Researchers at the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) in Berlin, together with partner institutions, have achieved data transmission rates of up to 1.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) using novel Far-UVC LEDs. The devices, developed by FBH, set a new record for optical wireless communication at wavelengths below 235 nanometers, according to the Chinese outlet D1EV.
Why Far-UVC Matters for Outdoor Links
Outdoor optical wireless systems using visible or infrared light face a major challenge: sunlight emits radiation in these wavelengths, creating background noise that interferes with the optical signal. This often forces such systems to rely on precisely aligned laser beams. Far-UVC light, however, offers a decisive advantage. At wavelengths below 280 nanometers, almost no solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface because it is absorbed by the upper atmosphere. As a result, optical wireless communication using UVC light is largely immune to background interference from the sun.
Potential Applications in Autonomous Driving and Robotics
The technology could benefit sectors that depend on reliable wireless data connections, including autonomous vehicles, drones, connected industrial equipment, robotics, and civil defense applications. As more systems compete for limited radio frequency spectrum, optical wireless communication could serve as a valuable complement to RF technology, particularly where radio links reach their limits.
