Spectrum splitting using optical rectennas
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
InventorsGarrett Moddel, Saumil Joshi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for an improved solar/infrared conversion efficiency using multiple rectennas, one for each band of the spectrum. Each rectenna is optimally efficient for each spectrum band. An antenna receives at least one of a visible or infrared spectrum. Rectifying circuits coupled to the antenna generate a current based on a portion of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna. Each rectenna operates efficiently using a different operating voltage. The operating voltages are based on the selected load resistor and the current-voltage characteristics for the diode of the rectifying circuit at the associated spectrum portion.
Claims20
A rectenna system comprising:
- at least one antenna configured to receive at least one of a visible or infrared spectrum;
- and
- at least one rectifying circuit coupled to the at least one antenna, the at least one rectifying circuit configured to generate a current based on a portion of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna,
- wherein operating voltage of the at least one rectifying circuit is based on a frequency band of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna.
A method comprising:
- at at least one antenna, receiving at least one of a visible or infrared spectrum;
- and
- at at least one rectifying circuit coupled to the at least one antenna, generating a current based on a portion of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna,
- wherein operating voltage of the at least one rectifying circuit is based on a frequency band of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna.
A rectenna system comprising:
- a plurality of rectennas, each rectenna comprising:
- an antenna configured to receive at least a portion of a visible or infrared spectrum;
- a diode;
- and
- a load resistor,
- wherein the diode and the load resistor are coupled in parallel to the antenna,
- wherein each of the rectennas has an operating voltage based on a different frequency band of the spectrum.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.