Researchers advance in harnessing lasers for powering mobile devices efficiently
In a groundbreaking development, a research team, including members from the University of Ottawa and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany, has made significant strides in the field of wireless power transmission. Their work, published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, promises to revolutionise the way electronic devices in remote and challenging environments are powered.
The team's innovation lies in the use of multi-junction laser power converters, which stack multiple semiconductor junctions to absorb different parts of the laser light spectrum. This stacking results in higher overall efficiency in converting laser light to electrical power, with demonstrated efficiencies exceeding 53% and the ability to produce voltages over 2 volts at maximum power points [1][3].
This increased efficiency enables longer-distance power delivery with reduced attenuation losses compared to traditional single-junction systems. Moreover, it allows for the simultaneous transmission of power and data over existing fibre-optic infrastructures, enhancing reliability and reducing costs in telecommunications networks [1].
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond telecommunications. In the realm of renewable energy, multi-junction laser power converters could improve smart grid monitoring by powering and monitoring high-voltage sensors without the risk of lightning-induced faults [1]. They could also make wind turbine blade monitoring safer and more efficient by eliminating the risk of electrical sparking [1].
In the aviation industry, these converters could lead to spark-free fuel gauges in airplanes, increasing safety in hazardous environments where electrical sparking is a risk [1]. For the Internet of Things (IoT), they could power distributed sensors in remote or difficult-to-access locations [1].
Future applications include remote video camera links and underwater sensors, where wireless power transmission is essential and traditional wiring is impractical [1]. The technology could also potentially power and communicate with drones, satellites, and lunar vehicles via laser power beaming in free space, opening avenues in aerospace and extraterrestrial exploration [1].
In the modern world, surrounded by electronic devices and their associated cables and charging accessories, these multi-junction laser power converters could significantly reduce the challenges faced in reaching remote or regional areas, particularly in telecom infrastructure [2].
In traditional power over fibre systems, most of the laser light is lost, limiting the length of fibre-optic cables. However, with the new multi-junction design, the length of fibre-optic cables can be increased [2].
This transformative advancement represents a significant leap forward for both telecom infrastructure and a wide spectrum of industries requiring robust, efficient wireless power and data transmission in environments where traditional electrical power delivery is challenging or dangerous [1][3].
[1] Hinzer, J., et al. (2021). High-efficiency multi-junction photonic power converters for remote power transmission. Cell Reports Physical Science. [2] Cosmos (2021). Scientists closer to efficiently powering phones with a laser. [3] University of Ottawa (2021). Ottawa researchers develop new laser power converter for long-distance power transmission.
Science and technology are poised to revolutionize the transmission of power and data, particularly in challenging environments. The team's multi-junction laser power converters, with demonstrated efficiencies exceeding 53%, could improve smart grid monitoring, make wind turbine blade monitoring safer, and lead to safer fuel gauges in aviation, among other applications.
