Optoelectronic Chip for the Implementation of Back Error Propagation

We present a CMOS silicon chip that optically implements the back error propagation (BEP) algorithm [1] of a two layer neural network. The chip has eight units (or "neurons") on a area of approximately 2x2 mm. Each unit consists of a phototransistor as the detector, a modulator pad for light modulation, sample-and-hold circuits, and additional circuits necessary to perform the BEP algorithm

Evaluation of a proposal for reliable low-cost grid power with 100% wind, water, and solar

A number of analyses, meta-Analyses, and assessments, including those performed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the International Energy Agency, have concluded that deployment of a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies makes a transition to a low-carbon-emission energy system both more feasible and less costly than other pathways. In contrast, Jacobson et al. [Jacobson MZ, Delucchi MA, Cameron MA, Frew BA (2015) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 112(49):15060-15065] argue that it is feasible to provide low-cost solutions to the grid reliability problem with 100% penetration of WWS [wind, water and solar power] across all energy sectors in the continental United States between 2050 and 2055 , with only electricity and hydrogen as energy carriers. In this paper, we evaluate that study and find significant shortcomings in the analysis. In particular, we point out that this work used invalid modeling tools, contained modeling errors, and made implausible and inadequately supported assumptions. Policy makers should treat with caution any visions of a rapid, reliable, and low-cost transition to entire energy systems that relies almost exclusively on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power

70.1: LED-Illuminated Pico Projector Architectures

Abstract Optical architecture choices optimize pico-projection engines for battery-powered embedded applications and wall-plug-powered stand-alone applications. Embedded engines offer power efficiencies above 6 lm/W, while stand-alone systems offer luminous outputs up to 110 lm

Monodomain Alignment of the Smectic-A Liquid Crystalline Phase from the Isotropic Phase

The liquid crystal alignment method described here provides uniform orientation of otherwise difficult-to-align smectic-A liquid crystal materials lacking a nematic phase. The smectic-A phase is grown in the presence of a 10–20 K/mm temperature gradient from an air bubble located within a cell by a photolithographically defined channel in the cell substrates. We obtain uniform layer alignment in millimeter-wide smectic regions at growth rates below about 0.05 μm/s even though there is a tendency for spontaneous nucleation of focal-conic defects at higher growth rates once the width of the smectic-A region exceeds the critical value of about 20 μm.</p