Abstract: 

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a multicarrier modulation format that is used in many wired and wireless broadband communication systems as it is an effective solution for dispersive channels. In the past decade, OFDM has been used in many new standards for applications that include wireless local area networks, last mile broadband access and digital video broadcasting. In this report, we investigate the use and performance of OFDM in three alternate communication fields; high-speed long-haul optical fiber communications; high-speed optical wireless communications; and localization.

For long-haul optical fiber communications, dispersion is a key limiting factor to the data rates that can be realized in next generation systems using conventional modulation techniques. This research aims to analyze and demonstrate the performance of optical OFDM in dispersive channels to assess its potential as a candidate for next generation optical communication systems.

For optical wireless systems, the combination of intensity modulation and restricted optical power for eye safety mean that optical efficiency is a key performance factor. In this research, we aim to compare the optical efficiency of various forms of unipolar optical OFDM with the optical efficiency of conventional modulation formats such as on-off keying.

For localization, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is not effective for quick and accurate indoor localization applications. In this research, we aim to investigate both optical and radio frequency OFDM as potential solutions. Optical OFDM has many useful advantages as it can be used at baseband frequencies where fading due to multipath is tractable and the receivers can use cheap and directional photo-detectors.

About the Speaker: Brendon is a Masters by Research student with the department of Elecrtrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University