Recent demonstrations of Laser power beaming at DFRC and MSFC

Abstract

For several decades researchers have studied the potential of beaming energy to remote systems with experimental successes that have helped to drive the industry forward. We are, in today’s world, fortunate to see advances in solid‐state lasers, photovoltaic receivers, and unmanned probe vehicles complimenting an increasing complexity of envisioned earth based and deep space robotic systems. Recently, NASA researchers along with academia have helped to renew public awareness in the potential for such green power generation by demonstration of wireless power transmission from a laser to a small aircraft. This paper, given as the first compiled information release from these flight experiments, will discuss our flight demonstrations as well as address some of the key advances regarding laser development, beam‐expanding telescope, and photovoltaic receiver designs.