Abstract: A memory cell device includes a semiconductor nanowire extending, at a first end thereof, from a substrate; the nanowire having a doping profile so as to define a field effect transistor (FET) adjacent the first end, the FET further including a gate electrode at least partially surrounding the nanowire, the doping profile further defining a p-n junction in series with the FET, the p-n junction adjacent a second end of the nanowire; and a phase change material at least partially surrounding the nanowire, at a location corresponding to the p-n junction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A mirror is provided and includes a first layer including reflective material and an adhesive backing, a second layer including one or more layers of a cloth or a non woven fiber matrix and polymer composite and a third layer including polystyrene foam spheres in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A method of concentrating solar energy includes receiving solar energy through a surface of an optically clear shell, guiding the solar energy through a liquid contained in the optically clear shell, folding the solar energy back through the liquid toward a solar receiver, and shifting the solar receiver within the optically clear shell to track the sun, wherein the solar energy collected by the solar receiver is converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention is hybrid liquid metal-solder thermal interface. In one embodiment, a thermal interface for coupling a heat generating device to a heat sink includes a first metal interface layer, a second metal interface layer, and an isolation layer positioned between the first metal interface layer and the second metal interface layer, where at least one of the first metal interface layer and the second metal interface layer comprises a liquid metal.

Abstract: A solar concentration system includes an optically clear shell member having an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining a hollow interior portion, a liquid contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell, and a solar collection system contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell. The solar collection system includes a tracking system configured and disposed to selectively shift within the hollow interior portion, a reflector member mounted to the tracking system, and a solar receiver mounted to the tracking system. The tracking system being configured and disposed orient the reflector member and the solar receiver to follow a path of the sun enhancing the collection of solar energy.

Abstract: A device comprising a doped semiconductor nano-component and a method of forming the device are disclosed. The nano-component is one of a nanotube, nanowire or a nanocrystal film, which may be doped by exposure to an organic amine-containing dopant. Illustrative examples are given for field effect transistors with channels comprising a lead selenide nanowire or nanocrystal film and methods of forming these devices.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes an optical member having a focal point. The optical member is configured and disposed to direct incident solar radiation to the focal point. A support member is positioned adjacent to the focal point of the optical member. A solar energy collector is supported upon the support member. The solar energy collector is positioned at the focal point of the optical member. A base member is positioned in a spaced relationship from the support member. The base member and the support member define a chamber section that is in a heat exchange relationship with the solar energy collector. The chamber section is configured to absorb and dissipate heat from the solar energy collectors.

Abstract: A memory cell device includes a semiconductor nanowire extending, at a first end thereof, from a substrate; the nanowire having a doping profile so as to define a field effect transistor (FET) adjacent the first end, the FET further including a gate electrode at least partially surrounding the nanowire, the doping profile further defining a p-n junction in series with the FET, the p-n junction adjacent a second end of the nanowire; and a phase change material at least partially surrounding the nanowire, at a location corresponding to the p-n junction.

Abstract: Techniques for analyzing performance of solar panels and/or cells are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing an infrared thermal image taken using an infrared camera is provided. The method includes the following steps. The infrared thermal image is converted to temperature data. Individual elements are isolated in the infrared thermal image. The temperature data for each isolated element is tabulated. A performance status of each isolated element is determined based on the tabulated temperature data. The individual elements can include solar panels and/or solar cells. In another aspect, an infrared diagnostic system is provided. The infrared diagnostic system includes an infrared camera which can be remotely positioned relative to one or more elements to be imaged; and a computer configured to receive thermal images from the infrared camera, via a communication link, and analyze the thermal images.

Abstract: A method for forming self-assembled patterns on a substrate surface is provided. First, a block copolymer layer, which comprises a block copolymer having two or more immiscible polymeric block components, is applied onto a substrate that comprises a substrate surface with a trench therein. The trench specifically includes at least one narrow region flanked by two wide regions, and wherein the trench has a width variation of more than 50%. Annealing is subsequently carried out to effectuate phase separation between the two or more immiscible polymeric block components in the block copolymer layer, thereby forming periodic patterns that are defined by repeating structural units. Specifically, the periodic patterns at the narrow region of the trench are aligned in a predetermined direction and are essentially free of defects. Block copolymer films formed by the above-described method as well as semiconductor structures comprising such block copolymer films are also described.

Abstract: Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A solar concentration system includes an optically clear shell member having an outer surface and an inner surface, with the inner surface defining a hollow interior portion, a liquid contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell, and a solar collection system contained within the hollow interior portion of the optically clear shell. The solar collection system includes a tracking system configured and disposed to selectively shift within the hollow interior portion, a reflector member mounted to the tracking system, and a solar receiver mounted to the tracking system. The tracking system being configured and disposed orient the reflector member and the solar receiver to follow a path of the sun enhancing the collection of solar energy.

Abstract: A solar energy alignment and collection system includes at least two solar energy receivers having a central focal point, with each of the at least two solar energy receivers generating an energy output. An actuation system is operatively coupled to the at least two solar energy receivers and is configured and disposed to shift the solar energy receivers along at least one axis. A control system, operatively linked to the solar receivers and the actuation system, senses the energy output of each solar energy receiver and shifts the actuation system along the at least one axis causing solar energy to be directed at the central focal point. When solar energy is directed at the central focal point, the energy output of each solar energy receiver is substantially identical.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: A magnetic-field sensor device comprises at least two electrodes; an insulating layer separating the at least two electrodes; at least one layer of chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles disposed at or above a level with the insulating layer, and disposed between the at least two electrodes; and an organic spacer surrounding each of the chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles. A deviation between diameters of different ones of the nanoparticles is less than 15%. Moreover, the chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles range in size between 2 nm and 20 nm in diameter.

Abstract: A method for forming self-assembled patterns on a substrate surface is provided. First, a block copolymer layer, which comprises a block copolymer having two or more immiscible polymeric block components, is applied onto a substrate that comprises a substrate surface with a trench therein. The trench specifically includes at least one narrow region flanked by two wide regions, and wherein the trench has a width variation of more than 50%. Annealing is subsequently carried out to effectuate phase separation between the two or more immiscible polymeric block components in the block copolymer layer, thereby forming periodic patterns that are defined by repeating structural units. Specifically, the periodic patterns at the narrow region of the trench are aligned in a predetermined direction and are essentially free of defects. Block copolymer films formed by the above-described method as well as semiconductor structures comprising such block copolymer films are also described.