CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/611,054, filed on December 28, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wireless power transmission is the transmission of electrical energy without conductors through time-varying electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields. Wireless transmission is useful to power electrical devices where interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, or are not possible.

[0003] Wireless power techniques mainly fall into two categories, non-radiative and radiative.

In far-field or radiative techniques, power is transferred by beams of electromagnetic radiation, like microwaves or laser beams. These techniques can transport energy longer distances but must be directionally aimed at the receiver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Provided herein are wireless energy transfer systems comprising: a vacuum tube device configured to produce a microwave energy; a waveguide configured to receive the microwave energy and wirelessly transmit an alternating current emission having a wavelength through air; and a rectenna configured to wirelessly receive the alternating current emission and convert the alternating current emission to a direct current.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency is greater than about 5 %. In various embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency is greater than about 5 %, 6 %, 7 %, 8 %, 9 %, 10 %, 12 %, 14 %, 16 %, 18 %, 20 %, or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency is greater than about 5% at an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² . In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency is greater than about 5% at an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² , 125 W/m ² , 150 W/m ² , 175 W/m ² , 200 W/m ² , or more. In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50%. In various embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50 %, 55 %, 60 %, 65 %, 70 %, 75 %, or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50% in an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² . In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50% in an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² , 125 W/m ² , 150 W/m ² , 175 W/m ² , 200 W/m ² , or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube device comprises a magnetron, a gyrotron, a klystron, or any combination thereof.

[0006] In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a frequency of about 0.0006 terahertz (THz) to about 1,500 THz. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a frequency of at least about 0.0006 THz. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a frequency of at most about 1,500 THz. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a frequency of about 0.0006 THz to about 0.001 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 0.005 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 0.01 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 0.05 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 0.1 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.0006 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 0.005 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 0.01 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 0.05 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 0.1 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.001 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 0.01 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 0.05 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 0.1 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.005 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 0.05 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 0.1 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.01 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 0.1 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.05 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 1 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 5 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 50 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 100 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 500 THz, about 0.1 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 1 THz to about 5 THz, about 1 THz to about 50 THz, about 1 THz to about 100 THz, about 1 THz to about 500 THz, about 1 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 5 THz to about 50 THz, about 5 THz to about 100 THz, about 5 THz to about 500 THz, about 5 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 50 THz to about 100 THz, about 50 THz to about 500 THz, about 50 THz to about 1,500 THz, about 100 THz to about 500 THz, about 100 THz to about 1,500 THz, or about 500 THz to about 1,500 THz. In various embodiments, the microwave energy has a frequency of about 0.0006 THz, about 0.001 THz, about 0.005 THz, about 0.01 THz, about 0.05 THz, about 0.1 THz, about 1 THz, about 5 THz, about 50 THz, about 100 THz, about 500 THz, or about 1,500 THz. [0007] In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a power of about 0.00025 megawatts (MW) to about 100 MW. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a power of at least about 0.00025 MW. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a power of at most about 100 MW. In some embodiments, the microwave energy has a power of about 0.00025 MW to about 0.0005 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.001 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.005 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.01 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.05 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.00025 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.001 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.005 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.01 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.05 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.0005 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 0.005 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 0.01 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 0.05 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.001 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 0.01 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 0.05 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.005 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 0.05 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.01 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 0.1 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.05 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.1 MW to about 0.5 MW, about 0.1 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.1 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.1 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.1 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.5 MW to about 1 MW, about 0.5 MW to about 5 MW, about 0.5 MW to about 100 MW, about 0.5 MW to about 100 MW, about 1 MW to about 5 MW, about 1 MW to about 100 MW, about 1 MW to about 100 MW, about 5 MW to about 100 MW, about 5 MW to about 100 MW, or about 100 MW to about 100 MW. In various embodiments, the microwave energy has a power of about 0.00025 MW, about 0.0005 MW, about 0.001 MW, about 0.005 MW, about 0.01 MW, about 0.05 MW, about 0.1 MW, about 0.5 MW, about 1 MW, about 5 MW, about 100 MW, or about 100 MW.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vacuum tube device is configured to receive power input at a voltage of about 120 volts (V) to about 500 V. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube device is configured to receive power input at a voltage of at least about 120 V. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube device is configured to receive power input at a voltage of at most about 500 V. In some embodiments, the vacuum tube device is configured to receive power input at a voltage of about 120 V to about 140 V, about 120 V to about 180 V, about 120 V to about 200 V, about 120 V to about 220 V, about 120 V to about 250 V, about 120 V to about 300 V, about 120 V to about 350 V, about 120 V to about 400 V, about 120 V to about 450 V, about 120 V to about 500 V, about 140 V to about 180 V, about 140 V to about 200 V, about 140 V to about 220 V, about 140 V to about 250 V, about 140 V to about 300 V, about 140 V to about 350 V, about 140 V to about 400 V, about 140 V to about 450 V, about 140 V to about 500 V, about 180 V to about 200 V, about 180 V to about 220 V, about 180 V to about 250 V, about 180 V to about 300 V, about 180 V to about 350 V, about 180 V to about 400 V, about 180 V to about 450 V, about 180 V to about 500 V, about 200 V to about 220 V, about 200 V to about 250 V, about 200 V to about 300 V, about 200 V to about 350 V, about 200 V to about 400 V, about 200 V to about 450 V, about 200 V to about 500 V, about 220 V to about 250 V, about 220 V to about 300 V, about 220 V to about 350 V, about 220 V to about 400 V, about 220 V to about 450 V, about 220 V to about 500 V, about 250 V to about 300 V, about 250 V to about 350 V, about 250 V to about 400 V, about 250 V to about 450 V, about 250 V to about 500 V, about 300 V to about 350 V, about 300 V to about 400 V, about 300 V to about 450 V, about 300 V to about 500 V, about 350 V to about 400 V, about 350 V to about 450 V, about 350 V to about 500 V, about 400 V to about 450 V, about 400 V to about 500 V, or about 450 V to about 500 V. In various embodiments, the vacuum tube device is configured to receive power input at a voltage of about 120 V, about 140 V, about 180 V, about 200 V, about 220 V, about 250 V, about 300 V, about 350 V, about 400 V, about 450 V, or about 500 V.

[0009] In some embodiments, the waveguide is a directional waveguide. In some embodiments, the waveguide is a parabolic waveguide. In some embodiments, the waveguide comprises an array of waveguides. In some embodiments, the waveguide comprises a top plate, a channel, a feed tube, a mount, and a slotted plate. In some embodiments, the top plate is attached to one or more of the channels, wherein each channel is attached to the feed tube, and wherein the feed tube is attached to the mount. In some embodiments, the top plate and the channels comprise a plurality of aligned slots. In some embodiments, the aligned slots are arranged in two or more staggered columns of slots.

[0010] In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the aligned slots is about 6: 1 to about 24: 1. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the aligned slots is at least about 6: 1. In some

embodiments, the aspect ratio of the aligned slots is at most about 24: 1. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the aligned slots is about 6: 1 to about 8: 1, about 6: 1 to about 10: 1, about 6: 1 to about 12:1, about 6:1 to about 14:1, about 6:1 to about 16:1, about 6:1 to about 18:1, about 6: 1 to about 20: 1, about 6: 1 to about 22: 1, about 6: 1 to about 24: 1, about 8: 1 to about 10:1, about 8:1 to about 12:1, about 8:1 to about 14:1, about 8:1 to about 16:1, about 8:1 to about 18:1, about 8:1 to about 20: 1, about 8:1 to about 22: 1, about 8:1 to about 24: 1, about 10: 1 to about 12:1, about 10:1 to about 14:1, about 10:1 to about 16:1, about 10:1 to about 18:1, about 10:1 to about 20:1, about 10:1 to about 22:1, about 10:1 to about 24:1, about 12:1 to about 14:1, about 12:1 to about 16:1, about 12:1 to about 18:1, about 12:1 to about 20:1, about 12:1 to about 22:1, about 12:1 to about 24:1, about 14:1 to about 16:1, about 14:1 to about 18:1, about 14:1 to about 20:1, about 14:1 to about 22:1, about 14:1 to about 24:1, about 16:1 to about 18:1, about 16:1 to about 20:1, about 16:1 to about 22:1, about 16:1 to about 24:1, about 18:1 to about 20:1, about 18: 1 to about 22: 1, about 18: 1 to about 24: 1, about 20: 1 to about 22: 1, about 20: 1 to about 24: 1, or about 22: 1 to about 24: 1. In various embodiments, the aspect ratio of the aligned slots is about 6:1, about 8:1, about 10:1, about 12:1, about 14:1, about 16:1, about 18:1, about 20:1, about 22: 1, or about 24: 1.

[0011] In some embodiments, a length of the slot is about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, a length of the slot is at least about 0.1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, a length of the slot is at most about 0.6 times the

wavelength. In some embodiments, a length of the slot is about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, or about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, a length of the slot is about 0.1 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.33 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength, or about 0.6 times the wavelength.

