Rectenna that converts infrared radiation to electrical energy
First Claim
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1. A rectenna comprising:
- a nanoantenna that is integrated with a tunnel diode, wherein the rectenna converts infrared (IR) radiation incident upon the rectenna to direct current (DC) energy;
a conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer comprises a plurality of ridges; and
an insulator layer positioned between the nanoantenna and the conductive layer.
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Abstract
Technologies pertaining to converting infrared (IR) radiation to DC energy are described herein. In a general embodiment, a rectenna comprises a conductive layer. A thin insulator layer is formed on the conductive layer, and a nanoantenna is formed on the thin insulator layer. The thin insulator layer acts as a tunnel junction of a tunnel diode.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A rectenna comprising:
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a nanoantenna that is integrated with a tunnel diode, wherein the rectenna converts infrared (IR) radiation incident upon the rectenna to direct current (DC) energy; a conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer comprises a plurality of ridges; and an insulator layer positioned between the nanoantenna and the conductive layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for forming a rectenna, the method comprising:
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forming a conductive layer, wherein the conductive layer comprises a plurality of ridges; forming an insulator layer on the conductive layer; forming a nanoantenna on the insulator layer, the tunnel diode formed based upon the insulator layer being positioned between the conductive layer and the nanoantenna; and integrating the nanoantenna with a tunnel diode, the rectenna configured to convert infrared (IR) radiation into direct current (DC) energy. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A rectenna comprising:
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a nanoantenna, wherein the nanoantenna comprises a plurality of spaced-apart bars; a conductive layer; and an insulator layer positioned between the nanoantenna and the conductive layer, the nanoantenna, the conductive layer, and the insulator layer collectively forming at least one tunnel junction in the rectenna, the rectenna configured to convert infrared (IR) radiation into direct current (DC) energy; a silicon oxide layer between each spaced-apart bar of the plurality of spaced apart bars. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification