Emerging Technologies in Optical Wireless Communications for Next-Generation Connectivity, Joint Communication and Sensing

Dear Colleagues,

As global demands for data-intensive applications and ultra-reliable communication grow, optical wireless communication (OWC) technologies are increasingly viewed as a transformative solution. Innovations in Li-Fi, visible light communication (VLC), free-space optics (FSO), and optical camera communication (OCC) are pushing the boundaries of wireless connectivity, offering ultra-high data rates, secure channels, and the flexibility to operate across diverse environments. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for adaptive management and optimization, these OWC systems can support not only data transfer but also the emerging paradigm of joint communication and sensing (JCAS). By unifying data transmission and sensing functionalities within a single platform, OWC enables applications in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and beyond, while ensuring resilient connectivity and enhanced environmental awareness.

This Special Issue focuses on the advancements, architectures, and applications of OWC for next-generation connectivity and JCAS. Specifically, we aim to address the evolving role of OWC in hybrid RF/optical networks, where the synergy between optical and RF systems can address the unique challenges of dense urban environments, complex indoor settings, and secure networks. We encourage submissions that explore the latest in OWC-enabled JCAS applications, hybrid RF/OWC integration, adaptive channel modeling, modulation schemes, and energy-efficient architectures. Additionally, we invite research that leverages AI and ML to enhance the performance, reliability, and adaptability of OWC systems, further expanding their potential as a robust alternative or supplement to RF systems in next-generation networks.

The scope of this Special Issue spans theoretical studies, practical implementations, and interdisciplinary research aimed at bridging gaps in the current literature.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Channel modeling and characterization for indoor and outdoor optical wireless environments;
• Advanced modulation, coding, and synchronization techniques for OWC;
• Hybrid RF/optical network architectures and seamless integration strategies;
• AI- and ML-driven enhancements for optimization in OWC and JCAS;
• Energy-efficient and low-power design approaches for OWC systems;
• Joint communication and sensing (JCAS) applications in OWC;
• Security and privacy mechanisms for high-speed optical

We look forward to contributions that will not only broaden the academic understanding of OWC but also inspire the industry to adopt and implement these advanced technologies to meet the connectivity demands of the future.

Dr. Daniel Moreno
Dr. Vicente Matus Icaza
Dr. Victor Guerra
Guest Editors

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• optical wireless communication (OWC)
• Li-Fi
• visible light communication (VLC)
• free-space optics (FSO)
• optical camera communication (OCC)
• joint communication and sensing (JCAS)
• channel modeling in OWC
• hybrid RF/optical networks
• energy-efficient optical communication
• AI and ML in optical wireless communications
• high-speed connectivity and sensing
• secure data transmission in OWC
• environmental sensing in wireless networks