Research on laser application in power supply

In Tokyo, this research, conducted by Associate Professor Tomoyuki Miyamoto of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and colleagues, has demonstrated the feasibility of using lasers to shine on objects, thereby converting light energy into electrical energy to operate. In addition to being able to power communication devices or household appliances, this could be the future of operating electric vehicles (EVs) without charging.

The team has successfully tested converting about 10 watts of electricity in this way to operate drones by shining a laser beam from the ground. In addition, the laser beam can also be projected through water to operate drones moving underwater without needing to be recharged.

In fact, wireless power supply has been applied for several years now, typically wireless phone charging devices. Although electricity can be transmitted with an efficiency of up to 90%, it is necessary to maintain a very close distance, only a few centimeters at most. Meanwhile, lasers have the advantage of being able to transmit energy over long distances, with a test transmission efficiency of about 50%. If the transmission efficiency can be improved, this could be the technology of the future to be able to transmit large power currents over long distances.

However, the biggest challenge is ensuring human safety because high-power lasers are very dangerous if they come into contact with the human body. Therefore, this technology is mainly applied in unmanned environments for now, and will be applied more widely by combining with body temperature sensors or cameras to help the device stop the laser beam when detecting a person.

According to Associate Professor Miyatomo, the above technology can be put into practical use by 2030 and by 2050, people can completely realize the use of EVs without having to charge at fixed stations.

According to VNA