Abstract: Technologies for optically controlling friction include a plasmon-active photofriction element, or a friction pixel. A structure includes a base substrate material, a plasmon-active element coupled to the base substrate material, and a frictional interface material. The frictional interface material is positioned at a surface of the structure and has a phonon mode. The plasmon-active element includes a pattern comprising multiple pattern elements that have a plasmon mode tuned to couple with the phonon mode of the frictional interface material. When illuminated, the plasmon mode of the plasmon-active element is excited. Thus, energy dissipation of a sliding contact across the surface of the structure is changed to generate an active decrease or increase in friction based on light illumination frequency or intensity. The frictional interface material may include silica, and the plasmon-active element may include graphene. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Technologies for optically controlling friction include a plasmon-active photofriction element, or a friction pixel. A structure includes a base substrate material, a plasmon-active element coupled to the base substrate material, and a frictional interface material. The frictional interface material is positioned at a surface of the structure and has a phonon mode. The plasmon-active element includes a pattern comprising multiple pattern elements that have a plasmon mode tuned to couple with the phonon mode of the frictional interface material. When illuminated, the plasmon mode of the plasmon-active element is excited. Thus, energy dissipation of a sliding contact across the surface of the structure is changed to generate an active decrease or increase in friction based on light illumination frequency or intensity. The frictional interface material may include silica, and the plasmon-active element may include graphene. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A plasmoelectric device for conversion of optical power to direct current (DC) electrical power includes a first plasmonic nanostructure having a first resonance value and a second plasmonic nanostructure having a second resonance value. The first and second plasmonic nanostructures are electrically coupled and the first plasmonic nanostructure is configured to receive irradiation at a first irradiation value and the second plasmonic nanostructure is configured to receive irradiation at a second irradiation value, to induce charge transfer between the first and second plasmonic nanostructures.

Abstract: A compound III/V optoelectronic device and method associated with such a device is disclosed. In one aspect, a method for an improved III/V compound optoelectronic device is disclosed. The method comprises applying a sulfur surfactant on the III/V compound optoelectronic device to improve passivation of the III/V compound optoelectronic device. In a second aspect, a III/V compound optoelectronic device is disclosed. The III/V compound optoelectronic device comprises a thin film device with a III/V compound semiconductor absorbing material, and a sulfur surfactant on the III/V compound thin film device to improve passivation of the III/V compound optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A storage unit installed in a compartment of a motor vehicle such as the bed of a pickup truck and a method of distributing such devices. Embodiments include a cover, a support structure, and a drawer and may have the same horizontal dimensions as the compartment or bed but sit below the wheel wells to allow bulky cargo to be carried. Embodiments include a slanted drawer face to facilitate rolling or sliding cargo onto the device, a seal to prevent dirt or sand from getting under the cover, cutouts in the cover for the wheel wells, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, movable dividers are installed in the drawer to form separate storage areas. The method of distribution includes providing identical drawers, providing different size covers for different vehicles, providing support structures, and installing or selling the storage devices with identical drawers but different size covers, for instance.