Joint PhD thesis (France-UK) in Wireless Communications

Joint PhD between Ecole Centrale Marseille (ECM), France, and University of Edinburgh, UK

Title: Hybrid RF/optical links for airborne-underwater data communication

Supervisors: Dr. Ali Khalighi (ECM) and Dr. Majid Safari (University of Edinburgh)

Duration: 3 years

Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to develop very high-speed data transmission solutions to allow the establishment of robust communication links between underwater vehicles and an aerial platform. The connection is established between the underwater vehicle and the sea surface, and then relayed by a link between the surface and the aerial platform. The major challenge is to design a system that can adapt the transmission parameters and optimize them in real time to ensure a reliable connection in a highly dynamic and variable environment. Also, solutions for enhancing the data transmission security will be proposed for the considered application scenarios. The performance and the reliability of the communication will be investigated both for the uplink (water-to-air) and the downlink (air-to-water).

This project will receive support from a European collaboration network, the H2020 COST Action CA19111. Also, it will benefit from regular exchanges with local industries and research centers.

Keywords: Optical communications, wireless data transmission, optical wireless, underwater communications, signal processing.

References:

[1] M.A. Khalighi et al., “Silicon-Photomultiplier-Based Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Using Pulse-Amplitude Modulation,” IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, 2019.

[2] A. H. F. Raouf, M. Safari, and M. Uysal, "Multi-hop quantum key distribution with passive relays over underwater turbulence channels," Journal of Optical Society of America B, 37, pp. 3614-3621, 2020.

[3] T. Essalih et al., “Optical OFDM for SiPM-Based Underwater Optical Wireless Communication Links,” Invited paper, MDPI Sensors, Special Issue on Visible Light Communication, Networking, and Sensing, 2020

[4] A. H. Raouf, M. Safari, M. Uysal, “Multi-hop quantum key distribution with passive relays over underwater turbulence channels,” Journal of the Optical Society of America B, Vol. 37, No. 12, pp. 3614-3621, 2020

Required skills: A solid background in optics and optoelectronics is an important asset, as well as a very good knowledge of signal processing for wireless communications. The candidate must have an MSc and show the proof of very good English language proficiency (oral and written expression), and be keen for short-term stays in other partner laboratories.

Salary: The offered PhD fellowship is around 1400€ per month (net salary) in Marseille and around 1600£ in Edinburgh. The student will spend half of his PhD study in Marseille and the other half in Edinburgh.

How to apply:  Interested candidates should send their CV (and possibly their publication record) and cover letter, a scanned copy of their MSc and BSc degrees and transcripts, as well as the names and contacts of two references by email to the supervisors: Ali.Khalighi@fresnel.fr, Majid.Safari@ed.ac.uk

Application is open from 3rd to 25th of August (or until the position is filled).