100 W-class solar pumped laser for sustainable magnesium-hydrogen energy cycle

A solar pumped laser system with 7%–9% slope efficiencies has been developed. A Fresnel lens (2×2 m, f=2000 mm) is mounted on a two-axis sun tracker platform and focuses solar radiation toward laser cavity, which embraces Cr:Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet ceramic rod. The maximum emitted laser power is 80 W corresponding to maximum total area performance of 20 W/m2 for the Fresnel lens area. This solar laser system would be used as a section of power plant in a magnesium energy cycle as a cost-efficient solar energy converter. Using direct solar radiation into laser, 4.3% net conversion efficiency has been achieved.