[0012] In some embodiments, a width of the slot is about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, a width of the slot is at least about 0.01 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, a width of the slot is at most about 0.16 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, a width of the slot is about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.06 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, or about 0.14 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, a width of the slot is about 0.04 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.14 times the wavelength, or about 0.16 times the wavelength.

[0013] In some embodiments, the columns of slots are separated by a distance of about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, the columns of slots are separated by a distance of at least about 0.01 times the wavelength. In some

embodiments, the columns of slots are separated by a distance of at most about 0.16 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, the columns of slots are separated by a distance of about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.06 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.04 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength to about 0.14 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength, or about 0.14 times the wavelength to about 0.16 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, the columns of slots are separated by a distance of about 0.04 times the wavelength, about 0.06 times the wavelength, about 0.08 times the wavelength, about 0.01 times the wavelength, about 0.012 times the wavelength, about 0.14 times the wavelength, or about 0.16 times the wavelength.

[0014] In some embodiments, the slots in each column are separated by a distance of about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, the slots in each column are separated by a distance of at least about 0.1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, the slots in each column are separated by a distance of at most about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, the slots in each column are separated by a distance of about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, or about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, the slots in each column are separated by a distance of about 0.1 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, or about 0.5 times the wavelength.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises a T-bar antenna. In some embodiments, the T-bar antenna comprises an array of T-bar antennas. In some embodiments, the array of T- bar antennas comprises a columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array is connected in parallel. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array is connected in series.

[0016] In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T- bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to at least about 0.1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to at most about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, or about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, or about 0.5 times the wavelength.

[0017] In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to at least about 0.25 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to at most about 1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, or about 0.85 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.85 times the wavelength, or about 1 times the wavelength.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises an insulator having a first face and an opposing second face, wherein one or more portions of the first face are covered by a first conductive layer and wherein one or more portions of the second face are covered by a second conductive layer. In some embodiments, the rectenna further comprises a diode, a capacitor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises an insulator having a first face and an opposing second face, wherein one or more portions of the first face are covered by a first conductive layer and wherein one or more portions of the second face are covered by a second conductive layer. In some embodiments, the rectenna further comprises a diode, a capacitor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprise a conductive metal. In some embodiments, the conductive metal comprises aluminum, gallium, lead, tin, silver, copper, gold, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel, stainless steel, or any combination thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz to about 600 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of at least about 0.6 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of at most about 600 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz to about 1 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 250 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 250 GHz to about 600 GHz, or about 500 GHz to about 600 GHz. In various

embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz, about 1 GHz, about 5.8 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 50 GHz, about 100 GHz, about 250 GHz, about 500 GHz, or about 600 GHz, including increments therein.

[0020] In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW to about 300 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of at least about 75 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of at most about 300 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW to about 100 MW, about 75 MW to about 125 MW, about 75 MW to about 150 MW, about 75 MW to about 175 MW, about 75 MW to about 200 MW, about 75 MW to about 225 MW, about 75 MW to about 250 MW, about 75 MW to about 275 MW, about 75 MW to about 300 MW, about 100 MW to about 125 MW, about 100 MW to about 150 MW, about 100 MW to about 175 MW, about 100 MW to about 200 MW, about 100 MW to about 225 MW, about 100 MW to about 250 MW, about 100 MW to about 275 MW, about 100 MW to about 300 MW, about 125 MW to about 150 MW, about 125 MW to about 175 MW, about 125 MW to about 200 MW, about 125 MW to about 225 MW, about 125 MW to about 250 MW, about 125 MW to about 275 MW, about 125 MW to about 300 MW, about 150 MW to about 175 MW, about 150 MW to about 200 MW, about 150 MW to about 225 MW, about 150 MW to about 250 MW, about 150 MW to about 275 MW, about 150 MW to about 300 MW, about 175 MW to about 200 MW, about 175 MW to about 225 MW, about 175 MW to about 250 MW, about 175 MW to about 275 MW, about 175 MW to about 300 MW, about 200 MW to about 225 MW, about 200 MW to about 250 MW, about 200 MW to about 275 MW, about 200 MW to about 300 MW, about 225 MW to about 250 MW, about 225 MW to about 275 MW, about 225 MW to about 300 MW, about 250 MW to about 275 MW, about 250 MW to about 300 MW, or about 275 MW to about 300 MW. In various embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW, about 100 MW, about 125 MW, about 150 MW, about 175 MW, about 200 MW, about 225 MW, about 250 MW, about 275 MW, or about 300 MW, including increments therein.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for about 1 hour to about 120 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for at least about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for at most about 120 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate

continuously for about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 1 hour to about 5 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 15 hours, about 1 hour to about 20 hours, about 1 hour to about 25 hours, about 1 hour to about 30 hours, about 1 hour to about 35 hours, about 1 hour to about 40 hours, about 1 hour to about 80 hours, about 1 hour to about 120 hours, about 2 hours to about 5 hours, about 2 hours to about 10 hours, about 2 hours to about 15 hours, about 2 hours to about 20 hours, about 2 hours to about 25 hours, about 2 hours to about 30 hours, about 2 hours to about 35 hours, about 2 hours to about 40 hours, about 2 hours to about 80 hours, about 2 hours to about 120 hours, about 5 hours to about 10 hours, about 5 hours to about 15 hours, about 5 hours to about 20 hours, about 5 hours to about 25 hours, about 5 hours to about 30 hours, about 5 hours to about 35 hours, about 5 hours to about 40 hours, about 5 hours to about 80 hours, about 5 hours to about 120 hours, about 10 hours to about 15 hours, about 10 hours to about 20 hours, about 10 hours to about 25 hours, about 10 hours to about 30 hours, about 10 hours to about 35 hours, about 10 hours to about 40 hours, about 10 hours to about 80 hours, about 10 hours to about 120 hours, about 15 hours to about 20 hours, about 15 hours to about 25 hours, about 15 hours to about 30 hours, about 15 hours to about 35 hours, about 15 hours to about 40 hours, about 15 hours to about 80 hours, about 15 hours to about 120 hours, about 20 hours to about 25 hours, about 20 hours to about 30 hours, about 20 hours to about 35 hours, about 20 hours to about 40 hours, about 20 hours to about 80 hours, about 20 hours to about 120 hours, about 25 hours to about 30 hours, about 25 hours to about 35 hours, about 25 hours to about 40 hours, about 25 hours to about 80 hours, about 25 hours to about 120 hours, about 30 hours to about 35 hours, about 30 hours to about 40 hours, about 30 hours to about 80 hours, about 30 hours to about 120 hours, about 35 hours to about 40 hours, about 35 hours to about 80 hours, about 35 hours to about 120 hours, about 40 hours to about 80 hours, about 40 hours to about 120 hours, or about 80 hours to about 120 hours. In various embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 5 hours, about 10 hours, about 15 hours, about 20 hours, about 25 hours, about 30 hours, about 35 hours, about 40 hours, about 80 hours, or about 120 hours, including increments therein. [0022] Another aspect provided herein is a wireless energy transfer system comprising: a solid- state phased array configured to wirelessly transmit an alternating current emission having a wavelength through air; and a rectenna configured to wirelessly receive the alternating current emission and convert the alternating current emission to a direct current.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency is greater than about 5 %. In various embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency greater than about 5 %, 6 %, 7 %, 8 %, 9 %, 10 %, 12 %, 14 %, 16 %, 18 %, 20 %, or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency greater than about 5% at an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² . In some embodiments, the system has an end-to-end efficiency greater than about 5% at an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² , 125 W/m ² , 150 W/m ² , 175 W/m ² , 200 W/m ² , or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50%. In various embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50 %, 55 %, 60 %, 65 %, 70 %, 75 %, or more, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50% in an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² . In some embodiments, the system has a rectification efficiency of at least about 50% in an energy flux is greater than about 100 W/m ² , 125 W/m ² , 150 W/m ² , 175 W/m ² , 200 W/m ² , or more, including increments therein.

[0024] In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T- bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to at least about 0.1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to at most about 0.5 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.1 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, or about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a column separation distance equal to about 0.1 times the wavelength, about 0.15 times the wavelength, about 0.2 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, or about 0.5 times the wavelength.

