Laser Power Beaming
What do lasers offer compared with microwaves, and what do they cost in efficiency?
Chapter summary
lasers shrink the receiver from kilometres to metres, because infrared wavelengths are tens of thousands of times shorter than microwaves.
Key takeaways
- 1
That allows small spacecraft, small ground receivers and new markets such as military bases.
- 2
The price is efficiency and weather.
- 3
Converting electricity to laser light is about 50% efficient at best for suitable lasers, and photovoltaic receivers tuned to the laser are about 50% efficient; clouds block infrared light.
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Inside the Transmitter: Amplifiers, Antennas and Heat
Next →Laser Receivers: Photovoltaics Tuned to Light
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