Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER)

Abstract

The Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program will develop and demonstrate low-loss redirection relays to enable architectures where the beam propagates predominantly at high altitudes, minimizing atmospheric absorption and scattering. By developing wavefront correction, this program will demonstrate long-range power beaming using small, militarily relevant apertures. Investing in scalable and selectable energy harvesting will ensure the persistent operation of the network. The POWER program will enable a distributed network of high-altitude persistent unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that direct laser energy through a network of ground, sea, and air-based assets to meet energy needs of a dynamic future battlespace. The key enabling technology is a scalable airborne optical energy relay node that can redirect, correct, and selectively harvest energy from a directed energy source. These technologies will enable a flexible, resilient, reconfigurable, persistent, and distributed energy network.

Document Details

Document Type
Accomplishment
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2024
Source ID
ac5c587d2564a65013cd7ec44cc65808

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs
  • Directed Energy

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