Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across an individual solar cell, an array of solar cells configured as a panel, or a group of solar panels. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. Compared to conventional solar cells, these accelerated electron-hole pairs travel a shorter distance from creation (by incident optical radiation) and spend less time within the solar cell material, therefore the electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample. The apparatus includes a window retainer having a retainer surface and a well. The retainer surface surrounds the well. Further, the retainer surface is substantially planar. An optical window is located in the well. The optical window comprises a first and second surface. The second surface is in contact with the window retainer. The first surface is substantially flush with the retainer surface. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample. The apparatus includes a window retainer having a retainer surface and a well. The retainer surface surrounds the well. Further, the retainer surface is substantially planar. An optical window is located in the well. The optical window comprises a first and second surface. The second surface is in contact with the window retainer. The first surface is substantially flush with the retainer surface. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented in which a sample can be accurately repositioned in a spectroscopic and/or imaging apparatus upon multiple insertions, and where the apparatus can be worn by living subjects for extended periods of time. The apparatus additionally reduces the temperature increase and stabilizes the temperature of the sample upon irradiation with an optical source of excitation. Additionally, the apparatus stabilizes the pressure and critical optical properties of the sample and its interface with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus can be used to alter and/or substantially reduce fluorescence from targeted fluorophores in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the selectivity for spectroscopic measurements of analytes in a turbid medium is described. In one example, spatial filters are used to select only certain radii from the medium to be imaged. This selection is accomplished by placing an optical obstruction on the surface of the medium or at an image plane of the surface later in the optical imaging system. In one implementation, this is achieved by placing a fiber bundle at an image plane of the collecting optical system and then using a spacer of appropriate size at the center of the fiber bundle to act as a central obstruction.

Abstract: A method is proposed whereby photo-bleaching is used not only to change the absorption and fluorescence of a sample but is also employed to change its scattering characteristics. When the compounds which are bleached are contained in regions wherein the real part of the index of refraction is greater than or equal to the average index of the medium, the bleaching will result in reduction in the scattering at wavelengths longer than the wavelength of the bleaching source. This reduction can be useful in measuring the concentration of analytes located at significant depths within turbid media.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented in which a sample can be accurately repositioned in a spectroscopic and/or imaging apparatus upon multiple insertions, and where the apparatus can be worn by living subjects for extended periods of time. The apparatus additionally reduces the temperature increase and stabilizes the temperature of the sample upon irradiation with an optical source of excitation. Additionally, the apparatus stabilizes the pressure and critical optical properties of the sample and its interface with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus can be used to alter and/or substantially reduce fluorescence from targeted fluorophores in the sample.

Abstract: A method is proposed whereby photo-bleaching is used not only to change the absorption and fluorescence of a sample but is also employed to change its scattering characteristics. When the compounds which are bleached are contained in regions wherein the real part of the index of refraction is greater than or equal to the average index of the medium, the bleaching will result in reduction in the scattering at wavelengths longer than the wavelength of the bleaching source. This reduction can be useful in measuring the concentration of analytes located at significant depths within turbid media.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the selectivity for spectroscopic measurements of analytes in a turbid medium is described. In one example, spatial filters are used to select only certain radii from the medium to be imaged. This selection is accomplished by placing an optical obstruction on the surface of the medium or at an image plane of the surface later in the optical imaging system. In one implementation, this is achieved by placing a fiber bundle at an image plane of the collecting optical system and then using a spacer of appropriate size at the center of the fiber bundle to act as a central obstruction.

Abstract: A system for electric power demand monitoring and control includes one or more data distribution networks interconnecting network interfaces or intelligent utility units located at customer sites with a host computer located in the utility company offices. A network within the site interconnects each intelligent utility unit or network interface with power consuming units for providing data on power usage and power control. A data distribution network interconnects the plurality of intelligent utility units or network interfaces to the host computer as a head end unit, the data distribution network providing downstream communication channels from the host computer to the plurality of intelligent utility units and network interfaces, and upstream communication channels from the plurality of intelligent utility units and network interfaces to the host computer. The communication channels are organized as frequency division multiplex channels in a frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A system for electric power demand monitoring and control includes one or more data distribution networks interconnecting intelligent utility units located at customer homes with a host computer located in the utility company offices. Each intelligent utility unit is associated with a customer home for connecting and disconnecting a power service meter, monitoring customer demand, and controlling power to selected units. A network within the home interconnects each intelligent utility unit with power consuming units for providing data on power usage and power control. A data distribution network interconnects the plurality of intelligent utility units to the host computer as a head end unit, the data distribution network providing downstream communication channels from the host computer to the plurality of intelligent utility units and upstream communication channels from the plurality of intelligent utility units to the host computer.

Abstract: A system for electric power demand monitoring and control includes one or more data distribution networks interconnecting intelligent utility units located at customer homes with a host computer located in the utility company offices. Each intelligent utility unit is associated with a customer home for connecting and disconnecting a power service meter, monitoring customer demand, and controlling power to selected units. A network within the home interconnects each intelligent utility unit with power consuming units for providing data on power usage and power control. A data distribution network interconnects the plurality of intelligent utility units to the host computer as a head end unit, the data distribution network providing downstream communication channels from the host computer to the plurality of intelligent utility units and upstream communication channels from the plurality of intelligent utility units to the host computer.

Abstract: A distributed intelligence network using time and frequency domain multiplexing. On power-up, each node determines its skew and requests downloading of program code and configuration data. A node claims timeslots by transmitting a packet into an apparently empty timeslot and verifying receipt of its own packet.