In the future, we may be able to charge our phones and tablets from a significant distance in the air thanks to newly developed technology.
Researchers from Sejong University in South Korea have successfully used infrared laser light to transmit energy with a power output of approximately 400mW over a distance of up to 30 meters.
In technical terms, this method is referred to as dispersed laser charging. Compared to previous wireless transmission methods, this new research is highlighted for its safety and distance capabilities.
In the experimental setup, a specially processed amplifier transmitter named erbium was placed 30 meters away from the receiver, which is equipped with a sensor to convert light signals into electrical energy.
The generated power is sufficient to charge small sensors and could potentially extend to larger devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Experiment of energy transmission through the air using laser beams. (Photo: Sejong University).
“Previous approaches primarily required the receiving device to be placed on a special charging dock or in a fixed position,” explained Jinyong Ha, an electrical engineer at Sejong University, South Korea. “In contrast, the new method allows users complete freedom, as long as the transmitter and receiver are within the necessary range.”
One advantage of this method is that the transmitted energy is absolutely safe. “With a central wavelength of 1550 nanometers, the laser is within the safest range of the infrared spectrum and cannot harm human skin or eyes,” the researcher noted.
The laser transmitter will even switch to a low-power mode when no receiver is detected within “sight.”
This research is believed to offer significant benefits, even making a considerable difference in industrial manufacturing environments, where cable systems face challenges in deployment and maintenance.
