Nanotechnology based energy generation from thermal radiation

This paper presents a novel thermal to electrical energy conversion technique that utilizes black body radiation. We have mathematically modeled this conversion technique in order to determine a design methodology as well as provide a means to evaluate the performance of specific designs. The main principle of operation of the conversion technique is in utilizing microscopic waveguides in combination with specialized rectifying structures, called ballistic diodes. These structures, when properly combined, enable DC power generation using switching supply techniques. This is achieved by treating the infrared radiation as a high frequency AC source. This conversion methodology is now possible due to the fact that ballistic rectifiers are much smaller (∼200 nm) than a wavelength of thermal energy radiation (∼18 μm). We have shown that it is possible to obtain voltages on the order of 0.02 volts from one waveguide, while using rectifiers that are only 14 % efficient. Furthermore, we have shown that it is possible to extract 90 % of the available energy within 10 μm of depth of the waveguide structure (assuming a waveguide opening of 3 μm × 9.4 μm). We have observed that power densities on the order of tens of watts per cubic centimeter are theoretically possible using this technique. In addition, we address the limitations of this methodology with respect to current technology and future manufacturing techniques.