Abstract: A wireless power transmitter system for directing a high energy beam towards receivers fitted with identifying signs. One type of the identifying signs may have asymmetric shape properties, such that their mirror image cannot be matched to their actual shape, even after the image is rotated, tilted or otherwise geometrically manipulated. The system can thus determine whether a detected image of a sign is a true image received directly from said receiver, or is received after the imaged beam has undergone a reflection between the receiver and the transmission system. In the latter case, the system can prevent high power transmission from being directed to a location other than a real receiver, which could be a safety hazard. Other types of identifying signs may be located in or on the borders of different zones of a transmission space, to identify zones where transmission may be allowed or prohibited.

Abstract: A safety supervision system for wireless power transmission, comprising a transmitter having an optical beam generator with safe states for transmitting power to receivers that convert the beam into electrical power. The system control unit stores previously known signatures categorized by predetermined parameters associated with one or more unwanted situations, stores data from sensors, compares this stored data to the signatures, and executes one or more responses based on this comparison. The system may comprise transmitter and/or receiver malfunction detection systems adapted to monitor the transmitter and receiver control units and to cause the optical beam generator to switch to a safe state upon detection of a transmitter or receiver control unit malfunction, and may further comprise a hazard detection system preventing human exposure to beam intensity above a predefined safe level.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving an incident beam of optical power from a remote transmitter over a predefined field of view, comprising an input lens having a high durability coating that can withstand domestic handling and contamination. Such a high durability coating may reflect a non-insignificant part of the light incident thereon. Behind the lens, there is fitted a retroreflector disposed such that it reflects that part of the incident beam traversing the lens, back through the lens to the transmitter. Reflections from the front surface of the lens impinge on one or more transparent beam catchers appropriately located, and equipped with energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, to convert light from the reflections of the incident beam into electricity. Additional energy conversion devices may be located inward of the lens, to collect and convert reflections from the inner surface of the lens, of light returning from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A system for transmitting wireless power from multiple sources to multiple receivers, in which the safety of the system is maintained in spite of the possibility that two beams may intersect in the transmission space, thereby generating power or power density levels which exceed those at which the safety mechanisms of the system were designed to operate. The paths of the beams are known from the transmission positions and directions, and from the positions and orientations of the receivers, as measured by positioning devices on them. When an intersection, or near intersection of beams is determined, the system is triggered to reduce the safety risk by attenuating or turning off, or by diverting, one or more of the beams. In addition, since a reflected beam's path may not be readily discernable, the system can ascertain if one of the beams has undergone a reflection, by looking for displayed mirror images.

Abstract: A laser system involving coupled distributed resonators disposed serially, with the lasing gain medium located in the main resonator and the output of that resonator being directed into a free space resonator, such that the main resonator output mirror is effectively the free space resonator. The distributed resonators end mirrors are retroreflectors. Interference occurs between light traveling towards the remote mirror of the free space resonator and light reflected therefrom, generating regions of high reflectivity. The coupling of the free space resonator to the regions of high reflectivity of the free space resonator enables the first resonator to lase efficiently, even though the true reflectivity of the main resonator output mirror outside of those regions is insufficient to enable efficient lasing, if at all. This coupled resonator structure enables lasing to occur with a high field of view and the high gain engendered by the high reflectivity regions.

Abstract: A laser system involving coupled distributed resonators disposed serially, with the lasing gain medium located in the main resonator and the output of that resonator being directed into a free space resonator, such that the main resonator output mirror is effectively the free space resonator. The distributed resonators end mirrors are retroreflectors. Interference occurs between light traveling towards the remote mirror of the free space resonator and light reflected therefrom, generating regions of high reflectivity. The coupling of the free space resonator to the regions of high reflectivity of the free space resonator enables the first resonator to lase efficiently, even though the true reflectivity of the main resonator output mirror outside of those regions is insufficient to enable efficient lasing, if at all. This coupled resonator structure enables lasing to occur with a high field of view and the high gain engendered by the high reflectivity regions.

