Research in Visual Light Communications

Advances in photonic device technologies are expected to completely replace lighting systems as we know them within the next 15 years.

Less obvious is the unique opportunity this transformation presents to enable ubiquitous data networking of a vast array of physical objects. This networking is feasible because LEDs in these future lighting systems can be digitally modulated. From people, their personal communicators (PDAs), automobiles, motors, pallets, and boxes – to sensor systems (e.g., surveillance, ecological monitoring), biometric clothing, property tracking, and smart spaces (e.g., rooms that adapt to occupants’ preferences), this new connectivity, and it’s improved throughput, latency, and functionality, will be nothing short of revolutionary.

We are excited to explore opportunities in the use of LED-based communications, both independently or in hybrid models with radio frequency (RF) techniques, in several settings.

Learn more about the ERC research at all partner institutions.