Introduction
Power Beaming is an emerging technology aimed at sending optical power by means of a laser beam which is transformed into electricity by means of photovoltaic laser power converters. Typical applications are the continuous operation of drones, exchange of energy between satellites, powering of future lunar bases, etc. The III-V Semiconductors Group at the Solar Energy Institute of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid is a world leading research group in the field with an experience of more than 20 years[1],[2]. The activity of the III-V Semiconductors Group covers the simulation, manufacturing and characterization of the photovoltaic laser converters as well as the complete power beaming system.
Scope
The work proposed will be framed of several active projects. The tasks to accomplish the Master thesis will be focused on the optimization of the whole power beaming system considering different atmospheric conditions and the practical characterization of photovoltaic laser power converters under laser light.
Requirements
- A degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering or Materials Science
- To be engaged in an official Master in 2025-2026 and to present the Master thesis in 2026
- Basic knowledge on semiconductor physics and device physics. Computational skills are highly desirable
- Great motivation for scientific work and ability for team work
General Conditions
- The selected candidate would start the Master thesis in our group with a contract of 9000 € for 7 months work supported by the “Cátedra UPM-INDRA”.
- Working time: 20 h/week (adaptable in exam periods) starting about 1 December 2025 and finishing 30 June 2026.
- Excellent experimental infrastructure and international atmosphere.
- Possibility to start a PhD work from September 2026 depending on the candidate merits.
Applications
Interested candidates should send his/her CV and transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework to Prof. Carlos Algora (carlos.algora@upm.es) BEFORE 8 NOVEMBER
[1] Carlos Algora et al. ”Beaming power: Photovoltaic laser power converters for power-by-light”, Joule 6 (2), 340-368 2022, doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2021.11.014
[2] Iván García, Manuel Hinojosa, Marina Delgado, Carlos Algora, Photovoltaic laser power converters producing 21 W/cm2 at a conversion efficiency of 66.5%, Cell Reports Physical Science, Volume 5, Issue 11, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102263.