Abstract: A pipe lighter includes a lighter apparatus coupling with an inhaler apparatus. The inhaler apparatus includes a crucible unit coupled with the housing sidewall of the lighter housing and a tubular inhaling guider extended from the crucible unit, wherein the crucible unit has a substance chamber positioned adjacent to a flame opening of the lighter apparatus for retaining a smoking substance in the substance chamber, such that the lighter apparatus is actuated to produce a flame for a combustion of the smoking substance to be smoked and for an inhalation of smoked through the inhaling guider.

Abstract: A tobacco product incorporates at least one anthocyanin compound or derivative thereof. Anthocyanin compounds can be incorporated into the filter element or other components of a mouth end piece of a cigarette. The tobacco product also can have a smokeless form, and can be a smokeless tobacco product characterized as “snus;” and within that smokeless tobacco composition or formulation is incorporated anthocyanin compounds. Tobacco in green or yellow form can be cured by first placing that tobacco in intimate contact with at least one sugar and/or salt, and subjecting that tobacco to curing conditions.

Abstract: A cigarette paper of the present invention includes a base cigarette paper and a plurality of combustion-suppressing regions provided, spaced apart from each other, on one surface of the base cigarette paper, the combustion-suppressing regions being formed by applying a polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization of 900 or more, or a polyvinyl alcohol whose 3% by weight aqueous solution exhibits a viscosity of 5 to 30 mPa·s as measured at 20° C.

Abstract: An applicator (10) to apply liquid (32) to hair. The liquid may be a dye or other hair treatment liquid. The applicator (10) has a handle (11) that is hollow so as to provide a chamber (12) to store the liquid (32). Fixed to the handle (11) is a stem (16) having a passage (20) that receives the liquid, while there is fixed to the stem (16) an applicator portion (23) having apertures (26) communicating with the passage (20) so the liquid may be delivered by the applicator (10).

Abstract: A nail manicure method and kit, comprising applying a protective coating to portions of the surface of a finger or toe nail where the application of nail polish is not desired, optionally manipulating the protective coating into a desired shape, and applying nail polish to regions not covered by the protective coating. Once the nail polish has at least partially dried, the protective coating is removed to reveal a surface of a nail with well defined regions of nail polish and the region covered by the protective coating. The protective coating is used to generate various customized designs by the user. The protective coating is manipulated by pushing or removing portions of the protective coating using a shaping object. The protective coating is removed by peeling or rubbing. The protective coating comprises rubber and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic clip rod for use not only as a rod for curling and fixing hair, but also for fixing hair wound on a heating rod to preventing evaporation of moisture from hair and damage to the scalp from heat. A cosmetic clip rod according to the present invention includes a cylindrical body having a space within in which another rod wound with hair can be disposed, and an outer surface for winding hair on; where the cylindrical body includes a first band portion having a semicircular cross sectional shape, and a second band portion having a semicircular cross sectional shape symmetrical to the first band portion and connected to the first band portion to open or close, for enclosing hair wound on another rod.

Abstract: A hair curler system is formed of unique hair rollers that are stored in a hair curler station. In one aspect, the hair rollers are at least partially conical in shape. The conically-shaped rollers broaden the ability of the rollers to curl and style the hair over non-conical rollers. The conically-shaped hot rollers also provide curl and wave dimension to the hair. The hair curler station is adapted to selectively control heating of the curlers or clips that secure curlers to hair.

Abstract: A method to clean the interproximal mesial and distal surfaces of a pair of adjacent teeth, as well as to clean the outer surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating nuclear plant surfaces, which have been contaminated with alpha emitters, is carried out subsequently to a decontamination process which is aimed at the removal of oxide layers. The surfaces are treated with an aqueous solution which contains a cationic or zwitterionic surfactant and oxalic acid. At least a part of the solution, after having acted on a surface, is conducted across an ion exchanger.

Abstract: A paint preparation tool (10) having a distal brush head (18) with a mode valve to switch between continuous spraying under low pressure and pulsed spraying under higher pressure' connected by a hollow tube to a proximal remote control element (14) capable of switching off liquid to the brush head (18), or supplying liquid cleaner solution to the brush head (18) at low pressure or supplying liquid under the higher pressure to the brush head (18) using a rotary spool valve in the control element to actuate the mode valve in the brush head (18). The brush head (18) has bristles for cleaning and a pair of rotating rotors to provide the pulsed spraying under higher pressure.

