A rectenna capable of power conversion from electromagnetic (EM) waves of high frequencies is provided. In one embodiment, a rectenna element generates currents from two sources—based upon the power of the incident EM wave and from an n-type semiconductor, or another electron source attached to a maximum voltage point of an antenna element. The combined current from both sources increases the power output of the antenna, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity of the antenna of a low power signal. Full wave rectification is achieved using a novel diode connected to a gap in the antenna element of an rectenna element. The diode is conductive at a zero bias voltage, and rectifies the antenna signal generated by the desired EM wave received by antenna. Further, the diode may provide a fixed output voltage regardless of the input signal level. The rectenna element of the present invention may be used as a building block to create large rectenna arrays.