Solar Nano-Antennae

[kentauros]

I don't know if y'all have seen this (I read about it last year) but it's a means of collecting solar energy in the mid-infrared spectrum at efficiencies around 80% and up to 92%. Currently, the main problem to be solved is the fact that the antennae make high-frequency electricity, i.e., in the tens of trillions of cycles! So, stepping that down would incur a loss of efficiency, unless they can do it electronically. I have to wonder if some of Nikola Tesla's research into high-frequency electricy would help here.

And as this collects energy from the infrared spectrum, you could make electricity at night :D

Here are some links to read further. The MJ interview with Steven Novack probably has the most information about the technology and how it would be put to use.

Q&A: Steven Novack | Mother Jones
Nanoantennas, a new, more efficient method for solar power?
Flexible nanoantenna arrays capture abundant solar energy
An array of solar antennae

[sui generis]

1. ooooh. Nano underwear.

Do your part and wear a ba-nano hammock. :silly:

:P

[Vinnie From Indy]

2. lol!

Ya gotta have something to hold your nanotube and Buckey balls!

[kentauros]

3. Unless this is the precursor to The Matrix

eh, Neo?