Experimental demonstration of underwater optical wireless power transfer using a laser diode

We experimentally demonstrate an underwater optical wireless power transfer (OWPT) using a laser diode (LD) as a power transmitter. We investigate the characteristics of a solar cell and a photodiode (PD) as a power receiver. We optimize the LD, the PD, and the solar cell to achieve the maximum transfer efficiency. The maximum transfer efficiency of the back-to-back OWPT is measured as 4.3% with the PD receiver. Subsequently, we demonstrate the OWPT in tap and sea water. Our result shows an attenuation of 3 dB/m in sea water.