Abstract: A solar cell having an open loop voltage that approaches a critical voltage range when exposed to light. A circuit, connected to the solar cell, is configured to load the solar cell when the open loop voltage of the solar cell reaches a threshold within a predetermined range of the critical voltage range.

Abstract: A construction method of solar battery modules by which solar battery modules are fixed using a fixing member, including: connecting a first frame body of a solar battery module between a pedestal and a to-be connected portion on a side opposite to a side of a plate-like portion extending outward farther than the pedestal with respect to an axis of the fixing member; sliding the fixing member to a position of a structural member such as a rafter along the first frame body; fixing the fixing member to a support member by the plate-like portion extending outward farther than the pedestal; and connecting a first frame body of a second solar battery module different from the first solar battery module between the pedestal and the to-be connected portion on a side identical to a side of the plate-like portion extending outward farther than the pedestal with respect to the axis.

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 favorable 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: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing an electrical energy system. A specific embodiment can incorporate at least one energy harvesting module (H-module), at least one energy storage module (S-module), and at least one power electronic circuit module (C-module). The various modules can be integrated into a standard battery configuration. Specific embodiments pertain to a reconfigurable energy system with modules that can be disconnected and reconnected into different shapes and configurations.

Abstract: An improved design for maintaining separation between electrodes in tunneling, diode, thermionic, thermophotovoltaic and other devices is disclosed. At least one electrode is made from flexible material. A magnetic field is present to combine with the current flowing in the flexible electrode and generate a force that counterbalances the electrostatic force or other attracting forces between the electrodes. The balancing of forces allows separation and parallelism between the electrodes to be maintained at a very small spacing without requiring the use of multiple control systems, actuators, or other manipulating means, or spacers. The shape of one or both electrodes is designed to maintain a constant separation over the entire overlapping area of the electrodes.

Abstract: In growing a single-crystal silicon by the present invention in a Czochralski method, after a surface of a silicon melt is brought into contact with a seed crystal in a crucible, the silicon melt being added with germanium, the single-crystal silicon is pulled while rotated, and the solar-cell single-crystal silicon substrate is sliced from the single-crystal silicon containing germanium, whereby a germanium content of solar-cell single-crystal silicon substrate is set in the range of not less than 0.03 mole % to less than 1.0 mole % when resistivity ranges from 1.4 to 1.9 ?cm. Therefore, conversion efficiency is enhanced when compared with conventional single-crystal silicon substrates. Accordingly, solar cell power generation costs decreases, so that the single-crystal silicon of the present invention can widely be utilized as the substrate for the solar cell in which the high conversion efficiency is increasingly demanded.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of the photovoltaic device includes a multi-layered transparent conductive coating which is sputter-deposited on a textured surface of a patterned glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, a maximum transmission area of the substantially transparent conductive front electrode is located under a peak area of a quantum efficiency (QE) curve of the photovoltaic device and a light source spectrum used to power the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A composite of a base and an array of needle-like crystals formed on the surface of the base is provided, in which the base side and the opposite side to the base with respect to the array can be isolated in a satisfactory manner. A composite 10 includes a transparent electrode 2 serving as the base, an array 4 of needle-like crystals 3 formed thereon, and a coating film 15 covering the surface of the needle-like crystals 3. The needle-like crystals 3 are made of, for example, zinc oxide, and the coating film 15 contains, for example, titanium oxide. The array 4 includes a first region R1 on the transparent electrode 2 side and a second region R2 on the opposite side to the transparent electrode 2 with respect to the first region R1.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymeric composition with photovoltaic properties comprises a step of blending, in a solvent, at least one electron donor type semiconductor polymeric material essentially in the form of nanofibrils and at least one electron acceptor type material in the solvent, said nanofibrils representing at least 10% by weight of the electron donor type semiconductor polymeric material, to polymeric compositions with photovoltaic properties, and to photovoltaic cells incorporating such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells are produced by depositing spaced-apart parallel pads of a first dopant bearing material (e.g., boron) on a substrate, heating the substrate to both diffuse the first dopant into corresponding first (e.g., p+) diffusion regions and to form diffusion barriers (e.g., borosilicate glass) over the first diffusion regions, and then disposing the substrate in an atmosphere containing a second dopant (e.g., phosphorus) such that the second dopant diffuses through exposed surface areas of the substrate to form second (e.g., n+) diffusion regions between the first (p+) diffusion regions (the diffusion barriers prevent the second dopant from diffusion into the first (p+) diffusion regions). The substrate material along each interface between adjacent first (p+) and second (n+) diffusion regions is then removed (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a novel dye for a photoelectric device and a photoelectric device comprising the dye. More particularly, the dye for a photoelectric device incorporates different quaternary ammoniums into a carboxyl or phosphoric acid-substituted bipyridyl ligand of the dye, and a photoelectric device comprising the same. The dye for a photoelectric device as disclosed herein exhibits improved photosensitivity and light absorbing characteristics, thereby making it possible to fabricate a highly efficient photoelectric device when the dye is included in the device.

