‘Refueling aircraft with light’: Chinese laser tech could recharge drones mid-air

Researchers at the Civil Aviation University of China developed a lightweight drone power receiver that converts ground-based laser beams into electricity.

The design combines a perovskite laser cell, a thermoelectric layer, cooling, and wing integration to help manage heat.

In lab tests, the system reached 38.49% energy conversion efficiency.

It has not yet been demonstrated on a free-flying drone, but it could eventually extend flight times and reduce battery swaps.