Public Presentation of Master Hugo Costa’s PhD Thesis Proposal

On March 13th, 2025, at 2:00 PM, PhD student Hugo Costa will present his PhD thesis proposal "Advances in Multirod Solar-Pumped Laser Technology" in Seminar Room 213, Department of Physics.

Presentation Details:

• PhD Student: Hugo Costa (PDEF)
• Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Dawei Liang
• Co-supervisor: Dr. Joana Almeida

Location: Seminar Room 213, Department of Physics

Abstract:

The development of solar-pumped laser systems that combine high efficiency and cost-effectiveness is key to the practical implementation of this renewable technology. Since the advent of solar laser technology until recent years, single-rod configurations have been widely used; however, they present several drawbacks. The use of multiple thin rods can overcome these issues, showing also great potential at enhancing the solar laser efficiency. To reinforce its importance, solar laser pumping concepts are presented: laser stations for a 1 MW solar furnace, a seven-rod system capable of compensating tracking errors, and multi-Fresnel-lens systems. Furthermore, a four-rod prototype is proposed for the NOVA solar facility, with the aim of showing that systems that incorporate Fresnel lenses can be competitive as compared to that with parabolic mirror while offering clear cost-effective solutions to attain clean energy transition.