The next generation: Miniaturized objects, self powered using nanostructures to harvest ambient energy

Nano Air Vehicles (NAVs), are gaining more and more interest and popularity. Currently, the NAVs are powered by high energy density lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries. The flight time (FT) is usually limited between 5 and 20 minutes before requiring a forced recovery to replace exhausted batteries. In several scenarios, where the human intervention cannot be performed, e.g., toxic and radiation environments, to replace exhausted batteries might be impossible. The FT is becoming a challenge in the design of these small objects. Nano Energy harvesting is an attractive technology to extend the FT. Infrared emissions can generate a substantial amount of energy, during day and night to constantly supply these flying objects for the whole day. This work reviews some new and efficient approaches to absorb the incident IR radiation, treating it as electromagnetic waves. The key element for harvesting IR energy from the sun is a Rectenna which is a combination of a Nano - Antenna and a rectifier, tuned to mid-infrared wavelengths 7-14 um with a peak wavelength of about 10 um.