Transmitting Power to Sensor Circuitry via Modulated Light

Modulated (as opposed to steady) light can be used in the optical transmission of power to remotely located sensor circuitry in a system like that described in the preceding article, "General-Purpose Optically Powered Sensor and Control System" (NPO-19604). This is analogous to the use of alternating (as opposed to direct) current on electrical power lines, and the benefit is similar; namely, that the voltage can be stepped up to a desired level by use of a transformer.