Abstract: Angle insensitive/angle-robust colored filter assemblies are provided for use with a photovoltaic device to create a decorative and colored photovoltaic device assembly. The filter may be passive or active with an ultrathin reflective layer of high refractive index material, like amorphous silicon (a-Si). A passive filter may have transparent first and second pairs of dielectric materials surrounding the ultrathin reflective layer. An active filter may have transparent first and second electrodes and first and second doped hole/electron transport layer surrounding the ultrathin reflective layer. The filter can transmit a portion and reflect a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to generate a reflected color output with minimal angle dependence. Angle insensitive colored photovoltaic device assemblies having high power conversion efficiencies (e.g., ?18%) including a passive or active colored reflective filter and a photovoltaic device are also contemplated.

Abstract: A plasmonic device incorporating a special hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) metamaterial is used for plasmonic lithography, including ultraviolet (UV) lithography. It may be a Type II HMM (??<0 and ??>0) whose tangential component of the permittivity ?? is close to zero. Due to the high anisotropy of the Type II epsilon near zero (ENZ) HMM, only one plasmonic mode can propagate horizontally with low loss in a waveguide system with ENZ HMM as its core. In certain aspects, a Type II ENZ HMM comprises alternating layers of aluminum/aluminum oxide films and the associated unusual mode of light transmission is used to expose a photosensitive layer in a specially designed lithography system. Methods for making patterns of nanofeatures via such plasmonic lithography are also provided, including as a plasmonic roller device.

Abstract: A colored visibly opaque, highly efficient NIR-transmitting optical filter displaying angle insensitivity is based on one-dimensional photonic crystals. The filter comprises a photonic crystal stack comprising at least one high refractive index layer and two low refractive index layers respectively disposed along a first side and a second side of the high refractive index layer. The photonic crystal stack may have 10 or fewer layers. The filter transmits a first portion of an electromagnetic spectrum having a first range of predetermined wavelengths in an infrared light range or near infrared light range, while reflecting a second portion of the electromagnetic spectrum having a second range of predetermined wavelengths in a visible light range to generate a reflected output. In certain aspects, a refractive index contrast between the at least one high refractive index layer and at least one of the two low refractive index layers is ? about 40%.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides dual-function photovoltaic (PV) devices that generate electric current and have a colored surface or colored appearance. The PV devices may be angle insensitive and polarization independent. Such a dual-function PV device may have an ultra-thin photoactive layer (e.g., comprising an undoped amorphous silicon) with a thickness of ? about 50 nm. The PV device is configured to filter (transmit or reflect) a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum, providing a controllable and tunable color appearance. Such nanometer a-Si/organic hybrid cells are designed to transmit or reflect angle insensitive colors, electrically powering up to 2% to 3% or higher by efficient absorbed photon to charge conversion. In certain variations, the present disclosure further provides decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive or reflective colors.

Abstract: An anti-glare panel includes a panel with a length and a plurality of alternating black color and non-black color strips extending along the length of the panel. A plurality of lenticular lenses extend along the length of the panel and over the plurality of alternating black color strips and non-black color strips. A single lenticular lens array extends over a pair of a black color strip and a non-black color strip. The plurality of lenticular lenses reflect light from the black color strips within a veiling glare range and reflect light from the non-black color strips outside of the veiling glare range.

Abstract: Electrically conductive, thin, smooth films are provided that comprise silver (Ag) and a conductive metal, such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), tantalum (Ta), germanium (Ge) or combinations thereof. In other alternative variations, electrically conductive, thin, smooth films are provided that comprise gold (Au) or copper (Cu) and a conductive metal, such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), tantalum (Ta), germanium (Ge) or combinations thereof. Such materials have excellent electrical conductivity, may be ultra-thin, flexible, transparent, and have low optical loss. Assemblies incorporating such films and methods of making the films are also provided. The assemblies may be used in photovoltaic and light emitting devices with high power conversion efficiencies or optical meta-materials that exhibit high transmittance and homogeneous response, among others.

Abstract: A wire-grip polarizer (“WGP”), and a panel having said WGP is provided. The WGP is mounted on an absorption layer. The absorption layer is mounted on a substrate. The substrate is brightly colored. The WGP includes a plurality of gratings formed of a metallic element. Each of the gratings is spaced apart from the other so as to form a waveguide. The WGP is configured to transmit S-Polarized light and reflect P-polarized light. The A thin film layer may be disposed on each of the metallic gratings. The thin film layer is configured to generate a resonance so as to modify the reflectivity of P-polarized light so as to reduce veiling glare and maintain the brightness of the substrate.

Abstract: Optically transparent, highly conductive conductor materials are provided, which in certain variations may also be flexible. Methods of making transparent conductive conductors, such as electrodes, are also provided. Such a method may include creating a groove pattern on a substrate that defines a two-dimensional array. Then an electrically conductive material may be selectively applied within the groove pattern of the substrate so as to create a transparent conductor (e.g., a transparent conductive electrode (TCE)). The transparent conductor has a sheet resistance of ?about 5 Ohms/Square and a transmissivity of ?about 50% for a predetermined range of target wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. Such methods may form linear micromesh conductive arrays and tortuous micromesh conductive arrays that can be used in a variety of optoelectronic applications, including as optically transparent, flexible and mechanically reconfigurable zeroth-order resonant (ZOR) antennas.

Abstract: A wire-grip polarizer (“WGP”), and a panel having said WGP is provided. The WGP is mounted on an absorption layer. The absorption layer is mounted on a substrate. The substrate is brightly colored. The WGP includes a plurality of gratings formed of a metallic element. Each of the gratings is spaced apart from the other so as to form a waveguide. The WGP is configured to transmit S-Polarized light and reflect P-polarized light. The A thin film layer may be disposed on each of the metallic gratings. The thin film layer is configured to generate a resonance so as to modify the reflectivity of P-polarized light so as to reduce veiling glare and maintain the brightness of the substrate.

Abstract: An anti-glare panel includes a panel with a length and a plurality of alternating black color and non-black color strips extending along the length of the panel. A plurality of lenticular lenses extend along the length of the panel and over the plurality of alternating black color strips and non-black color strips. A single lenticular lens array extends over a pair of a black color strip and a non-black color strip. The plurality of lenticular lenses reflect light from the black color strips within a veiling glare range and reflect light from the non-black color strips outside of the veiling glare range.

Abstract: Methods and devices for high speed detection of terahertz radiation are provided. A photoacoustic transducer receives a pulse of terahertz (THz) radiation. The transducer may comprise a solid, liquid, or semi-solid material. For example, the transducer may be a composite material having a polymer and radiation absorbing particles. The photoacoustic transducer produces an acoustic wave (e.g., an ultrasound wave) in response to receiving the pulse of THz radiation. An acoustic sensor receives the acoustic wave produced by the photoacoustic transducer and thus provides detection of the THz wave.

Abstract: Methods of micro- and nano-patterning substrates to form transparent conductive electrode structures or polarizers by continuous near-field optical nanolithography methods using a roll-type photomask or phase-shift mask are provided. In such methods, a near-field optical nanolithography technique uses a phase-shift or photo-mask roller that comprises a rigid patterned externally exposed surface that transfers a pattern to an underlying substrate. The roller device may have an internally disposed radiation source that generates radiation that passes through the rigid patterned surface to the substrate during the patterning process. Sub-wavelength resolution is achieved using near-field exposure of photoresist material through the cylindrical rigid phase-mask, allowing dynamic and high throughput continuous patterning.

Abstract: Electrically conductive, thin, smooth films are provided that comprise silver (Ag) and a conductive metal, such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), tantalum (Ta), germanium (Ge) or combinations thereof. In other alternative variations, electrically conductive, thin, smooth films are provided that comprise gold (Au) or copper (Cu) and a conductive metal, such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), magnesium (Mg), tantalum (Ta), germanium (Ge) or combinations thereof. Such materials have excellent electrical conductivity, may be ultra-thin, flexible, transparent, and have low optical loss. Assemblies incorporating such films and methods of making the films are also provided. The assemblies may be used in photovoltaic and light emitting devices with high power conversion efficiencies or optical meta-materials that exhibit high transmittance and homogeneous response, among others.