[0025] In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to at least about 0.25 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to at most about 1 times the wavelength. In some embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.25 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength to about 0.85 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength, or about 0.85 times the wavelength to about 1 times the wavelength. In various embodiments, each T-bar antenna of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas is separated by a vertical separation distance equal to about 0.25 times the wavelength, about 0.3 times the wavelength, about 0.35 times the wavelength, about 0.4 times the wavelength, about 0.45 times the wavelength, about 0.5 times the wavelength, about 0.55 times the wavelength, about 0.6 times the wavelength, about 0.65 times the wavelength, about 0.75 times the wavelength, about 0.85 times the wavelength, or about 1 times the wavelength.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises an insulator having a first face and an opposing second face, wherein one or more portions of the first face are covered by a first conductive layer and wherein one or more portions of the second face are covered by a second conductive layer. In some embodiments, the rectenna further comprises a diode, a capacitor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises an insulator having a first face and an opposing second face, wherein one or more portions of the first face are covered by a first conductive layer and wherein one or more portions of the second face are covered by a second conductive layer. In some embodiments, the rectenna further comprises a diode, a capacitor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprise a conductive metal. In some embodiments, the conductive metal comprises aluminum, gallium, lead, tin, silver, copper, gold, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel, stainless steel, or any combination thereof.

[0027] In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz to about 600 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of at least about 0.6 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of at most about 600 GHz. In some embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz to about 1 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 0.6 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 250 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 100 GHz to about 600 GHz, about 250 GHz to about 500 GHz, about 250 GHz to about 600 GHz, or about 500 GHz to about 600 GHz. In various

embodiments, the alternating current emission has a frequency of about 0.6 GHz, about 1 GHz, about 5.8 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 50 GHz, about 100 GHz, about 250 GHz, about 500 GHz, or about 600 GHz, including increments therein.

[0028] In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW to about 300 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of at least about 75 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of at most about 300 MW. In some embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW to about 100 MW, about 75 MW to about 125 MW, about 75 MW to about 150 MW, about 75 MW to about 175 MW, about 75 MW to about 200 MW, about 75 MW to about 225 MW, about 75 MW to about 250 MW, about 75 MW to about 275 MW, about 75 MW to about 300 MW, about 100 MW to about 125 MW, about 100 MW to about 150 MW, about 100 MW to about 175 MW, about 100 MW to about 200 MW, about 100 MW to about 225 MW, about 100 MW to about 250 MW, about 100 MW to about 275 MW, about 100 MW to about 300 MW, about 125 MW to about 150 MW, about 125 MW to about 175 MW, about 125 MW to about 200 MW, about 125 MW to about 225 MW, about 125 MW to about 250 MW, about 125 MW to about 275 MW, about 125 MW to about 300 MW, about 150 MW to about 175 MW, about 150 MW to about 200 MW, about 150 MW to about 225 MW, about 150 MW to about 250 MW, about 150 MW to about 275 MW, about 150 MW to about 300 MW, about 175 MW to about 200 MW, about 175 MW to about 225 MW, about 175 MW to about 250 MW, about 175 MW to about 275 MW, about 175 MW to about 300 MW, about 200 MW to about 225 MW, about 200 MW to about 250 MW, about 200 MW to about 275 MW, about 200 MW to about 300 MW, about 225 MW to about 250 MW, about 225 MW to about 275 MW, about 225 MW to about 300 MW, about 250 MW to about 275 MW, about 250 MW to about 300 MW, or about 275 MW to about 300 MW. In various embodiments, the direct current emission has a power of about 75 MW, about 100 MW, about 125 MW, about 150 MW, about 175 MW, about 200 MW, about 225 MW, about 250 MW, about 275 MW, or about 300 MW, including increments therein.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for about 1 hour to about 120 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for at least about 1 hour. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for at most about 120 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate

continuously for about 1 hour to about 2 hours, about 1 hour to about 5 hours, about 1 hour to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 15 hours, about 1 hour to about 20 hours, about 1 hour to about 25 hours, about 1 hour to about 30 hours, about 1 hour to about 35 hours, about 1 hour to about 40 hours, about 1 hour to about 80 hours, about 1 hour to about 120 hours, about 2 hours to about 5 hours, about 2 hours to about 10 hours, about 2 hours to about 15 hours, about 2 hours to about 20 hours, about 2 hours to about 25 hours, about 2 hours to about 30 hours, about 2 hours to about 35 hours, about 2 hours to about 40 hours, about 2 hours to about 80 hours, about 2 hours to about 120 hours, about 5 hours to about 10 hours, about 5 hours to about 15 hours, about 5 hours to about 20 hours, about 5 hours to about 25 hours, about 5 hours to about 30 hours, about 5 hours to about 35 hours, about 5 hours to about 40 hours, about 5 hours to about 80 hours, about 5 hours to about 120 hours, about 10 hours to about 15 hours, about 10 hours to about 20 hours, about 10 hours to about 25 hours, about 10 hours to about 30 hours, about 10 hours to about 35 hours, about 10 hours to about 40 hours, about 10 hours to about 80 hours, about 10 hours to about 120 hours, about 15 hours to about 20 hours, about 15 hours to about 25 hours, about 15 hours to about 30 hours, about 15 hours to about 35 hours, about 15 hours to about 40 hours, about 15 hours to about 80 hours, about 15 hours to about 120 hours, about 20 hours to about 25 hours, about 20 hours to about 30 hours, about 20 hours to about 35 hours, about 20 hours to about 40 hours, about 20 hours to about 80 hours, about 20 hours to about 120 hours, about 25 hours to about 30 hours, about 25 hours to about 35 hours, about 25 hours to about 40 hours, about 25 hours to about 80 hours, about 25 hours to about 120 hours, about 30 hours to about 35 hours, about 30 hours to about 40 hours, about 30 hours to about 80 hours, about 30 hours to about 120 hours, about 35 hours to about 40 hours, about 35 hours to about 80 hours, about 35 hours to about 120 hours, about 40 hours to about 80 hours, about 40 hours to about 120 hours, or about 80 hours to about 120 hours. In various embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously for about 1 hour, about 2 hours, about 5 hours, about 10 hours, about 15 hours, about 20 hours, about 25 hours, about 30 hours, about 35 hours, about 40 hours, about 80 hours, or about 120 hours, including increments therein. [0030] Also provided herein is a continuous data gathering system comprising: a waveguide; a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power; and a sensor; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts data gathering continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises a vacuum tube diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, or a silicon-based semiconductor to rectify the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0032] In some embodiments, the data gathering comprises surveillance. In some embodiments the sensor comprises a surveillance sensor. In some embodiments the waveguide receives power input at standard 120V and 60Hz. In some embodiments the waveguide provides power output to the rectenna at about 5.8GHz. In some embodiments the antenna is a directional antenna. In some embodiments the antenna comprises a parabolic dish antenna. In some embodiments the antenna comprises an antenna array. In some embodiments the radio frequency power transmission field comprises microwaves.

[0033] In some embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of about 1 GHz to about 100 GHz. In some embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of at least about 1 GHz. In some embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of at most about 100 GHz. In some

embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of about 1 GHz to about 2 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 23 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 30 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 1 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 5.8 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 23 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 30 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 2 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 23 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 30 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 5.8 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 23 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 30 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 30 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 23 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 40 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 30 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 40 GHz to about 50 GHz, about 40 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 40 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 40 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 40 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 60 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 50 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 60 GHz to about 70 GHz, about 60 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 60 GHz to about 100 GHz, about 70 GHz to about 80 GHz, about 70 GHz to about 100 GHz, or about 80 GHz to about 100 GHz. In various embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of about 1 GHz, about 2 GHz, about 5.8 GHz, about 10 GHz, about 23 GHz, about 30 GHz, about 40 GHz, about 50 GHz, about 60 GHz, about 70 GHz, about 80 GHz, or about 100 GHz, including increments therein.

[0034] In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a rotary wing drone. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a helicopter. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a multicopter. In some embodiments the multicopter comprises a co-axial copter, a tricopter, a quadcopter, a hexacopter, an octocopter, or a decacopter. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a tilt wing drone. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a fixed wing drone. In various embodiments the rectenna rectifies the wirelessly transmitted power to DC at about 75 W, 100 W, 125 W, 150W, 200 W, 250 W, or 300 W, including increments therein.

[0035] In some embodiments the surveillance sensor comprises a camera. In some embodiments the camera comprises a video camera. In some embodiments the camera comprises an infrared camera.

[0036] In some embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is about 2 to about 40. In some embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is at least about 2. In some embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is at most about 40. In some embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is about 2 to about 3, about 2 to about 4, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 9, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 20, about 2 to about 30, about 2 to about 40, about 3 to about 4, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 6, about 3 to about 7, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 9, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 20, about 3 to about 30, about 3 to about 40, about 4 to about 5, about 4 to about 6, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 9, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 20, about 4 to about 30, about 4 to about 40, about 5 to about 6, about 5 to about 7, about 5 to about 8, about 5 to about 9, about 5 to about 10, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 30, about 5 to about 40, about 6 to about 7, about 6 to about 8, about 6 to about 9, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 20, about 6 to about 30, about 6 to about 40, about 7 to about 8, about 7 to about 9, about 7 to about 10, about 7 to about 20, about 7 to about 30, about 7 to about 40, about 8 to about 9, about 8 to about 10, about 8 to about 20, about 8 to about 30, about 8 to about 40, about 9 to about 10, about 9 to about 20, about 9 to about 30, about 9 to about 40, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 30, about 10 to about 40, about 20 to about 30, about 20 to about 40, or about 30 to about 40. In various embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, or about 40, including increments therein.

