Scientists Develop Concept for Wireless Power

Posted on November 16, 2006

The BBC reports that scientists may have come up with a method that will eventually solve the annoying battery and cables problem. The scientists idea involves using a physics concept called "resonance" to transmit power wirelessly.

Instead of using acoustic vibrations, the team's system exploits the resonance of electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic radiation includes radio waves, infrared and X-rays.
Typically, systems that use electromagnetic radiation, such as radio antennas, are not suitable for the efficient transfer of energy because they scatter energy in all directions, wasting large amounts of it into free space.
To overcome this problem, the team investigated a special class of "non-radiative" objects with so-called "long-lived resonances".
When energy is applied to these objects it remains bound to them, rather than escaping to space. "Tails" of energy, which can be many metres long, flicker over the surface.
"If you bring another resonant object with the same frequency close enough to these tails then it turns out that the energy can tunnel from one object to another," said Professor Soljacic.

The BBC article also talks about a company called Splashpower that has developed some cool wireless recharging pads. If the wireless power using resonance theory works you will one day be able to recharge your gadgets with no wires, plug-in or recharging pad.

TECH