Definition: The use of the Schottky barrier diode, combined with a receiving dipole antenna led to the present concept of collection and rectification in one step--the ground rectenna. Each rectenna element is self-contained and collects and rectifies the microwave energy impinging upon it. These elements can be connected in series or parallel combinations to give an appropriate DC voltage output as the interface to the public utility power grid. The present configuration of the rectenna element contains the following: a. A half-wave dipole antenna to collect the energy. b. A 2-section lowpass filter which serves as a harmonic filter to attenuate radiation of harmonic frequencies and as an energy storage device which feeds the rectifier circuit. c. Half-wave rectifier (Schottky barrier diode). d. Inductance resonator for rectifier output. e. Rectifier output filter. f. DC buss bar. The mechanical drawing and simplified electrical schematic of the present rectenna element is shown in Figure IV-D-1-2. These elements are connected in parallel to collect the DC power and then summed in series to obtain the proper voltage level. The elements are mounted on a wire mesh which would be supported by a simple framework normal to the power beam phase front from the SPS. This mounting of the elements is shown in Figure IV-D-1-3. An overall view of the rectenna concept is shown in Figure IV-D-1-4.
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