Researchers from the University of St Andrews and the University of Cambridge have achieved a breakthrough in wireless optical communications by using OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes)—commonly found in smartphone screens and televisions—as fast, long-distance transmitters for visible light communication (VLC), also known as Li-Fi. VLC uses light waves rather than radio frequencies to send data, which offers several advantages: higher bandwidth, lower interference, and seamless integration into existing lighting systems.
Historically, OLEDs were thought to be unsuitable for high-speed communications due to their slower light emission compared to inorganic LEDs or laser diodes. However, the recent study—published in Advanced Photonics—demonstrates that OLEDs can reach unprecedented speeds and distances by leveraging material science and device engineering.
The key to this advancement was the adoption of a stable organic material called dinaphthylperylene (DNP), characterized by its fast response and long operational lifetime. The researchers meticulously optimized the OLED device design, including the thickness and composition of each of its layers, to strike a balance between luminous output and switching speed. Larger OLED emitters were also found to deliver stronger signals while maintaining high data rates, enabling effective operation over longer distances.
These improvements allowed the team to reach record-setting data transmission speeds: 4.0 gigabits per second (Gbps) across a 6 foot link and 2.9 Gbps over 30 feet using a single OLED transmitter—both significantly surpassing previous OLED VLC performance, where speeds rarely exceeded 2.85 Gbps and distances were typically under 2 feet.
The data transmission was accomplished using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), a sophisticated modulation technique employed in Wi-Fi and 5G networks, which maximizes data throughput and minimizes errors. High-speed photodiodes functioned as receivers, and advanced digital signal processing and error correction ensured robust performance even at high transmission rates.
A major highlight of the study is the demonstration of nearly 3 Gbps data rates across a 30 foot span with just a single OLED transmitter—redefining the potential of OLEDs for practical wireless data links in real environments such as homes, offices, and wearable devices. The researchers indicate that further advances—such as higher output OLEDs, greater material stability, and ongoing refinements in device structure—could push these limits even further as OLED technology evolves for broader commercial applications.
This research disproves the assumption that OLEDs are inherently too slow for high-speed optical data transmission. The ability to manufacture thin, lightweight, flexible, and large-area OLED light sources using scalable, cost-effective techniques enhances their appeal for future wireless networking systems. As VLC and Li-Fi become more mainstream, OLEDs may offer an attractive solution for high-speed, secure, and interference-free data transmission layered into next-generation displays and smart lighting infrastructure.
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