Modeling and application of array light sources in ultraviolet communication systems

Abstract

Reliable communication over long distances using ultraviolet (UV) light is challenging due to the strong scattering and atmospheric absorption of UV light. However, with advancements in UV LED technology, the performance of transmitters can be significantly enhanced by employing an array of light sources, which improves the overall quality of communication. Despite these advancements, the impact of various array configurations—such as shape, quantities, and other parameters—on light intensity distribution and UV optical communication remains largely unexplored. In this work, we first modeled the light intensity distribution of arrayed light sources with varying shapes, quantities, and other parameters. We improved the traditional Monte Carlo method to better accommodate these distributions, enabling more accurate simulations. Subsequently, we obtained simulation results for different array configurations. Building on these findings, we developed a UV LED array communication system that achieved a bit error rate (BER) of 10−6 for information transmission over a distance of 500 meters. This research provides valuable insights into the long-distance transmission capabilities of UV light using arrayed light sources.