Abstract: Sub-diffraction-limited patterning using a photoswitchable recording material is disclosed. A substrate can be provided with a photoresist in a first transition state. The photoresist can be configured for spectrally selective reversible transitions between at least two transition states based on a first wavelength band of illumination and a second wavelength band of illumination. An optical device can selectively expose the photoresist to a standing wave with a second wavelength in the second wavelength band to convert a section of the photoresist into a second transition state. The optical device or a substrate carrier securing the substrate can modify the standing wave relative to the substrate to further expose additional regions of the photoresist into the second transition state in a specified pattern.

Abstract: A multi-spectral imaging (MSI) device can include an imaging plane and a diffractive optic. The imaging plane can include at least two groups of pixels an array of pixels for sensing at least two spectral bands. The at least two spectral bands can include a first spectral band and a second spectral band. The diffractive optic can be configured for diffracting an electromagnetic wave into the at least two spectral bands and focusing each spectral band component of the electromagnetic wave onto the group of pixels for the spectral band to generate an image.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a concentrator optic structure separating the solar spectrum of light into a plurality of spectral bands. The concentrator optic structure focuses these spectral bands into a plurality of concentric tightly focused ring-shaped spots and a central round spot. A multitude of circular sub-cells are each approximately positioned at a ring-shaped spot associated with a respective spectral band produced by the concentrator optic structure.

Abstract: A method of designing a nanophotonic scattering structure can include establishing an initial design having an array of discrete pixels variable between at least two pixel height levels. A performance metric for the structure can be a function of the heights of the pixels. The height of a pixel can be varied, and then the performance metric can be calculated. The steps of varying the pixel height and calculating the performance metric can be repeated to increase the performance metric. The above steps can be repeated for each pixel within the array and then the method can be iterated until the performance metric reaches an optimized value. Nanophotonic scattering structures can be produced from designs obtained through this process.

Abstract: A system for surface patterning using a three dimensional holographic mask includes a light source configured to emit a light beam toward the holographic mask. The holographic mask can be formed as a topographical pattern on a transparent mask substrate. A semiconductor substrate can be positioned on an opposite site of the holographic mask as the light source and can be spaced apart from the holographic mask. The system can also include a base for supporting the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining or separating spectral components by means of a polychromat. A polychromat is employed to combine a plurality of beams, each derived from a separate source, into a single output beam, thereby providing for definition of one or more of the intensity, color, color uniformity, divergence angle, degree of collimation, polarization, focus, or beam waist of the output beam. The combination of sources and polychromat may serve as an enhanced-privacy display and to multiplex signals of multiple spectral components. In other embodiments of the invention, a polychromat serves to disperse spectral components for spectroscopic or de-multiplexing applications.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a point spread function (PSF) module producing a diffraction-limited image of a sample. A convolution module performs convolution of the diffraction-limited image with a first image of a focal spot having a first wavelength to produce a first simulated image. The convolution also performs convolution of the diffraction-limited image with a second image of a focal ring having a second wavelength to produce a second simulated image. A difference module subtracts said first simulated image and said second simulated image to produce said high resolution composite image.

Abstract: A method for designing a diffractive optic includes identifying an initial performance metric for the diffractive optic, the diffractive optic including a substrate. A test cell is selected from an array of cells on the substrate. A height of the test cell is changed by a predetermined height unit. Images are computed at a plurality of discrete wavelengths or using a continuous spectrum using diffraction-based propagation through at least a portion of the array of cells. A wavelength metric is determined for each of the images. The wavelength metrics for each of the images is consolidated into a perturbed performance metric. The perturbed performance metric is compared to the initial performance metric and the method identifies whether the perturbed performance metric is an improvement over the initial performance metric.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a sample to be scanned by the imaging system. An absorbance modulation layer (AML) is positioned in close proximity to the sample and is physically separate from the sample. One or more sub-wavelength apertures are generated within the AML, whose size is determined by the material properties of the AML and the intensities of the illuminating wavelengths. A light source transmits an optical signal through the one or more sub-wavelength apertures generating optical near-fields that are collected for imaging.

Abstract: A dichromatic lens includes a plurality of zones being arranged on a lens structure, each of the zones having a specified radius and varying height. The lens structure focuses propagating light applicable to any intensity distribution for a plurality of wavelengths.

Abstract: A method to enhance resolution in optical lithography via absorbance-modulation involves exposing an opaque absorbance modulation layer (AML) to a first waveform having wavelength, 81, with the first exposure forming a first set of transparent regions in the opaque AML and forming a first pattern made of a set of exposed regions in a photoresist layer. Next, the AML is restored to its original opaque state. Next, the restored AML is re-exposed to the first waveform having wavelength, 81, with the exposure forming a second set of transparent regions in the opaque AML and forming a second pattern having a set of exposed regions in a photoresist layer. The first and second patterns in the photoresist layer form a final pattern with enhanced resolution and decreased spatial period than the first pattern.

Abstract: An optical material system for nanopatterning is provided that includes one or more material systems having spectrally selective reversible and irreversible transitions by saturating one of the spectrally selective reversible transitions with an optical node retaining a single molecule in a configuration and exposing the single molecule to its spectrally irreversible transitions to form a pattern.

Abstract: A lithography system is disclosed that provides an array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy that are directed toward a recording medium. The reversible contrast-enhancement material is disposed between the recording medium and the array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A lithography system is disclosed that provides an array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy that are directed toward a recording medium. The reversible contrast-enhancement material is disposed between the recording medium and the array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a concentrator optic structure separating the solar spectrum of light into a plurality of spectral bands. The concentrator optic structure focuses these spectral bands into a plurality of concentric tightly focused ring-shaped spots and a central round spot. A multitude of circular sub-cells are each approximately positioned at a ring-shaped spot associated with a respective spectral band produced by the concentrator optic structure.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided. The imaging system includes a point spread function (PSF) module producing a diffraction-limited image of a sample. A convolution module performs convolution of the diffraction-limited image with a first image of a focal spot having a first wavelength to produce a first simulated image. The convolution also performs convolution of the diffraction-limited image with a second image of a focal ring having a second wavelength to produce a second simulated image. A difference module subtracts said first simulated image and said second simulated image to produce said high resolution composite image.

Abstract: A dichromatic lens includes a plurality of zones being arranged on a lens structure, each of the zones having a specified radius and varying height. The lens structure focuses propagating light applicable to any intensity distribution for a plurality of wavelengths.

Abstract: A lithography system is disclosed that includes an array of focusing elements for directing focused illumination toward a recording medium, and a reversible contrast-enhancement material disposed between the recording medium and the array of focusing elements.

Abstract: A lithography system is disclosed that includes an array of focusing elements for directing focused illumination toward a recording medium, and a reversible contrast-enhancement material disposed between the recording medium and the array of focusing elements.

Abstract: A lithography system is disclosed that provides an array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy that are directed toward a recording medium. The reversible contrast-enhancement material is disposed between the recording medium and the array of areas of imaging electromagnetic energy.