Using sunlight for wireless communication
Themes: High Tech, Materials
Proof of principle
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
Click to enlarge
Why?
Visible light is extremely pervasive in the modern world. Exploiting that vast amount of passive optical energy for wireless communication would be a game changing transformation.
How?
Instead of modulating a signal at the emitter (pulsing a LED), the signal is modulated by reflecting ambient light with an ‘active barcode’ (like an e-ink surface) on a moving object.
When?
As the fundamental technology is being developed, the scope of application is still vastly open. Input on new possibilities of applications are sought and welcomed.
Dr. Marco Zuniga