Researchers at USF have developed an invention that has an integrated approach in nano scale to fabricate an antenna diode to form a building block element in an array of rectenna elements. The invention allows the collection of solar radiation from the wave property of light and the conversion of this electromagnetic wave energy into direct current electrical energy by the use of an integral ultra high frequency rectifier. The invention enables the rectenna elements for harvesting electromagnetic energy such as that emanating from the sun with high efficiency and reliability. Additionally the manufacturing technique is cost effective. They have application in wireless power transmission systems.
An Illustrated Cross Sectional Edge View of a Rectenna in Accordance with the Invention