Published in Electronics Letters in August, the study "Demonstration of 15% Efficient Optical Wireless Power Transmission Over 1 km With Atmospheric Turbulence" details how the team overcame beam distortion challenges. Unlike microwave-based systems, which suffer range and efficiency limits, lasers offer higher precision. Yet photoelectric conversion losses remain an obstacle.
To counter these challenges, NTT deployed a beam-shaping configuration combining an axicon and concave lens, producing a flatter beam profile. This beam was transmitted through a turbulence-diffusing homogenizer toward a custom MHI photodetector panel enhanced with bypass capacitors to suppress current fluctuations.
The field test, held at Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama Prefecture during early 2025, maintained stable power delivery for 30 minutes. The experiment established the highest recorded efficiency for silicon-based photoelectric conversion under such adverse atmospheric conditions.
The researchers plan to raise performance by advancing materials and employing more powerful laser sources. Future applications could include powering drones in flight, supplying energy to disaster-hit regions, and eventually supporting space-based infrastructure.
This development forms part of the NTT Constellation 89 Project, which pursues next-generation aerospace systems, from geostationary and low-Earth orbit satellites to high-altitude platforms. The optical power transmission technology is envisioned for powering space data centers, lunar rovers, and laser-based solar power relay systems.
Research Report:Demonstration of 15% Efficient Optical Wireless Power Transmission Over 1 km With Atmospheric Turbulence
Related Links
NTT Constellation 89 Project
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
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