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Nanoantennas Hold Promise for IR Photovoltaics

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HOUSTON, May 11, 2011 — A new device that can act as an optical antenna by collecting and focusing light, and as a photodiode by converting light into a current of electrons, has been developed by Rice University researchers. This nanoscale device, dubbed nanoantenna, has the potential to improve photosensing, energy harvesting, imaging and light-detection technologies. By attaching nanoscale antennas to silicon semiconductors, Rice researchers showed they could harvest infrared light and turn it into electricity. (Images: Science/AAAS) "We're merging the optics of nanoscale antennas with the electronics...Read full article

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    Published: May 2011
    Glossary
    nano
    An SI prefix meaning one billionth (10-9). Nano can also be used to indicate the study of atoms, molecules and other structures and particles on the nanometer scale. Nano-optics (also referred to as nanophotonics), for example, is the study of how light and light-matter interactions behave on the nanometer scale. See nanophotonics.
    photodiode
    A two-electrode, radiation-sensitive junction formed in a semiconductor material in which the reverse current varies with illumination. Photodiodes are used for the detection of optical power and for the conversion of optical power to electrical power. See avalanche photodiode; PIN photodiode.
    plasmon
    Calculated quantity of the entire longitudinal wave of a solid substance's electron gas.
    AmericasBasic Scienceenergyenergy harvestingfree electronsgreen photonicsHeidar Sobhanihot electronImaginginfrared photovoltaicsinfrared solar cellslight-detection technologyMark KnightnanonanoantennasNaomi Halasoptical antennaOpticsPeter Nordlanderphotodiodephotosensingplasmonplasmon decayResearch & TechnologyRice UniversitySchottky barriersemiconductorssiliconTexas

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