Abstract: A solar sail includes a bus and a plurality of separate movable vanes coupled to the bus. Each movable vane includes a reflective surface for generating solar radiation pressure and propel the solar sail in space. Each vane may be movable relative to the bus in a fully deployed configuration such that an amount of thrust generated by solar radiation pressure on each vane is controllable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition through which a laminate which is aesthetically excellent is formed by exhibiting a blue-based color, which is a general window color, and through which a laminate having high visible light transmittance and an excellent thermochromic property is formed while enabling mass production, and the present disclosure further provides a laminate formed through the above composition and a window including the laminate.

Abstract: A method may include thinning a silicon wafer to a particular thickness. The particular thickness may be based on a passband frequency spectrum of an adjustable optical filter. The method may also include covering a surface of the silicon wafer with an optical coating. The optical coating may filter an optical signal and may be based on the passband frequency spectrum. The method may additionally include depositing a plurality of thermal tuning components on the coated silicon wafer. The plurality of thermal tuning components may adjust a passband frequency range of the adjustable optical filter by adjusting a temperature of the coated silicon wafer. The passband frequency range may be within the passband frequency spectrum. The method may include dividing the coated silicon wafer into a plurality of silicon wafer dies. Each silicon wafer die may include multiple thermal tuning components and may be the adjustable optical filter.

Abstract: A general purpose image and visual effects display apparatus, with associated methods, which is comprised of an array of independently angled reflective or refractive elements wherein the varying angle pattern of each element across said array is designed to reflect or refract specifically designed light and color sources as well as fortuitously located existing colors, in precisely determined patterns, to make apparent to designated viewing or receiving locations a wide range of complex visual effects.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating aperture protection. In one example, a system for facilitating aperture protection is provided. The system includes an optical limiter device. The optical limiter device includes a thermochromic material and a plurality of nanostructures, where each of the nanostructures is in contact with a portion of the thermochromic material. At least a subset of the nanostructures is configured to receive incident light and generate heat in response to the incident light. At least a portion of the thermochromic material is configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to the heat and block the incident light when the portion is in the second state. The portion is configured to transition from the second state back to the first state when the portion cools, such as upon removal of the incident light. Related methods and products are also provided.

Abstract: A passive radiative thermostat (PRT) is provided. The PRT comprises a phase-change part comprising a thermochromic phase change material; and a wavelength-selector part designed to create electromagnetic resonances in a wavelength range. The wavelength range may include the visible range, the near-infrared range, or the mid-infrared range. The wavelength-selector part may include an electromagnetic cavity resonator or an electromagnetic plasmonic resonator. Further, the phase-change part may include a thermochromic film; and the wavelength-selector part may include a dielectric spacer.

Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a movable portion, a fixed portion, a driving assembly, and a support element. The movable portion is used for connecting to an optical element having a main axis. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is disposed on the fixed portion or the movable portion. The driving assembly is used to drive the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion is connected to the fixed portion through the support element.

Abstract: Described are several embodiments of parabolic reflective antenna systems where rigid parabolic dishes based on shape memory materials are deployed to full size and shape from compact pre-folded preforms by application of heat. Several shape memory feeds working with the dishes are presented. Feed preforms include corrugated, telescopic and flattened ribbon types which extend or unfurl into final shapes upon application of heat. Several dish and feed embodiments also contain supports for secondary reflectors and patch antennas.

