Fluorescent concentrator based MISO-NOMA for visible light communications

Area of Science:

• Optical Communications
• Materials Science

Background:

• Visible light communication (VLC) faces challenges in multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems, including dynamic channels, alignment complexity, and limited capacity.
• Existing MISO VLC systems often require complex channel estimation, hindering practical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an estimation-free MISO system for VLC by integrating quantum dot (QD) fluorescent concentrators with non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA).
• To enhance system performance, particularly detection area and data rate, for applications like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Main Methods:

• Designed a novel system combining QD fluorescent concentrators with power-domain multiplexing NOMA.
• Implemented and tested the system in free-space (2.3m) and underwater (1.5m) environments.

Main Results:

• Achieved a sum rate of 120 Mbps over 2.3m in free space with a large detection area (>4 cm²).
• Demonstrated a record 120 Mbps data rate in a 1.5m underwater MISO system.
• Obtained a mean bit error rate of 3.24 × 10⁻³ underwater, below the forward error correction threshold.

Conclusions:

• The proposed QD-enhanced NOMA MISO VLC system offers a promising, estimation-free solution for high-speed wireless communication.
• The system shows significant potential for robust IoT connectivity in diverse environments, including challenging underwater conditions.