Key Devices and Applications of Visible Light Communication for 6G

Overview

Targeting the key‑device challenges of sixth‑generation (6G) visible‑light communication, this talk reviews systematic theoretical research and hardware implementation on GaN‑based transmitters, high‑speed short‑wavelength receivers and wide‑field‑of‑view receiving schemes. First, a joint carrier‑rate‑equation and equivalent‑circuit modeling approach is established for Si‑substrate GaN/InGaN multi‑superlattice three‑dimensional quantum‑well LEDs, revealing the enhancement mechanism of optical power and modulation bandwidth and offering an effective design tool for high‑speed LED optimization. Based on the derived model, an 8‑wavelength 4×4 integrated LED array chip is fabricated, achieving a record‑breaking transmission rate of 31.38 Gb/s over a 1.2‑meter free‑space link; DBR‑structured mini‑LED devices are also realized to balance spot size, output power and electrical‑to‑optical bandwidth. Second, high‑performance GaN‑based short‑wavelength photodetector receivers are developed. A single detector paired with a neural‑network equalizer reaches 15.26 Gb/s with 2.3 GHz bandwidth. A monolithically integrated 4×4 micro‑photodetector array demonstrates 2×2 MIMO multi‑laser access at 13.2 Gb/s, constructing heterogeneous converged VLC networks combining LED broadcast and laser dedicated communication. Furthermore, a novel wide‑field‑of‑view receiver integrating CsPbBr₃ perovskite‑quantum‑dot superlattice fluorescent antennas with SiPM arrays is proposed. By utilizing Förster resonance energy transfer to compress fluorescence lifetime to tens of picoseconds, the constraint of étendue conservation is surmounted. The prototype delivers a data‑rate‑area product of 4.49 Gbps·cm² with a field‑of‑view over ±75°, substantially overcoming the classic “impossible triangle” among data rate, field‑of‑view and effective receiving area for VLC receivers. The research provides critical device‑level supports for future high‑capacity mobile 6G visible‑light communication systems.