The world's first laser source light street test was conducted in Fuzhou, China

David Ho and Jinjing Co. [WL1] have developed new lighting technologies in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, and will be testing in nearby Fuqing City this month.

This technology uses a blue laser beam for long-distance power transmission without the need for a power line. When a laser beam strikes a device that uses a quantum-induced material, the laser energy can be converted into light for illumination.

Some car manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have used similar technology in headlights. The purpose of the trial in China was to develop street lighting and highway lighting applications, or to use some power plants where power is not available.

Some researchers, such as Steven DenBaars of UC Santa Barbara, have been studying this for several years. In theory, a laser diode can produce two thousand times more light per square centimeter than existing LEDs. Lasers are mainly phosphor-based in traditional lighting, converting blue light into diffuse white light.

Dr. David Ho, a doctor of nuclear science, said: "Laser lighting will be an important solution for energy saving in the future. This dream will be realized soon."

As mentioned in China's laboratory test results, this technology can save 2/3 more energy than LED lighting technology, and can use solar panels to power the (street light) system. The use of a laser beam to transmit power will reduce the need to use power lines and related physical infrastructure.

This technology is ready to go out of the lab for system optimization and commercial testing and is expected to be in volume production in about six months. David Ho pointed out that the early investors in this technology were venture capital firms in Fujian and Jiangsu provinces.

He added that after the completion of the test in Fuqing, the streetlight system will be built in Luoyuan County, Fuzhou.

The design of this system has obtained Chinese patents and is currently applying for more patents in China and other countries.

David Ho mentioned that some problems must be solved before the system is released, including reducing the cost of laser diodes. In terms of regulatory standards, it tends to comply with current LED lighting regulations, and with respect to public safety and environmental hazards, it follows current laser safety regulations, such as ANSI Z136.1 in the United States.

According to David Ho, LED lighting can be replaced in a few decades if the laser lighting system is truly commercial.

He expects the technology to be more widely used in homes, basements, parking lots and lighting in 24-hour supermarkets.