Method and structure, using flexible membrane surfaces, for setting and/or maintaining a uniform micron/sub-micron gap separation between juxtaposed photosensitive and heat-supplying surfaces of photovoltaic chips and the like for the generation of electrical power

A near-field energy conversion device, comprising:

• a thermal emitter substrate having a relatively hot inner surface and a radiation receiver substrate having a relatively cool inner surface;
• the hot inner surface and the cool inner surface being adjacent juxtaposed surfaces defining there between a relatively cool side and a relatively hot side of the device separated by a gap of less than one micron;
• an emitter membrane structure of pressure-compliant thermally conductive material covering an outer surface of the thermal emitter substrate opposite the hot inner surface and a receiver membrane structure of pressure-compliant thermally conductive material covering an outer surface of the radiation receiver substrate opposite the cool inner surface;
• the emitter membrane structure for setting and maintaining uniformity of the gap, and providing thermal conductivity between impinging radiation and the outer surface of the thermal emitter substrate;
• and
• the receiver membrane structure for setting and maintaining uniformity of the gap, and providing cooling to the radiation receiver substrate.