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US 8,787,752 B2Granted
Systems and methods for optically powering transducers and related transducers
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsAxel Scherer, Aditya Rajagopal, Seheon Kim, Andrew P. Homyk
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.
Claims18
An optically powered transducer, comprising:
- a sensor circuitry adapted to convert an environmental or ambient signal of interest into a sensor electrical signal;
- an electronic circuitry adapted to process the sensor electrical signal;
- a multi-functional light source adapted to a) support an optical data communications link between the optically powered transducer and at least one another device, and b) provide light for performing optical spectroscopy;
- and
- a photovoltaic collector adapted to collect optical energy, convert the optical energy to electrical energy and power the sensor circuitry and the electronic circuitry with the electrical energy.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- powering an optically powered transducer by directing optical energy at the optically powered transducer;
- using a light source located in the optically powered transducer to enable an optical data link;
- and
- using the light source to provide light for performing optical spectroscopy.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.