Laser-diode-based visible light communication: toward gigabit class communication

VLC is an emerging optical wireless communication technology that can be added as a complementary feature into existing lighting infrastructures for alleviating pressure on the rapidly dwindling radio frequency spectrum. Although LEDs have been traditionally used as transmitters in VLC, the growing urgency for higher data rates in the gigabit class range has deviated focus toward the consideration of LDs as potential sources for VLC due to their unique features of high modulation bandwidth, efficiency, and beam convergence. This article focuses on the principles of LD-based VLC systems, highlighting the operational characteristics and link configurations. The unique features of LDs compared to LEDs are discussed alongside the communication and illumination aspects of different classifications of LD-VLC. The challenges in terms of practical implementation and the potential applications that might arise from this communication technology are also discussed.