The Power of Light: Photonic Power Innovations in Medical, Energy and Wireless Applications
Photonic power’s insensitivity to various environmental conditions suggests such benefits as safety and efficiency.
Dr. Jan-Gustav Werthen and Mort Cohen, JDSU
Traditionally, copper and coaxial cable have been used to power remote electronics such as sensors, transducers and communication devices. However, these devices frequently are located in environments that are hazardous, electrically noisy, inaccessible or exposed to extreme weather. These conditions make copper and coaxial cable subject to electromagnetic interference, radio frequency (RF) heating, ground loops and lightning damage.
A new form of power delivery, photonic power, escapes these problems by delivering optical energy through optical fiber to drive remote electronics. Fiber optic cable is immune to electrical current, RF and magnetic fields, and lightning discharge...
The complete article appears in the May 2006 issue of Photonics Spectra. If you do not have a copy of this issue,
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