Abstract: A thermo-optical ground plane includes a plate configured to mount a diode laser device defining a first surface area, an evaporation chamber in thermal communication with the plate, and a channel defined in thermal communication with the evaporation chamber. The channel is configured to receive and circulate a coolant fluid at a predetermined flowrate. The evaporation chamber is configured to receive a working fluid. The inner walls of the evaporation chamber define a second surface area that is greater than the first surface area of the diode laser device. The plate comprises beam shaping and folding optics for collimating and focusing the light from the diode laser device on an optical fiber. Light from a plurality of thermo-optical ground planes is combined on a single optical fiber. The structure enables cooling with exceptionally low coolant flowrate while also maintaining small specific volume and small specific weight.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for implementing hybrid anodes for batteries. In one example, a battery anode includes a current collector having a continuous particulate matrix and an open pore structure and an anode material disposed at least within pores of the current collector. In another example, a method of forming the anode includes forming a slurry of current collector particles, a binder, and a solvent, casting the slurry into a film, de-binding the slurry to remove the binder and solvent, sintering the particles to form a current collector, and infiltrating the current collector with an anode material.

Abstract: A thermo-optical ground plane includes a plate configured to mount a diode laser device defining a first surface area, an evaporation chamber in thermal communication with the plate, and a channel defined in thermal communication with the evaporation chamber. The channel is configured to receive and circulate a coolant fluid at a predetermined flowrate. The evaporation chamber is configured to receive a working fluid. The inner walls of the evaporation chamber define a second surface area that is greater than the first surface area of the diode laser device. The plate comprises beam shaping and folding optics for collimating and focusing the light from the diode laser device on an optical fiber. Light from a plurality of thermo-optical ground planes is combined on a single optical fiber. The structure enables cooling with exceptionally low coolant flowrate while also maintaining small specific volume and small specific weight.