Lights could be the future of the internet and data transmission

New internet technologies are being rapidly refined, and LED-based communication links are expected to be used in services and scenarios including Light-fidelity (Li-Fi), underwater communications, moderate- to high-speed photonic connections and various ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) devices.

A study, led by the Universities of Surrey and Cambridge and published in the journal Nature Photonics, has investigated how to release high-speed photonic sources using materials known as metal-halide perovskites. These semiconductors are studied with LEDs for their excellent optoelectronic properties and low-cost processing methods.

“IoT devices have the potential to add significant value to industry and the global economy,” said corresponding author Dr Wei Zhang from the University of Surrey. “In this market, costs and compatibility are often prioritised over data transmission speed and scientists are looking for alternative ways to reduce energy consumption per bit and improve compactness while simultaneously working on improving the speed of data connection.

“In our study, we have shown how metal-halide perovskites could provide a cost-efficient and powerful solution to make LEDs which have enormous potential to increase their bandwidths into the gigahertz levels.

“Our investigations will accelerate the development of high-speed perovskite photodetectors and continuous wave-pumped perovskite lasers, opening up new avenues for advancements in optoelectronic technologies.”

“This is a significant step toward perovskite light sources for next-generation data communications,” said co-first author Hao Wang, a PhD candidate in Cambridge’s Department of Engineering. “It also paves the way for the integration of perovskites with micro-electronics platforms, presenting new opportunities for seamless integration and advancement in the field of data communications.”

The project involved researchers from Oxford, Bath, Warwick, UCL, EMPA and UESTC.

Reference:
Aobo Ren, Hao Wang et al. ‘High-bandwidth perovskite photonic sources on silicon.’ Nature Photonics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-023-01242-9

For more information on energy-related research in Cambridge, please visit the Energy IRC, which brings together Cambridge’s research knowledge and expertise, in collaboration with global partners, to create solutions for a sustainable and resilient energy landscape for generations to come. 

Adapted from a University of Surrey press release.