Laser-based wireless optical power transmission through the atmospheric boundary layer

Laser-based wireless optical power transfer (LBWOPT) offers a compelling alternative to conventional wired or guided energy delivery methods, with applications ranging from powering remote sensor networks to charging drone swarms and enabling optical energy harvesting. However, its operation performance within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is highly sensitive to meteorological variability, including pressure gradients, temperature inversions, humidity fluctuations, and wind dynamics. This study presents a detailed performance evaluation of LBOPT systems operating within the ABL, focusing on light energy harvesting applications. An LBOPT channel model is developed, using received irradiance as the key performance metric for assessing harvesting efficiency. By combining numerical simulations with radiosonde-based atmospheric measurements, we quantify the effects of dynamic ABL conditions on LBOPT efficiency. The results provide valuable insights for optimizing LBOPT system design to ensure reliable and efficient operation under variable atmospheric environments.