Solar antenna array and its fabrication and uses
First Claim
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1. A solar antenna array configured to convert sunlight into electrical power, comprising:
- a plurality of parallel, electrically separated conducting ridges, disposed on a substrate, spanning in a first direction, and uniformly spaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein sides of the conducting ridges are sloped with respect to respective planes in a third direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the first and second directions;
multiple carbon nanotube antennas, spanning varying distances along respective planes formed by the second and third directions, and having two ends, one of which is coupled to one of the ridges, and the other of which is coupled to a different one of the ridges; and
at least one diode connected between at least one of the two ends of a respective carbon nanotube antenna and a respective one of the ridges to which the at least one of the two ends is coupled.
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Abstract
A solar antenna array may comprise an array of randomly placed carbon nanotube antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. Methods for constructing the solar antenna array may use a mold and self aligning processing steps to minimize cost. Designs may be optimized for capturing a broad spectrum of non-polarized light. Alternatively, the array may generate light, and when connected in to an array of independently controllable sections may operate as either a reflective or light transmitting display.
27 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A solar antenna array configured to convert sunlight into electrical power, comprising:
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a plurality of parallel, electrically separated conducting ridges, disposed on a substrate, spanning in a first direction, and uniformly spaced in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein sides of the conducting ridges are sloped with respect to respective planes in a third direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the first and second directions; multiple carbon nanotube antennas, spanning varying distances along respective planes formed by the second and third directions, and having two ends, one of which is coupled to one of the ridges, and the other of which is coupled to a different one of the ridges; and at least one diode connected between at least one of the two ends of a respective carbon nanotube antenna and a respective one of the ridges to which the at least one of the two ends is coupled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification