Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A positional sensor for a solar energy collection device includes a fine sensing device having first light-sensitive sensors supported above a base so that adjacent first light-sensitive sensors are oriented in mutually orthogonal directions at a sensor height above the base. The first light-sensitive sensors are positioned at oblique angles relative to the base. The sensor also includes a coarse sensing device having a light-opaque shield surrounding the first light-sensitive sensors that extends outwardly from the base to a height that is greater than the sensor height. The shield includes second light sensing devices directed outwardly from the shield and arranged so that adjacent second light-sensitive sensors are oriented in mutually orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discreet areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discreet areas. A sun sensor that allows accurate solar tracking to keep mirror system aligned with the sun.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a resonant micromesh filter having conductive antenna elements sized on the order of microns. The steps comprise of first creating an exposure mask having absorbing portions capable of stopping incident ions completely and transmitting portions incapable of stopping incident ions and through which incident ions can pass. The absorbing and transmitting portions form in the mask in the pattern of the antenna elements to be fabricated. Second, an exposure mask confronting an unpatterned filter is positioned. The unpatterned filter includes: a substrate, a thin metal foil mounted on the substrate, and a resist material covering the metal flow. Third, ions are passed through the exposure mask. The absorbing portions of the mask stop the ions and the transmitting portions allow the ions to pass through the mask and expose the section of the resist material of the filter in the pattern of the antenna elements.

Abstract: A system for modifying the radiant energy spectrum of a thermal energy source to produce a desired spectral bandwidth profile including a frequency-selective resonant micromesh filter (50) confronting a thermal energy source (80). Micromesh filter (50) includes an array of resonant-conductive antenna elements (50', 50") and a substrate (56) for supporting the antenna elements. Thermal radiation (82) emitted from energy source (80) is filtered by micromesh filter (50), wherein radiant energy at particular wavelengths is reflected back to the energy source, while certain wavelength photons are transmitted through the micromesh filter.