We present a new solar concentrator concept. This concept is based on spectral splitting. It implies reflective, refractive and diffractive elements that allow two spectrally differentiated beams to reach different and/or unmatched lattice solar cells. The aimed geometrical concentration factor is 5× and the theoretical optical efficiency of that concentrator concept reaches theoretically 82%. The following study will discuss the concept of such a solar concentrator. A practical application to dye sensitized solar cells is given. The manufacturing and design of the element is then exposed. Those elements have been tested in the laboratory. Good agreements with theoretical simulations are demonstrated.

We have studied the wetting properties of water droplets onto lattices of square micro-cavities. The contact angle has been measured along the triple line and the obtained values have been compared to both Cassie-Baxter and Wenzel models. Despite the large values of the apparent contact angle, the contact line appears to be well pinned on the lattice of square cavities. This leads to anisotropic droplet shapes, reflecting the lattice geometry. Imaging the cavities from below just after drop deposition reveals that the liquid is invading them. The drop is thus in an hybrid state where it presents a large contact angle value while it is sticking on the substrate.

One of the most critical units of nulling interferometers is the Achromatic Phase Shifter. The concept we propose here is based on optimized Fresnel rhombs, using the total internal reflection phenomenon, modulated or not. The total internal reflection induces a phase shift between the polarization components of the incident light. We present the principles, the current status of the prototype manufacturing and testing operations, as well as preliminary experiments on a ZnSe Fresnel rhomb in the visible that have led to a first error source assessment study. Thanks to these first experimental results using a simple Polarimeter arrangement, we have identified the bulk scattering as being the main error source. Fortunately, we have experimentally verified that the scattering can be mitigated using spatial filters and does not decrease the phase shifting capabilities of the ZnSe Fresnel rhomb.

The Annular Groove Phase Mask coronagraph (AGPM) is an intrinsically achromatic vectorial vortex. It consists of integrated subwavelength optical elements whose space-variant polarization properties can be engineered and optimized to synthesize one of the theoretically most efficient coronagraphs. This paper briefly recalls the principles of the AGPM, presents the benefit of its implementation inside a Polarimetrie differential imager, realistic numerical simulations assessing its performances, as well as the current status of the near-infrared and visible prototype manufacturing operations.

We propose a new family of achromatic phase shifters for infrared nulling interferometry. These key optical components can be seen as optimized Fresnel rhombs, using the total internal reflection phenomenon, modulated or not. The total internal reflection indeed comes with a phase shift between the polarization components of the incident light. We propose a solution to implement this vectorial phase shift between interferometer arms to provide the destructive interference process needed to disentangle highly contrasted objects from one another. We also show that, modulating the index transition at the total internal reflection interface allows compensating for the intrinsic material dispersion in order to make the subsequent phase shift achromatic over especially broad bands. The modulation can be induced by a thin film of a well-chosen material or a subwavelength grating whose structural parameters are thoroughly optimized. We present results from theoretical simulations together with preliminary fabrication outcomes and measurements for a prototype in Zinc Selenide.

Thermal infrared (IR) lenses require efficient anti-reflection coating. Moth-eye (or egg-box) 2D subwavelength gratings have demonstrated their ability to reach a very high transmission for a wide wavelength and angular range. The use in thermal IR is simplified by the lower resolution for lithographic technology, compared to visible waveband. However, deeper structures must be engraved and lithography must be adapted to IR materials. In order to be cost-effective, the patterning must be produced by replication techniques, such as embossing. Our laboratory is now experimenting hot embossing of moth-eye patterns in chalcogenide substrates. In this paper, theoretical analysis, micro-lithographic technology and manufacturing processes are detailed.