Overview
- Researchers at the Civil Aviation University of China published a Matter & Light paper on July 29 describing a perovskite laser cell‑thermoelectric tandem receiver that uses Sb2Se3 nanocrystals to slow heat flow.
- In controlled bench tests the thin receiver converted 38.49% of a green laser beam into electricity and powered a model propeller, demonstrating a static proof of concept.
- Thermal cameras recorded temperatures around 80–90°C under high‑power laser exposure, so the team embedded heat‑blocking nanocrystals and proposed mounting the receiver under a wing with airflow channels to cool it.
- The device has not yet flown and researchers say the next steps are outdoor trials plus development of fast tracking optics and safety controls to prevent eye or infrastructure hazards and to meet airspace rules.
- If engineers and regulators solve heating, targeting and safety issues, the approach could extend drone endurance for inspections, disaster response and deliveries, but real‑world atmosphere, flight dynamics and rules will determine whether it scales.