Design and experimental characterization of optical wireless power transmission using GaAs solar cell and series-connected high-power vertical cavity surface emitting laser array

Abstract

Optical wireless power transmission (OWPT) has numerous advantages. To improve the efficiency of the OWPT, we decreased current by series connection of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array chips to reduce cable loss. The fabricated high-output-power series-connected VCSEL array module with a wavelength of 850 nm and 20 W light output power showed increased light source efficiency. By using the series-connected module, an output electrical power of 7.5 W from the GaAs solar cell and a power transmission efficiency of 15% were achieved. Transmission up to a distance of 2.3 m was demonstrated without efficiency deterioration. The obtained results can be applied to the power supply to a controller of a hybrid DC circuit breaker, which requires high electrical insulation. It is also useful as a fundamental knowledge applicable to the construction of various OWPT systems.