Project Description
Join the next revolution in global communications — connecting the seabed to space through emerging 6G and beyond technologies. This EngD offers the opportunity to develop innovative underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems that enable high-speed, real-time data transfer for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and Underwater IoT applications.
You will address one of the most challenging frontiers in communications: achieving reliable, high-speed performance in the complex underwater environment, where temperature, turbulence, and pressure variations disrupt optical signals. The project will focus on developing a co-operative, spatially distributed transceiver system using spatial and wavelength diversity, enhanced through advanced optical design and signal processing. The system will be tested in our in-house UOWC testbed, with potential for ROV-based field trials.
Based in Glasgow’s Technology and Innovation Centre, home to Fraunhofer UK and the Institute of Photonics, you will join a world-class research hub at the heart of the city’s Innovation District.
As an EngD researcher, you will benefit from:
- Access to cutting-edge laboratories and expert supervision.
- Collaboration with leading scientists, engineers, and industry partners.
- Professional and personal development through training and leadership programmes.
- Opportunities to present research at international conferences.
- A diverse and supportive culture
This EngD combines advanced academic research with industry-driven innovation, preparing you for a career at the forefront of photonics and communication engineering.
We are a bright, engaging, welcoming, helpful and diverse team and want like-minded individuals who want to make a difference and really contribute.
Fraunhofer CAP offers a competitive edge when it comes to further career progression through the following:
- Work in a world-class, well-funded and well-appointed research hub, within the innovation district of Glasgow City Centre
- Learn from a talented team of international colleagues – through interaction with other projects and students
- Opportunity to develop commercial skills – business development, innovation, leadership through exposure to commercial project partners and programmes
- Wider opportunities to travel and present your research activities
FhUK is a friendly and encouraging ”Great Place To Work” accredited workplace with high rankings for ‘Development’ and ‘Women’.
CDT Essential Criteria
A Masters level degree (MEng, MPhys, MSc) at 2.1 or equivalent in Physics or relevant Engineering subject.
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
A background in experimental optics, laser physics, or a similar field.
Computer literate with programming skills
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.