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Semiconductor antenna array and solar energy collection array assembly for spacecraft

  • US 6,087,991 A
  • Filed: 04/15/1999
  • Issued: 07/11/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for use of a photonically-activatable, semiconductor antenna array mounted on a spacecraft, comprising the steps of:

  • positioning said antenna array to receive photonic solar energy, wherein said antenna array includes a plurality of photonically-activatable, semiconductor elements;

    receiving photonic solar energy on said antenna array, wherein said received solar photonic energy increases the electrical conductivity of and thereby activates said elements in said antenna array, said activated elements thereby being operable for at least one of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals; and

    operating said antenna array for at least one of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals during said step of receiving photonic solar energy.

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