French research institute CEA-Leti’s researchers have broken the VLC (visible light communications) throughput world record of 5.1 Gbps, using a single GaN blue MicroLED. Their data transmission rate of 7.7 Gbps, achieved with a 10-µm µLED, marks another step toward commercialisation and widespread use of LiFi communication.
VLC, or LiFi is an emerging wireless communication system that offers an alternative or a complementary technology to radio frequency systems such as WiFi and 5G. It is considered to be a promising technology for security-related applications because light propagation can be confined to a room with no information leakage, as opposed to WiFi communication, which penetrates walls. LiFi also holds promise for ultra-highspeed data transmission in environments where RF emissions are controlled—hospitals, schools, and airplanes, for example.
Single-µLED communications offer an ultra-high data-transmission rate for a variety of opportunities for new applications. But their weak optical power limits their applications to short-range communications. In contrast, matrices of thousands of µLEDs contain higher optical powers than open mid- and long-range applications. However, preserving the bandwidth of each µLED within a matrix requires that each signal has to be brought as close as possible to the micro-optical source.
CEA-Leti scientists noted that LiFi application will still require a standardisation process and has a potential to be included in the downlink of 5G-NR to bring additional bandwidth.