Microwave power transmission by electromagnetic surface wave propagation for wireless power distribution

The concept of wireless power transmission at microwave frequencies has recently generated much excitement for the development of new battery charging techniques, stations for wireless power distribution, and other consumer products that operate by means of remote energy transfer. Not only has this excitement generated a new paradigm of research and development for engineers and scientists, but more importantly, improved the general awareness of the public regarding the practicality and feasibility of green energy technologies. One popular example includes the charging of mobile devices, laptops, and other portable electronic equipment by the recycling of parasitic electromagnetic energy from the local environment. Additional applications of this approach to green technologies can include the control and system operation of low-power medical devices, environmental monitors for security and surveillance, and other sensors for home automation. Concepts can also be applied to more directive and high-power systems for space applications and the related telecommunications, as well as the powering and control of remote robots for disaster control and electric cars for terrestrial transportation.