Solar array with multiple substrate layers providing frequency selective surfaces
A leaky travelling wave array of optical elements provide a solar wavelength rectenna.
1. A solar energy apparatus comprising:
a waveguide having a top surface, a bottom surface, a collection end and a detection end;
scattering features disposed on or within the waveguide, the scattering features positioned in locations extending from the collection end to the detection end; and
wherein the waveguide further comprises multiple layers of at least two different dielectric constants (∈ r ).
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the multiple waveguide layers provide frequency selective surfaces (FSS) to maintain receiving beam shape and direction constant with frequency.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the FSS have chirped spacing.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein gaps are disposed between the waveguide layers.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 additionally comprising a control element for controlling a spacing of the gaps between the waveguide layers.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the control element is a piezoelectric or electro active control.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a beam pattern of the apparatus is controlled by dynamically changing a spacing of the gaps between the waveguide layers.