Abstract: Embodiments of localized superconcentrated electrolytes (LSEs) for stable operation of electrochemical devices, such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors, are disclosed. Electrochemical devices, such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors, including the LSEs are also disclosed. The LSEs include an active salt, a solvent in which the active salt is soluble, and a diluent in which the active salt is insoluble or poorly soluble. In certain embodiments, such as when the solvent and diluent are immiscible, the LSE further includes a bridge solvent.

Abstract: A novel soluble green polythiophene electrochromic material, poly[2,3-bis(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)-5,8-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl)quinoxaline], as shown by formula (I), wherein, n is an integer from 40 to 200, R=CmH2m+1, wherein m is an integer from 8 to 14.

Abstract: High energy density cathode materials, such as LiNixMnyCozO2 (NMC) cathode materials, with improved discharge capacity (hence energy density) and enhanced cycle life are described, A solid electrolyte, such as lithium phosphate infused inside of secondary particles of the cathode material demonstrates significantly enhanced structural integrity without significant or without any observable particle cracking occurring during charge/discharge processes, showing high capacity retention of more than 90% after 200 cycles at room temperature. In certain embodiments the disclosed cathode materials (and cathodes made therefrom) are formed using nickel-rich NMC and/or are used in a battery system with a non-aqueous dual-Li salt electrolytes.

Abstract: One class of blue thiophene electrochromic compounds include 3,4-(2,2-bis(2-oxo-3-phenylpropyl))propylenedioxythiophene, 3,4-(2,2-bis(2-oxo-3-phenylbutyl))propylenedioxythiophene, and 3,4-(2,2-bis(2-oxo-3-phenylamyl))propylenedioxythiophene. The thiophene electrochromic compounds can change color between blue and transparency. The thiophene compounds can be electropolymerized on the surface of the ITO glass to form a film. The film has characteristics of low driving voltage (within ±1V), fast response time, and large transmittance difference between colored-state and bleached-state (up to 77.5%). The thiophene electrochromic compounds can be used in the electrochromic window, rearview mirror, electrochomeric display, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for cycling a rechargeable alkali metal battery with high Coulombic efficiency (CE) are disclosed. A slow charge/rapid discharge protocol is used in conjunction with a concentrated electrolyte to achieve high CE in rechargeable lithium and sodium batteries, include anode-free batteries. In some examples, the CE is ?99.8%.

Abstract: Improved lithium-sulfur energy storage systems can utilizes LixSy as a component in an electrode of the system. For example, the energy storage system can include a first electrode current collector, a second electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable separator separating the first and second electrode current collectors. A second electrode is arranged between the second electrode current collector and the separator. A first electrode is arranged between the first electrode current collector and the separator and comprises a first condensed-phase fluid comprising LixSy. The energy storage system can be arranged such that the first electrode functions as a positive or a negative electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a lithium-ion battery system comprising an anode, an anode current collector, and a layer of lithium metal in contact with the current collector, but not in contact with the anode. The lithium compensation layer dissolves into the electrolyte to compensate for the loss of lithium ions during usage of the full cell. The specific placement of the lithium compensation layer, such that there is no direct physical contact between the lithium compensation layer and the anode, provides certain advantages.

Abstract: A novel soluble green polythiophene electrochromic material, poly[2,3-bis(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)-5,8-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl)quinoxaline], as shown by formula (I), wherein, n is an integer from 40 to 200, R=CmH2m+1, wherein m is an integer from 8 to 14.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a lithium-ion battery system comprising an anode, an anode current collector, and a layer of lithium metal in contact with the current collector, but not in contact with the anode. The lithium compensation layer dissolves into the electrolyte to compensate for the loss of lithium ions during usage of the full cell. The specific placement of the lithium compensation layer, such that there is no direct physical contact between the lithium compensation layer and the anode, provides certain advantages.

Abstract: Electrolyte additives are described that enhance cycling stability of electrolytes and lithium composite electrodes that prolong cycling lifetimes and improve electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries. The electrolyte additives minimize voltage fading and capacity fading observed in these batteries by reducing accumulation of passivation films on the electrode surface.

