New Intense Light Source based on Dielectric Solids to Power Thermophotovoltaic Electrical Generators and to Pump Lasers

An entirely new light source using dielectric solids has been developed by Quantum Group Inc. to power thermophotovoltaics and to pump lasers. The light source is a refractory solid emitter heated to relatively high temperatures (~1500_C) by combustion, nuclear or other heat sources. For the new light source, a dielectric solid is chosen to have selective thermal emission ("superemissive") with nearly narrowband emission (~100 nrn) peaked at various visible and infrared wavelengths. The combination of the superemissive source with an optical waveguide is called a "superemissive light pipe" (SELP) and greatly increases its effectiveness. SELP successfully insulates the temperature of the light source from the photovoltaic cell and laser, with the distal end of guide being at ambient temperature. The superemissive bandwidth can be tuned and narrowed further to 5 nm by the proven technique of reflective ban lpass filters without losing efliciency. Because of its solid-state basis, SELP is scalable to high powers (>1000 Watts) and long life (>10,000 hours). SELP can be a self-powered, self-contained, efficient (40%) light source, offering a replacement for expensive laser diodes in laser pumping. Self-powered lasers pumped by SELP give self-contained mobile systems needed for applications in isolated environments as satellites, submarines, battlefield and third-world surgery, where traditional electrical power is restricted or intermittent. SELP increased efficiency of TPV generators give rapid deployment power supplies and auxiliary power units for emergencies and disasters.