Researchers in our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation are helping to develop a pioneering laser power system that could keep high-altitude aircraft operating continuously.
The project has received £5.3m in funding from the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) through its Enduring Atmospheric Platforms (EndAP) programme.
Working alongside Scalable Laser Limited and the University of Glasgow our researchers will help to develop “LIVINGSTON” (which stands for laser diodes and photo-voltaics for enduring atmospheric platform power beaming), an innovative laser power beaming system.
Laser power beaming replaces traditional power lines with a laser beam.
Electricity is converted into laser light and transmitted through the atmosphere. A receiver then converts the light back into electricity.
The technology could provide continuous power to aircraft , such as drones and aeroplanes operating high in the stratosphere, removing the need for frequent landings and refuelling.
Researchers believe the approach could support future communications, monitoring, and connectivity applications.
LIVINGSTON combines three advanced technologies.
A flat-panel laser capable of transmitting power over long distances, which will be led by Scalable Laser.
A highly efficient photovoltaic receiver that converts laser light back into electricity, which will be led by the University of Glasgow.
An advanced optical system, within the ground-station, that will help guide the laser beam accurately through the atmosphere – led by our Centre for Advanced Instrumentation.
Durham’s contribution in LIVINGSTON will involve a multidisciplinary team, led by Dr Cyril Bourgenot. The work will bring together expertise in opto-mechanical design, real-time control electronics, software development, and ultra-precision machining.
Our experts will lead on the design and build of the ground station. This will include developing the front-end optics to direct high-intensity lasers towards a photovoltaic converter, at distances of up to 25km, whilst maintaining accurate tracking.
The system will incorporate Adaptive Optics to compensate in real time for beam distortions caused by heat and atmospheric turbulence. This correction will be achieved through a high-speed deformable mirror, with distortions measured using a reference beacon on the platform.
If successful, LIVINGSTON could demonstrate an innovative approach to wireless energy transmission and help unlock future applications for stratospheric aircraft.
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