Abstract:
Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) is a fast-growing field that uses light to provide high-speed, secure communication. This tutorial covers both fundamental concepts and advanced developments in OWC. It introduces key optical concepts, including optics, photonics, and quantum optics, and explains Lightwave signal modeling. Attendees will explore ray and wave optics principles such as reflection, refraction, and optical components like prisms, lenses, and fiber optics. Photon optics, including photon flux and arrival rate, will also be discussed, comparing ray, wave, and photon behaviors.
The second part focuses on OWC system design, covering light-emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), and modulation techniques (direct and external). Optical receivers and detection methods, such as photodetectors and coherent detection, will be explained. Channel modeling will be discussed, considering key challenges like atmospheric attenuation (due to rain, fog, and snow), Geometric losses (Plane waves, Gaussian beam, …), turbulence (beam wander, beam jitter, scintillation, and spectrum model), and diffraction. Strategies to mitigate these effects and optimize system performance will be discussed. Emerging topics like quantum communication, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and their applications in Free-Space Optical (FSO) and Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems will also be presented.
The tutorial will also cover applications of OWC in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and satellites. Practical applications, such as FSO for smart cities and VLC for the Internet of Things (IoT) and vehicular networks, will be explored alongside challenges in implementing these technologies.