Publication date: 22nd July 2026
Photovoltaic laser power converters (PVLPCs) are gaining significant traction for applications in power-over-fiber (PoF) and wireless power beaming systems, with in-space applications emerging as a rapidly evolving frontier [1]. Currently, gallium arsenide (GaAs)-based PVLPCs hold the record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 68.9 %, delivering a power density of 7.8 W/cm² and 1.1 V under 858 nm monochromatic illumination [2]. Concurrently, perovskite photovoltaic cells have emerged as promising alternatives for PVLPCs, demonstrating benchmark PCEs of 58.6 % under 785 nm illumination (50 mW/cm²) and 54.0 % under 532 nm illumination (70 mW/cm²) [3]. However, deploying PVLPCs in space environments introduces stringent operational challenges, particularly severe thermal fluctuations (thermal cycling) and intense mechanical stress.
To address these challenges, we report the development of ultra-lightweight, fully glass-encapsulated perovskite PVLPCs optimized for monochromatic illumination within the 400 nm to 550 nm spectral range, targeting efficiencies exceeding 50 %. Wide-bandgap perovskite compositions were strategically selected to maximize the voltage output and match the target photon energies. Two distinct device architectures were investigated to balance performance and durability: a hole-transport-layer-free (HTL-free) configuration to simplify the fabrication pipeline and enhance intrinsic structural stability, and a conventional n-i-p to optimize charge extraction and achieve high power conversion efficiencies.
To ensure long-term operational stability in low Earth orbit (LEO), the perovskite LPCs were hermetically sealed with a high-durability glass frit sealant [4]. Mechanical robustness and thermal mismatch mitigation were achieved by utilizing borosilicate glass substrates, selected for their low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matching the device layers. Furthermore, to minimize the weight for space qualification, the thickness of the glass substrates was reduced from 2.2 mm to 1.0 mm. Achieving a reliable, hermetic seal on these ultra-thin substrates necessitated the development and implementation of specialized, low-thermal-impact laser processing techniques.
This work was funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe (GA 101160868); the Norte Regional Programme (NORTE 2030/ERDF, ref. NORTE2030-FEDER-01463100); and the Agenda 'AET – Alliance for Energy Transition' (nr. C644914747-00000023, investment nr. 56), financed by the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the EU NextGenerationEU initiative.
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