Abstract: A method and a system to perform multi-model blending are described. The method includes obtaining one or more sets of predictions of historical conditions, the historical conditions corresponding with a time T that is historical in reference to current time, and the one or more sets of predictions of the historical conditions being output by one or more models. The method also includes obtaining actual historical conditions, the actual historical conditions being measured conditions at the time T, assembling a training data set including designating the two or more set of predictions of historical conditions as predictor variables and the actual historical conditions as response variables, and training a machine learning algorithm based on the training data set. The method further includes obtaining a blended model based on the machine learning algorithm.

Abstract: In one aspect, a spectrometer insert is provided. The spectrometer insert includes: an enclosed housing; a first transparent window on a first side of the enclosed housing; a second transparent window on a second side of the enclosed housing, wherein the first side and the second side are opposing sides of the enclosed housing; and a sample mounting and heating assembly positioned within an interior cavity of the enclosed housing in between, and in line of sight of, the first transparent window and the second transparent window. A method for using the spectrometer insert to locally heat a sample so as to measure temperature-dependent optical properties of the sample is also provided.

Abstract: A light concentrating optic for use with a photovoltaic device includes a light pipe having a first end portion for receiving light and a second end portion for outputting concentrated light. An optical element is coupled to the light pipe on the first end portion and configured to form an optical interface between the light pipe and the optical element. The optical element includes at least one light transmitting surface configured to redirect incident light entering the optical element to disperse the light to fall incident on side walls of the light pipe to increase homogeneity and intensity of light through the second end portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spectrometer apparatus comprising a mobile device including an integrated camera, having a camera lens and an image sensor. The camera lens is located within a body of the mobile device that comprises a detachable housing coupled to the body of the mobile device. The detachable housing includes a first end and a second end opposed to the first end. The first end includes an optical input and the second end includes an opening that is substantially aligned with the camera lens. An optical spectrometer device is located within the housing and optically coupled to both the optical input at the first end of the housing and the camera lens at the second end of the housing. The optical spectrometer device receives a target image from the optical input and generates a spectral image that is received by the image sensor via the camera lens.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from a photovoltaic cell is disclosed. A first thermally conductive layer receives heat from the photovoltaic cell and reduces a density of the received heat. A second thermally conductive layer conducts heat from the first thermally conductive layer to a surrounding environment. An electrically isolating layer thermally couples the first thermally conductive layer and the second thermally conductive layer.

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: An approach for heat dissipation in integrated circuit devices is provided. A method includes forming an isolation layer on an electrically conductive feature of an integrated circuit device. The method also includes forming an electrically conductive layer on the isolation layer.

Abstract: An approach for heat dissipation in integrated circuit devices is provided. A method includes forming an isolation layer on an electrically conductive feature of an integrated circuit device. The method also includes forming an electrically conductive layer on the isolation layer.

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 for cooling a computer uses thermal coupling for conveying heat from powered components of an electronic system. A fluid heat-exchanger is attached to the surface of the electronic system and filled with fluid coolant. A vacuum is applied between the heat-exchanger and the surface to seal the heat-exchanger to the electronic system. The fluid coolant is circulated through the heat-exchanger to convey heat from the fluid to an external cooling apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method of implementing an acoustic computing system for implant or dermal data communication, power supply and energy storage. The method includes receiving, by a first acoustic computing element in a live medium, input acoustic vibration. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a first portion of the input acoustic vibration to energy that powers operation of the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a second portion of the input acoustic vibration to stored energy of the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes converting, by the first acoustic computing element, a third portion of the input acoustic vibration to a first input data that is processed by the first acoustic computing element. The method further includes generating, by the first acoustic computing element, a first output acoustic vibration based on the first input data.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a computing system that operates at least partially through a medium, which may be a human. The computing system includes a first acoustic computing element implanted in the human. The first acoustic computing element receives input acoustic vibration. The first acoustic computing element converts a first portion of the input acoustic vibration to energy that powers an operation of the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element converts a second portion of the input acoustic vibration to stored energy of the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element converts a third portion of the input acoustic vibration to a first input data that is processed by the first acoustic computing element. The first acoustic computing element generates and transmits a first output acoustic vibration based on the first input data.

Abstract: An approach for heat dissipation in integrated circuit devices is provided. A method includes forming an isolation layer on an electrically conductive feature of an integrated circuit device. The method also includes forming an electrically conductive layer on the isolation layer.

Abstract: An approach for heat dissipation in integrated circuit devices is provided. A method includes forming an isolation layer on an electrically conductive feature of an integrated circuit device. The method also includes forming an electrically conductive layer on the isolation layer. The method additionally includes forming a plurality of nanowire structures on a surface of the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from a photovoltaic cell is disclosed. A first thermally conductive layer receives heat from the photovoltaic cell and reduces a density of the received heat. A second thermally conductive layer conducts heat from the first thermally conductive layer to a surrounding environment. An electrically isolating layer thermally couples the first thermally conductive layer and the second thermally conductive layer.

Abstract: A light concentrating optic for use with a photovoltaic device includes a light pipe having a first end portion for receiving light and a second end portion for outputting concentrated light. An optical element is coupled to the light pipe on the first end portion and configured to form an optical interface between the light pipe and the optical element. The optical element includes at least one light transmitting surface configured to redirect incident light entering the optical element to disperse the light to fall incident on side walls of the light pipe to increase homogeneity and intensity of light through the second end portion.

Abstract: Techniques for photocatalytic hydrogen generation are provided. In one aspect, a hydrogen producing cell is provided. The hydrogen producing cell includes an anode electrode; a photocatalytic material adjacent to the anode electrode; a solid electrolyte adjacent to a side of the photocatalytic material opposite the anode electrode; and a cathode electrode adjacent to a side of the solid electrolyte opposite the photocatalytic material. A solar hydrogen producing system including at least one solar concentrating assembly having the hydrogen producing cell, and a method for producing hydrogen using the hydrogen producing cell are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing power production from photo-voltaic systems using, e.g., inductive coupling, are provided. In one aspect, a method of optimizing photo-voltaic generated power from a string of photo-voltaic devices is provided. The method includes the step of: providing corrective power to at least one photovoltaic device in the string of photo-voltaic devices to boost performance of the at least one photovoltaic device and thereby increase overall the photo-voltaic generated power from the string of photo-voltaic devices, wherein the corrective power is from about 1% to about 5%, and ranges therebetween, of the photo-voltaic generated power from the string of photo-voltaic devices. A system for optimizing photo-voltaic generated power from a string of photo-voltaic devices and a method for use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A substrate has a top side and a bottom side. A solar cell is secured to the top side of the substrate and has an anode and a cathode. A heat transfer element is secured to the bottom side of the substrate. An anode pad is formed on the top side of the substrate and is coupled to the anode of the solar cell; similarly, a cathode pad is formed on the top side of the substrate and is coupled to the cathode of the solar cell. The substrate coefficient of thermal expansion and the solar cell coefficient of thermal expansion match within plus or minus ten parts per million per degree C.

Abstract: A method of tracking the sun is disclosed. A measurement of a gravity vector is obtained in a frame of reference of a solar collector rotatable with respect to an earth center of reference. A measurement of a magnetic direction vector is obtained in the frame of reference of the solar collector. The orientation of the solar collector is determined from the obtained measurement of the gravity vector and the obtained measurement of the magnetic direction. The orientation of the solar collector is altered in order to track the sun.