PhD on Reproducible Systems for 6G-ready optical wireless communication systems

Job description

The demand for wireless communication keeps growing exponentially. The sixth generation (6G) of mobile networks strives to serve a ten fold increase in data traffic: AI applications exchange vast amounts of data between a rapidly increasing number of Internet of Things devices that will be wirelessly connected. Meanwhile, the power consumption of our communication infrastructure needs to be contained. 6G strives for substantial reduction in total power consumption, thus for a vast increase in energy efficiency per link or per communicated bit. The effort to connect all devices via radio links increases, and solutions are becoming increasingly sophisticated, for instance to use the limited amount of spectrum more efficiently.

This project studies the additional use of short-range Optical Wireless Communication links. Optical wireless has profound advantages over RF, and optical links can complement RF systems to provide wireless access in areas with a high density or client devices. An urgent research question is to make OWC technology mature for consideration in future wireless networks.

Radio systems are well understood, thanks to decades of research that resulted in highly reproducible and robust design choices. OWC need to reach a similar level of dependable models and design approaches. Dependable models are needed to reliably predict performance, and that allow evaluation of design choices and to make appropriate trade-offs.

OWC can borrow many principles and communication methods from RF. However, OWC differs from radio (RF) links in several aspects, that require a further study. LEDs, lasers, and photo-diodes behave different than antenna’s. To build confidence in the reproducibility during scale up and integration in a sixth generation of mobile networks, 6G, dependable models are needed to quantify power consumption (J/bit, watt/m2), coverage (bit/s*m2) or density (bit/s/m2).

In this project, you will join the frontier of innovation in 6G. In the Netherlands, a unique alliance of 60 top-notch telecom, ICT,  semiconductor and photonics companies join forces with research institutions in various aspects of future of mobile networks technology. Join us as a PhD student in this prestigious Future Network Services (FNS) flagship project, where research and entrepreneurial pursuits converge.

You will join the Signal Process Systems (SPS) group in the Electrical Engineering Department of TU Eindhoven. The SPS group has a strong track record not only in signal processing for digital communication, but also for medical applications and for intelligent lighting systems. The impact of the work of the group is evident from a very close cooperation with industrial partners and research institutes and from international recognition and awards of the team. The group is strong in creating novel information and communication theoretical principles in new fields by exploring the underlying physical mechanisms.

Task 

Making results transferrable, by strengthening models for performance. Optimize Multi-user Optical Wireless Links for low power, high throughput and miniaturization

• Review of literature on state of art and on available theoretical models for performance for intensity modulated optical communications. In particular study limitations that come from optical photonic and electronic components.
• Benchmark indoor wireless communication links in terms of energy per bit or number of photons per bit. 
• Refine models for the link throughput, versus the (electrical transmit) power needed not only per individual link, but particularly per square meter of coverage.
• Apply these models to evaluate the effect of (imaging and non-imaging) optics, Photo-diodes and electronics to amplify received signals.
• Benchmark systems for ability to serve many clients devices simultaneously. Compare different multiple access methods, cell sizes and associated optical patterns, cell-free structures and MIMO.
• Explore potential innovations from Photonics Integration, or hybrid photonics / electronic integration.
• Experimentally verify the models by testing or simulating own designs.
• Share the results in the form of scientific publications, but preferably also as contributions to standardization. 

Job requirements

• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

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. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• 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. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager J.P.Linnartz, j.p.linnartz@tue.nl.

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Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.