Abstract: A tunable spectral filter comprising a phase change material is incorporated into a multilayered dielectric structure. The dielectric permittivity, and thus the filter properties, of the structure can be modified by producing a change in the phase change material, e.g., causing a metal-insulator transition. By controllably causing such a change in the dielectric permittivity of the phase change material, the spectral transmittance and reflectance of the structure, and thus its filter properties, can be modified to provide a predetermined transmittance or reflectance of electromagnetic radiation incident on the structure. In preferred embodiments, the phase change material layer is a vanadium dioxide (VO2) film formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Abstract: Optical switch and modulator devices are described, usable for Terahertz data communication rates. The device comprising an optically transmissive substrate configured for propagating electromagnetic radiation therethrough and a metamaterial arrangement optically coupled to said substrate. The metamaterial arrangement comprises at least one layer of metamaterial particles optically coupled to at least some portion of said optically transmissive substrate, and at least one nanomesh layer made of at least one electrically conducting material placed over at least some portion of the at least one metamaterial layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multilayer data medium (1), in which method: a multilayer data medium, including at least one transparent security layer (16), and at least one marking layer (17), sensitive to electromagnetic-marking radiation (5), are selected; the transparent security layer (16) includes at least one semi-transparent printed image including at least one thermochromic dye; at least one marking (30) is made using the electromagnetic-marking radiation, through the printed image; the semi-transparent printed image reveals, in a first state referred to as the inactivated state, at least one semi-transparent visible pattern that makes it possible, after the marking step, to view the marking (30) through the image, the pattern not being visible in a second state, referred to as the activated state. The invention also relates to a multilayer data medium (1).

Abstract: An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a diamond waveguide disposed on a substrate. The substrate includes a dielectric material. A tuner is to extend from the substrate, and is disposed at least in part over the waveguide. The tuner includes a tuner electrode to control a variable distance between the tuner and the waveguide to vary an effective refractive index of the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical communication switch, an optical controlling method, an array substrate and a display device are provided, the optical communication switch including: a first substrate and a second substrate opposite thereto; a first optical medium layer formed therebetween by a phase-change material, which has a first refractive index in a first state in which light rays implement one of an optical path state and an optical drop state, and a second refractive index in a second state in which light rays implement the other one of the optical path state and the optical drop state; a second optical medium layer also formed therebetween and in contact with the first optical medium layer by abutting against it closely, the second optical medium layer having a refractive index matching the first or second refractive index; and a heating device enabling the phase-change material to switch between the first and second states.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to display device (1, 1a d), comprising a set of pixels, each having a layer structure (2, 2c, 2d) that includes: a bi-stable, phase change material (10), or bi-stable PCM, having at least two reversibly switchable states, in which the PCM exhibits two different values of refractive index and/or optical absorption; and a heating element (17, 17c, 17d), electrically insulated from the PCM (10) and in thermal communication with the PCM (10) in the layer structure (2, 2c, 2d). The display device further comprises a set of nonlinear, monostable resistive switching elements (21), each in electrical communication with the heating element (17, 17c, 17d) of one of the pixels.

Abstract: Plasmonic gratings, along with methods of creating devices using width-graded plasmonic gratings are described. Plasmonic gratings may be transmission-type or closed-ended plasmonic gratings, and may be disposed on detectors to enhance the spectral range detection of the detectors or in further device architectures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices that include a perovskite, where, when a first condition is met, at least a portion of the perovskite is in a first phase that substantially transmits light, when a second condition is met, at least a portion of the perovskite is in a second phase that substantially absorbs light, and the perovskite is reversibly switchable between the first phase and the second phase by reversibly switching between the first condition and the second condition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film which has thermochromic properties that a near-infrared light shielding ratio can be controlled according to temperature environment and which has a low haze and has excellent crack resistance and adhesiveness even when the optical film is used over a long period of time, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: There is disclosed in one example a communication system, including: a data transmission interface; and a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) silicon laser source to provide modulated data on a carrier laser via the data transmission interface, the WDM laser including a single laser cavity to generate an internally multiplexed multi-wavelength laser, the single laser cavity including a filter having a first grating period to generate a first wavelength and a second grating period to generate a second wavelength, the second grating period superimposed on the first grating period.

Abstract: Radiation field amplifier system for a radiation field with a wave length L comprising a first optical device, a second optical device, an amplifying unit and a heat dissipation system, said radiation field penetrates said first optical device, said amplifying unit and said second optical device in this order and at least one of said optical devices is part of said heat dissipation system, said optical devices act birefringently on said radiation field and said amplifying unit alters a polarization of said radiation field such that a depolarization of said radiation field occurring in said first optical device is essentially compensated by a depolarization of said radiation field occurring in said second optical device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, on an electronic payment device, a radio frequency signal from a mobile electronic device. The radio frequency signal is used to control an activation of an electric current to one or more color producing components on the electronic payment device. The electric current is transmitted to the one or more color producing components. The one or more color producing components display a color when the electric current is transmitted to the color producing components.

