Representational image. iStock
In the future, spacecraft could get rid of the limited fuel problem by tapping into the limitless energy of the sun.
Scientists have identified a way to directly convert sunlight into laser beams in space. This approach would make it possible to transmit power over huge distances, from satellites to lunar bases and even to Earth.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University, in collaboration with international scientists, have proposed this novel idea inspired by certain bacteria.
The goal to create solar-powered lasers falls under the APACE project, a €4 million initiative co-funded by the European Innovation Council and Innovate UK. This international collaboration involves researchers from the UK, Italy, Germany, and Poland.
“Our APACE project aims to create a new type of laser powered by sunlight. Regular sunlight is usually too weak to power a laser directly, but these special bacteria are incredibly efficient at collecting and channeling sunlight through their intricately designed light harvesting structures, which can effectively amplify the energy flux from sunlight to the reaction center by several orders of magnitude,” explained Professor Erik Gauger, who is in-charge of the project’s theoretical modeling.
Bacteria-inspired idea
The researchers aim to create a system for converting sunlight into laser beams by utilizing the natural light-harvesting structures found in bacteria.
For this, a specific part of photosynthetic bacteria called “photosynthetic antenna complexes” will be used. These complexes, found in purple and green sulfur bacteria, hone the ability to capture and transfer light energy.
They achieve this near-perfect efficiency through a process called “superradiance,” where the energy from multiple light particles combines and amplifies, leading to a high energy transfer.
They will first develop and test their technology in a controlled laboratory setting.
The researchers will simultaneously develop artificial versions of the natural light-harvesting structures they are studying. They will also create new laser materials compatible with both natural and artificial light-harvesting systems.
Laser prototype may come within next few years
Previous studies have showcased the feasibility of growing bacteria in space. Moreover, some bacteria can even survive the harsh conditions of open space.
They believe that if their technology can be implemented on space stations, it could enable local power generation. Moreover, it could potentially facilitate the transmission of power to satellites or even to Earth using infrared laser beams.
“Sustainable generation of power in space, without relying on perishable components sent from Earth represents a big challenge. Yet, living organisms are experts at being self-sufficient and harnessing self-assembly,” Gauger said.
“Our project not only takes biological inspiration but goes one step beyond by piggybacking on functionality that already exists in the photosynthetic machinery of bacteria to achieve a breakthrough in space power,” he added.
As per the press release, the team expects to have a working prototype within three years.
This technology, if successful, has the potential to revolutionize space exploration by powering future lunar bases and Mars missions.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Beyond space, it could also pave the way for new and sustainable terrestrial energy solutions, including wireless power transmission.
