Multi-port Laser Plasma Filament Extension for Wireless Energy Transfer
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transmitting energy through laser-induced plasma channels in the atmosphere face limitations in filament length and continuity, with individual filaments being short-lived and difficult to extend meaningfully, necessitating innovative solutions for stable and sustained energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port laser system capable of simultaneously generating and orienting multiple plasma filaments from different ports, allowing for the extension of conductive plasma channels by intersecting filaments to create a longer, stable conductive path, overcoming the limitations of individual filament length and duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single laser port is used to generate plasma filaments, then the apparatus is simpler, but the filament length is limited to about 100 meters maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the filament generation task into multiple segments, with each laser port creating a portion of the overall conductive path. Multiple filaments from different ports are combined to achieve total lengths exceeding 100 meters, resolving the limitation of single-port filament length while managing system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple plasma filaments from different laser ports to create an extended conductive pathway. By combining the output of multiple independent filament generation sources, the system achieves greater effective filament length than any single port could produce alone
2Reliability
If high energy ultra-short laser pulses are used to ionize the atmosphere, then plasma filaments are formed, but the plasma lifetime is only about 10 ns before air molecules recombine
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates multiple plasma filaments in advance before the energy transmission event. By pre-establishing multiple conductive pathways through simultaneous or sequential laser pulses, the system ensures that at least one viable transmission path exists when energy transmission is initiated, compensating for the short 10 ns plasma lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or repeated laser pulsing to regenerate plasma filaments. When initial filaments decay after 10 ns, subsequent laser pulses recreate the conductive pathways, maintaining continuous capability for energy transmission through rhythmic regeneration of the plasma structures
3Length of moving object
If laser repetition rate is increased to extend filament length by reusing previous filaments, then filament continuity improves, but population inversion pumping time limits the number of times one can use the same laser
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of repeatedly using a single laser port which is limited by population inversion pumping time, the invention segments the filament generation task across multiple laser ports. Each port operates independently within its pumping time constraints, but collectively they achieve greater effective continuity through spatial distribution rather than temporal repetition of a single source
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of a sustained, multi-segment conductive path for efficient energy transmission, potentially used for wireless power transfer, lightning control, and remote sensing applications, by extending the length and continuity of plasma filaments and stabilizing the energy transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
High energy ultra-short non-linear laser pulses are capable of ionizing the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
is capable of conducting energy (e.g., charge flow, such as the flow of free electrons)
Implementation Method 3
The self-focusing nature of this type of photonic energy exceeds a critical power that initiates ionization of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port laser device used to create multiple laser induced plasma filaments positioned in a useful position in spatial relationship to another filament or filaments, such as interconnecting with each other.