Photonic Material Angle Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face inefficiencies in discriminating electromagnetic radiation based on the angle of incidence, leading to energy losses in solar energy applications due to reflection and re-radiation, which reduces the overall efficiency of solar-energy conversion devices.
Innovation Solution
A photonic material with a periodic assembly of domains having different dielectric properties is used, where at least 75% of electromagnetic radiation within a specific angle range is transmitted or absorbed at one surface and reflected at another, independent of polarization, utilizing materials with isotropic and anisotropic dielectric and magnetic properties to achieve selective transmission and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polarizers are used to discriminate electromagnetic radiation, then polarization discrimination is achieved, but energy losses occur due to reflection and re-radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional polarizer mechanisms that rely on absorption and re-radiation with a system based on refraction and total internal reflection. By using uniaxial anisotropic materials, the system discriminates polarization through directional refraction of ordinary and extraordinary rays, allowing selective transmission without the energy losses associated with polarizer absorption and re-emission processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effect of reflection into a useful mechanism for energy conservation. By designing the system to utilize total internal reflection for rejecting unwanted polarization modes and angles, the reflected energy can be redirected back into the useful beam path or to useful angles, transforming what would normally be lost energy into a beneficial effect that enhances overall system efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly enhances the efficiency of solar-energy conversion systems by minimizing reflection and re-radiation, allowing for improved energy capture and conversion by selectively transmitting or absorbing electromagnetic radiation based on its angle of incidence.
Implementation Method 1
a material with a first index of refraction configured to be exposed to electromagnetic radiation from a medium in contact with the transmitter having a second index of refraction that is smaller than the first index of refraction
Implementation Method 2
at least about 75% of a second portion of electromagnetic radiation that contacts a second incident surface of the transmitter at an angle of incidence outside the range is reflected by the transmitter
Implementation Method 3
at least about 75% of a first portion of the electromagnetic radiation that contacts a first incident surface of the photonic material at an angle of incidence within a range of angles of incidence spanning about 45° or less is not reflected by the photonic material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems, articles, and methods for discriminating electromagnetic radiation based upon the angle of incidence of the electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, the materials and systems described herein can be capable of inhibiting reflection of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., the materials and systems can be capable of transmitting and/or absorbing electromagnetic radiation) within a given range of angles of incidence at a first incident surface, while substantially reflecting electromagnetic radiation outside the range of angles of incidence at a second incident surface (which can be the same as or different from the first incident surface). A photonic material comprising a plurality of periodically occurring separate domains can be used, in some cases, to selectively transmit and/or selectively absorb one portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation while reflecting another portion of incoming electromagnetic radiation, based upon the angle of incidence. In some embodiments, one domain of the photonic material can include an isotropic dielectric function, while another domain of the photonic material can include an anisotropic dielectric function. In some instances, one domain of the photonic material can include an isotropic magnetic permeability, while another domain of the photonic material can include an anisotropic magnetic permeability. In some embodiments, non-photonic materials (e.g., materials with relatively large scale features) can be used to selectively absorb incoming electromagnetic radiation based on angle of incidence.