Abstract: The embodiments provide substrate cleaning techniques to remove contaminants from the substrate surface to improve device yield. The substrate cleaning techniques utilize a cleaning material with solid components and polymers with a large molecular weight dispersed in a cleaning liquid to form the cleaning material, which is fluidic. The solid components remove contaminants on the substrate surface by making contact with the contaminants. The polymers with large molecular weight form polymer chains and a polymeric network that capture and entrap solids in the cleaning materials, which prevent solids from falling on the substrate surface. In addition, the polymers can also assist in removing contaminants form the substrate surface by making contacts with contaminants on the substrate surface. In one embodiment, the cleaning material glides around protruding features on the substrate surface without making a forceful impact on the protruding features to damage them.

Abstract: A cleaning tool, comprising a first support member, an absorbent member disposed below the first support member; and a plurality of brush bristles which extend into the absorbent member. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning tool comprising a first support member and a second support member, an absorbent member disposed below the second support member, an elastic compressible substrate sandwiched between the first support member and the second support member; a plurality of brush bristles which extend into the absorbent member; and an adjusting mechanism for varying the position of the second support member relative to the first support member, such that the cleaning tips of the brush bristles can be inside, outside or coincident with the absorbent member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing a wash procedure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for optimizing a wash procedure. In a first embodiment, the system comprises: means for collecting a sample of fouling, the sample comprising one or more contaminates; means for identifying the one or more contaminates; and means for selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for optimizing a wash procedure. The method comprises: collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample comprises one or more contaminates; identifying the one or more contaminates; and selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine.

Abstract: A process system includes a plurality of processing modules each processing a substrate with a process liquid. There is disposed a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the process liquid to the vertically arranged modules. The dispensing mechanism is provided with a process liquid supply source, and pumps corresponding to the respective processing modules. Each pump temporarily stores therein the process liquid which has been pressure-fed through a riser piping from the process liquid supply source by a pressing apparatus, and delivers the process liquid from an outlet. There are disposed nozzles each having a discharge port and discharging the process liquid to the corresponding processing module. Delivery pipings connecting the outlets of the pumps with the discharge ports of the corresponding nozzles have identical length to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray drying system provided with a gas filtering system, which system is intended for use in the pharmaceutical industry for aseptic production of sterile pharmaceutical products or in other industries e.g. production of food, where an intake of sterile air for the drying process is necessary. The spray drying system for providing a particulate material comprises a spray drying chamber (3), after treatment equipment (4, 5) placed downstream of the spray drying chamber and a process gas heater (2) placed upstream in relation to the spray drying chamber (3), wherein an inlet filter (1) capable of removing microorganisms at a temperature below 140° C., is placed upstream of the process gas heater (2) and that the process gas heater (2) is a non-flaking heater.

Abstract: A method of introducing treatment fluid into containers to remove contaminants therefrom in a container filling plant, and an arrangement therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing multiple spray zones to different subportions of a silverware basket within the wash chamber of a dishwasher.

Abstract: A component recovery system, configured to refurbish components, includes a fluid feed tank, a refurbishment compartment having a fluid delivery element, a waste tank, fluid lines connecting the fluid feed tank to the fluid delivery element and the refurbishment compartment to the waste tank, and pumps for delivering fluid through the fluid lines. The component recovery system removes field contaminants, coatings and bonding compounds from components.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by a motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) to process used materials for input into a manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a housing (10) having a top surface (15) and providing a plurality of chambers arranged in descending order. A series of locations (20) are positioned under said top surface and through which used materials are to pass. Each said location being provided for receipt of a predetermined used material. A descending path (25) extends from each said location and provides for the transfer of used material from the respective location successively through the chambers. The chambers include a sensing chamber (30) downstream of said locations and having sensing means (35) operable to sense the composition of used material located within said sensing chamber. The sensing means being operable to activate an alarm if the used material has been placed by a user in an opening for receipt of a different material.

Abstract: An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid is associated with a dispenser assembly which is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is manually operated due to moveable engagement with the head portion as it travels along the path of travel. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that includes a hydraulic system and a top spray device that is disposed above a washing product basket such as a cutlery drawer. The top spray device can be supplied with a washing solution via the hydraulic system and has a rotatable spray head that is attached to the hydraulic system via a cage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning a support comprising: a casing, at least one cleaning-liquid spray means mounted on the casing, characterized in that it also comprises means for adjusting a distance between the spray means and the support.

