SOLAR WAVEGUIDE CONCENTRATOR

摘要

A photovoltaic device including a waveguide layer having a first surface for receiving light, a second surface opposite the first surface for reflecting light, and at least one edge surface generally perpendicular to the first and second surfaces for emitting light; and a light collector layer adjacent to the waveguide layer that includes a first surface for receiving light, and a second surface for emitting light, wherein the second surface of the light collector layer includes a plurality of optical elements having a three-dimensional tapered shape with a top surface that is larger than a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface of each of the optical elements is in optical contact with the first surface of the waveguide layer. At least one edge surface of the waveguide layer is optically coupled to at least one photovoltaic cell.