Durham University
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Physics
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The Role
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Free-Space Optics group. Satellite communications systems promise ubiquitous networks, but are fundamentally limited by spectrum availability, potential bandwidth and security resulting from the use Radio Frequencies for communications. Free Space Optical Communications offer an exciting technology which can provide a high bandwidth gateway to the satellite network, free of licensing requirements. In addition, point to point optical links are more secure that radio links where signal diverges over a large area, and can be further secured by Quantum Encryption techniques. On the other hand, optical links are affected by clouds (overcome by making various sites on the ground available) and turbulence in the atmosphere. Atmospheric turbulence introduces optical link instability, which if not compensated, negate the advantages of the optical link.
CfAI at Durham University has been developing Adaptive Optics systems for a number of decades to mitigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence on optical systems. Originally targeted to astronomy, optical communications is now a key activity for the group. We focus on tackling problems associated with very "strong" daytime turbulence, how to create a stable bi-direction optical link (also up to the satellite), and how to package these advanced technologies in compact and resilient modules to prove their commercial viability. In addition to actively compensating the turbulence, we also research the statistical theory behind the generation of turbulence and its effect on optical beams, develop software tools to simulate light propagation through the atmosphere, and create new and novel instrumentation to measure it in the field.
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In this role, the successful candidate will lead the installation of a new optical ground station facility at Durham University. This station will be key to demonstrating the new turbulence mitigation techniques developed at CfAI and assessing their performance. This will involve various practical tasks to install design and install the station. There is significant freedom to develop and then test future turbulence mitigation or characterisation techniques using the group's simulation tools, then testing on the new station.
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This post is fixed term for two years to coincide with funding from the University to support the project.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st January 2027.
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