While efficiency wasn’t the main objective, the team recorded over 20 percent conversion efficiency from laser to electrical power at shorter distances.
According to DARPA, the primary goal was to rapidly validate a new receiver design capable of extending transmission range, even if it meant trade-offs in efficiency. Impressively, the receiver was designed and built in just three months.
“This demonstration broke through misconceptions about the limits of power beaming technology, and it is already spurring industry to reimagine what’s possible,” said Jaffe in a statement.
The receiver, which could be scaled for UAVs, was developed by US-based Teravec Technologies, with support from Packet Digital and the Rochester Institute of Technology, reports PV Magazine.