Quantum Plasmon Fluctuation Devices Harvesting Vacuum Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies are unable to effectively harness and utilize quantum vacuum fluctuations for energy generation due to the energy being in a ground-state form that does not flow from one region to another, despite its geometry-dependent nature.

Innovation Solution

The development of devices that utilize asymmetries in quantum plasmon modes across a transport layer to drive energy flow, including the use of zero-point-energy-density-reducing structures like Casimir cavities and plasmon Casimir cavities to create differences in zero-point energy densities, allowing for the harvesting of energy even in the absence of external illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If quantum vacuum fluctuations are used as energy source, then energy generation is enabled, but the energy does not flow from one region to another because it is in ground-state form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidenergy flow

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Casimir cavity structure that creates an asymmetric geometry between two regions. This asymmetry causes the quantum vacuum energy density to differ between the interior and exterior of the cavity, establishing a gradient that drives energy flow from the high-density region (exterior) to the low-density region (interior), thereby resolving the ground-state stagnation problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of zero-point energy density by introducing a Casimir cavity. The cavity's geometry modifies the quantum vacuum fluctuations, creating a region with reduced zero-point energy density compared to free space. This parameter change establishes a driving force for energy flow and enables harvestable power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If Casimir cavities are used to reduce zero-point energy density, then energy flow is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy flow capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a Casimir cavity structure with specific geometry to reduce zero-point energy density, a transport layer for carrier transmission, and contact regions for energy extraction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transport layer as an intermediary component between the Casimir cavity and the external circuit. This transport layer facilitates the movement of charge carriers generated by the quantum plasma fluctuations, enabling energy extraction while isolating the complex cavity structure from direct electrical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If quantum plasma fluctuations are harvested, then electrical energy generation is enabled, but external illumination sources are required in conventional devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidexternal energy input requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device harvests energy from quantum vacuum fluctuations that inherently exist in space without requiring external illumination or energy input. The Casimir cavity structure passively converts these ambient quantum fluctuations into usable electrical energy, making the device self-powered and independent of external light sources or fuel supplies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

These devices can generate and capture charge carriers excited by quantum plasmon fluctuations, enabling the production of electrical energy with high efficiency and the capability to operate in both light and dark conditions, leveraging the geometry-dependent nature of quantum vacuum radiation.

Implementation Method 1

the quantum vacuum is filled with electromagnetic radiation in the form of quantum vacuum fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum vacuum fluctuations:

Implementation Method 2

the quantum vacuum energy is geometry-dependent, and its density is lower in a Casimir cavity than in free space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCasimir effect: Casimir Effect

Implementation Method 3

the asymmetry can produce a net charge flow between the zero-point-energy-density-reducing structure and the device component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectZero-point energy:

Implementation Method 4

charge carriers that are excited by quantum plasmon fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum plasmon fluctuations:

Data Source

PatentUS11463026B2Quantum plasmon fluctuation devices

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

Described herein are devices incorporating plasmon Casimir cavities, which modify the distribution of allowable plasmon modes within the cavities. The plasmon Casimir cavities can drive charge carriers from or to an electronic device adjoining the plasmon Casimir cavity by modifying the distribution of zero-point energy-driven plasmons on one side of the electronic device to be different from the distribution of zero-point energy-driven plasmons on the other side of the electronic device. The electronic device can exhibit a structure that permits transport or capture of carriers in very short time intervals, such as in 1 picosecond or less.