A method for fabricating a self-aligned via structure includes forming a tri-layer mask on an ILD layer over a lower metal wiring layer, the tri-layer mask includes first and second insulating layers and a metal layer in between the insulating layers; defining a trench pattern through the first insulating layer and metal layer, the trench pattern having a first width; defining a first via pattern in a lithographic mask over the trench pattern, the first via pattern having a second width that is larger than the first width; growing a metal capping layer on an exposed sidewall of the trench pattern to decrease the first width to a third width that defines a second via pattern; transferring the trench pattern into the ILD layer to form a trench; and transferring the second via pattern through the ILD layer and into the metal wiring layer to form a via.

In the light-converting device the light-converting elements (11) are arranged at least on two levels. They are placed on the strips (17). The design is supported at least by one pole (23). Because of it in this device light-converting elements may be arranged on many levels and consequently much less place for it is required and new possibilities appear. The device may be installed for instance on a roof of buildings in the best direction at any side of inclined roof. The device may also be installed on slopes of mountains, in rivers, lakes, coastal zones of seas and oceans, on vehicles, and trailers. The device may be installed on ships standing immovably not very far from the coast and connected to the coast by a cable. The device may be used on military bases, and on the moon. The device is used on military bases will decrease dependence on the fuel supply.

A solar energy attic air heat reservoir system including methods for selecting, installing and operating air movers coupled with HVAC components, air filters, and thermostatic control devices operating systematically for space heating. Solar insolation conducted through building roof materials heats the large volume of attic airspace sealed from normal ventilation during heating season to preserve heat energy, with heat transfer coefficient of convection contributing to and sustaining heating of attic air. Thermostatic digital temperature control devices communicate in series between the building attic and interior for optimum used of heated air supply for environmental control. Methods include computer program applications for feasibility, apparatus selection, operation, and energy cost accountability to enable optimizing space heating using the limited daily solar induced heat. Methods include advantageous containment of thermal energy stored in building interior materials as gathered from attic-heated air for later release through diurnal temperature variation to augment space heating.

Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.

A solar energy collecting blind arrangement includes a blind housing, blind slats, and a retraction arrangement. Each of the blind slats includes a top layer and bottom layer. The top layer is designed to be positioned to face substantially toward a window and the bottom layer is designed to be positioned to face substantially toward an interior space. The top layer includes a solar-collecting material designed to absorb solar energy. The bottom layer includes a heat-emitting material designed to transfer heat energy into passing air in an interior space to thereby heat the interior space.

A solar energy collecting blind arrangement includes a blind housing, blind slats, and a retraction arrangement. Each of the blind slats includes a top layer and bottom layer. The top layer is designed to be positioned to face substantially toward a window and the bottom layer is designed to be positioned to face substantially toward an interior space. The top layer includes a solar-collecting material designed to absorb solar energy. The bottom layer includes a heat-emitting material designed to transfer heat energy into passing air in an interior space to thereby heat the interior space.

A building has outer envelope that has at least one facade portion which is transparent to solar radiation and that is situated on a face of the building, the shape of at least a part of which can be inscribed inside the surface generated by an imaginary segment extending between the sun and at least one fixed point that is fixed relative to the Earth. Facade portion(s) extend between a base line and a top edge which together delineate it from the remaining part of the outer envelope of the building, which is predominantly or completely opaque. The exterior face of each part of the facade portion is, at each point on the top line, set back from a straight line perpendicular to the local horizontal plane, and therefore normal to the plane of the ground, and passing through this point. At least one of the facade parts can be inscribed inside the surface of a cone frustum part that is recessed or concave relative to the face concerned.

A building has outer envelope that has at least one facade portion which is transparent to solar radiation and that is situated on a face of the building, the shape of at least a part of which can be inscribed inside the surface generated by an imaginary segment extending between the sun and at least one fixed point that is fixed relative to the Earth. Facade portion(s) extend between a base line and a top edge which together delineate it from the remaining part of the outer envelope of the building, which is predominantly or completely opaque. The exterior face of each part of the facade portion is, at each point on the top line, set back from a straight line perpendicular to the local horizontal plane, and therefore normal to the plane of the ground, and passing through this point. At least one of the facade parts can be inscribed inside the surface of a cone frustum part that is recessed or concave relative to the face concerned.