Abstract: A mask array apparatus includes a monolithic structure that includes a substrate layer transmissive for at least a portion of an infrared wavelength band and an array of individually addressed pixel structures. Each pixel structure is in stacked relation above or below the substrate layer, and includes at least one micro-plate heating element layer, circuitry, and at least one phase change material (PCM) element. The heating element layer is transmissive for the wavelength band, and has switchable on and off states configured to produce temperature changes. The circuitry is configured to individually address the heating element layer, separately from heating element layers in other pixel structures, to switch the heating element layer between the on and off states. The PCM is in stacked relation above or below the heating element layer and configured to change transmissive states in the wavelength band in response to the temperature changes.

Abstract: A biosensor device including a metal layer, a transparent substrate layer, and a dielectric layer, wherein the metal layer includes a plurality of sub-wavelength apertures, and wherein the dielectric layer is located between the metal layer and the transparent substrate layer to form a spectrally isolated and well-defined optical transmission resonance through the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) phenomenon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an atmospheric electromagnetic radiation path modifying element (40) operative to simulate a physical optical device, the method comprising applying electromagnetic radiation to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions (12—FIG. 3) of an atmospheric volume (10) so as to heat and/or ionize the air within said portions, wherein said selected portions are spatially located together in a substantially unbroken three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device includes an etched body comprising a buried metal contact layer on a top surface of a semiconductor structure, which comprises one or more semiconductor layers. The buried metal contact layer includes an arrangement of holes therein. A plurality of nanopillar structures protrude from the top surface of the semiconductor structure and pass through the arrangement of holes. Each nanopillar structure is surrounded at a base thereof by a portion of the buried metal contact layer. When the etched body is exposed to incident radiation having a wavelength in the range from about 300 nm to about 10 microns, at least about 50% of the incident radiation is transmitted through the etched body at a peak transmission wavelength ?max.

Abstract: Embodiments for environmental control of a vehicle by a processor. An environmental change in the vehicle is predictively anticipated by monitoring at least one environmental factor over time. In response to the predicted environmental change, a physical change is caused in a constituent portion of an assembly inclusive of an external surface of the vehicle, which when activated compensates for the predicted environmental change.

