Solar spectrum rectification using nano-antennas and tunneling diodes

Mario Dagenais; Kwangsik Choi; Filiz Yesilkoy; Athanasios N. Chryssis; Martin C. Peckerar

doi:10.1117/12.845931

15 February 2010 Solar spectrum rectification using nano-antennas and tunneling diodes

Mario Dagenais, Kwangsik Choi, Filiz Yesilkoy, Athanasios N. Chryssis, Martin C. Peckerar

Proceedings Volume 7605, Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits XII; 76050E (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.845931
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2010, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Our goal is to develop a rectifying antenna (rectenna) applicable to solar spectrum energy harvesting. In particular, we aim to demonstrate viable techniques for converting portion of the solar spectrum not efficiently converted to electric power by current photovoltaic approaches. Novel design guidelines are suggested for rectifying antenna coupled tunneling diodes. We propose a new geometric field enhancement scheme in antenna coupled tunneling diodes that uses surface plasmon resonances. For this purpose, we have successfully implemented a planar tunneling diode with polysilion/SiO₂/polysilcon structure. An antenna coupled asymmetric tunneling diode is developed with a pointed triangle electrode for geometric field enhancement. The geometrically asymmetric tunneling diode shows a unique asymmetric tunneling current versus voltage characteristic. Through comparison with crossover tunneling diodes, we verified that the current asymmetry is not from the work function difference between the two electrodes. Results of RF rectification tests using the asymmetric diode demonstrate that our approach is practical for energy harvesting application. Furthermore, we describe how surface plasmons can enhance the electric field across the tunnel junction, lowering the effective "turn-on" voltage of the diode, further improving rectification efficiency.

Citation Download Citation

Mario Dagenais, Kwangsik Choi, Filiz Yesilkoy, Athanasios N. Chryssis, and Martin C. Peckerar "Solar spectrum rectification using nano-antennas and tunneling diodes", Proc. SPIE 7605, Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits XII, 76050E (15 February 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.845931

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available