Photonic power converter produces over 2 volts at its maximum power point with an efficiency of over 53 percent. (Representational image)
Scientists have developed new laser power converters that can transmit power to remote destinations. Developed by researchers at the University of Ottawa, the new approach can now help devices be connected and powered with a simple optical fiber over long distances, even in the harshest environments.
This significant step forward in the development of photonic power converters – devices that turn laser light into electrical power – could integrate laser-driven, remote power solutions into existing fiber optic infrastructure.
Reliable communication in remote locations, extreme situations
Researchers stressed that this, in turn, could pave the way for improved connectivity and more reliable communication in remote locations and extreme situations.
“In traditional power over fiber systems, most of the laser light is lost,” explained Professor Karin Hinzernorth of the University of Ottawa, which collaborated with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems on the study.
“With these new devices, the fiber can be much longer.”
To address this, SUNLAB researchers developed a simulation model for multi-junction photonic power converters operating at infrared wavelengths used for telecommunications, which have low attenuation losses per kilometer in fiber.
Dramatic improvement in power and data transmission
“The fabricated device shows a dramatic improvement in power and data transmission over distances longer than a kilometer, where traditional systems are not viable,” added Gavin Forcade, first author of this paper.
Researchers revealed that the term “multi-junction” means the devices are constructed by stacking many semiconductor junctions that absorb light, which results in more of the total laser light being converted to electric power, enabling higher efficiencies and voltages to be reached.
Using this model, the teams were able to design and fabricate a photonic power converter producing over 2 volts at its maximum power point with an efficiency of over 53 percent, according to a press release.
Scientists revealed that adopting photonic power converters at telecom wavelengths could lead to more reliable telecommunication networks, reduce costs by enhancing systems performance, and create faster more robust networks that could benefit many technologies such as smart grid monitoring technologies, lightning-proof wind turbine blade monitoring sensors, underwater sensors, remote video camera links and many others.
“This could improve power to high voltage and monitoring sensors for smart grids without the risk of lightning faults, it could reduce sparking risks in hazardous environments and could potentially transmit power and data simultaneously to remote devices on existing fiber optic infrastructure,” added Hinzer, the University Research Chair in Photonic Devices for Energy.
Researchers also revealed that photonic or laser power converters are crucial components in power-by-light systems. However, their use in long-distance applications has been hindered by low efficiencies and output voltages within the optical fiber transmission window of 1.3–1.6 μm laser wavelengths.
“We improve and simplify the design and characterization processes for photonic power converters, exceeding 50% efficiency under 1.446 μm laser light. We develop a calibrated model predicting efficiency gains with increasing bandgap, reaching up to 57% efficiency at a 1.3-μm wavelength,” said researchers.
As a first demonstration, researchers produced a high-efficiency device designed by the model: a four-junction InGaAsP photonic power converter with a conversion efficiency of 53.6% ± 1.3% and an output voltage above 2 V under 15.2 W/cm2 of 1.446 μm laser light, according to the paper published in Cell Reports Physical Science.
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