Patent ID: 8759666
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: B64B,B64D,B64G,H01L,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a photovoltaic device (PVD) including a quantum dot (QD) array structure, wherein the QD array structure is configured to generate charge carriers from incident photons; and an electric field generator coupled to the QD array structure and configured to apply an electric field to the QD array structure, the electric field configured to cause the charge carriers to transition through a plurality of discrete energy states formed within a corresponding one of a conductive band and a valence band of the QD array structure, the transition of the charge carriers through the plurality of discrete energy states enabling the QD array structure to generate emitted photons at the conductive and valence bands as an electromagnetic wave having a specified frequency; and a rectifying antenna operable to convert the electromagnetic wave having a frequency greater than 1 terahertz (THz) up to 10 THz into a direct current power output, wherein: the electric field generator comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and second electrode being operable to provide a bias voltage to control a configurable wavelength of the emitted photons, the QD array structure being disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are on opposite sides of the QD array structure, and the rectifying antenna is in direct physical contact with the first electrode.