal bars connecting these elements. The antenna restricts propagation of surface currents of the first and second frequency bands which are not overlapping with each other. An inverse L-shape antenna and a monopole antenna which are fed with a center conductor and an external conductor of the coaxial line respectively operate as the antenna on the first substrate sheet in the first frequency band and second frequency band. The second substrate sheet does not propagate the radiated wave of the monopole antenna, thereby avoiding unwanted re-radiation.

Abstract: Although THz radiation is naturally emitted by hot objects, the intensity levels are too weak to be considered as a practical THz source for most applications. Photonic crystal structures are used to modify the thermal emission peak associated with the standard Planck blackbody spectral distribution so that the THz region is dramatically enhanced. The photonic crystal core is preferably combined with variable Q defect cavities and a wave guiding and power combining structure so that the radiated THz energy is efficiently collected and directed to an output antenna. Higher THz emissions are realized by embedding a finer (higher frequency) photonic crystal structure within a coarser (lower frequency) structure.

Abstract: A band gap discontinuity is propagated across a Photonic Crystal (PC) to capture thermal energy in a region near the primary emission wavelength of the Planck spectral distribution and transfer that energy to a different spectral region where it is emitted. To extend the range of frequency shifting beyond the width of a single band gap, the intrinsic control parameters (e.g., lattice geometry factors, scattering element geometric factors, and variations in the index of refraction) are spatially varied across the PC to form a band gap gradient. Propagation of the band gap discontinuity, starting in the infrared wavelength region where the thermally generated electromagnetic energy is concentrated and propagating towards the long wavelength region, locally captures the thermal electromagnetic radiation, shifts it downwards in frequency, and pushes the lower-frequency thermal electromagnetic radiation on to the next region. The same principles apply to shift the frequency to shorter wavelengths.

Abstract: A tunable filter includes a waveguide with at least one resonant cavity and a tunable impedance structure coupled to each resonant cavity. Each resonant cavity has a resonant frequency and its corresponding impedance structure can be tuned to adjust the resonant frequency. The filter transmits the signal in a pass-band that includes the resonant frequency and reflects signals outside the pass-band.

Abstract: Although THz radiation is naturally emitted by hot objects, the intensity levels are too weak to be considered as a practical THz source for most applications. Photonic crystal structures are used to modify the thermal emission peak associated with the standard Planck blackbody spectral distribution so that the THz region is dramatically enhanced. The photonic crystal core is preferably combined with variable Q defect cavities and a wave guiding and power combining structure so that the radiated THz energy is efficiently collected and directed to an output antenna. Higher THz emissions are realized by embedding a finer (higher frequency) photonic crystal structure within a coarser (lower frequency) structure.

Abstract: A tunable filter includes a waveguide with at least one resonant cavity and a tunable impedance structure coupled to each resonant cavity. Each resonant cavity has a resonant frequency and its corresponding impedance structure can be tuned to adjust the resonant frequency. The filter transmits the signal in a pass-band that includes the resonant frequency and reflects signals outside the pass-band.

Abstract: A filter includes a waveguide with at least one impedance structure with a resonant frequency. The impedance structure is positioned in the waveguide to reflect signals at the resonant frequency. The filter can be tunable by including variable capacitance devices in the impedance structure(s) so that the resonant frequency can be adjusted.

Abstract: A multiple-frequency common antenna has a first substrate sheet and a second substrate sheet respectively structured by an HIP consisting of a metal plate, small metal plates disposed in two dimensions and linear metal bars connecting these elements. The antenna restricts propagation of surface currents of the first and second frequency bands which are not overlapping with each other. An inverse L-shape antenna and a monopole antenna which are fed with a center conductor and an external conductor of the coaxial line respectively operate as the antenna on the first substrate sheet in the first frequency band and second frequency band. The second substrate sheet does not propagate the radiated wave of the monopole antenna, thereby avoiding unwanted re-radiation.

Abstract: A dynamic magnet system, particularly useful for electrical generation, employs multiple magnets in polar opposition to each other for individual movement relative to a support structure. The magnets have a critical angle of displacement from a horizontal static position of less than 1 degree, with at least some of the magnets having mutually different properties. With different magnetic strengths, a greater movement is produced for both magnets in response to movements of the support structure, for particular ranges of magnetic strength ratios, than would be the case with equal magnets. The magnet movement can be translated into an electrical signal to power an operating system. Ultra low friction ferrofluid bearings can be used to establish static coefficients of friction between the magnets and support structure less than 0.02, enabling useful power generation from only slight movements of the support structure.

Abstract: An electrical generator includes one or more magnets that move relative to one or more conductors to generate an electrical signal in each conductor. Each magnet has ferrofluid bearings in the vicinity of its opposite ends to provide a low friction interface between the magnet and a support structure. The ferrofluid bearings establish a field expansion medium that directs at least a portion of the magnetic field so that a greater portion of the field intersects the conductors than in the absence of the medium. The magnet aspect ratio is preferably on the order of unity.

Abstract: A dynamic magnet system, particularly useful for electrical generation, employs multiple magnets in polar opposition to each other for individual movement relative to a support structure. The magnets have a critical angle of displacement from a horizontal static position of less than 1 degree, with at least some of the magnets having mutually different properties. With different magnetic strengths, a greater movement is produced for both magnets in response to movements of the support structure, for particular ranges of magnetic strength ratios, than would be the case with equal magnets. The magnet movement can be translated into an electrical signal to power an operating system. Ultra low friction ferrofluid bearings can be used to establish static coefficients of friction between the magnets and support structure less than 0.02, enabling useful power generation from only slight movements of the support structure.