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 array of nanotubes comprising a system for the utilization of electromagnetic energy, the system comprising:
 a substrate supporting an array of nanotubes thereon;   an array of nanotubes arranged on the substrate for the responsive utilization to electromagnetic energy on the substrate.   
     
     
         20 . The array of nanotubes as recited in  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the nanotubes on the substrate are physically responsive to electromagnetic energy. 
     
     
         21 . The array of nanotubes as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the physical response of the at least one of the nanotubes is movement of the at least one nanotube. 
     
     
         22 . The array of nanotubes as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the physical response of the at least one of the nanotubes is the generation of an electromagnetic signal by the at least one nanotube. 
     
     
         23 . The array of nanotubes as recited in  claim 22 , where the electromagnetic signal generated by the at least one nanotube is different to the electromagnetic energy to the substrate. 
     
     
         24 . The array of nanotubes as recited in  claim 20 , wherein the nanotubes are in alignment on the substrate.