Powering Next Generation Networks by Laser Light over Fiber

Werthen, J. G.

doi:10.1109/ofc.2008.4528749

Cited by 39 publications

(23 citation statements)

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“…In order to increase the output voltage of the phototransducers to higher levels, parquet geometries of single or tandem junction devices have previously been devised using planar configurations with multiple series connections [22][23][24][25][26][27]. The segments are typically arranged in pie-shaped configurations, or in groups fabricated in circular patterns.…”

Section: Phototransducers Based On a Novel Vertical Epitaxial Heterosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pushing the limits of concentrated photovoltaic solar cell tunnel junctions in novel high‐efficiency GaAs phototransducers based on a vertical epitaxial heterostructure architecture

Masson¹,

Proulx²,

Fafard³

2015

Progress in Photovoltaics

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A monolithic compound semiconductor phototransducer optimized for narrow-band light sources was designed for achieving conversion efficiencies exceeding 50%. The III-V heterostructure was grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, based on the vertical stacking of 5 partially absorbing GaAs n/p junctions connected in series with tunnel junctions. The thicknesses of the p-type base layers of the diodes were engineered for optimal absorption and current matching for an optical input with wavelengths centered near 830 nm. Devices with active areas of~3.4 mm 2 were fabricated and tested with different emitter gridline spacings. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of the electrical output is five times or more than that of a single GaAs n/p junction under similar illumination. The device architecture allows for improved Voc generation in the individual base segments because of efficient carrier extraction while simultaneously maintaining a complete absorption of the input photons with no needs for complicated fabrication processes or reflecting layers. With illumination powers in the range of a few 100 mW, the measured fill factor (FF) varied between 88 and 89%, and the Voc reached over 5.75 V. The data also demonstrated that a proper combination of highly doped emitter and window layers without gridlines is adequate for sustaining such FF values for optical input powers of several hundred milliwatts. As the optical input power is further increased and approaches 2 W (intensities~58 W/cm 2 ), the multiple tunnel junctions sequentially exceed their peak current densities in the case for which typical (n++)GaInP/ (p++)AlGaAs concentrated photovoltaic tunnel junctions are used. Lower bandgap tunnel junctions designed with improved peak current densities result in phototransducer devices having high FF and conversion efficiencies for up to 5 W optical input powers (intensities~144 W/cm 2 ). Measurements at different temperatures revealed a Voc reduction of À6 mV/°C at~59 W/cm 2 .

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Section: Phototransducers Based On a Novel Vertical Epitaxial Heterosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pushing the limits of concentrated photovoltaic solar cell tunnel junctions in novel high‐efficiency GaAs phototransducers based on a vertical epitaxial heterostructure architecture

Masson¹,

Proulx²,

Fafard³

2015

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…Firstly, the insulating properties of glass and plastic fibres are particularly advantageous in high voltage and strong electromagnetic environments. Secondly, the absence of an electric current removes the risk of sparks causing an explosion in gaseous environments [1]. High speed communication over optical fibres is now common practice due to many of the advances made in both fibre technology and laser technology.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since dedicated optical fibre links exist between nodes for sensing and communication, the ideal solution is then to use these links to distribute power, and generate electrical power using Photovoltaic Power Converters (PPCs) [2]. Previous research on III-V material based PPCs, which typically use complex heterostructures involving GaAs or InP, has shown optical power conversion as high as 50% [1]. Terrestrial solar cell development for high power applications using silicon-based cells has also indicated high efficiencies for these types of structures under monochromatic illumination [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comparison of silicon and germanium photovoltaic power converters for power over fibre

2011

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In this study, we compare the practical implementation of both silicon and germanium Photovoltaic Power Converters (PPCs). Simulations have previously shown that silicon PPCs can produce up to 43% optical to electrical power conversion and germanium PPCs can produce conversion efficiencies as high as 22% when illuminated by 980nm light. Moreover, germanium can produce conversion efficiencies of up to 36% when illuminated by 1550nm light. Here, we compare these results to real power conversion efficiencies of off-the-shelf silicon and germanium photodiodes, producing 9.9% and 8.0% conversion efficiencies, respectively for 980nm. Furthermore, we show germanium produces conversion efficiencies up to 14.6% under illumination of 1550nm light. A discussion of the limitations is made. The results show there is a peak efficiency point corresponding to a specific input optical power. We also show that the power over fibre signal can be successfully combined with communications signals, using wavelength division multiplexing, and that the multiplexed signals can be separated without significant loss of signal, or power conversion efficiency. In addition, we investigate the affects of free space problems, such as divergence and misalignment, in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. As expected, optical alignment plays a significant role in producing maximum power conversion.

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“…Efforts have been done to improve reliability and develop low-cost ROF systems, their main drawback when compared with cable connected systems. Among these efforts, we cite the evaluation of the impact of the quality of the optical sources on the RF signal [1][2][3], chromatic dispersion effects over ROF systems [4,5], the optimization of the optical power budget was the goal of some researchers [1,6,7] and how to use the optical fiber to power remote stations, without the need of electrical power cables and sockets, was also investigated [1,8,9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%