Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.

A thermoradiative device for generating power includes a thermoradiative element having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the thermoradiative element is a semiconductor material having a bandgap energy E.sub.g. The device includes a thermal conductive element having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged to face the bottom surface of the thermoradiative element, and the first surface is a structured surface having a periodic structure, wherein the structured surface is separated from the bottom surface with a distance d to establish near-field resonance between the bottom surface and the structured surface. The device further includes supporters configured to bond the thermoradiative element and the thermal conductive element.

A thermoradiative device for generating power includes a thermoradiative element having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the thermoradiative element is a semiconductor material having a bandgap energy E.sub.g. The device includes a thermal conductive element having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is arranged to face the bottom surface of the thermoradiative element, and the first surface is a structured surface having a periodic structure, wherein the structured surface is separated from the bottom surface with a distance d to establish near-field resonance between the bottom surface and the structured surface. The device further includes supporters configured to bond the thermoradiative element and the thermal conductive element.

A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

A method and apparatus for the thermal energy management of systems of electrically powered vehicles (EVs), which enhance the mission capabilities, or performance. The method includes an approach in which thermal energy harvesting, dissipation, storage, and distribution operate in concert. The method concurrently enables, immediate and longer-term management, including storage of thermal energy for subsequent use. The apparatus, includes the multi-functional integration of thermal energy storage, for the benefit of enhanced EV form, capabilities or performances. The apparatus includes connecting elements which provide selective, thermal conduction pathways, which link the management system. The thermal conductive pathways may be actuated in response to temperature, or by other activation means. Thermally managed systems which require persistent heating, or cooling or maintenance within a specified range, are addressed.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area reflective surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure, causing multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer and enhanced absorption and light conversion. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements located on a light path between the light source and the photoresponsive layer.

A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area reflective surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure, causing multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer and enhanced absorption and light conversion. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements located on a light path between the light source and the photoresponsive layer.

The present invention relates to a method of making a light converting optical system. The method involves providing a first optical layer having a microstructured front surface comprising an array of linear grooves that reflect first light rays using total internal reflection and deflect second light rays using refraction. A thin sheet of reflective light scattering material is positioned parallel to the first optical layer. A second optical layer is provided with a microstructured front surface. A continuous photoabsorptive film layer comprising a light converting semiconductor material is positioned between the first optical layer and the reflective material, with a thickness less than the minimum thickness required for absorbing all light traversing through the film layer. The method further involves providing a light source and positioning the second optical layer on the light path between the light source and the photoabsorptive film layer.

The present invention relates to a method of making a light converting optical system. The method involves providing a first optical layer having a microstructured front surface comprising an array of linear grooves that reflect first light rays using total internal reflection and deflect second light rays using refraction. A thin sheet of reflective light scattering material is positioned parallel to the first optical layer. A second optical layer is provided with a microstructured front surface. A continuous photoabsorptive film layer comprising a light converting semiconductor material is positioned between the first optical layer and the reflective material, with a thickness less than the minimum thickness required for absorbing all light traversing through the film layer. The method further involves providing a light source and positioning the second optical layer on the light path between the light source and the photoabsorptive film layer.

Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.