Abstract: A fail-safe wireless power transmission system having a transmitter, a receiver, a receiver functionality monitor unit, a transmitter functionality monitor unit and at least two sensors. The transmitter has at least one low emission state, and at least one high emission state, the high emission states having higher emissions and more complex safety systems. The transmitter may be precluded from switching from a low emission state to any high emission states upon detection of a receiver control unit malfunction, a transmitter control unit malfunction, a likelihood of human-accessible emission from the system greater than a predetermined level, or an inconsistency between results arising from at least two of the sensors. Two different methods of such preclusion may be used simultaneously or consecutively to improve reliability. A transmitter control unit analyzes data from the sensors, and performs calculations to determine if and what type of preclusion is needed.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving an incident beam of optical power from a remote transmitter over a predefined field of view, comprising an input lens having a high durability coating that can withstand domestic handling and contamination. Such a high durability coating may reflect a non-insignificant part of the light incident thereon. Behind the lens, there is fitted a retroreflector disposed such that it reflects that part of the incident beam traversing the lens, back through the lens to the transmitter. Reflections from the front surface of the lens impinge on one or more transparent beam catchers appropriately located, and equipped with energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, to convert light from the reflections of the incident beam into electricity. Additional energy conversion devices may be located inward of the lens, to collect and convert reflections from the inner surface of the lens, of light returning from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A system incorporating safety features, for optical power transmission to receivers, comprising an optical resonator having end reflectors and a gain medium, a driver supplying power to the gain medium, and controlling its small signal gain, a beam steering apparatus and a controller to control at least the beam steering apparatus and the driver. The controller responds to a safety risk occurring in the system, by outputting a command to change at least some of the small signal gain of the gain medium, the radiance of the optical beam, the power supplied by the driver, the scan speed or the scan direction and position of the beam steering apparatus, or to register the scan pose which defines the location of said optical-to-electrical power converter. The controller may also ensure a high overall radiance efficiency, and may warn of transmitted power not received by a targeted receiver.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving an incident beam of optical power from a remote transmitter over a predefined field of view, comprising an input lens having a high durability coating that can withstand domestic handling and contamination. Such a high durability coating may reflect a non-insignificant part of the light incident thereon. Behind the lens, there is fitted a retroreflector disposed such that it reflects that part of the incident beam traversing the lens, back through the lens to the transmitter. Reflections from the front surface of the lens impinge on one or more transparent beam catchers appropriately located, and equipped with energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, to convert light from the reflections of the incident beam into electricity. Additional energy conversion devices may be located inward of the lens, to collect and convert reflections from the inner surface of the lens, of light returning from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A laser system involving coupled distributed resonators disposed serially, with the lasing gain medium located in the main resonator and the output of that resonator being directed into a free space resonator, such that the main resonator output mirror is effectively the free space resonator. The distributed resonators end mirrors are retroreflectors. Interference occurs between light traveling towards the remote mirror of the free space resonator and light reflected therefrom, generating regions of high reflectivity. The coupling of the free space resonator to the regions of high reflectivity of the free space resonator enables the first resonator to lase efficiently, even though the true reflectivity of the main resonator output mirror outside of those regions is insufficient to enable efficient lasing, if at all. This coupled resonator structure enables lasing to occur with a high field of view and the high gain engendered by the high reflectivity regions.

Abstract: A system incorporating safety features, for optical power transmission to receivers, comprising an optical resonator having end reflectors and a gain medium, a driver supplying power to the gain medium, and controlling its small signal gain, a beam steering apparatus and a controller to control at least the beam steering apparatus and the driver. The controller responds to a safety risk occurring in the system, by outputting a command to change at least some of the small signal gain of the gain medium, the radiance of the optical beam, the power supplied by the driver, the scan speed or the scan direction and position of the beam steering apparatus, or to register the scan pose which defines the location of said optical-to-electrical power converter. The controller may also ensure a high overall radiance efficiency, and may warn of transmitted power not received by a targeted receiver.

Abstract: A laser system involving coupled distributed resonators disposed serially, with the lasing gain medium located in the main resonator and the output of that resonator being directed into a free space resonator, such that the main resonator output mirror is effectively the free space resonator. The distributed resonators end mirrors are retroreflectors. Interference occurs between light traveling towards the remote mirror of the free space resonator and light reflected therefrom, generating regions of high reflectivity. The coupling of the free space resonator to the regions of high reflectivity of the free space resonator enables the first resonator to lase efficiently, even though the true reflectivity of the main resonator output mirror outside of those regions is insufficient to enable efficient lasing, if at all. This coupled resonator structure enables lasing to occur with a high field of view and the high gain engendered by the high reflectivity regions.

