LiFi-Out – Beyond Indoor LiFi: A Holistic VCSEL-Metasurface Framework for Outdoor 3D Communication and Sensing

LiFiNext aims to overcome the fundamental limitations of current Light Fidelity (LiFi) systems by enabling reliable and secure outdoor optical wireless communication and sensing. Building on the disruptive potential of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) and programmable optical metasurfaces, the project will deliver the first holistic framework for outdoor-ready LiFi that integrates high-speed data transmission, centimetre-level 3D positioning, and mobility-aware sensing.The proposed research pursues three objectives: (i) design of novel VCSEL-based optical front-ends combined with reconfigurable optical devices to ensure robustness under dynamic outdoor conditions, (ii) development of AI-driven beam control and adaptive channel modelling to guarantee seamless mobility, physical-layer security, and energy efficiency, and (iii) validation of the framework through experimental demonstrations using advanced testbeds at the University of Cambridge in collaboration with the industrial partner pureLiFi.The methodology is highly interdisciplinary, combining photonics, wireless communication theory, artificial intelligence, and intelligent mobility applications. Open science practices and FAIR data principles will be embedded to maximise transparency, reproducibility, and societal impact.LiFiNext directly contributes to the Horizon Europe MSCA Work Programme by strengthening European leadership in secure, sustainable, and high-capacity 6G connectivity. The outcomes will open new opportunities for smart cities, vehicular and UAV networks, and next-generation industrial systems, while enhancing the researcher’s career development and fostering strong academic–industrial collaboration across Europe.