Wireless power and data transfer to sensors in extreme space environments

Abstract

This paper describes the novel use of high power laser diodes for rapid delivery of power and data to wireless sensors when solar illumination is not an option and continuous point-to-point power flow is not desirable. A single high power, laser diode source can service multiple sensors, either sequentially or in parallel. Laser irradiance levels exceeding 10k suns decrease the charging time of a super-capacitor, without damage to the photovoltaic converter. Alternatively, multiple devices, connected in parallel, also reduce the charging time. We demonstrate the efficacy of the approach using four photonic power converters. Simultaneously, with delivery of power, IrDA trans-receivers establish full-duplex communication between the transmitter and receiver.