Rectifier for Electromagnetic Radiation

A rectifier is provided for converting an oscillating electromagnetic field into a direct current and comprises an electrically conductive antenna layer configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation, an electrically conductive mirror layer configured to provide an electromagnetic mirror charge of the antenna layer, an electrically insulating tunnel barrier layer positioned between the antenna layer and the mirror layer, and an electronic circuit electrically connected between the conductive mirror layer and the conductive antenna layer. The rectifier employs a metamaterial configuration for room temperature rectification of radiation in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum comprising the MWIR and LWIR regions. Methods for use of the rectifier in rectifying and detecting radiation are described.