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Envision a future where indoor wireless communication systems are capable of managing increasing data demands with extraordinary reliability and speed. As traditional radio frequency (RF) technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth begin to falter due to bandwidth limitations and rising signal congestion, a new alternative is on the horizon.
This alternative is Optical Wireless Communication (OWC), poised to fulfill the rising need for rapid and reliable communication. Our research contributes to this evolving field, utilizing infrared (IR) technology to create a sophisticated system that promises interference-free signal delivery. This innovative approach not only enhances communication performance but also addresses some of the most significant drawbacks of conventional RF systems.
Details of our research can be found in the published article in the IEEE Journal of Lightwave Technology.
Revolutionary Design: Phased Arrays within Phased Arrays
Central to our innovation is the unique concept of a “phased array within a phased array,” drawing parallels with the principle of quantum superposition. Just as quantum particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, our system operates through intricate networks of smaller optical antennas strategically arranged within larger arrays. This meticulous alignment on a flat surface creates a synergistic effect, amplifying and refining the IR signal with exceptional accuracy.
Instead of depending on a singular transmitter, which can be easily affected by interferences or obstacles, our design incorporates multiple transmitting clusters. This strategic redundancy, reminiscent of overlapping quantum states, ensures clarity and reliability of the signal, even in intricate environments.
A standout feature of our system is its capability to utilize dual transmission wavelengths, enhancing both signal focusing and stability. This multi-cluster configuration not only improves beam precision but also minimizes the likelihood of signal degradation, even with larger spacing between clusters.
Energy Efficiency through Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)
Beyond enhancing signal quality, our system emphasizes energy efficiency. Utilizing an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm, inspired by the foraging behavior of ants, we intelligently manage resource usage by activating only the necessary clusters for transmission. This selective activation is akin to turning off lights that are not in use, thereby conserving energy.
Conventional wireless systems often waste energy by maintaining power across entire networks, regardless of activity levels. Our ACO-based method dramatically reduces energy consumption by deactivating unneeded clusters, ultimately lowering operational costs while reducing the environmental footprint—a vital consideration as society moves towards more sustainable technologies.
Future Implications for Wireless Communication Networks
This research sets the stage for exciting advancements in optical wireless networks. The system has practical applications across various sectors, including healthcare, where secure communication is essential, as well as in offices and industrial settings. Moreover, our phased array design is adaptable to different wavelengths, ensuring versatility as technology progresses.
This development extends beyond mere improvements in speed and performance. It represents a significant shift in how we connect and communicate, paving the way for smoother, more efficient, and sustainable wireless network solutions in the future.
This article forms part of Science X Dialog, a platform where researchers share their published findings. For more details on participation, visit this page.
For further reading:
Sharadhi Gunathilake et al, “Improving Transmission Efficiency in Optical Wireless Networks with IR Radiative Element Clusters and Phased Array Apertures,” Journal of Lightwave Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2024.3462754
Author Backgrounds
Sharadhi Gunathilake holds a B.Sc. in electronic and telecommunication engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and is currently pursuing her PhD at Monash University. With five years of experience in the telecommunications industry, her research focuses on optical wireless communication and phased array beamforming algorithm design.
Malin Premaratne has a diverse educational background from the University of Melbourne, including a B.Sc. in mathematics and a PhD in electrical and electronics engineering. He has been leading research in high-performance computing since 2004 at Monash University and is also affiliated with several prestigious institutions across the globe. With over 250 journal publications and a focus on optics and photonics, his work has earned him numerous fellowships.
Source
phys.org