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Multi-target and ultra-high-speed optical wireless communication using a thin-film lithium niobate optical phased
Xiaoyue Ma1, Mingrui Yuan1, Jingchi Li2
1School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Nature Communications
|December 15, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an ultra-high-speed optical wireless communication (OWC) system using a thin-film lithium niobate optical phased array (OPA). It achieves 320 Gbps single-channel data rates, enabling real-time multi-target connections without mechanical parts.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Optical Communications
- Photonics
Background:
- Radio spectrum scarcity and signal attenuation are key challenges in wireless communication.
- Optical wireless communication (OWC) offers a promising alternative by utilizing laser beams.
- Optical phased arrays (OPAs) enable high-speed, inertial-free beam steering, advancing OWC capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel multi-target, ultra-high-speed OWC system.
- To leverage thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) OPA technology for advanced OWC.
- To establish a new paradigm for solid-state, chip-scale OWC systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-target OWC system integrated with a TFLN OPA.
- Implementation of inertial-free, high-speed beam steering for real-time multi-target connections.
- Utilizing 16-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) for high data rates.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a fully solid-state, chip-scale OWC system.
- Achieved single-channel communication data rate of up to 320 Gbps.
- Successfully transmitted uncompressed high-definition video, validating system performance.
- Enabled dynamic multi-target support without mechanical components or lenses.
Conclusions:
- The TFLN OPA-based OWC system sets a new benchmark for single-channel data throughput.
- The system offers unprecedented performance exceeding current 5G and 6G proposals.
- This work paves the way for next-generation, high-capacity optical wireless communication.
