The harsh environment of space exposes photonic devices to radiation that adversely affects cell performance and end-of-life characteristics. We are characterizing single- and multi-junction III-V solar cells by layer to assess this damage. Experiments using current-injection annealing aim to explore the possibility of self-healing photovoltaic cells.
Characterization and Annealing of Radiation-Damaged Photovoltaics
Air Force Research Lab; August 2011
www.kirtland.af.mil
Conducting Polyaniline Nanofibers
ENGS 24 Materials Science; June 2011
Conducting polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized by electrodeposition and in solution under various conditions. The resulting samples were analyzed using resistivity measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Solution preparations of PANI exhibited crystal fiber primary structure and amorphous secondary structure. Increasing the primary reaction rate decreased secondary structure growth and increased crystallinity. The type of crystal fiber observed was highly dependent on HCl concentration.
Translumenal Endoscopic Device
ENGS 21 Intro to Engineering; March 2011
Phillip R. Jackson Engineering Sciences Prize
US Patent Application No: 13/530579
Spiral-E Solutions, LLC
with Alison Stace-Naughton, Scott Snyder, Ihab Basri
Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical procedure.However, current NOTES technology limits surgeons’ ability to effectively hold and stabilize tissues so that translumenal incisions can be securely closed with minimal risk of complications.
Our device is a novel design that elegantly solves two of the major challenges facing NOTES. As Dr. Rothstein said, it’s “incredibly unique. This is very cool.”