Abstract: Improved lithium-sulfur energy storage systems can utilizes LixSy as a component in an electrode of the system. For example, the energy storage system can include a first electrode current collector, a second electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable separator separating the first and second electrode current collectors. A second electrode is arranged between the second electrode current collector and the separator. A first electrode is arranged between the first electrode current collector and the separator and comprises a first condensed-phase fluid comprising LixSy. The energy storage system can be arranged such that the first electrode functions as a positive or a negative electrode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a device setting in response to a single motion are provided herein. The method includes initiating a user interface in response to a tap down on a device setting icon without releasing. The method also includes adjusting a device setting in response to a dragging or sliding on the device setting icon without releasing. The method further includes confirming the device setting by releasing once a desired device setting level has been attained.

Abstract: An optical gage (10) with a small field of view for three-dimensional surface profile measurement includes a projector (20) having a light source (22) and projection optics (28, 30, 42) that guide light along a projection light path. An optical grating device (34) is arranged in the projection light path and modifies the projection light distribution to project a structured light pattern (46). A phase shifting apparatus (47) shifts the structured light pattern to at least three positions with desired phase shift on said surface (80) to be measured. A viewer (50) includes viewing optics with a viewing light path that is non-parallel to the projection light path, a light sensing array (58) for sensing images of diffuse reflections of the structured light patterns from said surface, and a camera (57) for recording the images.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided. The inspection system comprises a light source, a grating, a phase shifting unit, an imager, and a processor. The light source is configured to generate light. The grating is in a path of the generated light and is configured to produce a grating image after the light passes through the grating. The phase shifting unit is configured to form and reflect a plurality of phase shifted patterns of the grating image onto an object surface to form a plurality of projected phase shifting patterns. The imager is configured to obtain image data of the projected phase shifted patterns. The processor is configured to reconstruct the object surface from the image data. An inspection method and a phase shifting projector are also presented.

Abstract: A method for extracting parameters of a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, performing one or more rotary scans of a first section of the cutting tool to generate a scanning point cloud, indexing a plurality of points of the scanning point cloud, detecting one or more feature points based on the indexed scanning point cloud, and extracting one or more parameters based on the detected feature points. A system for extracting the parameters is also presented.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a feature of a part is provided. The method includes obtaining a profile corresponding to the feature using a sensor and projecting the profile onto a compensation plane normal to the feature for generating an updated profile. The method also includes using the updated profile for reducing a measurement error caused by an orientation of the sensor. An inspection system is also provided. The inspection system includes a sensor configured to capture a fringe image of a feature on a part. The inspection system further includes a processor configured to process the fringe image to obtain an initial profile of the feature and to project the initial profile onto a compensation plane normal to the feature.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an inspection system is provided. The method includes contacting a test part with a run-out measurement device and rotating the test part and measuring a first run-out using the run-out measurement device. The method also includes moving the run-out measurement device to a new position and repeating the steps of contacting and rotating the test part to measure a second run-out at the new position. The method further includes using the first and second run-outs to adjust measurements of the inspection system.

Abstract: A method for measurement of a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, performing a first rotary scan of a first section of the cutting tool to generate a first scanning point cloud, segmenting the first scanning point cloud, performing a second rotary scan of the first section based on the segmentation of the first scanning point cloud, and extracting the parameters of the first section based on the second rotary scan of the first section. A system for extracting parameters of a cutting tool is also presented.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided. The inspection system comprises a light source, a grating, a phase shifting unit, an imager, and a processor. The light source is configured to generate light. The grating is in a path of the generated light and is configured to produce a grating image after the light passes through the grating. The phase shifting unit is configured to form and reflect a plurality of phase shifted patterns of the grating image onto an object surface to form a plurality of projected phase shifting patterns. The imager is configured to obtain image data of the projected phase shifted patterns. The processor is configured to reconstruct the object surface from the image data. An inspection method and a phase shifting projector are also presented.

Abstract: A method of measuring an object includes positioning the object on a moveable stage, performing a rotary scan of the object with a range sensor, and determining geometric parameters of the object based on the rotary scan.