Researchers have made groundbreaking strides in visible light communication (VLC) technology, leveraging conventional lighting fixtures commonly found in homes and offices. By combining three organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light sources to replicate white light, they have successfully mitigated interference and reduced bit error rates. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, which relies on electromagnetic radio waves, this new VLC technology, often referred to as Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), employs light sources, offering the potential for speeds over 100 times faster.
While Li-Fi operates as a fully networked system with the ability to incorporate infrared or ultraviolet light, VLC is unidirectional and solely utilizes the visible light spectrum. Despite VLC’s limited usage due to the need for a constant light source, direct line of sight, and inapplicability outdoors, recent advancements have addressed these challenges. The researchers developed a tri-color VLC system, utilizing red, blue, and green light emitted from an OLED array, effectively mimicking white light. They also established an organic photodiode (OPD) array as a receiver.
This breakthrough, outlined in a study published in the journal Advanced Materials, has the potential to revolutionize wireless communication, offering stability and accuracy comparable to conventional lighting systems. Dae Sung Chung, a professor of chemical engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, highlighted the significance of their light source, blending three wavelengths to enhance stability and accuracy in data transmission. The researchers envision this technology becoming a next-generation wireless communication solution applicable across various industries.
OLEDs, commonly found in modern TV screens, smartphones, and laptops, were instrumental in creating the organic light source. These OLEDs, known for their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and lightweight design, were paired with OPDs, which operate inversely by absorbing light and converting it into electric current.
To address interference concerns, the researchers configured OPDs using a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, enhancing the detection of specific wavelengths of light transmitted from the OLED array. Testing in controlled laboratory conditions showcased the potential for indoor lighting fixtures to transmit data in a Li-Fi system, outperforming conventional lighting with a lower bit error rate.
While laboratory conditions were optimized to minimize interference, real-world testing is underway to evaluate the system’s performance in more challenging environments. The researchers aim to explore the technology’s compatibility with moving receivers and its ability to overcome physical barriers, such as walls, using power-line communications. As they continue refining their approach, this innovative VLC system holds the promise of transforming wireless communication in the near future.”