Abstract: A thermochromic, near infrared (NIR) absorbing interlayer. The interlayer includes a NIR-absorbing substance dispersed or dissolved in a polymer matrix and a thermochromic material or system. The interlayer has an internal visible light transmission above 50% and an internal solar energy transmission below 55% when the interlayer is at 15° C. and an internal visible light transmission below 20% and an internal solar energy transmission below 20% when the interlayer is at 75° C. The internal haze of the interlayer is below 3.5%.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes a first base substrate, a wire grid polarizer disposed on the first base substrate, a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal polarizer disposed on the first base substrate, a second base substrate facing the first base substrate and a liquid crystal layer between the first base substrate and the second base substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and an absorbance at the maximum wavelength is higher as compared with that of a reference metal-based particle assembly, on the premise that the numbers of the metal-based particles are the same. The metal-based particle assembly of the present invention presents significantly intense plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A photonic bandgap crystal or photonic bandgap crystal material comprising a self-assembled crystalline colloidal array (CCA) of monodisperse spherical particles having a face-centered-cubic (fcc) or a body-centered-cubic (bcc) lattice dispersed in a medium. The photonic bandgap crystal or photonic bandgap crystal material has a photonic bandgap for light in the visible and near-IR or a photonic bandgap for light in the visible range of wavelengths less than about 700 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter of 200 to 1600 nm, an average height of 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength shifts toward a shorter side in wavelength in a range of from 30 to 500 nm as compared with that of a prescribed reference metal-based particle assembly. The metal-based particle assembly can have in an absorption spectrum a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength is in a range of from 350 to 550 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for calibrating a distance measuring device, comprising: a measuring track, on which the distance measuring device is mountable; an areal reflector mountable shiftably on the measuring track for reflecting a measurement signal transmitted from the distance measuring device back to the distance measuring device, so that by means of the distance measuring device a distance measurement for determining a distance (D) between the distance measuring device and the reflector is performable; and a laser distance measuring device mountable on the measuring track for registering tilt of the reflector; wherein means for orienting the distance measuring device are provided, so that measurement signals of the distance measuring device reflected back to the distance measuring device by means of the reflector are received with maximum intensity by the distance measuring device.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter of 200 to 1600 nm, an average height of 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength shifts toward a shorter side in wavelength in a range of from 30 to 500 nm as compared with that of a prescribed reference metal-based particle assembly. The metal-based particle assembly can have in an absorption spectrum a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength is in a range of from 350 to 550 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter of 200 to 1600 nm, an average height of 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength shifts toward a shorter side in wavelength in a range of from 30 to 500 nm as compared with that of a prescribed reference metal-based particle assembly. The metal-based particle assembly can have in an absorption spectrum a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and the maximum wavelength is in a range of from 350 to 550 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particle assembly has in an absorption spectrum for a visible light region a maximum wavelength of a peak at a longest side in wavelength, and an absorbance at the maximum wavelength is higher as compared with that of a reference metal-based particle assembly, on the premise that the numbers of the metal-based particles are the same. The metal-based particle assembly of the present invention presents significantly intense plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A combination of layers comprised of: 1) a first LETC layer; 2) a second LETC layer and 3) a separator layer between the two LETC layers 4) an additive within at least one of the LETC layers and the separator layer wherein when the layers are laminated between two sheets of clear glass the color coordinate values of the laminate are about ?8.5?a*?about 8.5 and about ?8.5?b*?about 8.5 throughout the temperature range of about 0° C. to about 85° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical switch element, comprising a liquid-crystalline medium for the temperature-dependent regulation of radiant energy flow. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the optical switch element for the regulation of radiant energy flow between interior spaces and the environment and for the regulation of the temperature of interior spaces. The invention furthermore relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it comprises 5-95% of a compound of the formula (I), in particular for use in the optical switch elements according to the invention.

Abstract: A thermochromatic device in a thermochromatic display includes an insulating substrate, a color element, a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the color element and the heating element located on the insulating substrate being virtually integral but together are physically isolated and heat-insulated and allow such fast electrically-governed color changes that moving color images can be displayed.

Abstract: A thermochromatic element includes a color element and at least one heating element configured to supply heat for the color element such that the color element changes color. The at least one heating element includes at least one carbon nanotube film. Each carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotube linear units and a number of carbon nanotube groups. Each carbon nanotube linear unit includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially oriented along a first direction, and are spaced from each other and substantially extending along the first direction. The carbon nanotube groups are combined with the carbon nanotube linear units by van der Waals force. The carbon nanotube groups between adjacent carbon nanotube linear units are spaced from each other in the first direction.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems relating to infrared imager devices, methods for providing infrared imagers, methods of operating infrared imagers, and infrared imager systems are disclosed. An infrared imager system includes a number of lenses, a beam splitter, an imager array, and a thermo-optical array, wherein the beam splitter directs light to the imaging array and to the thermo-optical array.

Abstract: An optical limiter comprises a glass backing, a glass cover, and a layer of a phase changing material placed between said glass backing and said glass cover, the phase changing material comprising a transparent matrix having embedded particles of material that changes its optical properties due to temperature induced phase change of said material. The optical properties may change from transparent to reflective, from transparent to refractive or from transparent to scattering. The phase changing material is preferably at least one material selected from the group consisting of the elements Antimony, Bismuth, Cadmium, Lead, Tin and Indium and low-melting-point alloys of two or more of these elements. Two or more layers of phase changing materials may be used in a stack configuration, with each of the phase changing materials having a unique melting temperature.

