Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide autonomous surveillance systems for underwater environments. In one embodiment, a submerged node rests on a floor of a body of water, a module floats on the surface of the water, and a cable connects the submerged node to the floating module. The floating module collects sensor data and generates electricity, and provides both to the submerged node over the cable for storage by the submerged node. The submerged node receives a query for the sensor data from an antenna on the floating module. The submerged node identifies the sensor data based on the query, and transmits a response to the query for the sensor data using the antenna on the array.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: A photon sensing and amplification device including a photocathode, a transparent electrode opposed from the photocathode, and a plasma chamber positioned between the photocathode and the transparent electrode, wherein the plasma chamber houses an ionizable gas.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: A photon sensing and amplification device including a photocathode, a transparent electrode opposed from the photocathode, and a plasma chamber positioned between the photocathode and the transparent electrode, wherein the plasma chamber houses an ionizable gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a negative index metamaterial lens. The method is used for creating a negative index metamaterial lens for use with a phased array antenna. A design is created for the negative index materials lens that is capable of bending a beam generated by the phased array antenna to around 90 degrees from a vertical orientation to form an initial design. The initial design is modified to include discrete components to form a discrete design. Materials are selected for the discrete components. Negative index metamaterial unit cells are designed for the discrete components to form designed negative index metamaterial unit cells. The designed negative index metamaterial unit cells are fabricated to form fabricated designed negative index metamaterial unit cells. The negative index metamaterial lens is formed from the designed negative index metamaterial unit cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a negative index metamaterial lens. The method is used for creating a negative index metamaterial lens for use with a phased array antenna. A design is created for the negative index materials lens that is capable of bending a beam generated by the phased array antenna to around 90 degrees from a vertical orientation to form an initial design. The initial design is modified to include discrete components to form a discrete design. Materials are selected for the discrete components. Negative index metamaterial unit cells are designed for the discrete components to form designed negative index metamaterial unit cells. The designed negative index metamaterial unit cells are fabricated to form fabricated designed negative index metamaterial unit cells. The negative index metamaterial lens is formed from the designed negative index metamaterial unit cells.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body and three legs. Each leg includes a proximal end coupled to the body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an actuator. Each actuator imparts enough acceleration to the vehicle along an axis of the leg to cause the distal end of the leg to leave a surface upon which it rests. Thus, the robot can pivot around one leg when the actuator of another leg imparts an acceleration. One actuator may also cause two legs to leave the surface. Moreover, the actuators may be spring biased into a retracted position. Further, the body may be a Platonic solid and the axes of the lags may pass through the vehicle's center of gravity. Of course, the body could be a sphere while the vehicle could be a planetary robot or a toy. Methods of traversing a surface are also provided.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: A system to detect and identify various aerosol agents, such as biological agents which have been aerosolized, is disclosed. The system generally includes a mechanism to collect a selected sample of atmosphere which may include the aerosol agent, a sub-system to detect the presence and type of agent, and a sub-system to communicate the type of agent detected.

Abstract: A system to detect and identify various aerosol agents, such as biological agents which have been aerosolized, is disclosed. The system generally includes a mechanism to collect a selected sample of atmosphere which may include the aerosol agent, a sub-system to detect the presence and type of agent, and a sub-system to communicate the type of agent detected.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body and three legs. Each leg includes a proximal end coupled to the body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an actuator. Each actuator imparts enough acceleration to the vehicle along an axis of the leg to cause the distal end of the leg to leave a surface upon which it rests. Thus, the robot can pivot around one leg when the actuator of another leg imparts an acceleration. One actuator may also cause two legs to leave the surface. Moreover, the actuators may be spring biased into a retracted position. Further, the body may be a Platonic solid and the axes of the lags may pass through the vehicle's center of gravity. Of course, the body could be a sphere while the vehicle could be a planetary robot or a toy. Methods of traversing a surface are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for making a thermotunneling device. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises metal/semiconductor or semiconductor/semiconductor bonded material combinations that allows current flow between a hot plate and a cold plate of a thermoelectric device, and interrupting a flow of phonons between the hot plate and the cold plate of the thermoelectric device, wherein the interrupted flow is caused by a nanogap, said nanogap being formed by applying a small voltage or current between the two sides of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improved thermal isolation for thermoelectric devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device includes a first substrate portion having a first p-type conductive portion electrically coupled to a first n-type conductive portion, and a second substrate portion having a second p-type conductive portion and a second n-type conductive portion, the second substrate portion being positioned proximate to the first substrate portion such that the first and second p-type conductive portions are approximately aligned and the first and second n-type conductive portions are approximately aligned, wherein the first and second p-type conductive portions are spaced apart to form a first gap, and the first and second n-type conductive portions are spaced apart to form a second gap.

Abstract: A vehicle including a body and three legs. Each leg includes a proximal end coupled to the body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an actuator. Each actuator imparts enough acceleration to the vehicle along an axis of the leg to cause the distal end of the leg to leave a surface upon which it rests. Thus, the robot can pivot around one leg when the actuator of another leg imparts an acceleration. One actuator may also cause two legs to leave the surface. Moreover, the actuators may be spring biased into a retracted position. Further, the body may be a Platonic solid and the axes of the lags may pass through the vehicle's center of gravity. Of course, the body could be a sphere while the vehicle could be a planetary robot or a toy. Methods of traversing a surface are also provided.

Abstract: Barriers and methods of obstructing apertures. One embodiment provides a temporary barrier that includes a bag, a fluid source, and a shear thickening fluid. The bag is made of fabric and can expand (e.g. inflate) via the fluid source which is in communication with the bag. The shear thickening fluid permeates the fabric of the bag and has two states. In the first state the shear thickening fluid allows the fabric to be flexible. In the second state the shear thickening fluid causes the fabric to be inflexible. To cause the shear thickening fluid to transition to the second state a shear must be present in the shear thickening fluid. A material that is capable of reacting to form a gas may be in communication with the fluid source to provide a gas to expand the bag. A deflation valve may also be included in the barrier.