Leveraging InGaN solar cells for visible light communication reception

Manzoor, H. U., Manzoor, S., Jamshed, M. A. and Manzoor, T. (2024) Leveraging InGaN solar cells for visible light communication reception. IET Networks, (doi: 10.1049/ntw2.12115) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Solar cells are increasingly being utilised for both energy harvesting and reception in free-space optical (FSO) communication networks. The authors focus on the implementation of a mid-band p-In0.01Ga0.99 N/p-In0.5Ga0.5 N/n-In0.5Ga0.5 N (PPN) solar cell, boasting an impressive 26.36% conversion efficiency (under 1.5AM conditions) as a receiver within an indoor FSO communication network. Employing a solar cell with dimensions of 1 mm in length and width, the FSO system underwent simulation using Optisystm software, while the solar cell's behaviour was simulated using SCAPS-1D. The received power from the solar cell was then compared to that of four commercially available avalanche photodiode (APD) receivers. Exploring incident wavelengths spanning 400–700 nm within the visible spectrum, across transmission distances of 5, 10, 15, and 20 m, the study presented current-voltage (IV) and power-voltage curves. Notably, the InGaN solar cell exhibited superior electrical power output compared to all commercial APDs. In conclusion, the findings underscore that augmenting received power has the potential to enhance FSO network quality and support extended transmission distances.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: III-V nitride, semiconducting indium compounds, solar energy, photovoltaics, optical communication, SCAPS-1D, InGaN solar cell.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Manzoor, Habib Ullah and Jamshed, Dr Muhammad Ali and Manzoor, Sanaullah

Creator Roles

Manzoor, H. U.: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Writing – original draft, Resources, Validation
Manzoor, S.: Project administration, Validation
Jamshed, M. A.: Formal analysis, Writing – review and editing, Supervision

• Authors: Manzoor, H. U., Manzoor, S., Jamshed, M. A., and Manzoor, T.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering
• Journal Name: IET Networks
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 2047-4962
• ISSN (Online): 2047-4962
• Published Online: 06 February 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright: © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in IET Networks 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence