Optimal matching between optical rectennas and harvester circuits

This paper deals with optimal coupling issues between rectennas and harvesting circuits. An optical rectenna consists of a nanoantenna usually coupled with an ultra-high speed rectifier. These devices aim to receive and convert solar and thermal radiation in a DC voltage, while a harvester circuit provides the energy to be stored. The rectenna impedance is influenced both by its structure and by the rectifying diode, the harvester circuit impedance has to be matched to optimize the power transfer. The purpose of this contribution is to discuss the best impedance conditions by taking into account the constraints that are due to the individual devices the conversion system consist of. Finally, a cases study is presented.