Optical Rectennas
It has been theorized that similar devices, scaled down to the proportions used in nanotechnology, could be used to convert light into electricity at greater efficiencies than what is currently possible with solar cells. This type of device is called an optical rectenna or nantenna. Theoretically, high efficiencies can be maintained as the device shrinks, but experiments funded by the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory have so far only obtained roughly 1% efficiency while using infrared light. Nevertheless, Missouri University recently reported on work to develop low-cost, high-efficiency nantennas (optical-frequency rectennas).
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Famous quotes containing the word optical:
“People who have realized that this is a dream imagine that it is easy to wake up, and are angry with those who continue sleeping, not considering that the whole world that environs them does not permit them to wake. Life proceeds as a series of optical illusions, artificial needs and imaginary sensations.”
—Alexander Herzen (1812–1870)