Abstract: A photorefractive device (100) and method of manufacture are disclosed. The device (100) comprises a layered structure in which one or more polymer layers (110) are interposed between a photorefractive material (106) and at least one transparent electrode layer (104). One or more electrolytes are dispersed into the one or more polymer layers (110). When a bias is applied to the device (100), the device (100) exhibits an increase in signal efficiency compared to a similar device without electrolyte. Both grating decay time and grating response time are greatly reduced by dispersing electrolytes into one or more polymer layers in the photorefractive device. The grating decay time can be adjusted by dispersing different kinds of the electrolytes and/or different concentration of the electrolytes, which can be fitted into all kinds of applications with different requirements for grating response and decay time.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that are photorefractive upon irradiation by multiple laser wavelengths across the visible light spectrum. Embodiments of the photorefractive composition comprise a polymer, a chromophore, and a sensitizer, wherein the polymer comprises a repeating unit including at least a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic), as defined herein. The photorefractive composition can be used in optical devices.

Abstract: Described herein are optical devices comprising a photorefractive layer and at least two inert layers, such that the photorefractive layer is sandwiched between the two inert layers. The photorefractive layer may include a photorefractive composition that is photorefractive upon irradiation by a laser beam. In some embodiments, the photorefractive composition is formulated such that a grating that is irradiated into the photorefractive composition can be read out of the photorefractive composition without applying an external bias voltage. Furthermore, a grating that is written into the composition may be controlled using thermal treatment.

Abstract: This invention provides novel fuel cell electrodes and catalysts comprising a series of catalytically active thin-film metal alloys with low platinum concentration supported on nanostructured materials (nanoparticles). Processing of the electrodes and catalysts can include electrodeposition methods, and high-pressure coating techniques. In certain embodiments, an integrated gas-diffusion/electrode/catalyst layer can be prepared by processing catalyst thin films and nanoparticles into gas-diffusion media such as Toray or SGL carbon fiber papers. The catalysts can be placed in contact with an electrolyte membrane for PEM fuel cell applications.

Abstract: This invention provides novel fuel cell electrodes and catalysts comprising a series of catalytically active thin-film metal alloys with low platinum concentration supported on nanostructured materials (nanoparticles). Processing of the electrodes and catalysts can include electrodeposition methods, and high-pressure coating techniques. In certain embodiments, an integrated gas-diffusion/electrode/catalyst layer can be prepared by processing catalyst thin films and nanoparticles into gas-diffusion media such as Toray or SGL carbon fiber papers. The catalysts can be placed in contact with an electrolyte membrane for PEM fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A method for modulating light, comprising the steps of providing a photorefractive composition containing a sensitizer and a polymer, wherein the sensitizer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of anthraquinone, -nitro-9-fluorenone and 2,7-dinitro-9-fluorenone and irradiating the photorefractive composition with a laser. The photorefractive composition provides a grating without using an external bias voltage.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a backlight unit includes a feed mechanism, a testing mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. The feed mechanism arranges a plurality of light-emitting diodes in a row. The testing mechanism tests the light-emitting diodes. The attachment mechanism positions the light-emitting diodes to a circuit board. The attachment mechanism comprises a support assembly and a laminating device, in which the support assembly receives the light-emitting diodes tested by the at least one testing unit, the support assembly is opposite to the circuit board, and the laminating device laminates the light-emitting diodes to the circuit board. A method for manufacturing the backlight unit is also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method of synthesizing a lithium metal phosphate composite usable for a lithium secondary battery includes the steps of forming a nanometer-size precursor comprising lithium source and metal phosphate nanoparticles having each nanoparticle at least partially coated a layer of carbon precursor, spray drying the nanometer-size precursor at a first desired temperature to form micron-size particles packed with the lithium metal phosphate precursor nanoparticles, and sintering the micron-size particles at a second desired temperature under an inert and/or reduction atmosphere to form a micron-size lithium metal phosphate composite.

Abstract: A method for forming a grating in a photorefractive composition comprising the steps of: providing a photorefractive composition containing a sensitizer and a polymer, wherein the polymer includes a first repeating unit which includes a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic) as defined herein; and irradiating the photorefractive composition with a near infrared (NIR) laser, wherein the composition provides long grating holding time and the grating signal can be read out without external bias voltage.

Abstract: A photorefractive composition that is photorefractive upon irradiation by a near infrared (NIR) laser. The photorefractive composition comprises a sensitizer and a polymer comprising a repeating unit including at least a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic), as defined herein. The photorefractive composition can be used in optical devices.

Abstract: An optical device comprising a photorefractive composition configured to be photorefractive upon irradiation by a blue laser. The photorefractive composition comprises a polymer comprising a repeating unit including at least a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulas (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic), as defined herein.

Abstract: Described herein are photorefractive compositions and devices incorporating such compositions. The photorefractive composition comprises a polymer and metal-containing nanoparticles. The polymer comprises a charge transport component and a non-linear optical component which provides non-linear optical functionality. Optionally, the composition can further comprise at least one agent which inhibits agglomeration of the nanoparticles, as well as other components such as sensitizers and plasticizers. The photorefractive compositions demonstrate very good phase stabilities and substantially no haziness, even after several months. Furthermore, the addition of the metal compound nanoparticles to the polymer increases the photorefractive response time and grating formation speed when compared to similar compositions that do not contain the nanoparticles.

Abstract: This invention provides novel fuel cell electrodes and catalysts comprising a series of catalytically active thin-film metal alloys with low platinum concentration supported on nanostructured materials (nanoparticles). Processing of the electrodes and catalysts can include electrodeposition methods, and high-pressure coating techniques. In certain embodiments, an integrated gas-diffusion/electrode/catalyst layer can be prepared by processing catalyst thin films and nanoparticles into gas-diffusion media such as Toray or SGL carbon fiber papers. The catalysts can be placed in contact with an electrolyte membrane for PEM fuel cell applications.