Abstract:
An article that is suitable for use as a solar concentrating mirror for enhancing the use of solar collection devices, such as solar cells. The article includes a multilayer optical film and a compliant UV protective layer. The article addresses degradation issues in solar concentration devices, provides specific bandwidths of electromagnetic energy to the solar cell while eliminating or reducing undesirable bandwidths of electromagnetic energy that may degrade or adversely affect the solar cell, and renders a compliant sheet of material that may be readily formed into a multitude of shapes or constructions for end use applications. A solar collection device comprising the article and optionally comprising a celestial tracking mechanism is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a robotic manipulator with a stationary base, and an end effector actuated by the robotic manipulator, wherein the end effector is adjacent to a workpiece. A scanning laser head unit includes a laser and an optical train configured to move a laser beam over the workpiece. A control unit is configured to move the robotic manipulator such that movement of the end effector tracks movement of the laser beam.
Abstract:
A method of making a nanostructure is provided that includes applying a thin, random discontinuous masking layer (105) to a major surface (103) of a substrate (101) by plasma chemical vapor deposition. The substrate (101) can be a polymer, an inorganic material, an alloy, or a solid solution. The masking layer (105) can include the reaction product of plasma chemical vapor deposition using a reactant gas comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of organosilicon compounds, metal alkyls, metal isopropoxides, metal acetylacetonates, and metal halides. Portions (107) of the substrate (101) not protected by the masking layer (105) are then etched away by reactive ion etching to make the nanostructures.
Abstract:
Surface-structured, cross-linked silicone-based material and method for making the same. Embodiments of silicone-based materials described herein are useful, for example, in applications of light capture, anti-reflection, light redirection, light diffusion, hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces, light guiding, light collimation, light concentration, Fresnel lens, retro-reflection, drag reduction, air bleed adhesives, release liner, abrasion resistance, and anti-fouling.
Abstract:
Fresnel lenses are prepared from a transparent substrate and a structured polyurethane layer. The structured polyurethane layer includes a curable reaction mixture. The curable reaction mixture includes a polyol, a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, and at least one UV stabilizer. The Fresnel lenses may be used in panel arrays and in solar power generation devices.
Abstract:
A nanostructured article comprises a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase. The nanostructured article has a random nanostructured anisotropic surface.