Efficient wireless power receiver

A receiver for converting an optical power beam into electrical power for use by an electronic system, the receiver comprising:

• a power converting element adapted to convert the optical beam power into an electrical current at a first voltage;
• and
• at least one voltage converting circuit adapted to convert the electrical current having the first voltage into a current having a second voltage higher than the first voltage, each of the at least one voltage converting circuit comprising at least one inductor and at least one switch,
• a first electronic switching module, and
• a second electronic switching module,
• wherein the at least one switch is continuously switched between Open and Closed positions by a signal from at least one of the first electronic switching module and the second electronic switching module,
• the electronic switching modules being characterized in that:
• the first electronic switching module is adapted to switch the at least one switch in a first mode, at a rate and duty cycle provided by a signal generating circuit, the first electronic switching module being powered by the electric power output of the power converting element;
• the second electronic switching module is adapted to switch the at least one switch in a second mode at either or both of a variable rate and a variable duty cycle provided by at least one controller according at least to the requirements of the receiver, the second electronic switching module being powered by the electric power output of the voltage converting circuit, and
• the second electronic switching module is adapted to begin operation only when the voltage of the current output from the voltage converting circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold.