Terminology » Other Wireless » Infrared vs. Visible Light vs. Ultraviolet: Key Differences

Infrared vs. Visible Light vs. Ultraviolet: Key Differences

optical wireless infrared visible light ultraviolet communication

This page compares Infrared (IR), Visible Light (VL), and Ultraviolet (UV), highlighting their differences.

Introduction: All three are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, distinguished mainly by their unique frequencies and wavelengths. These bands are used in Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) systems such as LiFi, LiDAR, Free Space Optical (FSO) communication, and Optical Camera Communication (OCC).

Infrared (IR)

Wavelength: 760 nm to 1 mm
Communication Distance: Short and medium ranges in LiFi and OCC
Advantages: Not visible to the human eye
Disadvantages: Not always safe for humans. Line-of-sight (LOS) communication and very limited low data rate Non-LOS (NLOS) communication using reflection of infrared waves.
Applications: LiFi, OCC (Optical Camera Communication), FSO (Free Space Optical) communication, LiDAR

Visible Light (VL)

The following are features of Visible Light Communication (VLC):

VLC technology uses the visible light portion of the light spectrum.
It uses a wavelength range from 380 nm to 750 nm (i.e., a frequency range from 430 THz to 790 THz) for communication.
Data to be transmitted is modulated before transmission by modulating the light. A Power Amplifier (PA) is not needed, unlike RF communication.
LEDs and lasers are used as transmitters or sources. Photodiode detectors are used as receivers.
LiFi is one of the many applications of VLC.

Ultraviolet (UV)

Wavelength: 10 to 400 nm
Communication Distance: Short and medium ranges in LiFi
Advantages: High data rate NLOS communication is possible, and it’s not visible to the human eye.
Disadvantages: Not safe for humans.
Applications: LiFi, FSO