Abstract: A method for converting radiative energy, such as coherent laser radiation or non-coherent solar radiation, to electrical energy using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrode system comprises the steps of: (1) forming a magnetic pinching field for and directing moving charged particles through the MHD electrode system; (2) supplying an ionizable working substance within the magnetic pinching field; and (3) applying radiative energy to the working substance in order to produce moving charged particles therefrom, whereby the moving charged particles are and directed through the MHD electrode system for generating electrical energy. Residual radiative energy and recombined working substance are recycled in a fully enclosed system. In one preferred embodiment, the magnetic pinching field is formed along the major axis of an ellipsoidal reflecting surface, and the radiative energy is focused at the foci of the ellipsoidal surface with the consequence that the reflected energy is repeatedly focused at the foci.