Bounds for the rectification efficiency of solar radiation

Heylal Mashaal, Jeffrey M. Gordon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Efficiency bounds for the rectification (AC to DC conversion) efficiency of non-coherent broadband radiation are derived, motivated by determining a basic limit for solar rectifying antennas. The limit is shown to be 2/π for a single full-wave rectifier. We also derive the increase in rectification efficiency that is possible by cascading multiple rectifiers. The approach for deriving the broadband limit follows from an analysis of sinusoidal signals of random phase. This analysis is also germane for harvesting ambient radio-frequency radiation from multiple uncorrelated sources.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNext Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion IV
DOIs
StatePublished - 4 Nov 2013
EventNext Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion IV - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 25 Aug 201327 Aug 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8824
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceNext Generation (Nano) Photonic and Cell Technologies for Solar Energy Conversion IV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period25/08/1327/08/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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