Abstract: Inclinometers with a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system are provided. In one aspect, an inclinometer includes: a PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets, a transparent tube in between the dipole line magnets, and a diamagnetic object within the transparent tube, wherein the diamagnetic object is levitating in between the dipole line magnets; and a sensing system for determining a position z of the diamagnetic object in the PDL trap and for determining an inclination angle ? using the position z of the diamagnetic object in the PDL trap. Techniques to detect the diamagnetic object position using optical, capacitive and manual methods are described. A method for determining an inclination angle ? using the present inclinometers is also provided.

Abstract: A method for thermal exfoliation includes providing a target layer on a substrate to form a structure. A stressor layer is deposited on the target layer. The structure is placed in a temperature controlled environment to induce differential thermal expansion between the target layer and the substrate. The target layer is exfoliated from the substrate when a critical temperature is achieved such that the target layer is separated from the substrate to produce a standalone, thin film device.

Abstract: Vacuum annealing-based techniques for forming perovskite materials are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a perovskite material is provided. The method includes the steps of: depositing a metal halide layer on a sample substrate; and vacuum annealing the metal halide layer and methylammonium halide under conditions sufficient to form methylammonium halide vapor which reacts with the metal halide layer and forms the perovskite material on the sample substrate. A perovskite-based photovoltaic device and method of formation thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An accelerometer without internal mechanical attachments. Three parallel cylindrical magnets are fixed within a housing. Each cylindrical magnet has a long axis extending through the housing and a cylindrical cross-section. The cylindrical cross-sections of the cylindrical magnets are organized to form a triangular formation. The magnetization of the cylindrical magnets is tangential to the triangular formation. A diamagnetic mass object levitates within the three cylindrical magnets by the magnetization of the cylindrical magnets at an equilibrium position near the center of the triangular formation and near a central axis of the three parallel cylindrical magnets when no external force is applied. Sensors detect the location of the diamagnetic mass object when the diamagnetic mass object is displaced from the equilibrium position near the center of the triangular formation and the three parallel cylindrical magnets by an external force to the housing.

Abstract: Parallel dipole line (PDL) trap seismometer and vibration sensors are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a seismometer is provided. The seismometer includes: at least one PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets, and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets; and a sensing system (passive or active sensing) for determining a position of the diamagnetic object relative to the dipole line magnets and to yield the seismic signal in terms of displacement or acceleration. Methods for sensing vibrations using the present PDL trap seismometer and vibration sensors are also provided.

Abstract: A non-contact conductivity and magnetic susceptibility meter using a magnetic parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system is provided. In one aspect, a measurement system includes: a PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets; and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets, wherein the diamagnetic object is configured to contain a material under test for conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurement using the measurement system. A method for analyzing a material under test using the present PDL trap-based non-contact measurement system is also provided.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a first contact and a hybrid absorber layer. The hybrid absorber layer includes a chalcogenide layer and a semiconductor layer in contact with the chalcogenide layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a transparent conductive contact layer is formed on the buffer layer.

Abstract: Improved high work function back contacts for solar cells are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a solar cell includes: forming a completed solar cell having a substrate coated with an electrically conductive material, an absorber disposed on the electrically conductive material, a buffer layer disposed on the absorber, a transparent front contact disposed on the buffer layer, and a metal grid disposed on the transparent front contact; removing the substrate and the electrically conductive material using exfoliation, exposing a backside surface of the solar cell; depositing a high work function material onto the back side surface of the solar cell; and depositing a back contact onto the high work function material. A solar cell formed by the present techniques is also provided. Yield of the exfoliated device can be improved by removing bubbles from adhesive used for exfoliation and/or forming contact pads to access the metal grid.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a first contact and a hybrid absorber layer. The hybrid absorber layer includes a chalcogenide layer and a semiconductor layer in contact with the chalcogenide layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a transparent conductive contact layer is formed on the buffer layer.

Abstract: A dimensionality analysis method, system, and computer program product, include defining a set of symbols along with a grammatical rule that define a syntax of a valid expression having a valid physical dimensionality relationship.

