Dual-polarized nanoantenna solar energy collector

Abstract

A linearly-polarized receiving mode nanoantenna is designed for solar energy harvesting. The infrared nanoantenna is used to collect the solar radiation and converting it to electric energy. The proposed nanoantenna is a thin dipole made of gold and printed on a silicon dioxide substrate. The two poles of the dipole have been shaped in a rhombus form. The nanoantenna dipole is able to focus the electromagnetic energy into small localized area at the inner tips. Therefore, a maximum (focused) near field intensity across the gap is achieved. The dimensions of the dipole are optimized for maximum near electric field intensity at a frequency of 28.3 THz. The effect of nanoantenna dipole material on the performance of the solar energy collector has been studied. A Metal Insulator Metal (MIM) diode is integrated with the nanoantenna dipole to rectify the received energy. The radiation efficiency of the solar energy collector with integrated MIM diode has been investigated. A dual-polarized, four arms, rhombus shaped nanoantenna dipole for solar energy harvesting has been introduced, designed and optimized for 28.3 THz applications.