Abstract: A method of growing a thin film comprises growing a thin film by conformally forming at least one layer over a substrate having structures extending from a surface of the substrate, whereby the or each layer is formed over the surface of the substrate and over the structures extending from the surface. The thickness of the conformal layer, or the sum of the thicknesses of the conformal layers, is at least half the average spacing of the structures, and; at least one of the height of the structures, the average spacing of the structures and the size of the smallest dimension of the structures is set so as to provide an enhanced growth rate for the or each conformal layer (compared to the growth rate over a planar substrate).

Abstract: A light concentrator is described, for a device for the conversion of solar radiation into electrical, thermal or chemical energy, capable of conveying the radiation towards a surface of the conversion device. The concentrator comprises at least one portion of Fresnel lens of rotational symmetry, one face of which has a plurality of crests disposed concentrically about a center so as to form a segmented transverse profile of the portion of Fresnel lens. The profile is formed in such a manner that the focal distance of the Fresnel lens is variable in dependence on the radial distance from the center of the lens. The variation of the focal distance is determined such that, when the Fresnel lens is illuminated by polychromatic radiation, the superposition of the distributions of irradiance, produced by the lens at the individual wavelengths constituting the spectrum of the incident radiation, generates a substantially uniform distribution of polychromatic irradiance on the conversion device.

Abstract: A solar cell includes: a photoelectric conversion part having a concave and convex profile in a light receiving surface thereof; and a protective layer 10 which is provided to cover the concave and convex profile, and which includes particles therein. In a cross section, in parallel with an incident direction of light, of the protective layer 10, the number of the particles 11 contained in a second region is smaller than the number of particles 11 contained in a first region. The first region is centered at a concave portion of the concave and convex profile, and has a unit length, while the second region is centered at a convex portion of the concave and convex profile, and has the unit length.

Abstract: Photoactive materials made from Group IV semiconductor nanoparticles dispersed in an inorganic oxide matrix and methods for making the photoactive materials are provided. In some instances, the nanoparticles are functionalized with organosilanes to provide nanoparticle-organosilane compounds. The photoactive materials may be formed by subjecting the nanoparticles or nanoparticle compounds to a sol-gel process. The photoactive materials are well-suited for use in devices which convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, including photovoltaic devices, photoconductors, and photodetectors.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating solar cells comprises preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a photovoltaic semiconductor while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the photovoltaic semiconductor with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thin-film compound solar cell having an n-type buffer layer formed therein for providing a heterojunction with a p-type compound semiconductor light absorbing layer formed on a back electrode by applying a chemical bath deposition (CBD) process using an aqueous solution for dipping the light absorbing layer to deposit particles on the surface thereof. In this process, the temperature of the solution is controlled from low to high to increase sizes of the particles to be deposited on the light absorbing layer so as to form the buffer layer which possesses a high optical transmittance, tight adherence to the light absorbing layer and conformity with the transparent electrode formed thereon even if it would be made of InS material generally possessing a small bandgap and hard to pass light of short wavelengths.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to solar panels to generate electrical energy. In particular, solar panels configured to efficiently receive scattered light are disclosed.

Abstract: A photoelectric electrode capable of absorbing light energy is provided. The photoelectric electrode at least includes a conductive substrate, one or more semiconductor particle-containing film with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) skeleton.

