Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a passively switched light source. An integrated optical component includes a photonic material and a phase change material in direct contact with the photonic material. A light source provides light into the integrated optical component. The light interacts with the phase change material such that an index of refraction of the phase change material depends on the intensity of the light within the integrated optical component as to provide a passive change to a parameter of the integrated optical component.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting a temperature sensitive object. A system includes a temperature sensitive object and a thermal control material in thermal communication with the temperature sensitive object. The thermal control material has an emissivity that varies as a function of temperature, and includes a substrate comprising a first surface comprising one of a photonic crystal, a metamaterial, a metasurface, and a multilayer film, a solid state phase change material in contact with the surface, and a reflective thin film material at one of a second surface of the substrate, at a surface of the solid state phase change material, and on an opposite side of an optical cavity from the substrate.

Abstract: A device includes a light adjustment apparatus having at least one material having a dielectric permittivity, the at least one material to affect the flow of light, wherein the light adjustment apparatus includes a tunable material to enable adjustment of the dielectric permittivity of the at least one material.

Abstract: A device includes a light adjustment apparatus having a first material and a second material. The first material includes a first real dielectric permittivity and a positive imaginary dielectric permittivity. The second material includes a second real dielectric permittivity and a negative imaginary dielectric permittivity. The first and second materials affect the flow of light. The light adjustment apparatus includes a tunable material to enable adjustment of the dielectric permittivity of the respective materials.

Abstract: Core/shell resonant light absorption and scattering materials and methods incorporated into active layers for increasing the short circuit current and photo conversion efficiency of organic photovoltaic systems are provided. In particular, resonant light absorption and scattering methods and materials for improving the efficiency (short circuit current Qsc) and photo conversion efficiency (PCE)) of organic photovoltaic polymer systems (OPV) that include multilayer nano structures having a noble metal core and a passivated and functionalized outer shell disposed with the active layer of the OPV in the form of nanospheres and nanorods have been synthesized, characterized and incorporated into the active layers of OPV devices to enhance light absorption through plasmonic light trapping (PLT).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modulating light of a wavelength of interest. The modulator assembly includes a plasmonic layer that supports surface plasmon polaritons at the wavelength of interest and a layer of solid-state phase change material having a first phase in which it is substantially transparent to light of the wavelength of interest and a second phase in which it is substantially opaque to light of the wavelength of interest. A control mechanism is configured to alter the phase of the solid-state phase change material between the first phase and the second phase. Each of the plasmonic layer and the layer of solid-state phase change material are configured as to provide a plasmonic mode of transmission for light of the wavelength of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for modulating light of a wavelength of interest. The modulator assembly includes a plasmonic layer that supports surface plasmon polaritons at the wavelength of interest and a layer of solid-state phase change material having a first phase in which it is substantially transparent to light of the wavelength of interest and a second phase in which it is substantially opaque to light of the wavelength of interest. A control mechanism is configured to alter the phase of the solid-state phase change material between the first phase and the second phase. Each of the plasmonic layer and the layer of solid-state phase change material are configured as to provide a plasmonic mode of transmission for light of the wavelength of interest.