High-performance laser power converts for direct-energy applications

Six junction GaAs laser power converts (LPCs) were designed and fabricated. Each subcell is vertically connected by p++-AlGaAs: C/n++-AlGaAs: Si: Te (1:2) tunnel junction with good thermal stability and a record peak tunneling current density of 1867 A/cm(2). The I-V characteristics of LPCs with an aperture of 10x10 mm(2) were investigated as a function of laser power and temperature. Maximum conversion efficiency and output power of 57.7% and 15.4 W, respectively, and a continuous stable operation at 22.9 W for over 550 hours were demonstrated. The temperature coefficient of conversion efficiency and open-circuit voltage were -0.197%absrC and -8.15 mV/degrees C, respectively, under 808 nm laser illumination of 21.0 W. Furthermore, an array of 100 large-scale (41x46 mm 2 ) LPCs with an output power of 179 W under 1 kW laser irradiation at 20 m wireless transmission was developed. (C) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Six junction GaAs laser power converters (LPCs) were designed and fabricated, demonstrating good performance. The maximum conversion efficiency reached 57.7%, with an output power of 15.4 W and continuous stable operation for over 550 hours. Additionally, a large-scale array of LPCs was developed, achieving an output power of 179 W under 1 kW laser irradiation.