MIIM-based optical log spiral rectenna for efficient IR energy harvesting

Abstract

This study proposed, for the first time, a newly developed metal–insulator-insulator–metal (MIIM)-based log-spiral rectenna for energy harvesting applications. The designed resonant log-spiral antenna at 28.3 THz forwards the absorbed infrared (IR) electromagnetic (EM) radiations to the installed double insulator-based MIIM rectifying diode. The realized MIIM diode is formed by sandwiching the two insulators among the designed resonant antenna terminals (hot spot region). Antenna terminals are used as the electrodes of the rectifying diode. This novel approach ensures the maximum transfer of captured IR EM radiations by the antenna to the rectifying part with good impedance matching and thus increases the overall conversions efficiency. The study presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of the changing metal types (Au, Al, Ag, and Cu) and insulating materials (Al2O3, Cu2O, Ta2O5, TiO2, and ZnO with10 different formations) on the realized rectenna performance in terms of captured E-field enhancement, I/V, resistivity, and responsivity characteristics. It is found that the overall performance of the proposed double insulator-based rectenna system is better for the asymmetric configuration of Au- Al2O3- Cu2O –Cu and it exhibits 100% enhanced non-linearity as compared to MIM-based configuration.