Abstract: A solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system that tracks movements of the sun along at least one axis may have a plurality of reflector panels, a support structure that supports the reflector panels in a manner that defines a pair of adjacent reflector troughs, each trough having a base, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the solar energy collection system, a frame that is coupled to the support structure near the bases of the troughs to define a closed reflector support truss framework in cooperation with the support structure, wherein the reflector support truss framework is positioned behind the reflector troughs such that the reflector support truss framework does not shadow the reflector panels during normal operation of the solar energy collector, and a plurality of solar receivers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement having at least one solar cell, which is formed by a first sequence of differently doped layers (1, 2, 11, 12) on a substrate (6, 16), and at least one bypass diode, which is connected to the solar cell, particularly in a monolithic, series-connected solar module. The arrangement is characterized in that the bypass diode is formed by a second sequence of layers (4, 5, 13, 14), which is arranged between the substrate (6, 16) and the first layer sequence (1, 2, 11, 12). With the proposed arrangement monolithic, series-connected solar modules can be formed at a very low loss of active receiving surface, the solar cells of which are protected by bypass diodes.

Abstract: A solar energy concentrator system includes a supporting structure and a plurality of solar modules coupled to the supporting structure. Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors. The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell providing two axis concentration. The supporting structure is rotatably connected to a plurality of support members and aligned to allow the supporting structure to rotate about a polar axis. A plurality of optical trusses is connected to the plurality of solar modules and rotatably connected to the supporting structure to allow the plurality of solar modules to be rotated about a declination axis to track a motion of the sun through seasons of the year.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a diffusing agent composition used in printing an impurity-diffusing component onto a semiconductor substrate, wherein the diffusing agent composition contains: a hydrolysis product of alkoxysilane (A); a component (B) containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydrolysis product of alkoxy titanium, a hydrolysis product of alkoxy zirconium, titania fine particle, and zirconia fine particle; an impurity-diffusing component (C); and an organic solvent (D).

Abstract: A process of producing a solar battery module having plural solar battery cells sealed by a resin between a transparent panel of the light reception surface side and a back face panel, including arranging plural solar battery cells at a prescribed interval and mutually connecting them to each other by a conductor; arranging a first sealing resin sheet between the transparent panel and the solar battery cells; arranging a second sealing resin sheet between the back face panel and the solar battery cells; arranging sealing resin sheet pieces between the solar battery cells to sandwich them in-between the first and second sealing resin sheets; discharging air between the transparent panel and the back face panel; heating the resin for melting; and cooling the resin for sealing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact solar module (CSM) apparatus and a method of producing electricity using such an apparatus in residential buildings for example. One embodiment of the module is made of two arrays of 2×4 solar cells. Each cell in the array has a surface area of 36 square inches for example. Each array covers an area of 1×2 square ft, generating 26.4 Watts of electricity. One CSM of this embodiment consists of 2×8 sub-CSMs, generating a total of 422.24 Watts, and having the assembled dimension of 27.5?×21?×7.6?. The compact feature of solar module relies on sunray transmission to the solar cells and their remote illumination through optical fibers and sets of concave and convex mirrors & lenses. Sunrays are collected and concentrated and condensed on the optical fiber bundles installed in light guides penetrating through a roof top and tracks sunrays during sunrays.

Abstract: In order to form a metal thin film, a silicide film, or the like between an upper-layer unit cell and a lower-layer unit cell in stacked-layer photoelectric conversion devices, a step of forming the thin film is additionally needed. Therefore, a problem such as decline in productivity of the photoelectric conversion devices occurs. A first unit cell including a single crystal semiconductor layer with a thickness of 10 ?m or less as a photoelectric conversion layer and a second unit cell including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer as a photoelectric conversion layer, which is provided over the first unit cell, are at least included, and conductive clusters are dispersed between the unit cells. The conductive clusters are located between the lower-layer unit cell and the upper-layer unit cell to form an ohmic contact; thus, current flows between the both unit cells.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell containing glass powder and a method of manufacturing the same. The dye-sensitized solar cell is composed of a counter electrode obtained by forming a conductive light-transmitting layer on a light-transmitting material and then depositing a platinum catalyst layer on the conductive light-transmitting layer, a photoelectrode obtained by forming a conductive light-transmitting layer on a light-transmitting material, applying a mixture of transition metal oxide and glass powder on the conductive light-transmitting layer and then adsorbing a dye in the mixture, and an electrolyte solution between the counter electrode and the photoelectrode, the mixture layer of the photoelectrode containing 0.01˜20 wt % of glass powder based on the total weight of the mixture.

