Optical antenna array for harmonic generation, mixing and signal amplification

Abstract

An optical antenna collects, modifies and emits energy at light wavelengths. Linear conductors sized to correspond to the light wavelengths are used. Nonlinear junctions of small dimension are used to rectify an alternating waveform induced upon the conductors by the lightwave electromagnetic energy. The optical antenna and junctions are effective to produce harmonic energy at light wavelengths. The linear conductors may be comprised of carbon nanotubes that are attached to a substrate material, which may then be connected to an electrical port.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . An identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy for providing a signal identification to an item, said identification tag arrangement comprising: 
 a substrate; and    an arrangement of electromagnetically communicative resonant nanotubes arrayed on said substrate to receive and respond to electromagnetic energy.    
   
   
       20 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 19 , wherein said electromagnetically responsive nanotubes are arrayed on said substrate in a particular pattern.  
   
   
       21 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said nanotubes on said substrate have their resonance controlled by a physical dimension of said nanotubes on said substrate.  
   
   
       22 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 21 , wherein said physical dimension of at least one of said nanotubes comprises a length of at least one of said nanotubes on said substrate.  
   
   
       23 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 21 , wherein said physical dimension of at least one of said nanotubes comprises a diameter of at least one of said nanotubes on said substrate.  
   
   
       24 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 19 , wherein said electromagnetic energy comprises light energy.  
   
   
       25 . The identification tag arrangement responsive to electromagnetic energy as recited in  claim 19 , wherein said identification arrangement comprises an anti-theft device.  
   
   
       26 . A radio frequency identification device for receiving a radiated signal and for radiating a signal in response to said signal received, comprising: 
 a substrate having a nanotube array disposed thereon, wherein said nanotube array receives a signal and said nanotube array radiates a signal in response to said signal received by said nanotube array.    
   
   
       27 . The radio frequency identification device as recited in  claim 26 , wherein said nanotube array is responsive to electromagnetic energy in lightwave frequencies.  
   
   
       28 . The radio frequency identification device as recited in  claim 26 , wherein said nanotube array is responsive to electromagnetic energy in radiowave frequencies.  
   
   
       29 . A method of providing theft control by use of a theft control device utilizing an identification tag responsive to electromagnetic energy, comprising: 
 arranging electromagnetic energy responsive nanotubes on a substrate;    sending a first electromagnetic signal so as to be received by said nanotubes on said theft control device;    radiating a signal from said energy responsive nanotubes in response to said first signal received by said nanotubes to trigger an alarm.    
   
   
       30 . The method as recited in  claim 29 , including: 
 converting said first signal received by said nanotubes on said device into said radiated signal.    
   
   
       31 . The method as recited in  claim 29 , including: 
 arranging said nanotubes on said substrate into an array on said substrate.    
   
   
       32 . The method as recited in  claim 29 , including: 
 growing an energy responsive nanotube on said substrate from a seed arranged thereon.    
   
   
       33 . The device as recited in  claim 26 , wherein said substrate has a first side and a second side, and wherein at least one nanotube is arranged on said first side and at least one nanotube is arranged on said second side.  
   
   
       34 . The device as recited in  claim 26 , wherein said device radiates an electrical charge across a conductor in said device.  
   
   
       35 . The device as recited in  claim 26 , wherein said nanotube is a carbon nanotube.