We have built surface micromachined thin-fllm metallized Si_tN-y optical absorbers for transition-edge sensors (TESs) suitable for the Background-Limited far-IR/Submm Spectrograph (BLISS). BLISS is a broadband (38 ;Um-433 jxm ), grating spectrometer consisting of five wavebands each with a modest resolution of R -̂ 1000. Because BLISS requires the effective noise equivalent power (NEP) of the TE...

We present a comparison between the 2001 XMM–Newton and 2005 Suzaku observations of the quasar, PG 1211+143, at z = 0.0809. Variability is observed in the 7 keV iron K-shell absorption line (at 7.6 keV in the quasar frame), which is significantly weaker in 2005 than during the 2001 XMM–Newton observation. From a recombination time-scale of <4 yr, this implies an absorber density n > 4 × 103 cm−...

Plasmonic nanostructures can significantly advance broadband visible-light absorption, with absorber thicknesses in the sub-wavelength regime, much thinner than conventional broadband coatings. Such absorbers have inherently very small heat capacity, hence a very rapid response time, and high light power-to-temperature sensitivity. Additionally, their surface emissivity can be spectrally tuned ...

In this work, a selective solar absorber made of nanostructured titanium gratings deposited on an ultrathin MgF2 spacer and a tungsten ground film is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Normal absorptance of the fabricated solar absorber is characterized to be higher than 0.9 in the UV, visible and, near infrared (IR) regime, while the mid-IR emittance is around 0.2. The high broadband ab...

outdoor experiments on a once-through single glazed solar air heater with perforated metal absorber plate were conducted to determine the practical effect of absorber plate porosity as well as suction air flow rate on the collector thermal efficiency and its total pressure drop. three aluminum absorber plates were made perforated by drilling circular holes with different diameter/pitch ratios i...

Aims. We present a method that allows us to estimate the distance from the continuum source located in the center of AGN to the highly ionized gas called warm absorber. Methods. We compute a set of constant total pressure photoionization models compatible with the warm absorber conditions, where a metal-rich gas is irradiated by a continuum in the form of a double power-law. The first power-law...

An innovative tunable and polarization-insensitive 1.6-8 GHz frequency selective surface (FSS) absorber was investigated in this study. The proposed FSS, which is in 4-axial symmetrical form, includes a novel array of PIN diodes with biasing lines including inductors. A gradually reduced equivalent resistor of PIN diodes can be achieved with increasing DC voltage, which characterizes tunable, m...

This paper reviews the recent research progress in the incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures with photovoltaic devices and the potential for surface plasmon enhanced absorption. We first outline a variety of cell architectures incorporating metal nanostructures. We then review the experimental fabrication methods and measurements to date, as well as systematic theoretical studies of the opt...

Reducing absorber layer thickness below 500 nm in regular Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells decreases cell efficiency considerably, as both short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage are reduced because of incomplete absorption and high Mo/CIGS rear interface recombination. In this work, an innovative rear cell design is developed to avoid both effects: a highly reflective rear surface passiv...

A novel lower cost mechanical solar absorber manufacturing method has been developed. C/Al2O3/Al surfaces have been characterized with optical and microstructural methods. The surface consists of thin inhomogeneous matrix containing carbon and Al2O3 on Al-substrate. Manufacturing of the surface can be done by single phase manual or mechanical grinding with a silicon carbide grinding pad. A sola...