Optimization of an optically pulsed photocell array as a sensor power source

A method for improving the efficiency of the conversion of pulsed optical power to electrical power by photovoltaic cells is presented. A fiber-optic echo sensor being developed requires a pulsed power source with a storage capacitor to hold energy for a time after the optical power is turned off. By charging capacitors from each cell individually with a switching transistor control, a higher efficiency is obtained than when the common method of series charging is used.<
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