Full Breakdown
Breakthrough in Laser Wireless Power Transmission by NTT and MHI
9/20/2025, 1:54:15 PM
Overview of the Experiment
NTT Inc. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) have achieved a significant milestone in optical wireless power transmission by successfully transmitting energy over a distance of one kilometer using a laser beam. This experiment, conducted from January to February 2025 at Nanki-Shirahama Airport in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, demonstrated the highest efficiency ever recorded for this technology. The team transmitted an optical power of 1 kW and successfully received 152 W of electrical power, achieving a wireless power transmission efficiency of 15%. This advancement was published in the British journal Electronics Letters on August 5, 2025.
Technical Innovations
The experiment utilized advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency of laser power transmission. Key innovations included:
1. Long-Distance Flat Beam Shaping Technology: This method involved shaping the laser beam to achieve uniform intensity after traveling one kilometer. The outer part of the beam was transformed into a ring pattern, while the central part was phase-modulated to expand, resulting in a uniform intensity distribution at the target.
2. Output Current Leveling Technology: To counteract atmospheric turbulence that could disrupt the beam's intensity, a homogenizer was employed to diffuse high-intensity spots, ensuring a consistent beam was directed onto the receiving panel. Leveling circuits were also used to stabilize the output current.
These technologies collectively enabled stable and efficient power transmission, even under challenging atmospheric conditions.
Implications for Future Applications
The successful demonstration of this technology opens up numerous potential applications, particularly in remote areas where traditional power infrastructure is impractical. Future uses include:
- On-Demand Power Delivery: The technology could provide electricity to remote islands and disaster-stricken areas where power cables cannot be installed.
- Mobile Platforms: The high directivity of laser beams allows for the design of compact receiving devices, making it feasible to deliver power wirelessly to drones and other mobile platforms, enhancing their operational capabilities.
- Space Applications: The technology may also be applied to power space data centers, lunar rovers, and solar power systems that transmit electricity from geostationary satellites to Earth.
Official Statements
NTT and MHI emphasized the significance of their collaboration in achieving this breakthrough. Akira Shimada, President and CEO of NTT, noted, "This achievement represents a significant step toward building an innovative technological foundation that can meet a wide range of societal needs." Eisaku Ito, President and CEO of MHI, highlighted the potential for this technology to transform energy delivery in various sectors.
Criticism & Opposition
While the advancements in laser wireless power transmission are promising, some experts caution about the practical challenges that remain. Concerns include the need for further improvements in efficiency and the potential safety risks associated with high-power laser beams, particularly in populated areas.
Conclusion
The collaboration between NTT and MHI marks a pivotal advancement in laser wireless power transmission technology. By overcoming significant technical challenges, this experiment lays the groundwork for future innovations in energy delivery, particularly in remote and disaster-affected regions. As the technology matures, it could play a crucial role in addressing global energy needs and expanding communication capabilities in previously inaccessible areas.
