Microscale Chiral Rectennas for Energy Harvesting.

Wireless radiofrequency rectifiers have the potential to power the billions of "Internet of Things" devices currently in use by effectively harnessing the ambient electromagnetic radiation. However, the current technology relies on the implementation of rectifiers based on Schottky diodes, which exhibit limited capabilities for high-frequency and low-power applications. Consequently, they require an antenna to capture the incoming signal and amplify the input power, thereby limiting the possibility of miniaturizing devices to the millimeter scale. Here, we report wireless rectification at the GHz range in a microscale device built on single chiral Tellurium with extremely low input powers. By studying the crystal symmetry and the temperature dependence of the rectification, we demonstrate that its origin is the intrinsic nonlinear conductivity of the material. Additionally, we show the unprecedent ability to modulate the rectification output by an electrostatic gate. Our results open the path to develop tuneable microscale wireless rectifiers with a single material. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.