Abstract: A high-frequency light-generated focused ultrasound (LGFU) device is provided. The device has a source of light energy, such as a laser, and an optoacoustic lens comprising a concave composite layer with a plurality of light absorbing particles that absorbs laser energy, e.g., carbon nanotubes, and a polymeric material that rapidly expands upon exposure to heat, e.g., polydimethylsiloxane. The laser energy is directed to the optoacoustic lens and thus can generate high-frequency (e.g., ?10 MHz) and high-amplitude pressure output (e.g., ?10 MPa) focused ultrasound. The disclosure also provides methods of making such new arcuate optoacoustic lenses, as well as methods for generating and using the high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound, including for surgery, like lithotripsy and ablation.

Abstract: Optical spectrum filtering devices displaying minimal angle dependence or angle insensitivity are provided. The filter comprises a localized plasmonic nanoresonator assembly having a metal material layer defining at least one nanogroove and a dielectric material disposed adjacent to the metal material layer. The dielectric material is disposed within the nanogroove(s). The localized plasmonic nanoresonator assembly is configured to funnel and absorb a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum in the at least one nanogroove via localized plasmonic resonance to generate a filtered output having a predetermined range of wavelengths that displays angle insensitivity. Thus, flexible, high efficiency angle independent color filters having very small diffraction limits are provided that are particularly suitable for use as pixels for various display devices or for use in anti-counterfeiting and cryptography applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides dual-function photovoltaic (PV) devices that generate electric current and have a colored surface or colored appearance. The PV devices may be angle insensitive and polarization independent. Such a dual-function PV device may have an ultra-thin photoactive layer (e.g., comprising an undoped amorphous silicon) with a thickness of ? about 50 nm. The PV device is configured to filter (transmit or reflect) a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum, providing a controllable and tunable color appearance. Such nanometer a-Si/organic hybrid cells are designed to transmit or reflect angle insensitive colors, electrically powering up to 2% to 3% or higher by efficient absorbed photon to charge conversion. In certain variations, the present disclosure further provides decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive or reflective colors.

Abstract: A wire-grip polarizer (“WGP”), and a panel having said WGP is provided. The WGP is mounted on an absorption layer. The absorption layer is mounted on a substrate. The substrate is brightly colored. The WGP includes a plurality of gratings formed of a metallic element. Each of the gratings is spaced apart from the other so as to form a waveguide. The WGP is configured to transmit S-Polarized light and reflect P-polarized light. The A thin film layer may be disposed on each of the metallic gratings. The thin film layer is configured to generate a resonance so as to modify the reflectivity of P-polarized light so as to reduce veiling glare and maintain the brightness of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical spectrum filtering device, e.g., color filter, having reduced angle dependence is provided that comprises an interference filter assembly comprising a high refractive index dielectric material, such as a Fabry-Perot based resonator structure. The filter assembly is capable of transmitting a portion of an electromagnetic spectrum into the dielectric material to generate a filtered output with a predetermined range of wavelengths that displays minimal angle dependence, when viewed from a range of incidence angles ranging from normal (0°) to 90°. Methods of making minimal angle dependent optical spectrum filters and reducing angle dependence for such devices are also provided.

Abstract: A photonic crystal-metallic (PCM) structure receives an input light signal from a light source. The PCM structure includes a metal structure and a photonic crystal structure disposed adjacent the metal structure. The photonic crystal structure is configured to receive the input light signal such that the input light signal excites surface plasmons of the metallic structure and such that the input light signal is internally reflected within the photonic crystal structure.

Abstract: Methods of making a photovoltaic device with an organic liquid precursor having electron donor, electron acceptor, and liquid carrier are provided. The liquid precursor is applied to an electrode. A gas permeable layer/stamp contacts and applies pressure to the organic liquid precursor removing liquid carrier to form a solid active material with uniform interpenetrating network domains of electron donor/acceptor materials. A two-step process is also contemplated. A liquid precursor with either electron donor or acceptor is applied to an electrode, contacted under pressure with a first stamp having a nanoscale pattern, thus forming a solid with a patterned surface. Then, a second liquid precursor with the other of the electron donor or acceptor is applied to the patterned surface, contacted with a second stamp under pressure to form the active material. A transparent conducting electrode with material nanograting can be formed. The methods also include continuous processing, like roll-to-roll manufacturing.