Abstract: Described herein are novel azo-benzene type chromophores. The chromophores are useful in photochromic compositions comprising a polymer matrix and a chromophore, wherein the chromophore is a novel azo-benzene type structure. The photochromic composition is photoresponsive upon irradiation by at least one wavelength of laser light across the visible light spectrum. Photochromic devices which comprise the novel azo-benzene type chromophore compound show significantly higher photoinduced birefringence, higher diffraction efficiency, and brighter images than devices that comprise well known azo-benzene chromophores. The photochromic composition may include a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Described herein are reverse-mode polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) compositions with a plurality of domains. In addition, selectively dimmable reverse-mode PDLC elements and devices using the aforementioned compositions are also described, which are transparent when no voltage is applied and opaque when a voltage is applied.

Abstract: Described herein are novel azo-benzene type chromophores. The chromophores are useful in photochromic compositions comprising a polymer matrix and a chromophore, wherein the chromophore is a novel azo-benzene type structure. The photochromic composition is photoresponsive upon irradiation by at least one wavelength of laser light across the visible light spectrum. Photochromic devices which comprise the novel azo-benzene type chromophore compound show significantly higher photoinduced birefringence, higher diffraction efficiency, and brighter images than devices that comprise well known azo-benzene chromophores. The photochromic composition may include a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Described herein are novel azo-benzene type chromophores. The chromophores are useful in photochromic compositions comprising a polymer matrix and a chromophore, wherein the chromophore is a novel azo-benzene type structure. The photochromic composition is photoresponsive upon irradiation by at least one wavelength of laser light across the visible light spectrum. Photochromic devices which comprise the novel azo-benzene type chromophore compound show significantly higher photoinduced birefringence, higher diffraction efficiency, and brighter images than devices that comprise well known azo-benzene chromophores. The photochromic composition may include a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Described herein is a transparent graphene and polymer based nanocomposite barrier film that provides gas, fluid, and/or vapor resistance. Also described is a barrier film where the graphene may be selected from reduced graphene oxide, graphene oxide, and is also functionalized or crosslinked. Also described is a barrier film where there is crosslinking between the graphene and/or the polymers to provide enhanced water resistance. A barrier device is also described that incorporates the barrier film and further comprises a substrate and a protective coating, encompassing the barrier film. Also described are methods for making the aforementioned barrier films and related devices.

Abstract: Described herein are transparent solar energy collection systems that comprise at least one holographic optical element, a transparent waveguide concentrator, and at least one solar energy conversion device.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment. In particular, devices and methods for correcting color blindness comprising a hologram that enhances the ability to distinguish a desired first bandwidth by decreasing the transmission of a second bandwidth. Advantageously, the device appears not tinted to outside observer.

Abstract: Described herein are novel azo-benzene type chromophores. The chromophores are useful in photochromic compositions comprising a polymer matrix and a chromophore, wherein the chromophore is a novel azo-benzene type structure. The photochromic composition is photoresponsive upon irradiation by at least one wavelength of laser light across the visible light spectrum. Photochromic devices which comprise the novel azo-benzene type chromophore compound show significantly higher photoinduced birefringence, higher diffraction efficiency, and brighter images than devices that comprise well known azo-benzene chromophores. The photochromic composition may include a liquid crystal.

Abstract: Described herein are transparent solar energy collection systems that comprise at least one holographic optical element, a transparent waveguide concentrator, and at least one solar energy conversion device.

Abstract: A photorefractive device (100) and methods of its manufacture are disclosed. The photorefractive device (100) comprises one or more transparent electrode layers (104), one or more sol-gel buffer layers (113), one or more polymer buffer layers (105), and a photorefractive layer (106). The one or more sol-gel buffer layer (113) is interposed between the one or more polymer buffer layer (105) and the one or more transparent electrode layer (104). When a bias voltage is applied to the device (100), the device (100) exhibits improvement in electric breakdown strength compared to a similar device without the one or more dielectric sol-gel buffer layers (113). The device (100) can operate at high bias levels with quick rising and decay times and shows higher grating performance under single nanosecond pulse recording conditions.

Abstract: A laser diode array beam translator includes a laser diode array having a number of spaced-apart laser elements, or diodes, each emitting laser radiation. The typical laser diode array laser elements are rectangular in shape, and linearly spaced apart along an axis with the long dimensions of the element along the axis. A number of optical fibers, or waveguides, having rectangular cross-sections are placed adjacent each laser element and sized horizontally and vertically to approximate the rectangular dimensions of the laser element. The optical fibers rotate ninety degrees (90°) from a horizontal configuration to a vertical configuration. Once the fibers are in the vertical configuration, due to the flexible nature of the rectangular fibers in their short-dimension direction, the optical fibers translate horizontally so that the output ends of the rectangular fibers are parallel and adjacent to a receiving end of an optical fiber.