Abstract: A magnetic trap is configured to arrange at least one diamagnetic rod. The magnetic trap includes first and second magnets on a substrate that forms the magnetic trap defining a template configured to self-assemble diamagnetic material. Each of the first and second magnets extends along a longitudinal direction to define a magnet length, and contact each other to define a contact line. The first magnet and the second magnet have a diametric magnetization in a direction perpendicular to the contact line and the longitudinal direction so as to generate a longitudinal energy potential that traps the diamagnetic rod along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an ohmic back contact for Ag2ZnSn(S,Se)4 photovoltaic devices. In one aspect, a method for forming a photovoltaic device includes the steps of: depositing a refractory electrode material onto a substrate; depositing a contact material onto the refractory electrode material, wherein the contact material includes a transition metal oxide; forming an absorber layer on the contact material, wherein the absorber layer includes Ag, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se; annealing the absorber layer; forming a buffer layer on the absorber layer; and forming a top electrode on the buffer layer. The refractory electrode material may be Mo, W, Pt, Ti, TiN, FTO, and combinations thereof. The transition metal oxide may be TiO2, ZnO, SnO, ZnSnO, Ga2O3, and combinations thereof. A photovoltaic device is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for tuning magnetic potential using a variable gap in a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap are provided. In one aspect, a PDL trap is provided. The PDL trap includes: a pair of dipole line magnets separated from one another by a variable gap g; and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets. The dipole line magnets can be separated from one another by at least one spacer, or a variable gap fixture can be used in which the dipole line magnets are affixed to separate mounts for varying the gap g between the dipole line magnets. A bigger trap or track can be built with multiple segments of PDL trap. A method of operating a PDL trap is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for forming an ohmic back contact for Ag2ZnSn(S,Se)4 photovoltaic devices. In one aspect, a method for forming a photovoltaic device includes the steps of: depositing a refractory electrode material onto a substrate; depositing a contact material onto the refractory electrode material, wherein the contact material includes a transition metal oxide; forming an absorber layer on the contact material, wherein the absorber layer includes Ag, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se; annealing the absorber layer; forming a buffer layer on the absorber layer; and forming a top electrode on the buffer layer. The refractory electrode material may be Mo, W, Pt, Ti, TiN, FTO, and combinations thereof. The transition metal oxide may be TiO2, ZnO, SnO, ZnSnO, Ga2O3, and combinations thereof. A photovoltaic device is also provided.

Abstract: Vacuum annealing-based techniques for forming perovskite materials are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a perovskite material is provided. The method includes the steps of: depositing a metal halide layer on a sample substrate; and vacuum annealing the metal halide layer and methylammonium halide under conditions sufficient to form methylammonium halide vapor which reacts with the metal halide layer and forms the perovskite material on the sample substrate. A perovskite-based photovoltaic device and method of formation thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A non-contact conductivity and magnetic susceptibility meter using a magnetic parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system is provided. In one aspect, a measurement system includes: a PDL trap having a pair of dipole line magnets; and a diamagnetic object levitating above the dipole line magnets, wherein the diamagnetic object is configured to contain a material under test for conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurement using the measurement system. A method for analyzing a material under test using the present PDL trap-based non-contact measurement system is also provided.

Abstract: Magnetic levitation transport using a parallel dipole line track system is provided. In one aspect, a magnetic levitation transport system includes: a dipole line track system having: i) multiple segments joined together, each of the multiple segments having at least two diametric magnets, and ii) at least one diamagnetic object levitating above the at least two diametric magnets. A method for operating a magnetic levitation transport system is also provided.

Abstract: Low-voltage rechargeable microbatteries are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a microbattery includes: forming a cathode on a substrate, wherein the cathode includes a lithium intercalated material; forming a solid electrolyte on the cathode; forming an anode on the solid electrolyte; and forming a negative contact on the anode. A microbattery is also provided.

Abstract: Low-voltage rechargeable microbatteries having a vanadium-based cathode are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a battery is provided. The method includes the steps of: forming a first contact on a substrate; forming a cathode on the first contact, wherein the cathode is formed from a vanadium-containing material; forming a solid electrolyte on the cathode; forming an anode on the solid electrolyte; and forming a second contact on the anode. A battery having a vanadium-based cathode is also provided.

Abstract: A tunable and resettable shock sensor using a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap system is provided. In one aspect, a shock sensor includes: a PDL trap having a pair of diametric magnets separated from one another by a gap gM, and a diamagnetic rod levitating in between the diametric magnets; and contact pads below the PDL trap, wherein the contact pads are separated from one another by a space that is less than a length l of the diamagnetic rod. A shock monitoring system is also provided that includes a network of the shock sensors, as is a method for shock monitoring using the shock sensors.