Laser Power Hack Could Keep Drones Aloft Longer
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Researchers from the Civil Aviation University of China and Tsinghua University have developed a laser-based mid-flight power transfer system for drones using a perovskite receiver. The 2 cm² receiver, built from cesium lead bromide perovskite stacked on a carbon electrode with a thermoelectric layer, achieved nearly 39% power conversion efficiency when hit with a 5W green laser. Antimony selenide nanorods doped into the electrode act as a thermal barrier, preventing efficiency loss from heat buildup. The system successfully drove a propeller in ground tests, but has not yet been tested on an airborne drone. Key remaining challenges include beam targeting accuracy, laser safety for other aircraft and organisms, and performance under real outdoor conditions. Flight tests on a lightweight drone are planned as the next step.
