Abstract: A method of forming a Group II-VI multijunction semiconductor device comprises providing a Group IV substrate, forming a first subcell from a first Group II-VI semiconductor material, forming a second subcell from a second Group II-VI semiconductor material, and removing the substrate. The first subcell is formed over the substrate and has a first bandgap, while the second subcell is formed over the first subcell and has a second bandgap which is smaller than the first bandgap. Additional subcells may be formed over the second subcell with the bandgap of each subcell smaller than that of the preceding subcell and with each subcell preferably separated from the preceding subcell by a tunnel junction. Prior to the removal of the substrate, a support layer is affixed to the last-formed subcell in opposition to the substrate.

Abstract: A Group II-VI photovoltaic solar cell comprising at least two and as many as five subcells stacked upon one another. Each subcell has an emitter layer and a base layer, with the base of the first subcell being made of silicon, germanium, or silicon-germanium. The remaining subcells are stacked on top of the first subcell and are ordered such that the band gap gets progressively smaller with each successive subcell. Moreover, the thicknesses of each subcell are optimized so that the current from each subcell is substantially equal to the other subcells in the stack. Examples of suitable Group II-VI semiconductors include CdTe, CdSe, CdSeTe, CdZnTe, CdMgTe, and CdHgTe.

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid detection of multiple pathogens using a FRET-based phenomenon. A volume of fluid, possibly containing pathogens, is passed through an intake and combined with an assay solution of quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher complexes that dissociate and recombine with the pathogens into quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes. The quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher and quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes are captured on a detection filter which is illuminated by a light source. The quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes, but not the quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher complexes, fluoresce when excited by the light from the light source and the fluorescence is picked up by a photodetector, indicating the presence of the pathogens.

Abstract: A method of forming a Group II-VI multijunction semiconductor device comprises providing a Group IV substrate, forming a first subcell from a first Group II-VI semiconductor material, forming a second subcell from a second Group II-VI semiconductor material, and removing the substrate. The first subcell is formed over the substrate and has a first bandgap, while the second subcell is formed over the first subcell and has a second bandgap which is smaller than the first bandgap. Additional subcells may be formed over the second subcell with the bandgap of each subcell smaller than that of the preceding subcell and with each subcell preferably separated from the preceding subcell by a tunnel junction. Prior to the removal of the substrate, a support layer is affixed to the last-formed subcell in opposition to the substrate.

Abstract: Expungement ions, preferably including hydrogen ions, are implanted into a face of a first, preferably silicon, substrate such that there will be a maximum concentration of the expungement ions at a predetermined depth from the face. Subsequently a monocrystalline Group II-VI semiconductor layer, or two or more such layers, is/are grown on the face, as by means of molecular beam epitaxy. After this a second, preselected substrate is attached to an upper face of the Group II-VI layer(s). Next, the implanted expungement ions are used to expunge most of the first substrate from a remnant thereof, from the grown II-VI layer, and from the second substrate.

Abstract: Biocide-filled liposome vesicles containing one or more photosensitizers are located in one or more areas for potential sterilization. Upon receiving one or more signals, the liposome vesicles are irradiated with light causing the membrane of the vesicles to break, thereby releasing the biocidal agent or agents which are distributed throughout the area. Preferred biocidal agents are hydrogen peroxide, benzalkonium chloride, and photo-oxidizing nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and certain commercially available biocides such as Ucarcide 25 and Ucarcide 50 from Dow Chemical Co. In an alternative embodiment, upon receiving a signal, the liposome vesicles are distributed throughout the area and then irradiated with light.

Abstract: An assay test solution, a method for using, and an apparatus for the rapid detection of multiple pathogens using a FRET-based phenomenon. A volume of fluid, possibly containing pathogens, is passed through an intake and combined with an assay solution of quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher complexes that dissociate and recombine with the pathogens into quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes. The quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher and quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes are captured on a detection filter which is illuminated by a light source. The quantum dot/antibody-pathogen complexes, but not the quantum dot/antibody-antigen/quencher complexes, fluoresce when excited by the light from the light source and the fluorescence is picked up by a photodetector, indicating the presence of the pathogens.

Abstract: A Group II-VI photovoltaic solar cell comprising at least two and as many as five subcells stacked upon one another. Each subcell has an emitter layer and a base layer, with the base of the first subcell being made of silicon, germanium, or silicon-germanium. The remaining subcells are stacked on top of the first subcell and are ordered such that the band gap gets progressively smaller with each successive subcell. Moreover, the thicknesses of each subcell are optimized so that the current from each subcell is substantially equal to the other subcells in the stack. Examples of suitable Group II-VI semiconductors include CdTe, CdSe, CdSeTe, CdZnTe, CdMgTe, and CdHgTe.