Transparent rectenna and rectenna array for RF energy harvesting at 2.45 GHz

This paper deals with the design, realization and measurements of transparent single-element rectenna and 6-elements rectenna array at 2.45 GHz. The proposed circuits are printed on a 2-mm thickness optically transparent plexiglas substrate and offer more than 95% transparency. The single rectenna contains a rectangular strip-loop antenna and a SMS7630 Schottky diode rectifier. It exhibits measured output dc voltages of 70 and 190 mV at 1 and 5 μW/cm², respectively. The rectenna array shows experimental voltages of 0.55 V and 1.4 V in the previous conditions of RF illumination.