A Proposal for Optical Antenna in VLC Communication Receiver System

Abstract

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is an important emerging choice for high-speed wireless communication. In this perspective, light-emitting diodes as illuminators will be modulated to transmit data simultaneously. However, the receivers bring severe difficulties due to cost, response time, and sensitivity with a wide Field Of View (FOV). To avoid these problems, one approach is to apply a large area photodetector; however, this solution is slow and costly. Another method is to focus light on a fast photodetector by optical components, but the photodetector’s FOV decreases, resulting from the conservation of etendue. Another option is Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs). This paper demonstrates a novel shape of LSC with advantages such as inexpensive, fast response time, small antenna area for VLC purposes with significant geometrical gain, FOV, and ultra-broad bandwidth. It does not require any complex tracking system and active pointing but, due to its tiny size, it can also be adapted in integrating and mobile devices. Numerical simulation is done using Monte-Carlo raytracing, and the results are demonstrated in the spectral domain. The optical efficiency of the proposed antenna is obtained at 1.058%, which is about 0.4% better than the efficiency levels reported in other works, and the geometric gain of the antenna is reported to be 44, which is significant.

A Superimposed QD-Based Optical Antenna for VLC: White LED Source

“…Since the surface area of the LSC exposed to light signal is substantially higher than the edge area, it can concentrate light and improve the flux radiation incident onto the photodetector edge [ 45 , 46 ]. Additionally, the LSC does not require any tracking system because it exploits efficiently diffused radiation as well as direct radiation [ 1 ].…”

“…The impressive growth of data traffic challenges our communication infrastructure [ 1 ]. Moreover, there is an essential need to dissolve the problem of spectrum scarcity and limited channel capacity in today’s exponentially growing wireless communication demand [ 2 ].…”

“…Nevertheless, simultaneously obtaining both large FOV and high concentration gain is possible when the wavelength of the optical system changes [ 27 ]. In this regard, recently, a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) was applied as a reassuring receiver technology for VLC [ 1 ]. The LSC principally emerged to collect solar energy efficiently and guide it toward side-attached solar panels.…”

“…This work is inspired by Ref. [ 1 ], which uses the novel proposed semi-sharp schematic of the antenna. Ref.…”

“…Ref. [ 1 ] has demonstrated that first, the presented antenna is adaptable to electronic devices and integrating systems due to its tiny dimensions and relatively high efficiency. Second, it allows for the attachment of a very small photodetector on the tip of the antenna due to its shape (a small photodetector is sensitive, fast, and cost-effective).…”