Challenges and Opportunities in Optical Wireless Communications for beyond Fifth and Sixth Generations Networks

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing demand for Internet of Things (IoT) and sophisticated multimedia applications has produced a substantial need for large data with minimal latency. Additionally, the deployment of satellite constellations by various private space industries has resulted in congestion within the limited radio frequency spectrum. Therefore, there is a need to explore a higher frequency spectrum beyond the existing millimeter wave band (<100 GHz) to enable higher data rates, increased spectral efficiency and reduced latency. Since the infrared (IR) and visible spectra are on the higher side of the electromagnetic spectrum, these bands are often considered to be alternative solutions to the existing radio frequency (RF) technologies. Communication in IR and visible bands is commonly referred to as optical wireless communication (OWC) and is envisioned as the future for high data rate wireless communications beyond fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) networks.

Despite the numerous advantages offered by OWC, such as high data rates, a license-free spectrum and low implementation costs, this technology still faces significant challenges posed by atmospheric conditions. These challenges, including atmospheric and pointing losses, impose serious limitations on the practicality of OWC for future wireless networks. This Special Issue seeks to bring together original research contributions from both academia and industry to present the latest developments, challenges and open issues in the utilization of OWC technology for next-generation networks. Contributions in the form of theoretical, numerical and experimental papers are welcomed. Submissions may encompass a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to):

• Channel modeling and analysis;
• OWC for IoT;
• Visible light communication (VLC);
• Optical Quantum communication;
• Quantum Key Distribution in FSO;
• Machine learning applications in OWC;
• Security and privacy in OWC;
• Aerial FSO communication using UAVs, HAPS, etc.;
• Underwater optical wireless communication;
• Integrated RF-FSO communication;
• Spectral efficiency and modulation in OWC;
• Antenna design for OWC, with indoor and outdoor applications;
• Deep learning and artificial intelligence-based OWC system optimization;
• System design optimization for air-borne, air–water interface systems using hybrid RF-FSO or FSO systems.

Dr. Hemani Kaushal
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• free space optical communication
• visible light communication
• underwater wireless optical communication
• optical quantum communication
• hybrid RF-FSO communication
• FSO security
• FSO backhaul
• channel characterization
• antenna design