[0037] In some embodiments the sensor comprises a chemical sensor or a radiation sensor.

[0038] In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at least 50 feet or at least 100 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by about 25 feet to about 150 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at least about 25 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at most about 150 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by about 25 feet to about 35 feet, about 25 feet to about 45 feet, about 25 feet to about 55 feet, about 25 feet to about 65 feet, about 25 feet to about 75 feet, about 25 feet to about 85 feet, about 25 feet to about 100 feet, about 25 feet to about 125 feet, about 25 feet to about 150 feet, about 35 feet to about 45 feet, about 35 feet to about 55 feet, about 35 feet to about 65 feet, about 35 feet to about 75 feet, about 35 feet to about 85 feet, about 35 feet to about 100 feet, about 35 feet to about 125 feet, about 35 feet to about 150 feet, about 45 feet to about 55 feet, about 45 feet to about 65 feet, about 45 feet to about 75 feet, about 45 feet to about 85 feet, about 45 feet to about 100 feet, about 45 feet to about 125 feet, about 45 feet to about 150 feet, about 55 feet to about 65 feet, about 55 feet to about 75 feet, about 55 feet to about 85 feet, about 55 feet to about 100 feet, about 55 feet to about 125 feet, about 55 feet to about 150 feet, about 65 feet to about 75 feet, about 65 feet to about 85 feet, about 65 feet to about 100 feet, about 65 feet to about 125 feet, about 65 feet to about 150 feet, about 75 feet to about 85 feet, about 75 feet to about 100 feet, about 75 feet to about 125 feet, about 75 feet to about 150 feet, about 85 feet to about 100 feet, about 85 feet to about 125 feet, about 85 feet to about 150 feet, about 100 feet to about 125 feet, about 100 feet to about 150 feet, or about 125 feet to about 150 feet. In various embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by about 25 feet, about 35 feet, about 45 feet, about 55 feet, about 65 feet, about 75 feet, about 85 feet, about 100 feet, about 125 feet, or about 150 feet, including increments therein.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at least 48 hours, at least 72 hours, or at least 96 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 10 hours to about 118 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at least about 10 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at most about 118 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 10 hours to about 24 hours, about 10 hours to about 30 hours, about 10 hours to about 36 hours, about 10 hours to about 42 hours, about 10 hours to about 48 hours, about 10 hours to about 54 hours, about 10 hours to about 60 hours, about 10 hours to about 64 hours, about 10 hours to about 72 hours, about 10 hours to about 96 hours, about 10 hours to about 118 hours, about 24 hours to about 30 hours, about 24 hours to about 36 hours, about 24 hours to about 42 hours, about 24 hours to about 48 hours, about 24 hours to about 54 hours, about 24 hours to about 60 hours, about 24 hours to about 64 hours, about 24 hours to about 72 hours, about 24 hours to about 96 hours, about 24 hours to about 118 hours, about 30 hours to about 36 hours, about 30 hours to about 42 hours, about 30 hours to about 48 hours, about 30 hours to about 54 hours, about 30 hours to about 60 hours, about 30 hours to about 64 hours, about 30 hours to about 72 hours, about 30 hours to about 96 hours, about 30 hours to about 118 hours, about 36 hours to about 42 hours, about 36 hours to about 48 hours, about 36 hours to about 54 hours, about 36 hours to about 60 hours, about 36 hours to about 64 hours, about 36 hours to about 72 hours, about 36 hours to about 96 hours, about 36 hours to about 118 hours, about 42 hours to about 48 hours, about 42 hours to about 54 hours, about 42 hours to about 60 hours, about 42 hours to about 64 hours, about 42 hours to about 72 hours, about 42 hours to about 96 hours, about 42 hours to about 118 hours, about 48 hours to about 54 hours, about 48 hours to about 60 hours, about 48 hours to about 64 hours, about 48 hours to about 72 hours, about 48 hours to about 96 hours, about 48 hours to about 118 hours, about 54 hours to about 60 hours, about 54 hours to about 64 hours, about 54 hours to about 72 hours, about 54 hours to about 96 hours, about 54 hours to about 118 hours, about 60 hours to about 64 hours, about 60 hours to about 72 hours, about 60 hours to about 96 hours, about 60 hours to about 118 hours, about 64 hours to about 72 hours, about 64 hours to about 96 hours, about 64 hours to about 118 hours, about 72 hours to about 96 hours, about 72 hours to about 118 hours, or about 96 hours to about 118 hours. In various

embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 10 hours, about 24 hours, about 30 hours, about 36 hours, about 42 hours, about 48 hours, about 54 hours, about 60 hours, about 64 hours, about 72 hours, about 96 hours, or about 118 hours, including increments therein.

[0040] In some embodiments the primary source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide. In some embodiments the sole source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide.

[0041] A second aspect provide herein is a continuous surveillance platform comprising: a terrestrial wireless power transmission station comprising a waveguide and a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a surveillance sensor; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises a vacuum tube diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, or a silicon-based semiconductor to rectify the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 6 hours to about 60 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at least about 6 hours. In some

embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at most about 60 hours. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 6 hours to about 12 hours, about 6 hours to about 18 hours, about 6 hours to about 24 hours, about 6 hours to about 30 hours, about 6 hours to about 36 hours, about 6 hours to about 42 hours, about 6 hours to about 48 hours, about 6 hours to about 54 hours, about 6 hours to about 60 hours, about 12 hours to about 18 hours, about 12 hours to about 24 hours, about 12 hours to about 30 hours, about 12 hours to about 36 hours, about 12 hours to about 42 hours, about 12 hours to about 48 hours, about 12 hours to about 54 hours, about 12 hours to about 60 hours, about 18 hours to about 24 hours, about 18 hours to about 30 hours, about 18 hours to about 36 hours, about 18 hours to about 42 hours, about 18 hours to about 48 hours, about 18 hours to about 54 hours, about 18 hours to about 60 hours, about 24 hours to about 30 hours, about 24 hours to about 36 hours, about 24 hours to about 42 hours, about 24 hours to about 48 hours, about 24 hours to about 54 hours, about 24 hours to about 60 hours, about 30 hours to about 36 hours, about 30 hours to about 42 hours, about 30 hours to about 48 hours, about 30 hours to about 54 hours, about 30 hours to about 60 hours, about 36 hours to about 42 hours, about 36 hours to about 48 hours, about 36 hours to about 54 hours, about 36 hours to about 60 hours, about 42 hours to about 48 hours, about 42 hours to about 54 hours, about 42 hours to about 60 hours, about 48 hours to about 54 hours, about 48 hours to about 60 hours, or about 54 hours to about 60 hours. In various embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 6 hours, about 12 hours, about 18 hours, about 24 hours, about 30 hours, about 36 hours, about 42 hours, about 48 hours, about 54 hours, or about 60 hours, including increments therein.

[0044] A third aspect provided herein is a continuous telecommunications system comprising: a waveguide; a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a wireless telecommunications element; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle is available to conduct telecommunications continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises a vacuum tube diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, or a silicon-based semiconductor to rectify the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0046] In some embodiments, the waveguide receives power input at standard 120V and 60Hz. In some embodiments, the waveguide provides power output to the rectenna at 5.8GHz. In some embodiments, the antenna is a directional antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna comprises a parabolic dish antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna comprises an antenna array. In some embodiments, the radio frequency power transmission field comprises microwaves.

[0047] In some embodiments, the microwaves have a frequency of lGHz to lOOGHz. In some embodiments, e microwaves have a frequency of 2.45GHz to l2GHz. In some embodiments, the microwaves have a frequency of about 5.8GHz. [0048] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a rotary wing drone. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a helicopter. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a multicopter. In some embodiments, the multicopter comprises a co-axial copter, a tricopter, a quadcopter, a hexacopter, an octocopter, or a decacopter. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a tilt wing drone. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a fixed wing drone.

[0049] In various embodiments the rectenna rectifies the wirelessly transmitted power to DC at about 75 W, 100 W, 125 W, 150W, 200 W, 250 W, or 300 W, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data receiver.

[0050] In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data relay. In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data transmitter.

[0051] In various embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 wireless telecommunications elements. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at least 50 feet or at least 100 feet. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts telecommunications continuously for at least 48 hours, at least 72 hours, or at least 96 hours. In some embodiments, wherein the primary source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide. In some embodiments, the sole source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide.

[0052] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises a rechargeable power store directly or indirectly connected to the rectenna and wherein the primary source of power for charging the rechargeable power store is the waveguide. In some embodiments, the sole source of power for charging the rechargeable power store is the waveguide.

