A solar power utilization system with magnesium (Mg) as an energy carrier is
under development as a means to solve global warming and energy crisis that
humankind faces. In the system, solar energy is converted to laser
radiation and stored as a chemical potential of Mg. A technology of solar
pumped laser is used for converting solar energy to high quality laser
energy. This presentation describes the proof of feasibility of solar
pumped laser system technology as a part of energy cycle executed by Tokyo
Tech and Electra Co. There are a couple of unique features on the system;
(1) Light weight Fresnel lens for solar power concentrator, (2) Cr co-doped
ceramic Nd:YAG laser media for high efficient laser output, and (3) Single
frame for both lens and laser oscillator. These unique features are adopted
to realize an economically feasible energy cycle. A solar pumped laser
system with a four-square-meter Fresnel lens has been developed to
demonstrate more than 10 % laser conversion efficiency.