Meta Platforms, Inc.
Luminescent Detector for Free-Space Optical Communication

Abstract:

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a photoluminescent wavelength-shifting material configured to receive an input-light data signal comprising a first range of wavelengths, absorb at least a portion of the received input-light data signal, and produce an emitted-light data signal comprising a second range of wavelengths based on an upper-state lifetime of the photoluminescent wavelength-shifting material. The apparatus also includes a focusing element configured to receive at least a portion of the emitted-light data signal, concentrate the received portion of the emitted-light data signal, and produce a concentrated-light data signal. The apparatus further includes a photodetector configured to receive the concentrated-light data signal, and produce an electrical current corresponding to the concentrated-light data signal.