Future Tech: Visible Light Communications

Visible Light Communication uses light emitting diodes (LEDs), for the dual role of illumination and data transmission. Using the visible light spectrum, which is free and less crowded than other frequencies, wireless services can be piggy-backed over existing lighting installations. With this leading edge technology, data including video and audio, internet traffic, etc, can be transmitted at high speeds using LED light.

Prof Harald Haas leads the EPSRC-funded D-LIGHT project at the School of Electronics and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.

VLC technology has the potential to deliver data transfer rates in excess of hundreds of megabits per second. Light radiation neither constitutes nor suffers from electromagnetic interference (EMI) making VLC a very attractive technology in places/environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an issue, such as in hospitals and in aircraft. In addition, where security of local communication is important eg defence and fanance applications, D-Light technology offers a secure medium for communication in an office/building environment.

The two year D-Light project is midway through its funding. The main commercial goal is the formation of a University of Edinburgh spinout company, hopefully starting in 2012.

Visit the D-LIGHT project site here:  http://visiblelightcomm.com/

VLC Applications: