High-speed visible light communication based on micro-LED: A technology with wide applications in next generation communication

Abstract

The evolution of next-generation cellular networks is aimed at creating faster, more reliable solutions. Both the next-generation 6G network and the metaverse require high transmission speeds. Visible light communication (VLC) is deemed an important ancillary technology to wireless communication. It has shown potential for a wide range of applications in next-generation communication. Micro light-emitting diodes (μLEDs) are ideal light sources for high-speed VLC, owing to their high modulation bandwidths. In this review, an overview of μLEDs for VLC is presented. Methods to improve the modulation bandwidth are discussed in terms of epitaxy optimization, crystal orientation, and active region structure. Moreover, electroluminescent white LEDs, photoluminescent white LEDs based on phosphor or quantum-dot color conversion, and μLED-based detectors for VLC are introduced. Finally, the latest high-speed VLC applications and the application prospects of VLC in 6G are introduced, including underwater VLC and artificial intelligence-based VLC systems.