Passive optical receiver for visible light communication (VLC)

Abstract

We demonstrate using solar cell as optical receiver (Rx) for visible light communication (VLC). The solar cell is low cost and can convert the VLC optical signal into electrical signal without external power supply. As the response of the solar cell is very limited; we also propose and demonstrate using pre-distortion to significantly enhance the response of the solar cell Rx. A VLC capacity of 0.4 Mbit/s at bit-error-rate (BER) of 10−9 under wireless transmission distance of 75 cm; and a capacity of 0.3 Mbit/s at BER of 10−9 under wireless transmission distance of 125 cm can be achieved.