Abstract: A wireless optical power transmission system comprising a transmitter and receiver, the transmitter comprising a laser emitting a beam, a scanning mirror for steering the beam towards said receiver and a control unit receiving signals from a detection unit on the receiver and controlling the beam power and the scanning mirror. The receiver has a photovoltaic cell having a bandgap energy of 0.75-1.2 e V, with a plurality of conductors on abeam receiving surface. A cover layer of material blocking illumination of wavelengths outside that of the laser, is disposed on the photovoltaic cell. The cover layer may have anti-reflective coatings on its top and bottom surfaces. The detection unit thus generates a signal representing the power of the laser beam impinging upon the receiver, independent of illuminations other than that of said laser beam. The control unit thus can maintain the laser power impinging on the 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 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 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 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: Methods and systems for safely and effectively supplying a beam of wireless power from a transmitter to at least one receiver. A delta signal is generated by repeatedly calculating the difference in power between the power of the beam emitted by the transmitter and the amount of power received at the receiver. The system dynamically generates a time delay, which is a time period shorter than the maximal exposure duration relating to safe exposure durations for the power level of the delta signal. If the time delay is exceeded, the system changes an operational parameter of the system, such as terminating the beam. Because of limitations to building a perfect timing system, the system is built to be more sensitive to time delays having longer safe exposure durations, with large delta signals having short safe exposure durations being responded to immediately and without significant regard to the time delay.

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 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 system for safe transmission of an RF electromagnetic power beam to a receiver for conversion into electric power. The receiver has an antenna array for receiving the RF beam and electrical circuitry to receive a corresponding RF electrical current from the antenna array. The circuitry includes a converter for generating DC current from the RF electrical current, and includes at least one component that reflects part of the RF current back towards the antenna array. This converts the reflected portion of the RF electrical current into a retransmitted RF electromagnetic beam having the same frequency as the RF electromagnetic power beam, and is directed back towards the transmitter. The receiver monitors the reflected RF current, and transmits a proportional signal back to a controller. The controller reduces the transmitted power beam if its interference with the retransmitted beam would generate a field intensity above a safe level.

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 wireless optical power transmission system comprising a transmitter and receiver, the transmitter comprising a laser emitting a beam, a scanning mirror for steering the beam towards said receiver and a control unit receiving signals from a detection unit on the receiver and controlling the beam power and the scanning mirror. The receiver has a photovoltaic cell having a bandgap energy of 0.75-1.2 e V, with a plurality of conductors on abeam receiving surface. A cover layer of material blocking illumination of wavelengths outside that of the laser, is disposed on the photovoltaic cell. The cover layer may have anti-reflective coatings on its top and bottom surfaces. The detection unit thus generates a signal representing the power of the laser beam impinging upon the receiver, independent of illuminations other than that of said laser beam. The control unit thus can maintain the laser power impinging 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.