Waveguide-Based Energy Converters, and Energy Conversion Cells Using Same

摘要

A layered waveguide stack radiant energy converter array having a plurality of superposed waveguides, each waveguide having a core layer having a radiant energy converter disposed therein, and two cladding layers disposed on opposing sides of the core. In some embodiments the conductive layers are electrically coupled to the converter and act as charge carriers for it, and in other wires are provided for individual converters. Each waveguide has at least one inlet for passage of radiant energy therethrough, the inlet extending between the cladding layers, such that radiant energy entering the waveguide impinges on at least two layers of the waveguide, the inlet further defining a minimum cutoff frequency for the energy to propagate in the waveguide. In some embodiments such as solar panels, energy is harvested. In other embodiments energy is detected such as for example is done in a camera focal plane sensor. In some embodiments the stack is used to emit light.