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.

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.

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 photovoltaic system is described that improves energy efficiency (conversion of solar energy to electrical energy) by beam-splitting, via reflective filters, the incident solar light into a reflective portion and an exit portion. The reflective portion and the exit portion are directed to respective photovoltaic cells that convert the incident light energy into electrical energy. The concentrated solar light is collimated then split via reflective filters saving on the reflective filter area and reducing overall bulkiness of the beam-splitting system. Further, a cascade of multiple filters is used to split either the reflected spectra or the exit spectra of solar light.

A solar battery module is provided with a plurality of solar cells, a wiring material for connecting adjacent solar cells in the longitudinal directors to form strings, and a reflective body disposed on the rear-surface side of the solar cells, said body reflecting at least some incident light toward the solar cells. In the solar battery module, the strings are multiply disposed In the horizontal direction to constitute string groups, intervals D.sub.20 between adjacent strings being formed wider in the longitudinal center section of the string groups than in the longitudinal end sections.

A system for use on a surface to collect solar energy from the sun has a stand, a module, and solar collector(s). The stand supportable on the surface has rotational points rotatably supporting the module so it can rotate about a first axis of rotation. A first drive disposed on the stand is operable to provide first rotation, and a cable connected between a hoop pulley of the module and the first drive on the stand can rotate the module about the first axis to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun. The solar collector(s) disposed on the module can be photovoltaic cells for collecting solar energy. A second drive on the module can rotate an adjacent solar collectors on the module using pulleys and cable. Reflectors on the collectors can focus the sun rays to photovoltaic cells. The second drive can rotate the collectors about a second axis, carried by the first axis, to direct the solar collector(s) toward the sun.

A smart tag comprises a processor, a non-volatile memory, at least one of an internal power source and an external power source, and a transceiver configured for two-way communication with a reader external to the smart tag. The smart tag is formed as an integrated circuit chip less than 10 cubic millimeters in size to less than 0.000125 cubic millimeters in size. An apparatus comprising the smart tag may further include an antenna connect to the smart tag.

A light harvesting system employing a photoresponsive layer having a plurality of light input ports associated with a light input surface of the layer. Light received by the light input ports is admitted into the photoresponsive layer an incidence angle that is greater than a predetermined critical angle, such as the angle of the total internal reflection (TIR). The admitted light is retained in the photoresponsive layer and is propagated within the layer until it is substantially absorbed.

There is provided an electrical-energy harvester for a display panel, the harvester comprising: a transparent and flexible lower electrode; a transparent and flexible piezoelectric layer on the lower electrode; reflective particles dispersed in the piezoelectric layer for reflecting light beams incident into the piezoelectric layer; a transparent and flexible upper electrode on the piezoelectric layer, wherein the upper and lower electrodes are opposite to each other; and at least one solar cell disposed on at least one lateral side of the piezoelectric layer, wherein at least one solar cell is configured to receive the light beam reflected from the reflective particles and, thus, to generate electrical energy.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and processes for collecting solar energy. According to particular embodiments, a solar collector device comprises one or more primary reflectors, and a receiver assembly mounted on a frame structure. The receiver assembly comprises one or more secondary concentrators and a heat transfer tube. Each primary reflector comprises a flat elongated mirror mounted on a structural backing that is rotatably coupled to the frame structure such that each primary reflector may pivot around a pivot axis. The receiver assembly may translate along the frame structure in a direction that is parallel to the pivot axes of the one or more primary reflectors. The one or more primary reflectors reflect light focused upon the receiver assembly such that heat energy from the reflected light is transferred to a heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer tube.