Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with solar energy. An optical concentrator and splitter (OCS) includes a non-planar bottom surface having symmetrical halves, each half defined by an off-axis section of a parabola. The bottom surface bears a dielectric surface treatment. The OCS is configured to concentrate a first spectral portion of photonic energy through respective side surfaces, and to concentrate a second spectral portion through the bottom surface. Targets such as photovoltaic cells or others receive the concentrated first and second spectral portions, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with solar energy. An optical material defines light-directing surface features, each configured to direct incident photonic energy away from a respective dead-space. Photovoltaic cells or other entities receive photonic energy propagating through the optical material, including that portion being directed by the light-directing surface features. Various entities can be located within the dead-spaces defined between the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with solar energy. An upper surface and a lower surface disposed there beneath have respective parabolic curvatures. The upper surface includes a coating and concentrates a first spectral portion of incident light upon a first target. The lower surface includes a reflective coating and concentrates a second spectral portion of the incident light upon a second target distinct from the first target. The first and second targets can be photovoltaic cells that are optimized for the respective photonic energies concentrated thereon.

Abstract: An optical component including a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first plurality of light reflective coating layers disposed adjacent to the first side and a second plurality of light reflective coating layers disposed adjacent to the second side of the substrate. The first plurality of light reflective coating layers has a first combination of a first thickness and a first modulus of elasticity in relation to the substrate. The second plurality of light reflective coating layers has a second combination of a second thickness and a second modulus of elasticity in relation to the substrate that matches the first combination such that the first and second plurality of light reflective coatings layers support the substrate in a neutral shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with photovoltaic cells, light emitting devices and the like. Reflective regions are formed on a sheet of flexible, non-metallic sheet material. The sheet material is folded to at least partially define a finished shape. Supports complete and maintain the folded condition such that one or more truncated parabolic troughs are defined. Incident light may be received and concentrated, or emitted light concentrated and projected, by way of the troughs.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet below the first sheet. The first and the second sheets are parabolic in shape. The first sheet has a dichroic surface. The second sheet has a reflective surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A first sheet of flexible material is placed against a surface of a form. The first sheet bears an adhesive on one side. A second sheet of flexible material is brought into contact with the adhesive and the two sheets are pressed into conformant contact with the surface of the form. The first and second sheets are thus bonded to form a rigid or semi-rigid entity having a cross-sectional shape in accordance with the surface contours of the form.

Abstract: A flexible substrate having electrical and optical functions. The substrate includes a planar non-conductive film. The substrate also includes a seed layer on a first region of the film for fabrication of conductive traces to couple to an electro-optical component disposed adjacent the first region. The substrate further includes a smooth optically reflective layer disposed on a second region of the film.

Abstract: A solar radiation collection system includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell, and an optical medium, the optical medium. The optical medium has a first zone configured to transmit radiation incident on the first zone to the first cell, a second zone disposed adjacent a side of the first zone, and a first dichroic surface configured to reflect a first portion of radiation incident on the second zone such that the reflected radiation is directed toward the first cell by internal reflection and to transmit a second portion of radiation incident on the second zone to the second cell.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a first photovoltaic cell sensitive to radiation in a first wavelength range, a second photovoltaic cell sensitive to radiation in a second wavelength range, and a first waveguide configured to direct radiation toward the first and second photovoltaic cells and defining a longitudinal axis substantially non-perpendicular to a radiation receiving surface of at least one of the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate having at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the fluid chamber and the substrate wherein the fluid chamber has a smooth planer surface between the fluid chamber and the substrate. The printhead has a conductive layer disposed between the resistive layer and the substrate wherein the conductive layer and the resistive layer are in direct parallel contact. The conductive layer forms at least one void creating a planar resistor in the resistive layer. The planar resistor is aligned with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate having at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the fluid chamber and the substrate wherein the fluid chamber has a smooth planer surface between the fluid chamber and the substrate. The printhead has a conductive layer disposed between the resistive layer and the substrate wherein the conductive layer and the resistive layer are in direct parallel contact. The conductive layer forms at least one void creating a planar resistor in the resistive layer. The planar resistor is aligned with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate having at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the fluid chamber and the substrate wherein the fluid chamber has a smooth planer surface between the fluid chamber and the substrate. The printhead has a conductive layer disposed between the resistive layer and the substrate wherein the conductive layer and the resistive layer are in direct parallel contact. The conductive layer forms at least one void creating a planar resistor in the resistive layer. The planar resistor is aligned with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A fluid-jet printhead has a substrate having at least one layer defining a fluid chamber for ejecting fluid. The printhead also includes a resistive layer disposed between the fluid chamber and the substrate wherein the fluid chamber has a smooth planer surface between the fluid chamber and the substrate. The printhead has a conductive layer disposed between the resistive layer and the substrate wherein the conductive layer and the resistive layer are in direct parallel contact. The conductive layer forms at least one void creating a planar resistor in the resistive layer. The planar resistor is aligned with the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A process for creating and an apparatus employing reentrant (pointing or directed inward) shaped orifices in a semiconductor substrate. A layer of graded dielectric material is deposited on the semiconductor substrate. A masked photoimagable material is deposited upon the graded dielectric material and exposed to electromagnetic energy such that a patterned photoimagable material is created. The patterned photoimagable material is developed to unveil the graded dielectric material which is then anisotropically etched. The bore in the graded dielectric material is then isotropically etched to complete the creation of holes in the substrate.

Abstract: A highly-efficient thermal inkjet printhead. The printhead includes a primary layer of polycrystalline silicon (preferably doped) having at least one portion thereof which functions as an ink expulsion resistor. Positioned over and above the primary layer is a secondary layer of material having at least one section produced from a selected metal silicide compound and at least another section fabricated from undoped polycrystalline silicon. The metal silicide-containing section functions as an interconnect structure and is operatively connected to the resistor in the primary layer (which is positioned beneath the secondary layer). The undoped polycrystalline silicon section is at least partially aligned over and above the resistor. As a result, the resistor is “buried” beneath the secondary layer and the various portions thereof. This system provides improved reliability, greater dimensional simplicity, optimized electrical/thermal properties, and superior versatility.

Abstract: A process for creating and an apparatus employing reentrant (pointing or directed inward) shaped orifices in a semiconductor substrate. A layer of graded dielectric material is deposited on the semiconductor substrate. A masked photoimagable material is deposited upon the graded dielectric material and exposed to electromagnetic energy such that a patterned photoimagable material is created. The patterned photoimagable material is developed to unveil the graded dielectric material which is then anisotropically etched. The bore in the graded dielectric material is then isotropically etched to complete the creation of holes in the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet printhead that includes a thin film substrate including a plurality of thin film layers, a plurality of ink firing heater resistors defined in the plurality of thin film layers, a patterned tantalum carbide layer disposed on the plurality of thin film layers, an ink barrier layer disposed over the tantalum carbide layer, and respective ink chambers formed in the ink barrier layer over respective thin film resistors, each chamber formed by a chamber opening in barrier layer. The tantalum carbide layer forms an oxidation and wear resistance layer and/or a barrier adhesion layer.

Abstract: A process for creating and an apparatus employing reentrant (pointing or directed inward) shaped orifices in a semiconductor substrate. A layer of graded dielectric material is deposited on the semiconductor substrate. A masked photoimagable material is deposited upon the graded dielectric material and exposed to electromagnetic energy such that a patterned photoimagable material is created. The patterned photoimagable material is developed to unveil the graded dielectric material which is then anisotropically etched. The bore in the graded dielectric material is then isotropically etched to complete the creation of holes in the substrate.