The University of Washington published a report on February 20, 2018 regarding laser charging a smartphone from across the room. In it they detail “how a narrow invisible beam can deliver charge to a smartphone sitting across a room.” The technology uses a thin power cell to receive the charge. Now, the U.S. military is apparently taking laser charging airplane batteries a step further.
DARPA is Laser Charging Drones
A cursory search on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) website yielded no meaningful clues. To be honest we expected it, because DARPA develops emerging technologies for military use. However, Popular Mechanics is a reliable source and we believe its report is accurate.
Kyle Mizokami, writing for them on August 8, 2018 says that DARPA is experimenting with a small electric drone called Silent Falcon. Except this time, the drone is a fixed wing with a single propeller. The vehicle in the Popular Mechanics post appears identical to one marketed for military surveillance, mapping, and natural resource protection. Hence, we use it in the preview image with thanks to Silent Falcon UAS Technologies.
More Info from University of Washington: A Short Video
Using a laser to wirelessly charge a smartphone safely across a room
Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a method to safely charge a smartphone wirelessly — using a laser. Read more: http://www.washington.edu/news/2018/02/20/using-a-laser-to-wirelessly-charge-a-smartphone-safely-across-a-room/
Posted by University of Washington News on Tuesday, February 20, 2018
More Information Regarding the DARPA Drone
Popular Mechanics confirms the laser charged flying vehicle has solar panels on the fixed wings, and batteries in the miniature aircraft fuselage. Moreover, as these batteries start draining down after the initial power surge, drone operators aim a laser beam at the solar panels. They say, “Shots of laser power can recharge the aircraft to the point where it can stay aloft indefinitely.”
However, we do see hurdles to rolling out laser charging aircraft. What happens if the drone strays out of laser range, or enters a bank of thick clouds? Nonetheless, this is an interesting development in our sphere of interest, which is batteries of all kinds in all applications.
Related
Researchers Introduce Lasers to Wireless Market
Wireless Power is No Longer SCI-FI
Preview Image: Silent Falcon UAS Technologies Vehicle
Facebook Video Link: https://www.facebook.cows/videos/1728445513914703/
