Over 10 Gbps VLC for Long-Distance Applications Using a GaN-Based Series-Biased Micro-LED Array

By employing a GaN-based series-biased micro-light emitting diode (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>LED) array and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation format, a high-speed free-space visible light communication system for long-distance applications has been demonstrated. The blue series-biased <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>LED array, which consists of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3\times 3$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, 20 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-diameter <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>LED elements, presents promising performance with an optical power and −6dB electrical modulation bandwidth of over 10 mW and 980 MHz, respectively. Record data transmission rates have been successfully achieved at different free-space distances. Within 5 m transmission distances, over 10 Gbps data rates at the forward error correction (FEC) floor of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3.8\times 10^{-3}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> are accomplished. Extending the transmission distances to 20 m, the data rates are maintained at the Gbps level at the FEC floor.