Fig. 14. Lockheed laser SPS. (23) . Some of the more energetic electrons strike and are captured by two electrodes, one of which has a greater area than the other and hence captures more electrons. Thus, there is a net flow of charge, which generates an electromotive force (EMF). Theoretical efficiencies are in the 40%>-50% range. 5.4 Photon Engine Laser beam photons are absorbed by molecules, with the resulting molecular excitation energy being converted directly to work (6,24,25,26). Efficiencies are estimated to be in the 609^70% range (6,25). 5.5 Combinations of Subsystems In Fig. 13, the subsystem combination “1” represents the Lockheed Laser SPS (21). Combination “2” has been examined by Beverly, working under contract to Rockwell International (18). (The Rockwell/Beverly system uses photovoltaics as the source of electric power for a carbon monoxide EDL.) Any of the three indirect solar pumped lasers described by Taussig et al. at Mathematical Sciences Northwest, Inc., can be used in the SPS designated by “3” (9). The fourth system is an SPS utilizing the direct solar pumping scheme described by Rather at BDM Corporation, with a reverse FEL for ground conversion (8). These four systems are the only ones that have been described in the literature, although many other subsystem
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