Beaming power: Photovoltaic laser power converters for power-by-light

The transmission of power using light instead electricity—the so called power-by-light (PBL)—has been around for some decades now. Despite this long history, it has only in recent years when PBL systems have experienced enormous effervescence situations where the direct use electrical energy to electronic equipment is either not possible or recommendable. are smarter solution monitoring and controlling processes under strict safety conditions contexts with high fire explosion risk (refineries, mines, fuel tanks space, aircrafts), that need galvanic insulation (high voltage lines, lighting-safe monitoring, medical applications), etc. core a system photovoltaic laser converter (PVLPC), which transforms delivered through an optical fiber into electricity. Recently, PVLPC demonstrated highest efficiency any converter, i.e., 68.9% at illumination 858 nm. This review begins brief overview functionalities critical requirements imposed PVLPCs. Afterward, history PVLPCs revisited, including hatching companies technical conferences field. A detailed comparison amid different typologies tackled terms their efficiency, power, voltage, temperature effects, manufacturability, highlighting advantages disadvantages depending on application. We also pinpoint main aspects limiting ways circumvent them. Advanced concepts, such as photon recycling, performance back reflectors, luminescent coupling, potential improve discussed. Future must exhibit higher efficiencies robustness rough environmental conditions, lower manufacturing cost. aims showing routes achieve these goals. Photovoltaic converters (PVLPCs) element (PBL) systems, basically made up laser, fiber, PVLPC. allows safe transfer first was built 1978, but recently having outburst continuous improvements, creation start-ups, big entering business, increasing number scientific publications specialized conferences. outlook presented. among manufacturability carried out, point out Finally, we discuss perspectives together steady deployment serve considerable applications our daily life. There many Areas restrictions generally “exclusion regions”1Landry M.J. Rupert J.W. Mittas A. array GaAs cells response driven by diodes.Sol. Cells. 1990; 29: 283-301https://doi.org/10.1016/0379-6787(90)90002-MGoogle Scholar exist needing monitor control because aircrafts, etc.), malfunction sensitive areas electromagnetic noise (nuclear plants), lines monitoring), etc.2Spillman W.B. Crowne D.H. Woodward D.W. Optically powered interrogated rotary position sensor aircraft engine applications.Opt. 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