Abstract: A thermochromic window system includes at least one substrate and a thermochromic layer applied onto the at least one substrate. The thermochromic layer includes at least two thermochromic films and at least one non-thermochromic colored film positioned between the thermochromic films. The at least one substrate can be selected from glass, plastic, or mixtures thereof. The at least one non-thermochromic colored film can also include light absorbers.

Abstract: The invention provides flash imaging devices that include an optical change component that undergoes a change in response to an applied stimulus, a substrate and a stimulus element. Also provided are articles that include the subject devices, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes.

Abstract: The present application provides a tunable optical filter, including: a substrate, a tunable filter unit, a temperature control unit, and an enclosure, where: the substrate, the tunable filter unit, and the temperature control unit are placed inside the enclosure, where the enclosure includes a light incidence window and a light emergence window; the substrate is disposed adjacent to the light incidence window or the light emergence window, and configured to support the tunable filter unit; the temperature control unit is disposed on a surface of the tunable filter unit, and configured to adjust a channel wavelength of the tunable filter unit by means of temperature control; and optical paths of the light incidence window, the tunable filter unit and the light emergence window are aligned. The present application further provides an optical receive component, an optical transceiver component, and a multi-wavelength passive optical network system.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a consumer's selection of customized color-changing lenses for eyewear, or windows, captures a digital color image of at least the face of the consumer and displays that color image to the consumer on a video display while superimposing a pair of lenses over the eyes. The display simulates the color of the superimposed lenses when made of a selected photochromic or thermochromic material. The color of the superimposed lenses is changeable, in response to consumer-controlled inputs, over a range between (a) an initial color for the lenses when subjected to at least one of (i) a first predetermined temperature and (ii) a first predetermined light condition, and (b) a final color for said lenses when subjected to at least one of (i) a second predetermined temperature higher than said first predetermined temperature and (ii) a second predetermined light condition brighter than said first predetermined light condition.

Abstract: A thermochromic window doped with a dopant and a method of manufacturing the same. The thermochromic window includes a substrate and a thermochromic thin film formed on the substrate. The thermochromic thin film has a thermochromic material doped with a dopant, the concentration of the dopant gradually decreasing in a depth direction from one surface of the upper surface and the undersurface of the thermochromic thin film. The thermochromic window has a high level of visible light transmittance and high phase change efficiency while having a low phase transition temperature.

Abstract: The thermally switched reflective optical shutter is a self-regulating “switchable mirror” device that reflects up to 100% of incident radiant energy above a threshold temperature, and reflects up to 50% of incident radiant energy below a threshold temperature. Control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating value of the device, and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The device can be used as a construction material to efficiently regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The device has unique aesthetic optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an optical valve that modifies a laser beam to allow more energy to be irradiated onto less absorbing areas on a substrate and less energy to be irradiated onto more absorbing areas on the substrate, thus creating a more uniform heating field. The optical valve is a layered structure comprising a reflective switch layer, an absorbing layer, a thermal resistor and a thermal bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-pneumatic actuator having a cavity defined by walls and being hermetically sealed, which is inflated with a working medium that alters the gas pressure thereof when a temperature change occurs. A wall region of the cavity is constructed as a ductile membrane, which can be deflected in at least two working positions located on both sides of a neutral position, in which the membrane is curved in opposite directions to one another. In order to alter the gas pressure in the cavity, and to adjust the membrane from one working position to the other working position, a tempering device is heat-conductively connected to the working medium. In the neutral position, the membrane is compressively loaded such that respectively, it maintains its position in both working positions if no outside force impacts the membrane.

Abstract: A thermotropic optical shutter device incorporates coatable, thin-film polarizers with a thermotropic depolarizer. The coatable polarizers provide a mechanism for adjusting the polarizer properties (i.e., absorption, reflection, or diffusion) by changing the thickness of the coating. For example, a thicker film may have a higher relative polarizing efficiency while a thinner film may have a lower relative polarizing efficiency. Using the same base materials and manufacturing process, the contrast ratio and other properties of a thermotropic or thermochromic shutter device (e.g., a liquid crystal-based smart window film) may be adjusted in real time on the manufacturing line.