Laser wireless power directional transmission of space solar energy

The proposal of laser-based wireless energy transmission introduces a novel approach for long-distance, high-efficiency, and directional energy transfer, while also paving the way for the feasible development of space-based solar power stations. his energy transmission method is characterized by high power density, concentrated energy distribution, minimal beam divergence, and low susceptibility to atmospheric interference. Therefore, it has garnered significant research interest across several promising domains, including space-based solar energy transmission, long-duration energy supply for aerial vehicles, and remote power delivery for electric vehicles. This article begins with an overview of the current global energy situation, and systematically summarizes the development history, conceptual framework, challenges, and future prospects of laser-based wireless energy transmission. It further provides a detailed explanation of the system components, implementation methods, and the generation mechanism of plasma channels associated with this technology. Subsequently, with the overall system efficiency as the central focus, a comprehensive discussion and analysis were conducted across three key aspects: the transmitting end, the transmission process, and the receiving end. Furthermore, based on variations in transmission distance and application environments, the recent research developments in laser-based wireless energy transmission were systematically reviewed within three distinct fields, and potential application prospects were identified.