Array for High Efficiency Power Beaming

In this Phase I program, MicroLink proposes to develop a laser power converter array technology that provides a pathway for kW-level power beaming on the Lunar or Martiannbsp;surface. nbsp;NASArsquo;s planned human exploration of the lunar surface and as well as Mars will require innovative technologies to transmit high power over long distances. nbsp;The craters on the lunar poles are of particular interest as they are in permanent shadow and may harbor valuable resources such as water ice. nbsp;However, the shadowed craters present a challenge for power generation since conventional solar arrays cannot be used for energy collection on vehicles such as rovers. nbsp;Laser power beaming has been proposed as one method to power a rover directly from an energy source located at the rim of the crater, which could be a solar array or nuclear reactor (Figure 1). nbsp;In ldquo;Laser Power Beaming for Lunar Polar Explorationrdquo;, Landis notes that the recent emergence of efficient and compact fiber laser sources greatly improves the feasibility of such an approach and identifies 1064 nm as an attractive wavelength based on available fiber lasers. nbsp;Meter-scale, space-grade laser power converters will need to be developed at this wavelength that can efficiently collect 100s to 1000s of watts. nbsp;The power converters will need to be compatible with the lunar environment and in a form factor that is lightweight and can be compactly stowed. nbsp;MicroLinkrsquo;s experience in thin-film III-V semiconductor materials, solar optical devices, and space-grade blanket technologies presents a unique opportunity to develop laser power converters that are high-performance, radiation-hard, stowable and highly enabling for future lunar and Mars missions.