In the NWO-funded Perspective program Optical Wireless Superhighways, new perspectives can be opened for wireless communication which will offer unprecedented capacity, connection density, privacy, and energy efficiency. Five universities and a variety of knowledge Institutes and industries are joining forces to explore these opportunities at all length scales: ranging from ultra-long links between satellites, to short links within indoor rooms. We are looking for enthusiastic PhD students to join our program.

Free-space optical communication is capable of higher data rates, over longer distances for less power compared to traditional radio communication due to its very narrow beam. Most of the current concepts and prototype systems are capable of single point-to-point communication only. A multi-beam terminal is able to receive data from multiple gateways simultaneously and can transmit data to multiple users simultaneously. Hence, multi-beam technology allows for simultaneous high data-rate optical communications within a complex network, while reducing the cost per link even further through shared hardware. The primary challenge of a multi-beam terminal, especially with the use cases of e.g. spacecraft, is the high precision and agile steering/tracking of multiple beams simultaneously under disturbances, with much lower mass, power, volume and cost. There are several potential technologies to realise this, but none of them have been studied in the context of free-space optical communication within a network. The objective of this project is to investigate the suitability of these potential technologies, including the SLM’s (Spatial Light Modulators) due to their high resolution and the MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micro mirror arrays due to their fast response and accuracy.

The project will be carried out within the Space Systems Engineering section of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering in collaboration with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). A large component of the project consists of the design of a multibeaming system architecture, steering/tracking control/tracking, and relevant verifications via ground experiments.  

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in an area such as Space Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or similar. The candidate is expected to be passionate about developing novel control schemes with an application on optical communication. Experience on programming in MATLAB and C/C++ is required. Hands-on experience of using optical testbench is an asset. The candidate must have strong analytical skills and must be able to work at the intersection of several research domains. A very good command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2434 per month in the first year to € 3111 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.