Abstract: An optically responsive material including a composite matrix, and a plurality of colloidal nanowire geodes arranged within the composite matrix is disclosed. The optically responsive material has an optical resonance in at least one spectral region, such as in the ultraviolet spectral region, the infrared spectral region, the visible spectral region, or a combination thereof. The optically responsive material can include a composite matrix including a polymer, such as polyvinylidene fluoride. Each of the plurality of colloidal nanowire geodes further may include a hollow colloidal microsphere, and a nanowire coupled to an inner surface of the hollow colloidal microsphere. A method of fabricating optically responsive materials and a method of programming optically responsive materials is also described.

Abstract: A method of chemically etching, comprising: providing a base layer, the base layer comprising a first section and a second section, the first section comprising a first material, the second section comprising a second material; providing a resist layer, wherein a first portion of the resist layer covers at least a portion of the first section of the base layer, and wherein a second portion of the resist layer covers at least a portion of the second section of the base layer; and exposing the first and second portions of the resist layer to a first chemical etchant, such that the first chemical etchant migrates through the first portion of the resist layer to react with the first material of the first section of the base layer and removes the first portion of the resist layer, and such that the second portion of the resist layer is not removed.

Abstract: A method for forming nanostructures including introducing a hollow shell into a reactor. The hollow shell has catalyst nanoparticles exposed on its interior surface. The method also includes introducing a precursor into the reactor to grow nanostructures from the interior surface of the hollow shell from the catalyst nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for forming nanostructures including introducing a hollow shell into a reactor. The hollow shell has catalyst nanoparticles exposed on its interior surface. The method also includes introducing a precursor into the reactor to grow nanostructures from the interior surface of the hollow shell from the catalyst nanoparticles.

Abstract: A structure consisting of vertically aligned wire arrays on a Si substrate and a method for producing such wire arrays. The wire arrays are fabricated and positioned on a substrate with an orientation and density particularly adapted for conversion of received light to energy. A patterned oxide layer is used to provide for wire arrays that exhibit narrow diameter and length distribution and provide for controlled wire position.

Abstract: A structure consisting of vertically aligned wire arrays on a Si substrate and a method for producing such wire arrays. The wire arrays are fabricated and positioned on a substrate with an orientation and density particularly adapted for conversion of received light to energy. A patterned oxide layer is used to provide for wire arrays that exhibit narrow diameter and length distribution and provide for controlled wire position.