Abstract: This invention deals with the general topic of adaptive non-imaging tracking of the sun. A transmission-mode electro-optical system is presented for solar energy tracking and collection. The scale of the system may range from small portable systems to large-scale industrial power plants used for the production of environmentally benign energy. It maybe integrated directly into buildings and other platforms without the need for heliostats to hold photovoltaic cells or other energy conversion devices above the building or other host platform. It makes solar energy harvesting systems practical by allowing the separation of tracking, collection, concentration, aggregation, distribution, and energy conversion. This novel system is unique and distinct from other sun tracking and energy conversion systems because it allows adaptive solid-state electronics to be used in place of conventional mechanical tracking heliostats.

Abstract: A portable PV modular solar generator. A plurality of wheels are attached to the bottom of a rechargeable battery container. At least one rechargeable battery is contained inside the rechargeable battery container. A power conditioning panel is connected to the rechargeable battery container. At least one photovoltaic panel is pivotally connected. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery container is a waterproof battery enclosure having a knife switch connection. A mast having a rotation bar is supported by the waterproof battery enclosure. At least one solar panel support brace for supporting the photovoltaic panel is attached to the rotation bar. The power conditioning panel is waterproof, is attached to the mast and has a door. When the door is opened, at least one safety switch is opened, breaking an electric circuit. The waterproof power conditioning panel has a charge controller and an inverter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes providing a substrate, depositing a first electrode comprising an alkali-containing transition metal layer over the substrate, depositing at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer over the first electrode, wherein the p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material, depositing an n-type semiconductor layer over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and depositing a second electrode over the n-type semiconductor layer. The step of depositing the alkali-containing transition metal layer includes sputtering from a first target comprising the transition metal and a second target comprising the alkali metal, where a composition of the first target is different from a composition of the second target.

Abstract: A silicon-based photovoltaic cell is disclosed having a red light conversion layer that absorbs ultraviolet rays, blue-purple or yellow-green light of the Sun's solar radiation and converts the absorption into a red, dark red and near infrared subband radiation. The maximum value of the solar radiation absorbed by the red light conversion layer is ?=470˜490 nm, and the maximum value of the photoluminescent spectrum of the red light conversion layer is within the photosensitive spectral zone of said single-crystal silicon substrate ?=700˜900 nm, i.e., in conformity with the optimal sensitivity area of silicon-based solar cells. The red light conversion layer has filled therein an ethyl acetoacetate or polycarbonate-based light-transmissive polymer that has evenly distributed therein a phosphor composed of ?-Al2O3—Ti2O3, having a quantum efficiency of 90%.

Abstract: This invention includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by depositing a precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry onto the substrate and converting the deposited precursor into a photovoltaic absorber material. This invention further includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by (a) providing a polymeric precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry; (b) providing a substrate; (c) depositing the precursor onto the substrate; and (d) heating the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel organometallic compounds which are phosphorescent emitters. Such compounds can be used as active components (=functional materials) in a variety of different applications which can in the widest sense be considered part of the electronics industry. The compounds of the invention are described by the formulae (I), (Ia), (II) and (IIa).

Abstract: A two-axis solar tracker is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. The solar tracker includes a solar array, a frame, a base, a pivot frame, and a first and second actuator. The solar array is mounted to the frame and captures sunlight. The base is pivotally connected to the frame and defines a pivot axis for elevational movement of the solar array. The pivot frame is also pivotally connected to the frame and defines a pivot axis for azimuthal movement of the solar array. The first actuator controls elevational movement of the solar array and the second actuator controls azimuthal movement of the solar array. The solar tracker is pivotable between a raised position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A junction box adapted to protect soldered electrical connections between outputs and cables wherein the connections are on a flat surface (e.g. the backing sheet of a solar module) and a method for installing the box over the connections. The junction box can have a split housing that can be spread to fit over the cables before filling the housing with a sealant which, in turn, covers and protects the connections. A separate cover is then latched onto the housing.

Abstract: An object is to efficiently measure the resistivity of a transparent conductive film with high accuracy in a non-destructive and non-contact manner.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient includes a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow, a patient interface configured to interface with the patient, a connection system connected between the gas delivery system and the patient interface and configured to communicate the gas flow to the patient interface for delivery to the patient, and a sensor system remote from the gas delivery system and connected to at least one of the patient interface and the connection system. The sensor system may include a sensor for measuring a parameter, one or more actuators, and a power supply based on a turbine configured to be driven by the gas flow and an electrical generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electricity.

