Organic photodiode receiver for a 3.6 gigabit per second visible light communication link

Abstract Organic semiconductors offer a compelling platform for high-volume optoelectronic technologies with mechanical flexibility, tuneable properties, and potential for low-cost, sustainable production. Organic photodiodes are promising receivers for visible light communication systems due to their tuneable optical and electronic properties and inexpensive integration. However, their use in high-speed data transmission has been limited by material constraints, including low charge-carrier mobility and parasitic capacitance in thin-film structures. Here we show high-speed organic photodiodes using targeted device engineering that addresses these bandwidth-limiting factors. The devices achieve a record visible light communication data rate of 3.6 gigabits per second over a one-meter link using a single organic photodiode, more than twenty times faster than the previous best visible light communication data rate with organic receivers. These findings establish a new performance level for organic receivers and open a pathway towards their integration in high-speed, flexible, and sustainable applications for the Internet of Things and optical wireless sensors.