Optical Receiver for Free-Space Communication and Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for combining free-space optical communication (FSO) and wireless power transfer (WPT) are inefficient, with separate sources and detectors leading to lower efficiency, larger size, and higher costs, while previous attempts at integrating these functions have not achieved seamless and lossless optical energy sharing.
Innovation Solution
A single optical receiver system using a filter and photodetector to extract communication signals and convert remaining radiation into electrical power for energy storage or device operation, with a waveguide grating designed to match the transmitter's mode and minimize background noise, allowing nearly perfect utilization of optical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sources and detectors are used for FSO and OWPT, then the system can perform both functions, but the device size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FSO and OWPT functions into a single integrated optical receiver that uses one photodetector to simultaneously detect communication signals and harvest power from the optical beam, eliminating the need for separate detectors and reducing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver is designed with multi-functionality, where the same photodetector serves dual purposes: detecting communication data and converting optical power to electrical power, making a single component perform multiple functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sources and detectors are used for FSO and OWPT, then the system can perform both functions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges FSO and OWPT into a single optical receiver system, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
3Measurement precision
If a filter extracts communication signals from optical radiation, then communication detection is enabled, but some optical energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the optical energy that passes through the communication filter into electrical power using the photodetector, transforming what would be wasted energy into useful power for the device
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers optical energy that is not needed for communication by converting it to electrical power through the photodetector, preventing energy waste and improving overall efficiency
4Loss of energy
If optical energy is fully utilized for power transfer, then energy efficiency improves, but communication signal detection may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into communication wavelengths and power transfer wavelengths, with the filter separating communication signals while allowing other wavelengths to contribute to power generation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the optical spectrum are assigned different functions: specific wavelength bands are optimized for communication detection while other bands are optimized for power transfer, allowing each to perform its function with high efficiency
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 efficient detection of communication signals and power transfer with high energy utilization, resulting in smaller, lower power consumption, and lower cost devices with improved signal-to-noise ratio and extended operational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a filter to extract at least one optical signal at a wavelength band used for communication
Implementation Method 2
converting the at least one optical signal into at least one electrical signal by at least one photodetector
Implementation Method 3
The remaining optical radiation is used for power transfer, and converted into electrical power
Implementation Method 4
The filtering function may be achieved by a waveguide grating based on the mature Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) process
Implementation Method 5
Said grating is preferably designed in such a way that it substantially matches the mode of the upstream optical signal transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method wherein electromagnetic radiation is used for free-space communication and wireless power transfer. The electromagnetic radiation used is preferably optical radiation. The optical free-space communication and wireless power transfer system includes an optical receiver device comprising an optical filter, a photodetector, and a photovoltaic cell, wherein a band of the incoming optical radiation is extracted by the optical filter and directed to the photodetector for communication data signal detection. The remaining optical radiation is converted by the photovoltaic cell into electrical power so that the harvested energy can be stored, used as the power source of the photodetector, or used as the power source of external devices.