[0053] A fourth aspect provided herein is a continuous telecommunications platform

comprising: a terrestrial wireless power transmission station comprising a waveguide and a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a wireless telecommunications element comprising a data receiver, a data relay, a data transmitter, or a combination thereof; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle is available to conduct telecommunications continuously for at least 24 hours. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative

embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0055] FIG. 1 shows an illustration of an exemplary wireless power transfer system, per an embodiment herein;

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a top transparent perspective view of an exemplary, per an embodiment herein;

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary waveguide, per an

embodiment herein;

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a top view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0061] FIG. 7 shows an exploded bottom view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0062] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a front view of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0064] FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of a channel of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0065] FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of a silted slot of an exemplary waveguide, per an embodiment herein;

[0066] FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an exemplary rectenna, per an embodiment herein;

[0067] FIG. 13 shows an image of an exemplary rectenna, per an embodiment herein;

[0068] FIG. 14 shows a detailed image of the diodes of an exemplary rectenna, per an embodiment herein;

[0069] FIG. 15 shows an image of a wirelessly powered rectenna, per an embodiment herein; [0070] FIG. 16 shows a non-limiting illustration of a continuous data gathering system, per an embodiment herein;

[0071] FIG. 17 shows a non-limiting first illustration of the use of the wireless power transfer system with an aerial vehicle, per an embodiment herein;

[0072] FIG. 18 shows a non-limiting second illustration of the use of the wireless power transfer system with an aerial vehicle, per an embodiment herein;

[0073] FIG. 19 shows a non-limiting illustration of an interface of a terrestrial wireless power transmission station, per an embodiment herein;

[0074] FIG. 20 a non-limiting illustration of the use of the wireless power transfer system with a land vehicle, per an embodiment herein; and

[0075] FIG. 21 shows a non-limiting example of a digital processing device; in this case, a device with one or more CPUs, a memory, a communication interface, and a display, per an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Wireless energy transfer provides many known benefits over direct energy transfer and battery systems. The use of direct energy transfer, including wired connection and energized tracks, is limited to stationary or confined electrical devices, and battery operated systems require periodic charging interruptions. As such, wireless systems, which are not bound by wires, specific tracks, or recharging delays enable continuous operation constrained only by the number and charge radius of a wireless energy transmitter. The range, power, and efficiency of currently available wireless energy transfer devices, however, prevent widespread for devices such as aerial vehicles and construction equipment. Thus, there is a current unmet need for a wireless energy transfer system configured to transfer high amounts of energy at a fast rate and with high efficiency.

[0077] For example, some unmanned aerial vehicle systems employ a charging station where the unmanned aerial vehicle can land to recharge when its stored power is below a certain threshold, or a tether between a power source and the unmanned aerial vehicle to enable longer airborne periods of operation. However, such systems require a redundant number of vehicles for a continuous aerial presence, and may pose a safety risk, and are constrained by signal and power attenuation. Wireless Energy Transfer System

[0078] Provided herein per FIG. l is a wireless energy transfer system 100 comprising a vacuum tube device 103, a waveguide 101, and a rectenna 102. The wireless energy transfer system 100 may wirelessly transmit energy wherein the vacuum tube device 103 produces microwave energy, wherein the waveguide 101 receives the microwave energy and wirelessly transmits an alternating current emission having a wavelength (lambda) through air, and wherein the rectenna 102 wirelessly receives the alternating current emission and converts the alternating current emission to a direct current. Alternatively, the waveguide 101 may wirelessly transmits an alternating current emission through a fluid, a solid, a liquid, or a vacuum.

[0079] In some embodiments the waveguide 101 receives power from an external power source comprising a vacuum tube device 103, a power outlet, a generator, an energy storage device, an energy harvesting device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 receives power input at standard 120V and 60Hz. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 receives an AC power input. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 receives a DC power input. In some embodiments, the waveguide 101 converts the power received from the external power source a frequency that can be used by the rectenna 102. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 provides power output to the rectenna 102 at 5.8GHz. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 provides DC power to the rectenna 102. In some embodiments the waveguide 101 provides AC power to the rectenna 102. In some embodiments, the waveguide 101 and the rectenna 102 are separate and distinct. In some embodiments, the waveguide 101 and the rectenna 102 are combined and unified. In some embodiments, if the power source outputs power with a voltage and frequency that can be used by the rectenna 102, a waveguide 101 is not required.

[0080] The wireless energy transfer system 100 may have an end-to-end efficiency of greater than about 5 %. The end-to-end efficiency may be measured as a ratio between the power of the microwave energy and the power of the direct current. The wireless energy transfer system 100 may have an end-to-end efficiency of greater than about 5 % at an energy flux of greater than about 100 W/m ² . The wireless energy transfer system 100 may have a rectification efficiency of at least about 50%. The wireless energy transfer system 100 may have a rectification efficiency of at least about 50% at an energy flux of greater than about 100 W/m ² .

[0081] Alternatively, the wireless energy transfer system 100 may comprise a solid-state phased array configured to wirelessly transmit an alternating current emission having a wavelength through air; and a rectenna 102 configured to wirelessly receive the alternating current emission and convert the alternating current emission to a direct current. Vacuum Tube Device

[0082] The vacuum tube device may be configured to produce microwave energy. The vacuum device may comprise a magnetron, a gyrotron, a klystron, or any combination thereof. A magnetron is a vacuum tube device that generates electromagnetic waves with a frequency of about 600 megahertz to 30,000 megahertz and a power of up to about 2.5 megawatts. The magnetron may comprise a pulsed magnetron or a continuous operation magnetron. The magnetron may be water cooled. A gyrotron is a vacuum tube device that generates

electromagnetic waves with a frequency of about 20 gigahertz to about 530 gigahertz and a power of about 10 kilowatts to about 2 megawatts. The gyrotron may comprise a pulsed gyrotron or a continuous operation gyrotron. The magnetron may be water cooled. A kylstron is a vacuum tube device that generates millimeter-wave electromagnetic waves with a frequency of about 100 megahertz to about 1500 terahertz and a power of up to about 100 megawatts. The kylstron may comprise a pulsed kylstron or a continuous operation kylstron. In one example the frequency of the microwave energy is 2.45 GHz. The magnetron may be water cooled.

Waveguide

[0083] Provided herein per FIGS. 2-11 is an exemplary waveguide. As seen therein, the waveguide 101 may comprise a top plate 510, a channel 610, a feed tube 620, a mount 630, and a slotted plate 710. In the exemplary waveguide 101 shown therein, the waveguide may comprise one top plate 510, twelve channels 610, one feed tube 620, one mount 630, and twelve slotted plates 710. Alternatively, waveguide 101 may comprise one or more top plates 510, two or more channels 610, one or more feed tubes 620, one or more mounts 630, and two or more slotted plates 710. The top plate 510 may be attached to one or more of the channels 610. Each channel may be attached to the feed tube 620. The feed tube may be attached to the mount 630. The mount 630 may be configured to connect the waveguide 101 to the vacuum tube device.

[0084] Per FIG. 5, the top plate 510 may comprise a plurality of top plate slots 511. The plurality of top plate slots 511 may be offset in two or more staggered columns. Each top plate slot 511 may be parallel to a channel 610. Each top plate slot 511 may be perpendicular to the feed tube 620. The top plate may comprise twelve slots 511 for each associated channel 610.

The top plate may comprise 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 144, 156, 168, 180, 192, 204, 216, 228, 240 or more slots 511.

[0085] As seen in FIG. 7, the slotted plate 710 may be within the feed tube 620. The slotted plate 710 may be constrained to rotate about a single axis that is normal to the top plate 510. The slotted plate 710 and the feed tube 620 may be configured to removably lock the slotted plate 710 at a set rotational angle with respect to the feed tube 620. The set rotational angle may be made equivalent for each of the two or more the slotted plates 710. The set rotational angle may be made different for two or more the slotted plates 710. As shown, the set rotational angle may be about 45 degrees. Alternatively, the set rotational angle may be about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees. The set rotational angle may be at least about 10 degrees. The set rotational angle may be at most about 80 degrees. The set rotational angle may enable impedance matching between the two microwave cavities. Alternatively, the slotted plate 710 and the feed tube 620 comprise a single component.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows that the feed tube 620 may be capped and sealed on each end.

Additionally, per FIG. 9, the waveguide 101 may comprise a channel cap 901to seal each end of the two or more channels.

[0087] As seen in FIG. 10, each slot in the top plate 510 may align with a channel slot 1000 within each channel 610. As shown each channel 610 may comprise twelve channel slots 1000. Alternatively each channel 610 may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or more channel slots 1000. The plurality of channel slots 1000 may be arranged in two or more columns of channel slots 1000. The plurality of channel slots 1000 may be arranged in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more columns of channel slots 1000. One column of columns of channel slots 1000 may comprise more channel slots 1000 than another column of channel slots 1000. As seen, the channel slots 1000 may be staggered between the columns. The columns may be symmetric about a center plane of a channel 610. Each of the channel slots 1000 may be the same size, shape, or both. Two or more of the channel slots 1000 may have different sizes, shapes, or both. Each channel slot 1000 may have a slot height 1001, and a slot width 1002. Two channel slots 1000 may be separated by a height offset 1003 and a width offset 1004. The two or more columns of channel slots 1000 may be separated by the width offset 1004. The center of the width offset 1004 may be coincident with a centerline of the channel 610.

