As our devices multiply and data demands grow, traditional wireless systems are hitting their limits. To meet these challenges, we have turned to an innovative solution. At the University of Melbourne and Monash University, we have developed a dual-carrier Modular Optical Phased Array (MOPA) communication system. At the core of our innovation is a groundbreaking concept: a modular phased array.
This design is inspired by the quantum superposition principle, applying its logic to enhance technical performance and efficiency. This cutting-edge technology is designed to make indoor wireless networks faster, more reliable and more secure, while addressing the limitations of traditional systems. Our research is published in the IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society.
Why light is the future of connectivity
Rather than relying on crowded radio frequencies, our proposed system uses beams of light—specifically in the near-infrared spectrum—to transmit data. Light offers immense bandwidth, enabling faster data transfer with less interference. By focusing these beams directly on their targets, we are creating highly efficient and secure connections.
What makes our system truly unique is its dual-carrier design. By transmitting data on one frequency and using another as a reference, we can maintain clear signals while minimizing interference. This is a significant improvement over current technologies, especially in busy, signal-heavy indoor environments like homes and offices.
We did not just stop at improving speed and reliability. Our MOPA system uses a clever feature to conserve energy and enhance security. Instead of lighting up an entire ceiling of modules, we activate only the ones directly above and around the target device. This precise, localized approach ensures that data beams are focused, efficient, and almost impossible for outsiders to intercept.
To further enhance security, we have integrated spatial and amplitude modulation into our light beams. This allows us to encode data more securely, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
What this means
The benefits of our technology are clear. Imagine a future where streaming, gaming and working from home happen without buffering or connection drops. Picture a world where smart devices communicate seamlessly, no matter how many are in use. With our MOPA system, this future is within reach. What’s more, our approach is environmentally friendly. By using energy only where it’s needed and minimizing waste, we are making wireless communication greener and more sustainable.
We know there’s still more to do. Our next steps include adapting this technology to different indoor layouts, ensuring compatibility with existing systems, and exploring its potential in the quantum communication era. As we push the boundaries of what’s possible, we are confident that our innovations will lead to even smarter, more reliable networks. By harnessing the power of light, we are not just solving today’s wireless challenges—we are paving the way for a connected future that’s faster, safer, and more efficient.
This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate.
More information:
Kosala Herath et al, Symmetrical Modular Optical Phased Array With Combined Spatial and Amplitude Modulation for Scalable Indoor Wireless Networks, IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society (2024). DOI: 10.1109/OJCOMS.2024.3496866
Bios:
Kosala Herath received a B.Sc. degree (Hons.) in electronic and telecommunication engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, in 2018. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree with the Department of Electrical and Computer System Engineering, Monash University, Australia. From 2018 to 2020, he was with WSO2 Inc. His research interests include nanoplasmonics, non-equilibrium many-body quantum systems, chip-scale wireless communication systems, and quantum computing.
Malin Premaratne earned several degrees from the University of Melbourne, including a B.Sc. in mathematics, a B.E. in electrical and electronics engineering (with first-class honors), and a PhD in 1995, 1995, and 1998, respectively. He has been leading the research program in high-performance computing applications to complex systems simulations at the Advanced Computing and Simulation Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, since 2004. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the Academic Board of Monash University and is a Full Professor. In addition to his work at Monash University, Professor Premaratne is also a Visiting Researcher at several institutions, including the Jet-Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech, the University of Melbourne, the Australian National University, the University of California Los Angeles, the University of Rochester New York, and Oxford University. He has published more than 250 journal papers and two books and has served as an associate editor for several leading academic journals, including IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE Photonics Journal and Advances in Optics and Photonics. Professor Premaratne’s contributions to the field of optics and photonics have been recognized with numerous fellowships, including the Fellow of the Optical Society of America (FOSA), the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers USA (FSPIE), the Institute of Physics U.K. (FInstP), the Institution of Engineering and Technology U.K. (FIET) and The Institute of Engineers Australia (FIEAust).
Sharadhi Gunathilake earned her B.Sc. in electronic and telecommunication engineering (with first-class honors) from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka in 2017. Following five years of experience in the telecommunications industry, she is currently a PhD candidate and a member of the Advanced Computing and Simulations Laboratory at the Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Australia, under the supervision of Prof. Malin Premaratne. Her research interests include optical wireless communication and phased array beamforming algorithm design.
Ampalavanapillai Nirmalathas received a Ph.D. degree in electrical and electronic engineering from The University of Melbourne. He is currently the Acting Dean with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the Lead of the Wireless Innovation Laboratory (WILAB), and a Professor of electrical and electronic engineering with The University of Melbourne. His current research interests include microwave photonics, optical-wireless network integration, broadband networks, photonic reservoir and edge computing, and scalability of telecom and internet services. Since 2021, he has been the Chair of the IEEE Photonics Society’s Future Technologies Task Force. From 2020 to 2021, he was the Co-Chair of the IEEE Future Networks Initiative’s Optics Working Group. He is also the Deputy Co-Chair of the National Committee on Information and Communication Sciences of the Australia Academy of Sciences.
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Shaping the future of indoor wireless connectivity: Quantum-inspired modular optical phased arrays (2024, December 11)
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