Optical Wireless Channel Sounding
Overview
Optical wireless communication (OWC) is emerging as a promising technology for next-generation communication systems. However, few optical channel measurements have been reported, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges of the technology. In this talk, we present the design of the first laser-based visible light channel sounder. The sounder consists of a narrow field-of-view telescope and a highly sensitive silicon photomultiplier. We report measurements conducted in various indoor OWC environments with up to 1 ns temporal resolution using swept-frequency sources. Channel characteristics, including the impulse response and path loss, are presented. Finally, the potential of the proposed sounder and the insights gained from the measurement campaigns are discussed. The talk will conclude with a short discussion on research fellowships, including practical advice and tips for students on preparing competitive fellowship applications.
Presenters
Dr. Abderrahmen Trichili, Northumbria University, UK
Brief Biography
Dr. Abderrahmen Trichili joined the School of Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics as an Assistant Professor of Optical Communications in December 2025. His research interests include optical wireless channel sounding, optical physical-layer security, and the design of practical optical wireless communication solutions.
Prior to this appointment, he spent three years at the University of Oxford, where he joined as a UK Intelligence Community (IC) Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Research Fellow in the Optical Wireless Communication Group at the Department of Engineering Science. During his time at Oxford, he also contributed to undergraduate teaching through the Third-Year Design Project (3YP), small-group tutorials, and laboratory demonstrations. He was elected a Research Fellow of Wolfson College in November 2023 (effective January 2024).
From January 2018 to November 2022, Dr. Trichili held a postdoctoral research fellowship (double affiliated to the Photonics Lab and the Communication Theory Lab) and was later promoted to Research Scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology before taking up his RAEng IC Fellowship. He has received several recognitions, including the Best Early Career Presentation Prize at the Rank Prize Symposium on Optical Wireless Communications in Challenging Environments, multiple travel awards, and selection to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in 2019.
Dr. Trichili is a Senior Member of Optica and a Senior Member of IEEE.
