Building an All-Light Communication Network: The Future of Seamless Connectivity

Saturday - March 2 2024, 04:53 UTC - 8 months ago

Researchers have developed an all-light communication network that enables seamless connectivity across space, air, and underwater environments. This network uses four types of light - blue, white, deep ultraviolet, and near-infrared - to establish wireless communication links. It can support both wired and wireless device access, making it suitable for various applications. The network has been tested in both simulated and real environments and has demonstrated its capabilities for practical use.

The world today relies heavily on data transmission for various purposes such as communication, navigation, emergency response, research, and commercial activities. However, traditional communication networks are limited by their inability to provide seamless connectivity across different environments. This is where the all-light communication network comes in.Led by Yongjin Wang from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications and Suzhou Lighting Chip Monolithic Optoelectronics Technology Co .

Ltd. in China, a team of researchers has developed a revolutionary all-light communication network that enables uninterrupted connectivity across space, air, and underwater environments. This network design incorporates different types of light sources to establish wireless communication links, making it capable of providing two-way real-time data transmission between network nodes.In their study published in Optics Express, the researchers demonstrate the capabilities of the network in real-time video communication between network nodes .

They also show that it can support both wired and wireless device access simultaneously, making it suitable for providing various services to different users at once.To achieve this, the researchers utilized four spectra of light - blue, white, deep ultraviolet, and near-infrared - to establish communication links for different environments or applications. Blue light was used for underwater communication, as it has a reduced absorption window in seawater compared to other wavelengths .

This allows for better communication between underwater devices and buoys or control of unmanned underwater vehicles. White LEDs were used for above-water communication between objects such as buoys or ships. Deep ultraviolet light was used for connections with airborne devices like drones, providing solar-blind communication that prevents interference from sunlight. And lastly, near-infrared laser diodes were used for point-to-point communication in free space .

The researchers also designed the network in a way that allows for both wired and wireless access to the internet using the TCP/IP scheme, making it ideal for internet of things applications. This means that the network can integrate with existing communication systems and provide seamless connectivity between different devices.To demonstrate the capabilities of the all-light communication network, the researchers conducted experiments in both simulated and real environments .

In a swimming pool, they measured light signals between the transmitter and receiver at different depths and distances, including clear and turbid water conditions. They also tested the network's ability to withstand signal loss in challenging water environments by using directional light sources that can penetrate deeper and transmit information over longer distances.The researchers also showed that the network can facilitate communication between objects in challenging environments .

By placing an optical buoy at the water's surface that uses green light to communicate, users can have access to the underwater network. Similarly, deep ultraviolet light could be deployed at the shoreline to communicate with flying drones, solving communication difficulties in complex terrains.Furthermore, the team demonstrated real-time video delivery between a red LED network node and the internet .

The low power consumption and potential for battery-free communication makes the use of red LED ideal for this purpose. The network was integrated with a web camera and a computer screen, showcasing its capabilities for practical applications.In conclusion, the all-light communication network created by the research team led by Yongjin Wang offers a future of seamless connectivity across different environments .

With its ability to combine different types of light sources and integrate with existing communication systems, this network is set to revolutionize data transmission and communication in various industries. It is a significant step towards a more connected and technologically advanced world.