Wireless chargers?
Researchers are exploring a phenomenon called "evanescent coupling" as a way to juice up devices powered by rechargeable batteries without connecting them directly to a charger. Unlike electromagnetic induction--the technology that charges electric toothbrushes and early pacemakers--which requires the charger to be very close to the device, this new approach could potentially work at distances of several meters, claim the MIT physicists. From New Scientist:Evanescent coupling...allows electromagnetic energy "trapped" in a charging device to be tapped by a "drain" mobile device if the two have the same resonant frequency.Link
"The energy is trapped at source, until I bring a device that has the same resonant frequency close to it. Only then can the energy 'tunnel through'," says (researchers Marin) Soljacic. Crucially, the "charger" only starts powering another device when a compatible gadget comes within range...
Placing one of these wireless chargers in each room of a home or office could provide coverage throughout the building.
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