Effect of beam types in visible light vehicular communications

Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) communication, particularly in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) scenarios where low latency, high reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility are crucial. Among the many factors affecting VLC performance, the spatial structure of the optical beam plays a critical role in determining the received signal strength and overall channel quality. While Gaussian beams are preferred in many applications due to their uniform propagation, recent research and studies have shown that other beam types, such as annular beams, can offer better performance in certain areas. This study examines the impact of Gaussian and annular beams on path loss in Visible Light systems, depending on several parameters. The analysis is based on theoretical and MATLAB simulations, considering different transmission distances, receiver aperture diameters, and various atmospheric conditions. The results demonstrate that Gaussian and annular beams exhibit different characteristics in terms of response to spatial changes and environmental factors. The findings emphasize that different beam types can be used according to specific conditions, rather than relying on a single beam selection. This thesis enables the creation of more applicable and robust systems. Ultimately, the study supports the design of more efficient and robust optical channels for future intelligent transportation systems.