We report on the design, simulation, fabrication, and characterization of a novel two layer anti-reflective coating (ARC) based on a plasmonic metamaterial and a dielectric. Promoted by the strong material dispersion of the plasmonic metamaterial, our novel concept (called hybrid ARC) combines two possible arrangements for layers in an anti-reflection coating into a single structure; albeit at ...

A new solution-based method to fabricate Cu(2)ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) thin films is presented. Binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticles were synthesized and used as precursors to form CZTSSe thin films. The composition of the CZTSSe films can be easily controlled by adjusting the ratio of the nanoparticles used. The effect of compositional adjustment on device performance is illustrated. La...

The first detections of gravitational waves, GW150914 and GW151226, were associated with the coalescence of stellar mass black holes, heralding the opening of an entirely new way to observe the Universe. Many decades of development were invested to achieve the sensitivities required to observe gravitational waves, with peak strains associated with GW150914 at the level of 10−21. Gravitational w...

Near-infrared (NIR) reflective materials are being developed for mitigating building cooling needs. Their use contributes to broadening the range of colours, responding urban aesthetic demand without compromising performance. Despite increase in NIR pigments investigation, there is still a knowledge gap their applicability, impact, and durability multilayer finishing coatings External Thermal I...

Due to its electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, tin oxide coatings can be found in a wide range of applications. Fluorine doped tin oxides are transparent for visible light, highly reflective for infrared radiation, and may have a sheet resistance down to 3 Ω/square. These thin films are used in architectural windows for reflecting heat [1], in solar cells for carrying the cell’s cur...

This study characterized the electrical and optical properties of single-junction GaAs solar cells coated with antireflective layers of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), indium tin oxide (ITO), and a hybrid layer of SiO₂/ITO applied using Radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The conductivity and transparency of the ITO film were characterized prior to application on GaAs cells. Reverse saturation-current and...

In the pursuit of 1064 nm high-power laser resistance dielectric coatings in the nanosecond region, a group of HfO2/SiO2 high reflectors with and without suture layers were prepared on prearranged fused silica substrates with femtosecond laser pits. Surface morphology, global coating stress, and high-resolution cross sections were characterized to determine the effects of ...

Retro-reflectivity is a promising surface capability, which has attracted the interest of researchers for building applications in order to counteract Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. This work aims at studying impact substrate material on optic performance retro-reflective (RR) coatings. Three types materials were investigated: smooth pine wood panels, rough plywood and acetate sheets. The RR ...