PhD Position Laser Propagation Through Atmospheric Turbulence by Physics Informed Machine Learning

Laser satellite communications holds tremendous potential for global telecommunications access. However, the impact of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation presents a significant technological challenge. This obstacle can be addressed through the implementation of adaptive optics and geographic diversity. Our project's primary objective is to create a comprehensive map detailing the optical channel performance across Europe. This map is crucial for designing ground network technology and estimating communication service availability. Due to the current limitations in understanding and estimating channel performance, we will pioneer novel physics-informed machine learning algorithms to formulate an optical link performance map.

This groundbreaking project comprises two PhD positions and one postdoc position, led by experts in meteorology, machine learning, and laser satellite communications. The focus of this particular PhD position is to develop channel models for laser beam propagation through atmospheric turbulence, compensated by adaptive optics. Various optical propagation approaches will be assessed for accuracy and computational efficiency. Traditional optical propagation models are often computationally intensive, making it challenging to evaluate channel models over large geographic areas. Therefore, the primary goal of this PhD position is to design computationally efficient propagation methods. We anticipate that physics-informed machine learning algorithms will play a pivotal role in achieving realistic, detailed channel models with computational efficiency. In addition to establishing these channel models, the PhD project aims to validate them through experimental data.

This PhD opportunity offers a stimulating and challenging experience, encompassing both theoretical and experimental aspects. It explores two cutting-edge disciplines—adaptive optics and machine learning—within the context of laser satellite communications, with potential applications extending to fields like astronomy.

Must-haves:

• MSc in physics, engineering, or equivalent;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Proven record in programming skills;
• Proficiency in English;
• Good communication skills;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, highly dynamic environment.

Nice-to-haves:

• Background in optical propagation, turbulence modelling, machine learning, or laser satellite communications;
• Affinity with experimental data analysis and/or experiments.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

 

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 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.