Challenges and Opportunities in Wireless Optical Communication

Dear Colleagues,

Wireless optical communication (WOC) is an emerging field that leverages light for high-speed data transmission, being a promising partner and, in some special situations, a reliable alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) communication systems. The rapid growth of data demand, driven by the proliferation of internet-connected devices and services, has imposed the exploration of new communication paradigms. WOC presents several significant opportunities, including huge bandwidth availability, high data rates, enhanced security, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. These features make it highly suitable for applications in urban environments, indoor communication, and satellite links.

However, the deployment of WOC systems faces several challenges. The LoS and MIMO requirements, sensitivity to outdoor environmental conditions like fog and rain, and alignment issues between transmitters and receivers are critical obstacles. Additionally, developing cost-effective and energy-efficient components remains a substantial hurdle. To address these challenges, ongoing research focuses on advanced modulation techniques, adaptive systems, and hybrid RF–optical solutions that combine the strengths of both technologies.

The future of WOC looks promising as technological advancements continue to improve system reliability and performance. Exploring these challenges and opportunities will be essential for realizing the full potential of WOC in next-generation communication networks. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Indoor positioning systems based on VLC;
• OWC systems applied in industry;
• OWC systems applied in medical facilities and devices;
• Underwater OWC systems;
• FSO between ground and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV);
• Current implementation and further developments of Li-Fi technology;
• OCC technology with its key characteristics and further developments.

Dr. Simona Riurean
Dr. Monica Leba
Guest Editors

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