New solar lasers developed from bacteria will power space missions.

Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in the UK have discovered a method for directly converting sunlight into laser beams in space. These new lasers will enable energy transmission over vast distances, powering bases on the Moon and missions to Mars. Researchers aim to develop new lasers by utilizing the unique properties of certain bacteria, as reported by Interesting Engineering.

The scientists have already secured €4 million in funding to create a new laser technology for energy transmission over long distances, which will support future space missions.

Lasers powered by sunlight are not a new concept; however, typical sunlight is generally too weak to directly power a laser. For solar-powered lasers, complex and heavy optical equipment is required to amplify sunlight by at least 1000 times. The weight of such equipment makes it challenging to launch into space.

As a solution, the researchers decided to leverage the characteristics of bacteria that thrive deep in the ocean. These bacteria possess extremely sensitive light-harvesting structures capable of capturing nearly every photon, which is a particle of light.

These structures enable the bacteria to photosynthesize even in very low light conditions. The scientists intend to develop a system that converts sunlight into laser beams using the light-harvesting structures found in bacteria.

This will involve using a specific part of the photosynthetic bacteria known as photosynthetic antenna complexes. These complexes have the ability to capture and transfer light energy.

The researchers plan to create a structure that will capture incoming sunlight and then direct it into a solid material, such as a crystal. The electrons in the atoms of this material will absorb the light energy and then release additional energy in the form of laser light.

Simultaneously, the scientists will develop artificial versions of the natural light-harvesting structures found in bacteria and create new laser materials compatible with both natural and artificial light collection systems.

According to the researchers, they aim to create a working prototype of the new laser within the next three years. Once the laser technology is launched into space, it could power space stations, satellites, lunar bases, spacecraft traveling to Mars, and other deep space missions.

The researchers believe that if successful, this technology could revolutionize space exploration.