Development and experimental characterization of a 53.5% efficient GaInP-based photovoltaic laser power converter

The effective realization of long-distance energy transmission without the need for cables is closer than ever, thanks to advancements in Optical Wireless Power Transfer (OWPT) technology and improvements in Photovoltaic Laser Power Converter (PVLPC) performance. Although current state-of-the-art GaAs-based PVLPCs hold the highest reported efficiencies, theoretical studies suggest that wider bandgap semiconductors are more suitable for monochromatic PV conversion under high-power illuminations (~100 Wcm^-2), where series resistance losses become a significant concern. In this sense, GaInP offers a solution by generating less current and reducing such losses. Our newly developed GaInP-based PVLPC demonstrated a 53.5% efficiency at 10 Wcm^-2 and maintained 42.3% efficiency at 60 Wcm^-2, showing better performance compared to existing GaInP PVLPCs. This progress marks a significant step towards PVLPCs exhibiting unprecedented performance under intense irradiances.