Wavelength conversion photovoltaics

摘要

An apparatus includes a photovoltaic device (PVD) having a quantum dot (QD) array structure that is capable of performing wavelength conversion. The PVD is configured to generate charge carriers from incident photons. An electric field generator is operable to apply an electric field to the PVD. Strength of the electric field is sufficient 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 enables the PVD to generate emitted photons being radiated as an electromagnetic wave. A frequency (and hence wavelength) of the emitted photons being radiated as the electromagnetic wave is tunable by configuring physical attributes of the QD array structure and controlling the electric field strength.

主权项

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.