Abstract: A color detector includes a light source, a first filter, and a first photodetector. The light source generates light within a spectrum of wavelengths. The first filter is in optical communication with the light source and is configured to pass light within a first predetermined spectrum of wavelengths. The first photodetector is in optical communication with the first filter and is configured to output a first color signal if light passes through the first filter. The photodetector has an area configured to equalize the first color signal and maximize a signal-to-noise ratio of the first color signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with solar energy. An upper surface and a lower surface disposed there beneath have respective parabolic curvatures. The upper surface includes a coating and concentrates a first spectral portion of incident light upon a first target. The lower surface includes a reflective coating and concentrates a second spectral portion of the incident light upon a second target distinct from the first target. The first and second targets can be photovoltaic cells that are optimized for the respective photonic energies concentrated thereon.

Abstract: An optical component including a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first plurality of light reflective coating layers disposed adjacent to the first side and a second plurality of light reflective coating layers disposed adjacent to the second side of the substrate. The first plurality of light reflective coating layers has a first combination of a first thickness and a first modulus of elasticity in relation to the substrate. The second plurality of light reflective coating layers has a second combination of a second thickness and a second modulus of elasticity in relation to the substrate that matches the first combination such that the first and second plurality of light reflective coatings layers support the substrate in a neutral shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with photovoltaic cells, light emitting devices and the like. Reflective regions are formed on a sheet of flexible, non-metallic sheet material. The sheet material is folded to at least partially define a finished shape. Supports complete and maintain the folded condition such that one or more truncated parabolic troughs are defined. Incident light may be received and concentrated, or emitted light concentrated and projected, by way of the troughs.

Abstract: A shuttering and sealing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an aperture through which light may pass to an optical sensor, a seal surrounding the aperture, and a shutter movable between an open position in which the shutter does not cover the aperture and a closed position in which the shutter covers the aperture and the seal seals the shutter around the aperture.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet below the first sheet. The first and the second sheets are parabolic in shape. The first sheet has a dichroic surface. The second sheet has a reflective surface.

Abstract: A first electrical path has a terminal, and a second electrical path has a terminal. First photovoltaic (PV) dies are electrically connected within the first electrical path. Each first PV die is adapted to convert light having a first wavelength range to electrical energy. Second PV dies are electrically connected within the second electrical path. Each second PV die is adapted to convert light having a second wavelength range different than the first wavelength range to electrical energy. A circuit is electrically connected between the terminals of the first and the second electrical paths to limit an absolute voltage difference between the terminals to no greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A color sensor array includes a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of sensors has a width dimension and a length dimension that is elongated with respect to the width dimension. The length dimensions of the sensors are substantially equal to one another and parallel to an illumination plane. Each of the plurality of sensors includes a face defined by opposing first and second elongated sides and opposing first and second non-elongated sides. The first non-elongated sides of the plurality of sensors are aligned with one another along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the illumination plane.

Abstract: A color measurement device includes a light pipe and a light source. The light pipe is oriented length-wise towards a color sample surface along a first axis that is non-perpendicular to the surface. A color sample is positioned on the surface. The light pipe has a near opening, a far opening, and a face at the far opening. The near opening is closer to the color sample than the far opening. The light source is positioned near the far opening of the light pipe, and is to output light along a second axis and into the light pipe at the far opening. The light reflects off the surface after exiting the light pipe at the near opening. The second axis is non-perpendicular to the face of the light pipe at the far opening. The light non-uniformly illuminates the color sample after exiting the light pipe at the near opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided. A first sheet of flexible material is placed against a surface of a form. The first sheet bears an adhesive on one side. A second sheet of flexible material is brought into contact with the adhesive and the two sheets are pressed into conformant contact with the surface of the form. The first and second sheets are thus bonded to form a rigid or semi-rigid entity having a cross-sectional shape in accordance with the surface contours of the form.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for use in photovoltaic systems. A photovoltaic array includes a rigid transparent material supporting a flexible material there beneath. Numerous photovoltaic cells are supported by the flexible material and are electrically coupled to circuit pathways borne there on. A positioner operates to shift the flexible material thus adjusting respective angular relationships between the photovoltaic cells and the overlying transparent material. Photovoltaic cells are reoriented in accordance with daily or seasonal variations in the suns position by way of the present teachings.

Abstract: A flexible substrate having electrical and optical functions. The substrate includes a planar non-conductive film. The substrate also includes a seed layer on a first region of the film for fabrication of conductive traces to couple to an electro-optical component disposed adjacent the first region. The substrate further includes a smooth optically reflective layer disposed on a second region of the film.

Abstract: An optical device includes an aperture stop that limits an angular extent of light from an illuminated sample. A first lens is positioned between the aperture stop and a detector plane. A second lens is positioned between the first lens and the detector plane and is operable to map light from the aperture stop to the detector plane such that the light is averaged at the detector plane.

Abstract: A shuttering and sealing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an aperture through which light may pass to an optical sensor, a seal surrounding the aperture, and a shutter movable between an open position in which the shutter does not cover the aperture and a closed position in which the shutter covers the aperture and the seal seals the shutter around the aperture.

Abstract: A color detector includes a light source, a filter, and a photodetector. The photodetector outputs a signal proportional to the amount of a predetermined color of light that passes through the corresponding filter. When used in an array, each filter may have different transmission characteristics, and each color signal may have a different magnitude and/or signal-to-noise ratio. This may be corrected for by adjusting the area of each of the photodetectors and corresponding filters. In other words, the areas if the photodetectors may be configured to equalize the color signal of a reference color and thereby maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the color signals the sensor is intended to measure. The area of the photodetector may be based on a response curve of the photodetector as a function of wavelength, a response curve of the filter as a function of wavelength, and the amount of light as a function of wavelength generated by the light source, among other factors.

Abstract: An optical device includes a photodetector, a Fabry-Perot interferometer and an analyzer.

Abstract: A color sensing apparatus (10) includes an optical system (16) that produces a spatially uniform light beam (18).

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a first photovoltaic cell sensitive to radiation in a first wavelength range, a second photovoltaic cell sensitive to radiation in a second wavelength range, and a first waveguide configured to direct radiation toward the first and second photovoltaic cells and defining a longitudinal axis substantially non-perpendicular to a radiation receiving surface of at least one of the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: An optical device includes an aperture stop that limits an angular extent of light from an illuminated sample. A first lens is positioned between the aperture stop and a detector plane. A second lens is positioned between the first lens and the detector plane and is operable to map light from the aperture stop to the detector plane such that the light is averaged at the detector plane.

Abstract: A device includes a pair of two partially transmitting optical surfaces positioned approximately parallel to each other and spaced apart. A high reflectance metal etalon coating is formed on each of the optical surfaces. An enhancing stack is coupled to the metal etalon coating on each of the optical surfaces.