Optimizing geometric fill factor in prism-coupled waveguide-fed solar collector

摘要

A prism coupled waveguide-fed solar collector array optimized for geometric fill factor. An integrated linear array of prisms is arranged with their input faces in a common plane. The exit faces of the prisms each feds a corresponding optical waveguide and detector.

主权项

1. An apparatus for collecting solar energy comprising a plurality of array elements, wherein each array element comprises:
a single prism having a planar input face and a planar exit face; a waveguide disposed near to the planar exit face, such that the waveguide is evanescently coupled to the exit face of the prism; a taper layer disposed adjacent each waveguide, the taper layer arranged to equalize an amplitude distribution across the prism to the waveguide coupling; and at least one photodetector disposed adjacent each waveguide, wherein the plurality of array elements are arranged in a linear array and the entirety of each planar input face surface of each of the prisms of the plurality of array elements lie in a common plane.