The emergence of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), combined with the expansion of underwater infrastructure has led to a huge opportunity for underwater optical communication and sensing. Surveying and monitoring now create huge quantities of data and being able to wirelessly transfer them to operators and the cloud in close to real time is vital.
This project seeks to exploit advances in spatial and wavelength diversity transceivers together with optical design and advanced signal processing to develop robust underwater photonic communication and sensing systems. A system engineering approach will be taken to integrate these systems into practical devices with a view to deployment and demonstrations in challenging real-world underwater environments.
Working within the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics alongside researchers, engineers, and other students, you’ll have the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams within project consortia spanning across academia and industry. Academic support will be provided through the University of Strathclyde whose world-leading Institute of Photonics specialises in novel optical devices.
You’ll be based in the Technology & Innovation Centre where both the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics and the Institute of Photonics are located. You’ll gain expertise in a wide range of optical technologies and will work with researchers and engineers at both centres. Experimental proof-of-concept demonstration is an important aspect of this project, and you’ll learn details of experimental work and prototyping during this project. Research findings will be published in high-impact journals with the opportunity to present at flagship international conferences.
Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We would be happy to have informal discussions with candidates about flexible working options.
CDT Essential Criteria
A Masters level degree (MEng, MPhys, MSc) at 2.1 or equivalent
Desire to work collegiately, be involved in outreach, undertake taught and professional skills study
Project Essential Criteria
Desire for hands-one laboratory-based R&D, interest in developing systems for field testing.
Project Desirable Criteria
Basic optical design, computer literate with programming skills, excellent communication, planning and organisational skills.
The CDT
The CDT in Applied Photonics provides a supportive, collaborative environment which values inclusivity and is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive environment for all our applicants, students, and staff. For further information, please see our ED&I statement: https://bit.ly/3gXrcwg.
Forming a supportive cohort is an important part of the programme and our students take part in various professional skills workshops, including Responsible Research and Innovation, and attend outreach training.
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