Abstract: Provided is a connection structure for a parasol for connecting a parasol including a post and a sunshade to another parasol. The connection structure includes a set of first fixing units having fastening holes through which the posts are inserted to be fixed, a set of second fixing units opposite to the first fixing units and having fastening holes, a pair of connection units disposed between the first fixing units and the second fixing units, and a pair of connection parts having a pair of connection bars hinged to each other, the respective ends of the connection bars being hinged to the first fixing units, the second fixing units and the connection units such that the first fixing units, the second fixing units, and the connection units are connected to each other in a foldable manner, wherein the connection unit and the connection part are installed between the first fixing units and the second fixing units in plural.

Abstract: A safely operable handle device includes a grip shell coupled to a telescopic central shaft unit, a retained block releasably blocked so as to hold the umbrella in an opened state, a reel member rotatably mounted in the grip shell and biased by a coil spring, a cord reelable on the reel member and coupled to one of a top notch and the retained block, an actuator, and a unidirectional retaining mechanism. Upon application of a pressing force to telescopically fold the central shaft unit, and upon movement of the actuator in response to a stroke movement of a push button, the reel member turns in a counterclockwise direction to reel in the cord, and is prevented from turning in a clockwise direction so as to hold the central shaft unit in position to thereby avoid undesirable extension of the central shaft unit.

Abstract: A lightweight vertical attachment shield that forms a canopy like structure for protection from falling rain when the vertical attachment shield is attached underneath any conventional umbrella in an open arrangement. The vertical attachment shield is attached about the circumference of the conventional umbrella via spring-loaded plastic clips and elastic nooses. When attached to a conventional umbrella, the vertical attachment shield has a length that extends a few inches from the ground. The vertical attachment shield includes a clear view window, as well as vent and hand openings for added convenience and comfort for the user. Alternatively, the vertical shield attachment shield attaches to unique designed umbrella via snap buttons located around the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield and on the underside of the unique designed umbrella. A vertical umbrella stand is utilized to aid in assembling and disassembling the present invention.

Abstract: Assemblies and structures are disclosed having one or more collapsible panels that are positioned to cover a variety of objects, including but not limited to boxes, furniture items, lamps, clocks, doors and windows. The panels are provided to act as covers, shades, dividers, partitions or canopies.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a TEG module, in particular for a power source (10), comprising a space (14) at least partially delimited by walls (16), at least one thermoelectric generator (20) for the conversion of heat into electricity, in which at least one electrically insulated wall part is in thermally conducting contact with a first side (52) of the thermo-electric generator (20), and the second side (54) is in heat-exchanging connection with an electrically insulated discharge element (12) for discharging heat used by the thermoelectric generator, as well as electrical conductors connected to the first and second side respectively (52, 54) for the conduction of generated electricity, with thermally conducting pressure means for applying pressure to the said second side being provided between the second side (54) and the discharge element (12), the said means comprises a thermally conducting flexible container (50), which is filled with a pressure medium in a state of over-press

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element, a thermoelectric conversion module, and a method for producing a thermoelectric conversion element are provided, each of the element and the module having a low contact resistance between a p-type thermoelectric conversion material and an n-type thermoelectric conversion material and being capable of being used at high temperatures without deterioration due to oxidation. A p-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material is primarily made of a substance having a layered perovskite structure represented by the formula: A2BO4, wherein A includes at least La, and B represents at least one element including at least Cu. An n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material is primarily made of a substance having a layered perovskite structure represented by the formula: D2EO4, wherein D includes at least one of Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd, and E represents at least one element including at least Cu.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric material for intermediate- and low-temperature applications, in which any one or a mixture of two or more selected from among La, Sc and MM is added to a Ag-containing metallic thermoelectric material or semiconductor thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material has a low thermal diffusivity, a high Seebeck coefficient, a low specific resistivity, a high power factor and a low thermal conductivity, and thus has a high dimensionless figure of merit, thus showing very excellent thermoelectric properties. The thermoelectric material provide thermoelectric sensors having high sensitivity and low noise and, in addition, is widely used as a thermoelectric material for intermediate- and low-temperature applications, because it shows excellent thermoelectric performance in the intermediate- and low-temperature range.

Abstract: The method of connecting solar battery cells of the present invention is a method of connecting solar battery cells which are each provided with a front-face electrode on a front face thereof and a back-face electrode on a back face thereof, and comprises: a first process of preparing a wiring member including a strip-like conductive substrate and an adhesive layer provided on one face of the conductive substrate, and bonding the adhesive layer on one end portion of the wiring member with a front-face electrode or a back-face electrode of one solar battery cell; a second process of turning an other end portion of the wiring member having gone through the first process, around a central axis along a longitudinal direction thereof so that an adhesive layer surface of the other end portion is opposite in orientation to an adhesive layer surface of the one end portion; and a third process of bonding the adhesive layer of the other end portion of the wiring member having gone through the second process with an ele

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell module comprising: at least two dye-sensitized solar cells each formed by layering, on a light transmitting substrate, a transparent conductive layer, a grid electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer in which a dye is adsorbed in a porous semiconductor layer and the porous semiconductor layer is filled with a carrier transporting material, and a counter electrode, the at least two dye-sensitized solar cells being arranged on the same light transmitting substrate via an inter-cell insulating layer, one dye-sensitized solar cell and its neighboring dye-sensitized solar cell being connected in series via a connection layer.

Abstract: Organic photosensitive optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The devises are thin-film crystalline organic optoelectronic devices capable of generating a voltage when exposed to light, and prepared by a method including the steps of: depositing a first organic layer over a first electrode; depositing a second organic layer over the first organic layer; depositing a confining layer over the second organic layer to form a stack; annealing the stack; and finally depositing a second electrode over the second organic layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module (1) comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells (100), electrically interconnected to define a photo-active surface (2). The photovoltaic cells (100) being closed between a front covering layer (3a) and a back covering layer (3b) which are electrically insulating, the front covering layer (3a) being frontally covered by a frontal covering element (4) having a mechanical protection function for the photovoltaic cells (100). The back covering layer (3b) being posteriorly supported by a support element, the support element being a ceramic slab of a limited thickness.

Abstract: The electric conductor connecting member of this invention comprises a metal foil having a roughened surface on at least one main side, and an adhesive layer formed on the roughened surface of the metal foil.

Abstract: The use of rare-earth (RE and O, N, P) based materials to transition between two different semiconductor materials and enable up and/or down conversion of incident radiation is disclosed. Rare earth based oxides, nitrides and phosphides provide a wide range of lattice spacing enabling, compressive, tensile or stress-free lattice matching with Group IV, III-V, and Group II-VI compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a partially-transparent (see-through) three-dimensional thin film solar cell (3-D TFSC) substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell structure has the shape of a truncated pyramid, and its parameters may be varied to allow a desired portion of sunlight to pass through.

Abstract: A method for effectively collecting solar energy, including disposing solar panels substantially inter-facing each other, and reflecting sun light between inter-facing solar panels. A solar panel, including a first portion adapted to convert sun light into usable energy at a first optimal wavelength; and a second portion adapted to convert sun light into usable energy at a second optimal wavelength. A method for effectively collecting solar energy, including using a first portion of a first solar panel to partially convert a beam of sun light into usable energy, and partially reflect the beam of sun light into a second solar panel; and using the second solar panel to partially convert the reflected beam into collectable energy.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion of light into electrical power and to achieve operation at higher optical power and therefore higher electrical power. Preferred embodiments increase the efficiency of photovoltaic power conversion of any source of a beam of photons by spatially dividing the beams into a plurality of individual beamlets, each beamlet focusing on an active photovoltaic region. The preferred architecture of the apparatus of the invention comprises spatially separated photovoltaic cells to substantially match the pattern of the spatially separated plurality of beamlets. Preferred embodiments result in a significant reduction in ohmic losses and current shunting, thereby increasing photovoltaic conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: A light collection and concentration system includes a primary light concentrator, a light transport structure, and a light directing structure optically associated with the primary light concentrator. The system may include an optional secondary light concentrator. Each unit-system includes a plurality of the primary light concentrators and a respective plurality of the light directing structures, and only a single light transport structure. A photo-voltaic (PV) cell may advantageously be associated with each unit-system. Solar radiation is focused by the primary concentrators onto respective light directing structures incorporated in a low aspect ratio, sheet-type waveguide light transport structure. Each respective light directing structure intercepts the focused light and deflects it transversely to travel along the length of the light transport structure primarily via total internal reflection (TIR) towards an exit-end of the light transport structure, where it can be input to the PV cell.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus (100, 200) for and a method of using solar energy. To provide an alternative apparatus (100, 200) and an alternative method of using solar energy which structurally requires less complication and expenditure and which is favourable in provision and operation, in accordance with the invention there is proposed an apparatus (100, 200) comprising a target (50) and reflectors (10, 12, 210) for deflecting solar rays on to the target (50) and a corresponding method, wherein the reflectors (10, 12, 210) are respectively pivotable about an axis (20, 220) for tracking in accordance with the azimuth of the sun (30) in the course of a day, wherein the axis (20, 220) is a component part of an axis arrangement (70, 270) which is inclinable for tracking in accordance with the midday height of the sun (30) in the course of a year. If necessary it is possible to achieve continuous focusing of the system by simple mechanical compensating mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting sunlight includes a primary focus reflector, a secondary parallelization reflector, and a connection mechanism. The primary focus reflector has an inner rounded surface, an outer plane formed on an edge of the inner rounded surface, and a through-hole formed at a center of the inner rounded surface. The primary focus reflector collects sunlight on a focus in front of the inner rounded surface. The secondary parallelization reflector is disposed near the focus in front of the primary focus reflector and reflects the sunlight, having been reflected by the primary focus reflector towards the through-hole as parallel light. The connection mechanism connects the secondary parallelization reflector to the primary focus reflector to be secured near the focus. The apparatus further includes a power generation module disposed behind the reflectors. The apparatus has improved light collection and power generation efficiency.

