Recently, researchers from Shenzhen Technology University, Southern University of Science and Technology, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology proposed a novel underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) architecture based on Micro LED.
Image source: MicroLED-info
Researchers have designed a large gallium nitride microLED array with 5,000 chips fabricated using flip-chip technology. The array achieves transmission rates of 165 Mbps and 90 Mbps at distances of 37.7 meters and 73.5 meters, respectively. Researchers state that this technology enables high-speed, long-distance transmission in underwater environments.
Researchers explained that both laser and Micro LED technologies can be applied to UWOC systems. However, lasers require a heat dissipation system during operation, which increases the size and design complexity of the UWOC system. Furthermore, due to the small emission dispersion angle of laser diodes, laser-based UWOC links require high accuracy, which is difficult to achieve in complex underwater environments.
Large-size LEDs suffer from limited modulation bandwidth, which significantly restricts the data transmission rate of the system. Micro LEDs, on the other hand, offer superior performance. With their small size and high current density, Micro LEDs can provide high modulation bandwidth, making them a more suitable light source for UWOC applications.
It is understood that this technology is expected to be widely used in the field of underwater communication in the future, promoting the advancement of underwater communication technology and meeting the needs of marine exploration, underwater monitoring, and other fields for high-speed, long-distance underwater communication. (Compiled)
