Bidirectional optical device

Traditionally, an optical communication system would require two components at each end: transmitter and receiver. It has been known that LEDs can act as photo sensors, but they have not been very practical for optical communications applications.

Researchers have now shown switching between LED and photodetector modes on new type component quickly enough for real-time use, the new diode offers potential for communications. Switching between LED and photodetector modes quickly enough for real-time use, the new diode offers potential for communications. The new LED at its peak emission (~804 nm) allows an optical signal exchange between two identical diodes. The operation speed for both functions can reach tens of megahertz.

“In order to demonstrate the potential of our diode with double function,” researcher Chunxiong Bao explains, “we have built a monolithic sensor that detects heart beats in real time, and an optical, bidirectional communication system.”

Researchers Create a Perovskite Diode That Can Transmit or Receive Optical Signals on Demand
https://www.hackster.io/news/researchers-create-a-perovskite-diode-that-can-transmit-or-receive-optical-signals-on-demand-8eb41a4c5e23

Bidirectional optical signal transmission between two identical devices using perovskite diodes
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-020-0382-3

Use of LEDs as a photodiode light sensor
https://wiki.analog.com/university/courses/electronics/electronics-lab-led-sensor