Abstract: A transportable photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic devices, a composite frame to which the plurality of photovoltaic devices are affixed, and a base structure to which the composite frame is movably attached through at least one variable-angle mount structure. The orientation of the frame and the light concentrating elements relative to the base structure can be altered employing the at least one variable-angle mount structure. The frame and the plurality of photovoltaic devices can be assembled prior to shipping, and the base structure can be manufactured on site. The transportable photovoltaic system is not affixed to ground or other fixture, but can be picked up at any time during the operational lifetime. The transportable photovoltaic system can be rapidly deployed with little or no site preparation requirement other than generally level ground, and can be retracted to a lower exposure position to avoid storm and/or hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A transportable photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic devices, a composite frame to which the plurality of photovoltaic devices are affixed, and a base structure to which the composite frame is movably attached through at least one variable-angle mount structure. The orientation of the frame and the light concentrating elements relative to the base structure can be altered employing the at least one variable-angle mount structure. The frame and the plurality of photovoltaic devices can be assembled prior to shipping, and the base structure can be manufactured on site. The transportable photovoltaic system is not affixed to ground or other fixture, but can be picked up at any time during the operational lifetime. The transportable photovoltaic system can be rapidly deployed with little or no site preparation requirement other than generally level ground, and can be retracted to a lower exposure position to avoid storm and/or hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A method of cooling a solar concentrator includes absorbing heat from solar energy collectors into a chamber section. The chamber section is arranged below, in a heat exchange relationship, the solar energy collectors.

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: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.

Abstract: Techniques for managing and forecasting power from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for managing power from at least one renewable energy source is provided. The method includes the following steps. A list of tasks to be performed within a given timeframe is created, wherein a power load is associated with performing each of the tasks. Performance of the tasks is prioritized based on the power load associated with each of the tasks and an availability of the power from the renewable energy source during the given timeframe.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a first photoactive layer and a second photoactive layer adjacent to the first photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the first photoactive layer and the second photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the second photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.

Abstract: A method of tracking and collecting solar energy includes receiving solar energy on at least two solar energy receivers, measuring an energy output from each of the at least two solar energy receivers, comparing the energy output from one of the at least two solar energy receiver with the energy output from another of the at least two solar energy receivers, and shifting the at least two solar energy receivers until the energy output from the one of the at least two solar receivers is substantially equal to the another of the at least two solar receivers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating or altering a microstructure use means for heating to facilitate a local chemical reaction that forms or alters the submicrostructure.

Abstract: A method of operating a memory device having a dielectric material layer, a transition metal oxide layer and a set of electrodes each formed over a substrate, includes applying a voltage across the set of electrodes producing an electric field across the transition metal oxide layer enabling the transition metal oxide layer to undergo a metal-insulation transition (MIT) to perform a read or write operation on memory device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method including forming a layer of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) on a first layer of molybdenum (Mo) and annealing the CZTS layer and the first Mo layer to form a layer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) between the layer of CZTS and the first layer of Mo. The method includes forming a back contact on a first surface of the CZTS layer opposite the first Mo layer and separating the first Mo layer and the MoS2 layer from the CZTS layer to expose a second surface of the CZTS layer opposite the first surface. The method further includes forming a buffer layer on the second surface of the CZTS layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided, which includes multiple sections arranged along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the semiconductor structure comprises a middle section and two terminal sections located at opposite ends of the middle section. A semiconductor core having a first dopant concentration preferably extends along the longitudinal axis through the middle section and the two terminal sections. A semiconductor shell having a second, higher dopant concentration preferably encircles a portion of the semiconductor core at the two terminal sections, but not at the middle section, of the semiconductor structure. It is particularly preferred that the semiconductor structure is a nanostructure having a cross-sectional dimension of not more than 100 nm.

Abstract: A memory cell includes at least one heater, and at least two leads and a heating element which is formed between at least two leads, a material of the heating element being different from a material of at least two leads such that a location of a hot spot in the heater is controllable based on a polarity of current in the heater and at least one storage medium formed adjacent to at least one heater.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided, which includes multiple sections arranged along a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the semiconductor structure comprises a middle section and two terminal sections located at opposite ends of the middle section. A semiconductor core having a first dopant concentration preferably extends along the longitudinal axis through the middle section and the two terminal sections. A semiconductor shell having a second, higher dopant concentration preferably encircles a portion of the semiconductor core at the two terminal sections, but not at the middle section, of the semiconductor structure. It is particularly preferred that the semiconductor structure is a nanostructure having a cross-sectional dimension of not more than 100 nm.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating nanowire/microwire-based solar cells are provided. In one, a method for fabricating a solar cell is provided. The method includes the following steps. A doped substrate is provided. A monolayer of spheres is deposited onto the substrate. The spheres include nanospheres, microspheres or a combination thereof. The spheres are trimmed to introduce space between individual spheres in the monolayer. The trimmed spheres are used as a mask to pattern wires in the substrate. The wires include nanowires, microwires or a combination thereof. A doped emitter layer is formed on the patterned wires. A top contact electrode is deposited over the emitter layer. A bottom contact electrode is deposited on a side of the substrate opposite the wires.