A wireless optical power system for medical implants using low power near-IR laser

Abstract

An alternative method of transcutaneous wireless optical energy supply to an artificial cardiac pacemaker has been conceived, thereby negating the possibility of electromagnetic interference. In this research, a comparative analysis is made between two distinct arrays of photovoltaic cells, consisting of two different geometries. Being powered by a 5 mW 750 nm laser, that has a different spot size for each topology; both models are tested by their ability to charge a 150 mAh rechargeable LiPo battery, while being embedded underneath a layer of skin tissue. This system in turn, regulates the power supplied to a low power medical implant (<; 10 mW), in the place of conventional batteries. For a charging period of 60 minutes, results indicate that a pacemaker utilizing this system can sustain operation for nearly 85 hours, without any noticeable side-effects or changes in temperature.