Iman Tavakkolnia

I focus on Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) to enhance our understanding of the energy efficiency of existing and emerging telecommunication systems, thereby supporting global sustainable development goals. My research intersects communication theory, advanced materials, signal processing, and photonics. OWC involves the transmission of data from one or multiple optical sources (such as LEDs, lasers, etc.) to one or multiple optical receivers (such as photodetectors, solar cells, etc.). Applications of OWC span from short-range indoor scenarios to underwater and long-range inter-satellite links. Therefore, research in this field requires a deep understanding of the physics of photonic devices, stochastic properties of wireless communication channels, and communication protocols. I am working on various wireless communication subjects in collaboration with multiple partners. In particular, I aim to explore and advance the following research areas: - Low-complexity energy-efficient optical satellite communication - Simultaneous energy harvesting and optical data detection using solar cells as optical receivers - Energy efficiency of hybrid radio/optical wireless networks - Indoor optical wireless positioning enabled by advanced optics design and machine learning