Laser based power transmission: Component selection and laser hazard analysis

Abstract

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in creating highly efficient wireless energy transmission techniques for re-energizing remote power sources. Powering systems at a distance using lasers to either recharge batteries or run devices offers significant advantages. Using remote lasers can untether the user, unburden the individual from transporting extra batteries, as well as eliminate the down time associated with recall of critical assets for related battery swap-out and charging. In this paper, we focus on selecting a wavelength and power level that can be implemented with relative safety margins for transmission of electrical power at distances for energizing unmanned systems. We shall also discuss the planning, laser selection and testing, laser hazard analysis and the detector selection for a laser based power transfer system.