Strong coupling optimization with planar spiral resonators

Planar spirals offer a highly scalable geometry appropriate for wireless power transfer via strongly coupled inductive resonators. We numerically derive a set of geometric scale and material independent coupling terms, and analyze a simple model to identify design considerations for a variety of different materials. We use our model to fabricate integrated planar resonators of handheld sizes, and optimize them to achieve high-Q factors, comparable to much larger systems, and strong coupling over significant distances with approximately constant efficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.