Abstract: A system for optical wireless power transmission to a power receiving apparatus generally situated in a mobile electronic device. The transmitter has an optical resonator with end reflectors and a gain medium positioned between them, such that an optical beam is generated. The frequency of the beam is selected such that it is absorbed by almost all transparent organic materials in general use. A beam steering unit on the transmitter can direct the beam in any of a plurality of directions, and the beam is absorbed on the receiver by means of an optical-to-electrical power converter, through a low reflection surface. The band gap of this power converter is selected to be smaller than that of the gain medium. The receiver has a voltage converter including an inductor, an energy storage device and a switch. A beam steerer controller ensures that the beam impinges on the receiver.

Abstract: A system for transmission of power into a space, comprising one or more transmitters and several portable receivers which can receive power transmitted. Receivers can transmit data back to transmitters regarding their power needs, based on the state of charge of their batteries. A transmission protocol exists whereby each transmitter can detect legitimate receivers within its field of view and transmit a first amount of energy to any such receiver, which may report receiving that energy back to a transmitter, together with data relating to its power needs. Transmitters can deny power transmission to some receivers based on the data received from a reporting receiver. The first amount of energy transmitted may be used to power up a sleeping receiver, before transmission of useful amounts of power, if allowed by the protocol. Other aspects of the transmission protocol relate to the division of available power between requesting receivers.

Abstract: A system for optical wireless power transmission to a power receiving apparatus generally situated in a mobile electronic device. The transmitter has an optical resonator with end reflectors and a gain medium positioned between them, such that an optical beam is generated. The frequency of the beam is selected such that it is absorbed by almost all transparent organic materials in general use. A beam steering unit on the transmitter can direct the beam in any of a plurality of directions, and the beam is absorbed on the receiver by means of an optical-to-electrical power converter, through a low reflection surface. The band gap of this power converter is selected to be smaller than that of the gain medium. The receiver has a voltage converter including an inductor, an energy storage device and a switch. A beam steerer controller ensures that the beam impinges on the receiver.

Abstract: A system incorporating safety features, for optical power transmission to receivers, comprising an optical resonator having end reflectors and a gain medium, a driver supplying power to the gain medium, and controlling its small signal gain, a beam steering apparatus and a controller to control at least the beam steering apparatus and the driver. The controller responds to a safety risk occurring in the system, by outputting a command to change at least some of the small signal gain of the gain medium, the radiance of the optical beam, the power supplied by the driver, the scan speed or the scan direction and position of the beam steering apparatus, or to register the scan pose which defines the location of said optical-to-electrical power converter. The controller may also ensure a high overall radiance efficiency, and may warn of transmitted power not received by a targeted receiver.

Abstract: A distributed resonator laser system using retro-reflecting elements, in which spatially separated retroreflecting elements define respectively a power transmitting and a power receiving unit. The retroreflectors have no point of inversion, so that an incident beam is reflected back along a path essentially coincident with that of the incident beam. This enables the distributed laser to operate with the beams in a co-linear mode, instead of the ring mode described in the prior art. This feature allows the simple inclusion of elements having optical power within the distributed cavity, enabling such functions as focusing/defocusing, increasing the field of view of the system, and changing the Rayleigh length of the beam. The optical system can advantageously be constructed as a pupil imaging system, with the advantage that optical components, such as the gain medium or a photo-voltaic converter, can be positioned at such a pupil without physical limitations.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving an incident beam of optical power from a remote transmitter over a predefined field of view, comprising an input lens having a high durability coating that can withstand domestic handling and contamination. Such a high durability coating may reflect a non-insignificant part of the light incident thereon. Behind the lens, there is fitted a retroreflector disposed such that it reflects that part of the incident beam traversing the lens, back through the lens to the transmitter. Reflections from the front surface of the lens impinge on one or more transparent beam catchers appropriately located, and equipped with energy conversion devices, such as photovoltaic cells, to convert light from the reflections of the incident beam into electricity. Additional energy conversion devices may be located inward of the lens, to collect and convert reflections from the inner surface of the lens, of light returning from the retroreflector.

Abstract: A laser system involving coupled distributed resonators disposed serially, with the lasing gain medium located in the main resonator and the output of that resonator being directed into a free space resonator, such that the main resonator output mirror is effectively the free space resonator. The distributed resonators end mirrors are retroreflectors. Interference occurs between light traveling towards the remote mirror of the free space resonator and light reflected therefrom, generating regions of high reflectivity. The coupling of the free space resonator to the regions of high reflectivity of the free space resonator enables the first resonator to lase efficiently, even though the true reflectivity of the main resonator output mirror outside of those regions is insufficient to enable efficient lasing, if at all. This coupled resonator structure enables lasing to occur with a high field of view and the high gain engendered by the high reflectivity regions.