Abstract

Visible light communication (VLC) enables access to huge unlicensed bandwidth, a higher security level, and no radio frequency interference. With these advantages, VLC emerges as a complementary solution to radio frequency communications. VLC systems have primarily been designed for indoor scenarios with typical transmission distances between 2 and 5 m. Different designs would be required for larger distances. This article proposes for the first time, the use of a liquid crystal (LC)-based re-configurable intelligent surface (RIS) for improving the VLC signal detection and transmission range. An LC-based RIS presents multiple advantages, including the tunability of its photo-refractive parameters. Another advantage is its light amplification capabilities when under the influence of an externally applied field. In this article, we analyze an LC-based RIS structure to amplify the detected light and improve the VLC signal detection and transmission range. Results show that mixing LC with 4 to 8 wt% concentration of a dye such as the terthiophene (3T-2 MB) improves the VLC transmission range of about 0.20 to 1.08 m. This improvement can reach 6.56 m if we combine 8 wt% concentration of 3T-2 MB and 0.1 wt% concentration of trinitrofluorenone.

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Average signal-to-noise ratio maximization for an intelligent reflecting surface and angle diversity receiver jointly assisted indoor visible light communication system

Ting Yang, Ping Wang, Ganggang Li, Hetong Wang, Shuang Li, Huili Shi, Huimeng He, Fengyuan Shi, and Sihui Chi
Appl. Opt. 61(35) 10390-10399 (2022)