High Efficient Continuous Wave and Mode-Locked Lasers Powered by Solar Energy

Faculty at the University of Arizona have developed a compact, efficient solar-powered laser that uses triple junction photovoltaic cells to power semiconductor and mode-locked lasers. Existing solar-pumped lasers use an arc-metal-halide lamp pump that requires bulky concentrating optics and is power inefficient. By using a triple junction photovoltaic cell, the laser can produce a sunlight to laser light efficiency of over 10 percent without cooling and concentration optics. This system is more efficient, lower cost and more compact than direct solar pumped lasers. The technology can greatly improve renewable energy production and power beaming applications.  

Background:
Electric powered lasers consume a significant amount of energy and only operate at about 1 to 2 percent efficiency. In an effort to conserve energy and expand the application of lasers outside of energy-available locations, solar-pumped laser research is growing rapidly and yields technology that harvests commercial potential.

Advantages:

• Compact
• Efficient
• Lower cost

Applications:

• Materials processing (welding, cutting, marking and engraving)
• Fuel generation
• Power beaming
• Propulsion
• Free-space telecommunication
• Potential use in space for missile defense
• Potential use as a source of solar power