2 PhDs on Modulation and Coding for Adaptive Free-Space Optical Communications

Are you fascinated by the idea of high-speed space Internet, envisioned to be powered by more than 50000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites expected to be launched within 10 years? Join us on this research project in collaboration with multiple tech companies to develop and demonstrate the next generation of free-space optical (FSO) communication systems for satellite communications.

Job Description

Satellite-based links are of key importance to provide ever-increasing data rates. Free-space optics is a technology that can help satisfy this demand thanks to the vast amounts of bandwidth available in the THz-regime. The Eindhoven University of Technology recognizes the crucial paradigm shift, from intensity-modulated to coherent transmission, necessary in next generation FSO communication systems to provide high throughputs. To address this challenge, we are excited to announce 2 PhD positions (P1 & P2) in the field of Modulation and Coding for Adaptive FSO communications.

These two positions are part of a collaborative research project between leading technology companies (TNO, Aircision, Hyperion Technologies, ADVA Network Security, Luxquanta, and Cubiq Technologies) and two research groups at TU/e: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) and the Electronic Systems (ES) group. The research in this project will be performed between these companies and research groups. You will be a part of a team that consists of 2 EngDs, 2 PhDs, and 1 postdoc. Successful candidates will work on hard and/or soft decision decoding of forward error correction codes (P1) and advanced modulation and probabilistic/geometric shaping (P2) for the FSO channel.

The first PhD (P1) will focus on the design optimal hybrid FEC design for FSO systems. This design will revolve around two criteria: (i) minimising the gap to the information-theoretic limits identified in WP2 (WP2.4), and (ii) optimising FEC energy efficiency. To meet these criteria, two alternative approaches will be followed: (1) combining the improved design of algebraic code classes with novel soft-aided algebraic decoders, and (2) investigating new algorithms for highly quantized probabilistic decoders.

This second PhD (P2) will develop optimal constellation shaping designs for the FSO channel. Two complementary goals will be pursued: (i) the maximisation of the so-called shaping gain when hybrid demappers and decoders are adopted, and (ii) robustness against the variation in channel (i.e., weather) conditions. The first goal targets the time the FSO link operates at high SNR, i.e., under very good weather conditions, while the second goal targets the time the FSO link operates under poor and unsteady weather conditions where high reliability is still expected.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.