[0088] The slot height 1001, slot width 1002, height offset 1003, width offset 1004, or any combination thereof may correlate to a wavelength (lambda) emitted by the waveguide. The slot height 1001 may equal to lambda times 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, or any increment therein. The slot height 1001 may equal to about lambda times 0.1 to about lambda times 0.6. The slot width 1002 may equal lambda divided by 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,

14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, or any increment therein. The slot width 1002 may equal lambda/6 to about lambda/24. The height offset 1003 may equal lambda times 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, or any increment therein. The height offset 1003 may equal to lambda times 0.1 to about lambda times 0.5. The width offset 1004 may equal lambda times 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.25, or any increment therein.

[0089] The slot height 1001 may be measured as the maximum length within the slot 1000 or a distance between the centerpoints of the opposing rounded ends. The slot width 1002 may be measured as a maximum width of the slot. The height offset 1003 may be measured as an offset between the centerpoint of each slot or between the nearest endpoints of each slot. The height offset 1003 may be parallel to the length of the slot 1000. The width offset 1004 may be measured as a distance between the centerpoints of each slot 1000, a minimum distance between each slot, or a maximum distance between each slot. The width offset 1004 may be

perpendicular to the length of the slot 1000.

[0090] Per FIG. 11, each slotted plate 710 may comprise a feed slot 1110 having a feed slot length 1101 and a feed slot width 1102. The feed slot length 1101 may be equal to about 0. l*lambda to about 0.7*lambda. The feed slot length 1101 may be equal to about 0.35*lambda. The feed slot width 1102 may be equal to about 0.0l*lambda to about 0.06*lambda. The feed slot width 1102 may be equal to about 0.03*lambda. Further, each consecutive slotted plate 710 may be separated by a slotted plate distance 1103. The slotted plate distance 1103 may be equal to about 0.2 to about l.2*lambda. The slotted plate distance 1103 may be equal to about

0.55*lambda.

[0091] The waveguide may be configured to receive the microwave energy and transmit an alternating current emission through air. The rectenna may configured to receive the alternating current emission and convert the alternating current emission to a direct current. The waveguide may be automatically or manually positioned to face normal to the rectenna. The waveguide may be automatically positioned to face normal to the rectenna using a gimbal.

[0092] In some embodiments, the waveguide 101 channels the microwave energy from the vacuum tube device via the mount 630, through the feed slot 1110 in the slotted plate 710, and simultaneously out the channel slots 1000 and the top plate slots 511 to wirelessly transmit an alternating current emission having a wavelength through air. The waveguide 101 may be a parabolic waveguide, wherein the alternating current emission has a focal point, or directional waveguide, wherein the alternating current emission has a focal plane. The waveguide 101 may comprise an array of waveguides 101. The array of waveguides 101 may comprise a linear array, a circular array, a spiral array, or any combination thereof. The array of waveguides 101 may comprise a phased array. Rectenna

[0093] The wireless energy transfer system herein may comprise a rectenna 102, as shown per FIGS. 12-15. The rectenna 102 may be configured to receive an alternating current emission having a wavelength.

[0094] In the embodiment shown, the rectenna 102 comprises columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas 1250. Alternatively, the rectenna comprises an array of antennas. The array of T-bar antennas 1250 may comprise a staggered columnar array of T-bar antennas 1250. As seen each column of the columnar array may be connected in series. Alternatively, each column of the columnar array may be connected in parallel.

[0095] The geometry of the rectenna 102 is key to its improved performance. As seen, T-bar antennas 1250 are generally shaped like a capital“T” having a columnar member 1252 and a perpendicular member 1251. Each column of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas 1250 may be separated by a column separation distance 1201 equal to about lambda/4. As shown, the column separation distance 1201 may be measured as a normal distance between the distal edge of a perpendicular member 1251 of a T-bar antenna 1250 in one column and the respective distal edge of a perpendicular member 1251 of a T-bar antenna 1250 in an adjacent column. Alternatively, the column separation distance 1201 may be measured as a normal distance between the centerpoint of a perpendicular member 1251 of a T-bar antenna 1250 in one column and the centerpoint of a perpendicular member 1251 of a T-bar antenna 1250 in an adjacent column. Further, each T-bar antenna 1250 of the columnar array of staggered T-bar antennas 1250 may be separated by a vertical separation distance 1202 equal to about lambda/2. As seen the vertical separation distance 1202 may be measured as the height of each T-bar antenna. The height of each T-bar antenna 1250 may be measured as a normal distance between the distal edges of the perpendicular member 1251 of two consecutive T-bar antennas 1250 in a column.

[0096] Each columnar member 1252 of the T-bar antennas 1250 1250 may have a first thickness 1203 of about 0.1 *lambda to about 0.6*lambda. Each columnar member 1252 of the T-bar antennas 1250 1250 may have a first thickness 1203 of about 0.3*lambda. The first thickness

1203 may be measured as a normal thickness of the columnar member 1252. Each columnar member 1252 of the T-bar antennas 1250 1250 may have a columnar channel having a columnar channel width 1204 of about 0.05*lambda to about 0.2*lambda. Each columnar member 1252 of the T-bar antennas 1250 1250 may have a columnar channel having a columnar channel width

1204 of about 0. l*lambda. The columnar channel width 1204 may be measured as a normal thickness of the columnar channel. Each perpendicular member 1251 may have a perpendicular member thickness 1205 of about 0.001 *lambda to about 0.04*lambda. Each perpendicular member 1251 may have a perpendicular member thickness 1205 of about 0.0l5*lambda. The perpendicular member thickness 1205 may be measured as a normal thickness of the

perpendicular member 1251. Each perpendicular member 1251 may have a perpendicular member width 1206 of about 0.l*lambda to about 0.4*lambda. Each perpendicular member 1251 may have a perpendicular member width 1206 of about 0.2*lambda. The perpendicular member width 1206 may be measured as a normal width between the distal edges of the perpendicular member 1251.

[0097] The rectenna 102 may comprise an insulator 1220 having a first face and an opposing second face. One or more portions of the first face may be covered by a first conductive layer 1230, and one or more portions of the second face are covered by a second conductive layer 1240. At least one of the first conductive layer 1230 and the second conductive layer 1240 may comprise a conductive metal. The conductive metal may comprise aluminum, gallium, lead, tin, silver, copper, gold, zinc, nickel, brass, bronze, iron, platinum, steel, stainless steel, or any combination thereof. The insulator 1220 may comprise ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), acrylic, a ceramic, delrin, polymerized formaldehyde, epoxy, fiberglass, HIPS (high impact polystyrene), kapton, polyimide film, kynar, a fluoropolymer, melamine, mica, neoprene, nomex, an aromatic polyamide, nylon, polyetherether-ketone (PEEK), polyethylene

terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, polyester, mylar, high density polyethylene (HDPE) ultra- high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPET), polystyrene, polysulfone, polyurethane, Teflon, polyvinylcloride (PVC), silicone, a foam, or any combination thereof. The rectenna 102 may further comprise a diode, a capacitor, or any combination thereof. The diode may comprises a vacuum tube diode, a Schottky diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, a silicon-based semiconductor, or any combination thereof. The diode may rectify the wirelessly transmitted power (convert the alternating current emission to a direct current). The rectenna may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more diodes.

Phased Arrays

[0098] The wireless energy transfer systems herein may comprise a solid-state phased array.

The solid-state phased array may be configured to wirelessly transmit an alternating current emission having a wavelength through air.

[0099] The solid-state phased array may comprise a computer-controlled array of antennas that are electronically steered without translating or rotating the antennas. Each antenna in the solid- state phased array may receive a radio frequency with a set phase relationship and emit a radiation energy. As such, the solid-state phased array may be electronically steered by tuning the phase relationships provided to each antenna in the solid-state phased array, such that the radiation energy emitted by the solid-state phased array is increased in a specific direction and cancels out in all other directions. The phase relationships may be computer-controlled by one or more phase shifters.

[0100] The solid-state phased array may comprise 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 10,000 or more antennas. The solid-state phased array may emit radiation energy with a frequency in the UHF and microwave bands. Further, the solid-state phased array may receive solid state power amplifiers.

Continuous Data Gathering Systems and Platforms

[0101] To maintain extended period of operational time, some wirelessly powered vehicle systems employ a charging station where the vehicle can to recharge when its stored power is below a certain threshold. Although such systems enable distinct periods of operational deployment, delays due to recharging periods cannot provide for a continuous presence without a redundant number of vehicles. Although other such systems use a tether between a power source and the vehicle to enable longer periods of operation, entanglement of such tethers may pose a safety risk, waste the power required to lift the mass of such tethers, and limit the range of such devices due to the constraints of transmission loss and power attenuation as the length of the tether increases.

