PhD Position 2024-2027: Efficient Beam Tracking for Underwater Optical Communication Links

Context :

The growing demand for the exploration and exploitation of underwater resources calls for the development of adequate equipment and robotics with the capacity to transmit large-scale data with low latency. Wireless and high-speed data transmission thus becomes one of the key characteristics of such systems. Among the existing transmission technologies, underwater wireless optical communications (UWOC) are particularly promising. In addition to offering very high throughputs, it has the advantages of low latency, low power consumption, and much less impact on the marine life. They are showing great promise for establishing very high-speed links between underwater sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), etc.

Objectives :

The aim of this thesis is to develop efficient beam pointing and tracking mechanisms to allow the establishment of robust UWOC links between moving underwater units such as two AUVs. Indeed, improving the link robustness necessitates, among other factors, the use of efficient, agile, and low-power-consumption mechanisms for beam pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT). At Fresnel Institute, we have recently considered statistical modelling and transmitter/receiver optimization for UWOC links subject to pointing errors [4]. However, the design of efficient and high precision PAT solutions for practical UOWC link deployment scenarios is still an open issue, and more challenging than in terrestrial free-space optical links [5], due to the mobility of AUVs and lack of localization accuracy underwater.

This research will be carried out in collaboration with DTU Fotonik lab to take into account practical implementation of the developed techniques. Ultimately, the developed technology will enable the use of low­divergence beams, thus, increasing the link range.

Keywords : Underwater optical communications, pointing acquisition and tracking, optical phased arrays.

[1] M.A. Khalighi et al., “Underwater Wireless Optical Communication; Recent Advances and Romaining Challenges," Invited paper, ICTON, July 2014.

[2] M.A. Khalighi et al. Underwater Visible Light Communications, Channel Modeling and System Design, Visible Light Communications, Theory and Applications, CRC Press, 2017

[3] G. Schirripa Spagnolo, L. Cozzella, F. Leccese, “Underwater Optical Wireless Communications: Overview,” MDPI Sensors, 2020

[4] I. C. Ijeh, M. A. Khalighi and S. Hranilovic, "Parameter Optimization for an Underwater Optical Wireless Vertical Link Subject to Link Misalignments," IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 1424-1437, Oct. 2021

[5] M. A. Khalighi, M. Uysal, "Survey on Free Space Optical Communication: A Communication Theory Perspective," IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 2231-2258, Fourthquarter 2014

[6] C. Gabriel et al., “Monte-carlo-based channel characterization for underwater optical communication systems,” Journal of Optical Communications & Networking, Jan. 2013

[7] M.A. Khalighi et al., "Underwater Wireless Optical Communications Using Silicon Photo-multipliers," IEEE Photonics Journal, Vol. 9, No. 4, Aug. 2017.

[8] T. Hamza et al., "Investigation of Solar Noise Impact on the Performance of Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Links," Optics Express, Vol. 24, No. 22, 31 Oct. 2016.

[9] Y. Liu, H. Hu, "Silicon optical phased array with a 180-degree field of view for 2D optical beam steering," Optica, 9, 903-907, 2022

[10] D. Kong et al., “Super-broadband on-chip continuous spectral translation unlocking coherent optical communications beyond conventional telecom bands,” Nature Communications, 13, 4139, 2022.

Research Field : Technology > information technology / Technology > Optronics

Education level : Master degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications :

As a multidisciplinary research project, this thesis appeals for expertise in diverse scientific fields including: digital communications and signal processing, optics and optoelectronics, and AI.

Languages : English (Excellent)

Selection process : Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV, BSc/MSc transcripts, two recommendation letters and a cover letter.

You may be contacted for providing more information and for an interview in a later stage.

The following criteria are preferred and will be utilized for candidate selection:

- Strong background in mathematics and analytical thinking

- Optics / hardware skills

- Excellent written and communication skills

- Ability to work in an inter-disciplinary team

- Ability to pursue independent research

- Background in digital communications and optics/optoelectronics.

Additional Information

Benefits

This PhD position offers the opportunity for cutting-edge research in UWOC, coupled with a competitive salary package to support the candidate’s academic and research endeavors. The thesis is funded by a Horizon Europe Project with favorable terms in close collaboration with other academic and industrial partners (in addition to ECM and DTU).

The thesis will be jointly supervised by Ecole Centrale Méditerranée (ECM) & Technical University of Denmark (DTU). The supervisory teams have a rich experience and confirmed expertise in the fields underwater optical communications, optical antennas, optoelectronics, and signal propagation and channel modeling, as well as machine learning for digital communications, with a number of contributions of strong impact at the international level.

Elegibility criteria

Candidates must have an MSc or equivalent degree in signal processing, telecommunications or optics fields.

Country : France

Hours per week : 38