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Title: Theory and Manufacturing Processes of Solar NanoAntenna Electromagnetic Collectors

Abstract

DRAFT For Submittal to Journal of Solar Energy - Rev 10.1 ---SOL-08-1091 SOLAR Nantenna Electromagnetic Collectors Dale K. Kotter Idaho National Laboratory Steven D. Novack Idaho National Laboratory W. Dennis Slafer MicroContinuum, Inc. Patrick Pinhero University of Missouri ABSTRACT The research described in this paper explores a new and efficient approach for producing electricity from the abundant energy of the sun, using nanoantenna (nantenna) electromagnetic collectors (NECs). NEC devices target mid-infrared wavelengths, where conventional photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are inefficient and where there is an abundance of solar energy. The initial concept of designing NECs was based on scaling of radio frequency antenna theory to the infrared and visible regions. This approach initially proved unsuccessful because the optical behavior of materials in the terahertz (THz) region was overlooked and, in addition, economical nanofabrication methods were not previously available to produce the optical antenna elements. This paper demonstrates progress in addressing significant technological barriers, including: 1) development of frequency-dependent modeling of double-feedpoint square spiral nantenna elements; 2) selection of materials with proper THz properties; and 3) development of novel manufacturing methods that could potentially enable economical large-scale manufacturing. We have shown that nantennas can collect infrared energy and induce THz currents,more » and we have also developed cost-effective proof-of-concept fabrication techniques for the large-scale manufacture of simple square loop nantenna arrays. Future work is planned to embed rectifiers into the double-feedpoint antenna structures. This work represents an important first step toward the ultimate realization of a low-cost device that will collect as well as convert this radiation into electricity. This could lead to a broadband, high conversion efficiency low-cost solution to complement conventional PV devices.« less

Authors:
;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
974418
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-09-15499
TRN: US201007%%696
DOE Contract Number:  
DE-AC07-05ID14517
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Journal of Solar Energy and Engineering - Transactions of the ASME
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 132; Journal Issue: 1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; ABUNDANCE; ANTENNAS; EFFICIENCY; ELECTRICITY; FABRICATION; MANUFACTURING; RADIATIONS; RECTIFIERS; SIMULATION; SOLAR CELLS; SOLAR ENERGY; SUN; TARGETS; WAVELENGTHS; Frequency Selective Surfaces; nano-fabrication; nanoimprinting; nanoscale modeling; Nantenna; rectenna; roll-to-roll manufacturing

Citation Formats

Kotter, Dale K, and Novack, Steven D. Theory and Manufacturing Processes of Solar NanoAntenna Electromagnetic Collectors. United States: N. p., 2010. Web.
Kotter, Dale K, & Novack, Steven D. Theory and Manufacturing Processes of Solar NanoAntenna Electromagnetic Collectors. United States.
Kotter, Dale K, and Novack, Steven D. 2010. "Theory and Manufacturing Processes of Solar NanoAntenna Electromagnetic Collectors". United States.
@article{osti_974418,
title = {Theory and Manufacturing Processes of Solar NanoAntenna Electromagnetic Collectors},
author = {Kotter, Dale K and Novack, Steven D},
abstractNote = {DRAFT For Submittal to Journal of Solar Energy - Rev 10.1 ---SOL-08-1091 SOLAR Nantenna Electromagnetic Collectors Dale K. Kotter Idaho National Laboratory Steven D. Novack Idaho National Laboratory W. Dennis Slafer MicroContinuum, Inc. Patrick Pinhero University of Missouri ABSTRACT The research described in this paper explores a new and efficient approach for producing electricity from the abundant energy of the sun, using nanoantenna (nantenna) electromagnetic collectors (NECs). NEC devices target mid-infrared wavelengths, where conventional photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are inefficient and where there is an abundance of solar energy. The initial concept of designing NECs was based on scaling of radio frequency antenna theory to the infrared and visible regions. This approach initially proved unsuccessful because the optical behavior of materials in the terahertz (THz) region was overlooked and, in addition, economical nanofabrication methods were not previously available to produce the optical antenna elements. This paper demonstrates progress in addressing significant technological barriers, including: 1) development of frequency-dependent modeling of double-feedpoint square spiral nantenna elements; 2) selection of materials with proper THz properties; and 3) development of novel manufacturing methods that could potentially enable economical large-scale manufacturing. We have shown that nantennas can collect infrared energy and induce THz currents, and we have also developed cost-effective proof-of-concept fabrication techniques for the large-scale manufacture of simple square loop nantenna arrays. Future work is planned to embed rectifiers into the double-feedpoint antenna structures. This work represents an important first step toward the ultimate realization of a low-cost device that will collect as well as convert this radiation into electricity. This could lead to a broadband, high conversion efficiency low-cost solution to complement conventional PV devices.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/974418}, journal = {Journal of Solar Energy and Engineering - Transactions of the ASME},
number = 1,
volume = 132,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2010},
month = {Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2010}
}