Abstract: Electromagnetic energy collecting devices are described wherein a plasmonic near field resonating system absorbs light and transfers the light energy by plasmonic near field resonance to a semiconducting material that then separates the charge. The charge is then transported out of the device, converting light energy into electrical energy. The multiple nanoparticle plasmonic resonators are closely coupled with an electrically-conductive layer that creates electromagnetic resonances that provide for near perfect absorption of the incoming light. The device can be used both as an optical sensor and as a photovoltaic electromagnetic energy to electrical energy converter.