Innovations in Optical Wireless Communications: Challenges and Opportunities

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Communication and Network".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 2739

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd., Glasgow, UK
Interests: optical communication; free space optical communication; digital signal processing

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Guest Editor
Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
Interests: visible light communication; optical communication; micro-LED; LED array

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical wireless communication (OWC) represents an advanced technology in the field of communication, leveraging light waves to transmit data in free space. It offers significant advantages over traditional radio frequency communications, including a vast unlicensed spectrum, enhanced security, synergies with other technologies, such as imaging and tracking, and the potential for high data rates. This technology encompasses various forms, such as visible light communication (VLC) and free space optical communication (FSO), each providing unique solutions for a wide range of applications, from indoor wireless networking to long-distance communication for terrestrial or space environments.

Despite its promising potential, OWC faces challenges such as signal attenuation, ambient light interference, turbulence, and line-of-sight requirements. There is also a necessity for transmitter and receiver hardware with properties including a high bandwidth, high output power, high sensitivity, and low size, weight, and power (SWAP). Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for enhancing OWC’s reliability and practicality. This Special Issue seeks to stimulate further research and development, paving the way for integrating OWC into next-generation communication technologies.

We encourage contributions that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Novel digital signal processing (DSP) techniques;
  2. Channel modeling;
  3. Challenging optical channel mitigation;
  4. New devices, such as micro-LEDs and deep UV (DUV) light sources, and single-photon-sensitive receivers;
  5. Pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) technology;
  6. Novel scenarios, such as underwater and none line of sight;
  7. Indoor positioning and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.

We look forward to receiving high-quality submissions that contribute to the advancement of OWC and help realize its full potential.

Dr. Yingjie Shao
Dr. Jonathan McKendry
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • optical wireless communication
  • visible light communication (VLC)
  • free space optical communication
  • digital signal processing (DSP)
  • micro-LEDs
  • channel modeling

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 16158 KiB  
Article
Orthogonal Frequency Division Diversity and Multiplexing for 6G OWC: Principle and Underwater Use Case
by Jiamin Chen, Chen Chen, Zhihong Zeng, Min Liu, Jia Ye, Cuiwei He, Shenjie Huang, H. Y. Fu and Harald Haas
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111051 - 8 Nov 2024
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Abstract
In this paper, we, for the first time, propose and demonstrate an orthogonal frequency division diversity and multiplexing (OFDDM) scheme for the sixth-generation (6G) underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems. In OFDDM, the subcarriers are grouped into subblocks; the subcarriers within each subblock [...] Read more.
In this paper, we, for the first time, propose and demonstrate an orthogonal frequency division diversity and multiplexing (OFDDM) scheme for the sixth-generation (6G) underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems. In OFDDM, the subcarriers are grouped into subblocks; the subcarriers within each subblock transmit the same constellation symbol through diversity transmission, while different subblocks transmit different constellation symbols via multiplexing transmission. As a result, OFDDM can support hybrid diversity and multiplexing transmission simultaneously. Moreover, the combination of subblock interleaving and low-complexity diversity is further proposed to efficiently mitigate the adverse low-pass effect and substantially reduce the computational complexity, respectively. The feasibility of OFDDM adapting to the various transmission conditions in UOWC systems has been verified via both simulations and experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that a striking 106.1% effective bandwidth extension can be obtained using OFDDM in comparison to conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for a fixed spectral efficiency of 1 bit/s/Hz. Furthermore, OFDDM with adaptive bit loading can also gain a remarkable 13.3% capacity improvement compared with conventional OFDM with adaptive bit loading. Full article
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Review

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32 pages, 6923 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Exploration of Contemporary Photonic Devices in Space Exploration: A Review
by Muhammad A. Butt
Photonics 2024, 11(9), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11090873 - 18 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Photonics plays a pivotal role in propelling space exploration forward, providing innovative solutions to address the challenges presented by the unforgiving and expansive realm of outer space. Photonic-based devices, encompassing technologies such as lasers, optical fibers, and photodetectors, are instrumental in various aspects [...] Read more.
Photonics plays a pivotal role in propelling space exploration forward, providing innovative solutions to address the challenges presented by the unforgiving and expansive realm of outer space. Photonic-based devices, encompassing technologies such as lasers, optical fibers, and photodetectors, are instrumental in various aspects of space missions. A notable application is in communication systems, where optical communication facilitates high-speed data transfer, ensuring efficient transmission of information across vast interplanetary distances. This comprehensive review unveils a selection of the most extensively employed photonic devices within the realm of space exploration. Full article
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