[0102] As such, there is a current unmet need for wirelessly powered vehicle systems that can operate continuously for long periods of operation without the risks or constraints associated with recharging and tethered aerial vehicles.

[0103] In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises an unmanned vehicle. In some

embodiments, the vehicle an aerial vehicle, a water vehicle, a land vehicle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the unmanned vehicle comprises an aerial vehicle, a water vehicle, a land vehicle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the aerial vehicle comprises a rotary wing aircraft. In some embodiments the aerial vehicle comprises a helicopter. In some embodiments the aerial vehicle comprises a multicopter. In some embodiments the multicopter comprises a co-axial copter, a tricopter, a quadcopter, a hexacopter, an octocopter, or a decacopter. In some embodiments the aerial vehicle comprises a tilt wing aircraft. In some embodiments, the water vehicle comprises a ship, a boat, a canoe, a raft, a pontoon, a cruise ship or a container ship. In some embodiments, the land vehicle comprises a car, a motorcycle, a truck, a bulldozer, a crane, a tractor, a combine, a tank, a railway car, or a scooter. [0104] In some embodiments, per FIGS. 17 and 18 the aerial vehicle comprises an aerial unmanned drone. In some embodiments, per FIG. 19 the vehicle comprises a land vehicle 1910 having a rectenna 1901 configured to receive wireless power from a waveguide 1902.

Alternatively, the rectenna 1901 configured to receive wireless power from a solid-state phased array

[0105] Unmanned aerial vehicle are currently being employed for transportation and sensing means in such fields as civil engineering, firefighting, military exercises, photography, mapmaking, surveying, telecommunications, transportation, and delivery. The amount of time an unmanned aerial vehicle stays airborne determines its range and operational employment period.

[0106] Described herein, in certain embodiments, per FIGS. 16-18, is a continuous data gathering system 1600 comprising: a waveguide 1601; a rectenna 1604 electrically connected to the waveguide 1601 and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle 1603 comprising: a rectenna 1604 configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power; and a sensor 1605; wherein the system 1600 is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle 1603 conducts data gathering continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0107] In some embodiments, the rectenna 1604 comprises a vacuum tube diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, or a silicon-based semiconductor to rectify the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0108] In some embodiments the rectenna 1604 receives the radio frequency power transmission field transmitted by the waveguide to power the unmanned aerial vehicle. In some embodiments, the rectenna 1604 is configured to receive radio frequency power transmission fields of a specific power, frequency, or both. In some embodiments the rectenna 1604 rectifies the wirelessly transmitted power to DC at about 150W.

[0109] In some embodiments the waveguide is configured to receive power from the waveguide and transmit a radio frequency power transmission field through the air, wherein the radio frequency power transmission field is captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle and used as a power source. In some embodiments the waveguide is a directional waveguide. In some embodiments the waveguide comprises a parabolic dish waveguide. In some embodiments the waveguide comprises a waveguide array comprising a plurality of waveguides. In some embodiments the radio frequency power transmission field comprises microwaves. In some embodiments the microwaves have a frequency of about 1 GHz to about 100 GHz. [0110] In some embodiments, the system 1600 is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle 1603 conducts surveillance continuously for at least 48 hours, at least 72 hours, or at least 96 hours. In some embodiments, the system 1600 is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle 1603 conducts surveillance continuously for about 10 hours to about 118 hours.

[0111] In some embodiments, the system 1600 is configured to operate as a camera platform for various kinds of imaging and other kinds of sensing equipment. In some embodiments, the system 1600 is configured to operate as a delivery or transportation platform. In some embodiments, the system 1600 is configured to operate as s a telecommunications broadcast and relay platform.

[0112] Also described herein, in certain embodiments, is a continuous surveillance platform comprising: a terrestrial wireless power transmission station comprising a waveguide and a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a surveillance sensor; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0113] In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts surveillance continuously for about 6 hours to about 60 hours.

[0114] A non-limiting illustration of an interface of a terrestrial wireless power transmission station is shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the interface of a terrestrial wireless power transmission station allows for the input or viewing of unmanned aerial vehicle parameters related to weight, number of rotors, frame size, tilt limit, elevation, air temperature, air pressure, battery configuration, battery capacity, battery discharge, battery resistance, battery voltage, battery c-rate, battery weight, controller type, controller current, controller resistance, controller weight, controller current drain, motor type, motor power, motor no-load current, motor power limit, mother resistance, motor case size, motor poles, motor weight, propeller type, propeller diameter, propeller pitch, propeller blade count, propeller torque, propeller gear ratio, load weight, flight time, current power, current temperature, current thrust to weight ratio, current specific thrust, battery flight time, motor efficiency, or any combination thereof.

[0115] In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises an aerial platform to which one or more sensors can be mounted and positioned in the air for a continuous period of time. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle is powered by the radio frequency power transmission field transmitted by the antenna. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle is receives the radio frequency power transmission field transmitted by the antenna via a rectenna. In some embodiments the primary source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide. In some embodiments the sole source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a fixed wing drone. In some embodiments the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at least 50 feet or at least 100 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by about 25 feet to about 150 feet. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises a fastener for securing a transportation payload.

[0116] In some embodiments, a sensor is mounted to the unmanned aerial vehicle. In some embodiments, a sensor is configured to gather a data. In some embodiments, the data gathering comprises surveillance. In some embodiments the sensor comprises a surveillance sensor. In some embodiments the surveillance sensor comprises a camera. In some embodiments the camera comprises a video camera. In some embodiments the camera comprises an infrared camera. In some embodiments the sensor comprises a chemical sensor or a radiation sensor. In some embodiments the number of sensors on the unmanned aerial vehicle is about 2 to about 40. In some embodiments, the data comprises a chemical measurement, a speed measurement, a pressure measurement, a vibration measurement, a force measurement, a picture, a video, a motion detection, or any combination thereof.

Continuous Telecommunications System

[0117] Provided herein is a continuous telecommunications system comprising: a waveguide; a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising: a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a wireless telecommunications element; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle is available to conduct telecommunications continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0118] In some embodiments, the continuous telecommunications system is configured to provide telecommunication data from one or more sources to one or more users. In some embodiments the source is integrated into the continuous telecommunications system. In some embodiments, the source is integrated into one or more other unmanned aerial vehicles. In some embodiments, the continuous telecommunications system comprises a mesh continuous telecommunications system, wherein each source on an unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to transmit the telecommunications data to one or more sources on other unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0119] In some embodiments the source is external from the continuous telecommunications system. In some embodiments, the source comprises an internet router, a cellular tower, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments the telecommunications data comprises cellular data, Wi-Fi data, GPS data, sensor data, or any combination thereof.

[0120] In some embodiments, the waveguide receives power input at about 120 V to about 500 V. In some embodiments, the waveguide provides power output to the rectenna at 5.8 GHz. In some embodiments, the antenna is a directional antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna comprises a parabolic dish antenna. In some embodiments, the antenna comprises an antenna array. In some embodiments, the radio frequency power transmission field comprises

microwaves.

[0121] In some embodiments, the microwaves have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. In some embodiments, the microwaves have a frequency of 2.45 GHz to 12 GHz. In some embodiments, the microwaves have a frequency of about 5.8 GHz.

[0122] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a rotary wing drone. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a helicopter. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a multicopter. In some embodiments, the multicopter comprises a co-axial copter, a tricopter, a quadcopter, a hexacopter, an octocopter, or a decacopter. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a tilt wing drone. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises a fixed wing drone.

[0123] In some embodiments, the rectenna comprises a vacuum tube diode, a mercury-arc valve, a stack of copper and selenium oxide plates, a semiconductor diode, or a silicon-based semiconductor to rectify the wirelessly transmitted power.

[0124] In some embodiments the rectenna rectifies the wirelessly transmitted power to DC at about 75 W, 100 W, 125 W, 150W, 200 W, 250 W, or 300 W, including increments therein. In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data receiver. In some embodiments, the data receiver is configured to receive data from one or more sources. In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data relay. In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data transmitter.

[0125] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,

9, or 10 wireless telecommunications elements. In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle operates at an altitude wherein the rectenna and the unmanned aerial vehicle are separated by at least 50 feet or at least 100 feet. In some embodiments, the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle conducts telecommunications continuously for at least 48 hours, at least 72 hours, or at least 96 hours. In some embodiments, wherein the primary source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide. In some embodiments, the sole source of power for all components of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the waveguide.

[0126] In some embodiments, the unmanned aerial vehicle further comprises a rechargeable power store directly or indirectly connected to the rectenna and wherein the primary source of power for charging the rechargeable power store is the waveguide. In some embodiments, the sole source of power for charging the rechargeable power store is the waveguide.

