Optical energy transfer subassemblies

Transfer of energy into an electrically isolated region by optical energy transfer subassemblies (OETS) was investigated. The OETS were based on photovoltaic conversion of light from a directly modulated semiconductor laser coupled by an optical fiber to a single junction solar cell. A ferrite core transformer increased the voltage to desired levels inside the isolated region. Two specific functions were characterized: (1) energizing a half-wave rectifier circuit for a continuous 5 V power source and (2) charging a capacitor. Our best subassembly supplied 5.5 V and 0.5 mA continuously and charged a 30 ..mu..f capacitor to 27 V in 3 s.