Abstract: The embodiments described are directed to a solar board having an elongated base for supporting the weight of one or more riders. The elongated based includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a tail, and a nose. A solar cell component disposed between the nose and the tail and proves electricity to a heating component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device having excellent environmental durability and good adhesion with a collector electrode made of metal paste. The photovoltaic device comprises an ITO film on a p-type amorphous silicon hydride film on a light incident side of the photovoltaic device and a collector electrode made of silver paste on the ITO film. A silicon oxide insulation film made of SiOx is provided on at least regions on the ITO film where the collector electrode is not formed. The thickness of the silicon oxide insulation film is about 1 to 10 times thicker than an arithmetic mean deviation (Ra) of the underlying ITO film. The silicon oxide insulation film is a film having a Si-2p peak with a full width at half maximum of 2.45 or less, which is evaluated by an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a chalcopyrite-type thin film solar cell includes a first step of forming onto a Mo electrode layer 2 a precursor including an In metal layer and a Cu—Ga alloy layer by sputtering, a second step of attaching an alkali-metal solution onto the precursor, a selenization step of subjecting the substrate 1 which has undergone both the first and the second steps to a selenization treatment, and a transparent electrode forming step of depositing an optically transparent conductive layer. As the alkali-metal solution, an aqueous solution of an alkali metal compound, such as sodium tetraborate, sodium sulfide, and sodium aluminum sulfate, can be used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel dye for use in a photoelectronic device, wherein the photoelectronic device is comprised of a photoanode comprising the dye. According to the novel dye, the dye is derived through the introduction of a group which narrows the dihedral angle of the dye ligand as well as through the introduction of conjugated groups. Since the dye has improved light sensitivity and absorption properties, it can be used to fabricate a photoelectronic device with high power conversion efficiency.

Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic cell, which comprises: a photo-electric conversion layer having a front surface and a rear surface, and a reflection layer provided on the rear surface of the photo-electric conversion layer, wherein the reflection layer includes plural types of transparent layers having different refractive indices and alternately stacked and, when light is incident from the front surface of the photo-electric conversion layer, reflects a part of the incident light having a predetermined wavelength back into the photo-electric conversion layer.

Abstract: The present invention uses lithographically patterned graphite stacks as the basic building elements of an efficient and economical photovoltaic cell. The basic design of the graphite-based photovoltaic cells includes a plurality of spatially separated graphite stacks, each comprising a plurality of vertically stacked, semiconducting graphene sheets (carbon nanoribbons) bridging electrically conductive contacts.

Abstract: Electronic protection unit comprising a control unit and a main and auxiliary power supply stage to supply electrical power to said control unit. The auxiliary power supply stage comprises electronic means suitable to generate an auxiliary power supply voltage, in response to a light radiation received in input. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process to manage an electronic protection unit of a power line, in emergency condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting ultraviolet (UV) light into electricity is disclosed. It includes a UV-light-into-electricity conversion device and an electricity storage. The welding operation zone has a welding apparatus for welding a workpiece. This welding apparatus generates strong UV light during a welding operation. The UV-light-into-electricity conversion device can absorb the UV light and then convert into electricity. Finally, the electricity storage stores the electricity generated by the UV-light-into-electricity conversion device. Hence, it can convert the harmful UV light into useable electricity. The entire structure of this invention is simple. In addition, it is suitable for a fixed operation zone or a movable operation zone during a welding operation.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor fine material such as a semiconductor fine particle sensitized with a dye carried thereon, characterized in that the dye is a methine type dye having a specific partial structure, for example, a methine type dye having a specific carboxyl-substituted hetero ring on one side of a methine group and an aromatic residue substituted with a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group, or a methine type dye having a carboxyl-substituted aromatic ring on one side of a methine group and a heteroaromatic ring having a dialkylamino group or an organic metal complex residue on the other side of the methine group; and a solar cell using the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element exhibits a conversion efficiency comparable or superior to that of a conventionally known photoelectric conversion element sensitized with a methine type dye.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a means to use light manipulation in engineered or structured coatings for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management. Such metallic, nonmetallic, organic or inorganic metamaterials or nanostructures could be used to manipulate light or energy for thermal or photothermal effects and/or refractive and reflective index management on or in any material or substrate on or in any material or substrate. The light scattering properties of metallic particles and film can be used to tune such coatings, structures or films over a broad spectrum.

Abstract: Coated substrates and methods for coating substrates, for example, a self-assembly method, disclosed herein are useful for, for example, photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.