[0127] Another aspect provided herein is a continuous telecommunications platform

comprising: a terrestrial wireless power transmission station comprising a waveguide and a rectenna electrically connected to the waveguide and configured to generate a radio frequency power transmission field; and an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a rectenna configured to receive the radio frequency power transmission field and rectify the wirelessly transmitted power and a wireless telecommunications element comprising a data receiver, a data relay, a data transmitter, or a combination thereof; wherein the system is configured to operate continuously such that the unmanned aerial vehicle is available to conduct telecommunications continuously for at least 24 hours.

[0128] In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data receiver, configured to receive telecommunications data from a source. In some embodiments the source comprises an internal source. In some embodiments, the internal source comprises one more other unmanned aerial vehicles. In some embodiments the source comprises an external source. In some embodiments, the external source comprises an internet router, a cellular tower, or any combination thereof.

[0129] In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data transmitter, configured to receive telecommunications data from an internal source, an external source, or both, and transmit the telecommunications data to a user.

[0130] In some embodiments, the wireless telecommunications element comprises a data relay, configured to receive telecommunications data from an internal source, an external source, or both, and transmit the telecommunications data to another wireless telecommunications element. In some embodiments, the data relay enables the telecommunications platform to act as a mesh continuous telecommunications platform. In some embodiments, the mesh continuous telecommunications platform is configured to transmit data from one telecommunications element to another telecommunications element, through direct or indirect communications between the two telecommunications elements.

[0131] In some embodiments the telecommunications data comprises cellular data, Wi-Fi data, GPS data, a sensor data, or any combination thereof.

Digital Processing Device

[0132] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, media, and methods described herein include a digital processing device, or use of the same. In further embodiments, the digital processing device includes one or more hardware central processing units (CPUs) or general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) that carry out the device’s functions. In still further embodiments, the digital processing device further comprises an operating system configured to perform executable instructions. In some embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected a computer network. In further embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to the Internet such that it accesses the World Wide Web. In still further embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to a cloud computing infrastructure. In other embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to an intranet. In other embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected to a data storage device.

[0133] In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital processing devices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers, netbook computers, netpad computers, handheld computers, mobile smartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, and vehicles.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that many smartphones are suitable for use in the system described herein. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that select televisions, video players, and digital music players with optional computer network connectivity are suitable for use in the system described herein. Suitable tablet computers include those with booklet, slate, and convertible configurations, known to those of skill in the art.

[0134] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an operating system configured to perform executable instructions. The operating system is, for example, software, including programs and data, which manages the device’s hardware and provides services for execution of applications. Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable server operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD ^® , Linux, Apple ^® Mac OS X Server ^® , Oracle ^® Solaris ^® , Windows Server ^® , and Novell ^® NetWare ^® . Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable personal computer operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft ^® Windows ^® , Apple ^® Mac OS X ^® , UNIX ^® , and UNIX- like operating systems such as GNU/Linux ^® . In some embodiments, the operating system is provided by cloud computing. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smart phone operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Nokia ^® Symbian ^®

OS, Apple ^® iOS ^® , Research In Motion ^® BlackBerry OS ^® , Google ^® Android ^® , Microsoft ^® Windows Phone ^® OS, Microsoft ^® Windows Mobile ^® OS, Linux ^® , and Palm ^® WebOS ^® .

[0135] In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or memory device. The storage and/or memory device is one or more physical apparatuses used to store data or programs on a temporary or permanent basis. In some embodiments, the device is volatile memory and requires power to maintain stored information. In some embodiments, the device is non-volatile memory and retains stored information when the digital processing device is not powered. In further embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises flash memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In some

embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric random access memory

(FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In other embodiments, the device is a storage device including, by way of non-limiting examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud computing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/or memory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

[0136] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes a display to send visual information to a user. In some embodiments, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In further embodiments, the display is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In various further embodiments, on OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In some embodiments, the display is a plasma display. In other embodiments, the display is a video projector. In yet other embodiments, the display is a head- mounted display in communication with the digital processing device, such as a VR headset. In further embodiments, suitable VR headsets include, by way of non-limiting examples, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR, FOVE VR, Zeiss VR One, Avegant Glyph, Freefly VR headset, and the like. In still further embodiments, the display is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein. [0137] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes an input device to receive information from a user. In some embodiments, the input device is a keyboard. In some embodiments, the input device is a pointing device including, by way of non-limiting examples, a mouse, trackball, track pad, joystick, game controller, or stylus. In some embodiments, the input device is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen. In other embodiments, the input device is a microphone to capture voice or other sound input. In other embodiments, the input device is a video camera or other sensor to capture motion or visual input. In further embodiments, the input device is a Kinect, Leap Motion, or the like. In still further embodiments, the input device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 21, in a particular embodiment, a digital processing device 2101 is programmed or otherwise configured to act as a continuous data gathering system. The digital processing device 2101 is programmed or otherwise configured to act as a continuous data gathering system. In this embodiment, the digital processing device 2101 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also“processor” and“computer processor” herein) 2105, which is optionally a single core, a multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The digital processing device 2101 also includes memory or memory location 2110 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 2115 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 2120 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 2125, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 2110, storage unit 2115, interface 2120 and peripheral devices 2125 are in communication with the CPU 2105 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 2115 comprises a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The digital processing device 2101 is optionally operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 2130 with the aid of the communication interface 2120. The network 2130, in various cases, is the internet, an internet, and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the internet. The network 2130, in some cases, is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 2130 optionally includes one or more computer servers, which enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 2130, in some cases, with the aid of the device 2101, implements a peer-to-peer network, which enables devices coupled to the device 2101 to behave as a client or a server.

[0139] Continuing to refer to FIG. 21, the CPU 2105 is configured to execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, embodied in a program, application, and/or software. The instructions are optionally stored in a memory location, such as the memory 2110. The instructions are directed to the CPU 105, which subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 2105 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 2105 include fetch, decode, execute, and write back. The CPU 2105 is, in some cases, part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the device 2101 are optionally included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0140] Continuing to refer to FIG. 21, the storage unit 2115 optionally stores files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 2115 optionally stores user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The digital processing device 2101, in some cases, includes one or more additional data storage units that are external, such as located on a remote server that is in communication through an intranet or the internet.

[0141] Continuing to refer to FIG. 21, the digital processing device 2101 optionally

communicates with one or more remote computer systems through the network 2130. For instance, the device 2101 optionally communicates with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PCs (e.g., Apple ^® iPad, Samsung ^® Galaxy Tab, etc.), smartphones (e.g., Apple ^® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry ^® , etc.), or personal digital assistants.

[0142] Methods as described herein are optionally implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the digital processing device 101, such as, for example, on the memory 2110 or electronic storage unit 2115. The machine executable or machine readable code is optionally provided in the form of software. During use, the code is executed by the processor 2105. In some cases, the code is retrieved from the storage unit 2115 and stored on the memory 2110 for ready access by the processor 2105. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 2115 is precluded, and machine- executable instructions are stored on the memory 2110.

Terms and Definitions

[0143] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0144] As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to“or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

[0145] As used herein, the term“about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by about 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein. [0146] As used herein, the term“about” in reference to a percentage refers to an amount that is greater or less the stated percentage by 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein.

[0147] As used herein, the phrases“at least one,”“one or more,” and“and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions“at least one of A, B and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,”“one or more of A, B, and C,”“one or more of A, B, or C” and“A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0148] As used herein, the term“parabolic dish antenna” refers to an antenna that uses a parabolic reflector, a curved surface with the cross-sectional shape of a parabola, to direct the waves through a medium.

[0149] As used herein, the term“directional antenna” refers to an antenna which radiates or receives greater power in specific directions.

[0150] As used herein, the term“rectify” refers to the conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

[0151] As used herein, the term“direct current” refers to a unidirectional flow of electric charge.

[0152] As used herein, the term“alternating current” refers to a flow of electric charge that reverses its direction at regular intervals.

[0153] As used herein, the term“microwave” refers to form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one meter to about one millimeter and with frequencies between about 300 MHz and about 300 GHz.

[0154] As used herein, the term“energy flux” refers to the rate of transfer of energy through a surface. Energy flux may be measured as a rate of energy transfer per unit area (J/m ² s) or a total rate of energy transfer (J/s).

[0155] As used herein, the term“rectifier efficiency” refers to a ratio between the AC power input and the DC power output.

[0156] As used herein, the term“Schottky diode” (also known as a Schottky barrier diode or a hot-carrier diode) refers to a semiconductor diode formed by the junction of a semiconductor with a metal, whereby, when sufficient forward voltage is applied, current flows in the forward direction. EXAMPLES

[0157] The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments of the software applications, systems, and methods described herein and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

Example 1— Continuous Data Gathering System

[0158] Non limiting parameters of an exemplary continuous data gathering system are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1

[0159] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure.