Workshop description

Optical wireless communication (OWC) systems have gained considerable attention for their potential in terrestrial, space, and underwater communication links. Recognized as cost-effective, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions, OWC is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands for capacity and quality in Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G networks. Notably, high-power solid-state laser diodes are emerging as key enablers for medium to long-range applications. Meanwhile, semiconductor sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths, along with multi-array light sources and advanced tracking technologies, are advancing the potential for short to medium-range wireless communication.

OWC systems show promise not only for terrestrial use but also for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), such as satellite communication. These networks leverage the unique capabilities of OWC for high-speed, high-capacity links that surpass traditional radio frequency methods. However, challenges remain, primarily due to optical beam propagation's vulnerability to atmospheric conditions, weather-related distortions, and the need for integration with existing RF networks. These factors complicate the design and deployment of OWC systems in diverse environments. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing research into OWC channel models, system components, and the development of innovative techniques for improved performance. This effort is vital for advancing the adoption of OWC systems across various domains.

The OWC workshop provides a platform for researchers and industry experts to share their latest advancements and explore the integration of OWC technology into underwater, terrestrial and NTN scenarios.

Learning objectives

With the ever-growing demand for enhanced capacity and quality in wireless communication links, researchers have continually sought innovative design methodologies and concepts to develop wireless systems and networks toward the 6G era. OWC technologies have emerged as promising enablers for flexible, high-capacity communication systems, particularly for B5G/6G, aerospace, and internet of things (IoT) applications. In fact, the current radio frequency (RF) spectrum is no longer sufficient to meet the exponential increase of the physical devices connected to the internet as well as the high capacity backhaul connectivity required by B5G communications.

OWC technologies includes several research derivatives, such as free-space optical (FSO) communications, visible light communications (VLC), ultraviolet (UV) communications, Light fidelity (LiFi) technology, optical camera communications (OCC), and underwater OWC (UOWC). These technologies cater to a range of scenarios, from terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to underwater environments.

Advancements in optical sources, such as the transition from bulky solid-state laser diodes (LDs) to compact, energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) across infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra, have driven the rapid growth of OWC systems. These systems enable diverse applications, including OCC, which utilize optical image sensors in devices like smartphones and vehicle cameras for IoT, indoor localization, motion capture, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). VLC extends beyond traditional data transfer to provide localization and positioning services. In vehicular networks, OWC supports collision avoidance and traffic management, while UV OWC links offer covert, license-free communication with minimal orientation requirements. LiFi technology delivers high-speed, secure, and energy-efficient connectivity for indoor internet access, smart lighting, and IoT. FSO systems, with fiber-like data rates at lower deployment costs, serve as critical interconnect technologies for terrestrial and NTNs. OWC is pivotal in NTNs, enabling high-capacity, secure communication in satellite-to-ground and inter-satellite links. Additionally, UOWC provides affordable, high-bandwidth connectivity for submarine applications, addressing the increasing demand for underwater data transmission.

Empowered by the recent adoption of IEEE 802.11bb, various OWC products are gradually entering the market. In this workshop, we would like to stimulate discussion on several topics which could accelerate a mass deployment of OWC:

• Trends and future directions in OWC: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest advances in OWC technologies, spanning terrestrial, underwater, and NTN applications.
• Advancements in optical sources and detectors: Explore the latest advancements in optical sources, ranging from high-power solid-state LDs to compact LEDs, and detectors, transitioning from vacuum tube-based to semiconductor avalanche PDs.
• Applications and use cases: Examine real-world applications and use cases of OWC, including its role in 5G/6G networks, aerospace, IoT applications, indoor localization, motion capture, ITS, vehicular networks, and underwater communication.
• Integration with existing technologies: Explore strategies for integrating OWC with existing technologies, including its coexistence with RF-based communication to enhance overall communication network capabilities.
• Networking and community building: Foster collaboration and networking among the researchers in the OWC field, facilitating knowledge exchange and future collaborations.

Topics of Interest

The workshop on OWC aims to bring together researchers and developers from both academia and industry to present, share, and discuss their latest work on OWC systems for terrestrial, space, or underwater applications. The workshop cordially invites high-quality contributions covering the following topics based on original research. The potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Transceiver design and optimization
• OWC modulation, coding, and detection
• Optics design (lenses, concentrators, diffusers, etc.)
• Physical layer security for OWC
• Beam steering and alignment techniques for OWC
• Optical reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) aided communications
• Fading mitigation in FSO links: spatial, temporal, polarization, coding, and adaptive approaches
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for intelligent and adaptive networks
• OWC for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems
• OWC for satellite communication
• OWC transceiver design and optimization
• OWC link duplexing and multiple access techniques
• OWC interconnect in the data center
• Optical wireless sensor networks
• OWC for B5G/6G networks
• MIMO for OWC
• New applications of OWC in AR/VR, AI, IoT, Industry 4.0
• Software-defined optical wireless network with AI
• OWC for positioning
• Hybrid RF/THz/OWC links
• Topology control and routing in RF/OWC X-haul networks

Potential Audience

The interdisciplinary nature of OWC ensures that the workshop appeals to a broad audience with varied interests and expertise, creating a collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, address challenges, and contribute to advancing OWC technologies. The following groups represent the potential audience for our workshop:

- Researchers and academics: Scholars and researchers specializing in communication technologies, optics, wireless networks, signal processing, and related fields have a significant interest in staying abreast of the latest developments in OWC. - Industry professionals: Engineers, technologists, and professionals working in the telecommunications industry, especially those involved in the design, implementation, and optimization of wireless communication systems - IoT professionals: As OWC holds promising applications in the IoT, professionals engaged in IoT development, sensor technologies, and applications will find the workshop relevant. - Automotive and aerospace experts: Given OWC's applications in vehicular communication and aerospace, professionals from the automotive and aerospace industries, including those involved in intelligent transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, and satellite communications, can gain valuable insights.

Novelty

The 2nd workshop on OWC aims to be a dynamic and comprehensive platform that not only explores the latest advancements but also fosters collaboration, addresses challenges, and positions OWC at the forefront of contemporary communication technologies by incorporating the following novel aspects:

- Cutting-edge Technologies: Explore the latest developments in different OWC technologies. - Applications in 5G/6G and Beyond: Explore the pivotal role of OWC in next-generation communication networks, including 5G/6G deployment, and its potential applications in aerospace, IoT, vehicular communications and NTN. - Coexistence with RF Technologies: Explore strategies for the seamless integration of OWC with traditional RF communication technologies within vehicular networks. Discuss the potential advantages, challenges, and coexistence mechanisms. - Future Trends and Roadmap: Discuss emerging trends in OWC technologies and present a roadmap for the future, addressing the anticipated evolution of OWC in the coming years, including its role in B5G/6G networks. - Holistic and balanced perspective: Inclusion of workshop co-chairs from academia and industry ensures a dynamic environment that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, enriching the workshop experience for participants and enhancing its impact within the OWC community.