Abstract: A semitransparent collector generates electrical and thermal energy exclusively from solar radiant energy. In the collector, a semitransparent photovoltaic module that forms the top part of the collector as well as a solar thermal module which forms the bottom part of the collector and is not mechanically connected to the photovoltaic module are disposed in a common housing. An insulating space which allows thermal radiation to penetrate while preventing convective heat loss is arranged between the modules. The collector is closed in the direction of irradiation by way of a transparent support.

Abstract: An interconnector includes a strip-shaped and electrically conductive member electrically connecting respective electrodes of adjacent solar cells, the conductive member includes a plurality of planar stress relief parts and the stress relief parts are formed at equal pitches. With this structure, a stress due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the interconnector and the solar cell is uniformly alleviated, so that the warp occurring to the solar cell is reduced and the reliability of the connection between the interconnector and the solar cell is improved.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (“PV”) array includes a plurality of interconnected PV modules. A PV array perimeter assembly may be positioned along the perimeter of the PV array to restrain horizontal movement of the array. For improved wind performance, the PV array perimeter assembly may include curbs that come with pre-attached flexible wind deflectors configured to prevent wind from penetrating underneath the PV array. The flexible wind deflectors may be made of a flexible membrane and may include water drainage holes to allow water to flow out of the PV array. The curbs do not necessarily have to be fixedly attached to a rooftop, and may include ballasts to prevent array movement. Embodiments of the invention may be employed on PV arrays installed on flat rooftops, and are especially advantageous when used on uneven roof surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic solar panel with improved efficiency and the output of such panel can be AC. The panel can comprise a hermetically sealed space which comprises a first sheet, multiple energy conversion cells divided into groups, an access matrix and a second sheet. The access matrix can provide electrical access to individual or groups of energy conversion cells from locations outside the panel. Through the access matrix, a power module can be connected to individual energy conversion cells or groups of the cells to optimize the power generation efficiency. Also disclosed are method of making such a panel. Further disclosed is a photovoltaic power generation system comprising at least one such photovoltaic solar panel.

Abstract: A hyperbranched semiconductor nanocrystal particle, which includes a first arm, where the first arm has an intermediate portion and opposing terminal portions, and a second arm, extending from the intermediate portion of the first arm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell by providing a first semiconductor substrate and depositing a first sequence of layers of semiconductor material to form a first solar subcell, including a first bond layer disposed on the top of the first sequence of layers. A second semiconductor substrate is provided, and on the top surface of the second substrate a second sequence of layers of semiconductor material is deposited forming at least a second solar subcell. A second bond layer is disposed on the top of said second sequence of layers. The first solar subcell is mounted on top of the second solar subcell by joining the first bond layer to the second bond layer in an ultra high vacuum chamber, and the first semiconductor substrate is removed.

Abstract: A process for producing a photovoltaic device having a high conversion efficiency with improved productivity. The process for producing a photovoltaic device includes an n-layer formation step of depositing an n-layer composed of crystalline silicon on a substrate disposed inside a deposition chamber under reduced pressure conditions by heating the substrate with a heating device to convert the substrate to a heated state, supplying a raw material gas to the inside of the deposition chamber, and then supplying power to a discharge electrode positioned opposing the substrate, wherein the n-layer formation step comprises depositing the n-layer with the pressure inside the deposition chamber set to not less than 500 Pa and not more than 1,000 Pa, and the distance between the substrate and the discharge electrode set to not less than 6 mm and not more than 12 mm.

Abstract: Methods for forming solar cells include forming, over a substrate, a first junction comprising at least one III-V material and having a threading dislocation density of less than approximately 107 cm?2, and forming, over the first junction, a cap layer comprising silicon, wherein the substrate consists essentially of silicon.