UK: PhD Studentship in Optical Networks at University College London

PhD Studentships
Optical Processing for Future Dynamic Optical Networks
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
University College London

This fully-funded PhD research studentship has become available through the award of recent grants for which we are looking to recruit high-calibre students for the following projects, starting in 2007:

: EPSRC funded project, under the supervision of Dr Benn Thomsen and Prof Polina Bayvel.

The main objective of this project is to explore the interactions between optical layer components that will be the building blocks of future dynamic optical networks through the development of a high-speed experimental test-bed combined with a modeling framework.

This test-bed is designed to be independent of the network architecture whether it is circuit, burst or packet so that the research focuses on solving the principle physical layer issue of
mitigating the increased and variable levels of signal distortion that arise in dynamic networks. The test-bed will be designed to emulate signal distortions present in a real dynamic network with reconfiguration times commensurate with those of burst and packet switched networks ranging from milliseconds to nanoseconds. The project contains research elements involving both fundamental device physics and optical networks research. The candidate will be involved in all aspects of this project with specific focus on the development of the experimental dynamic network emulator and numerical modeling.

The ONG laboratories include two terabit multi-wavelength, reconfigurable recirculating fibre loops and associated test and measurement equipment (including two 40 Gb/s bit error rate test sets, a 40 GSa/s real-time oscilloscope) for experiments at ETDM channel rates up to 40 Gb/s and OTDM rates up to 160 Gb/s as well as comprehensive free-space optics characterisation facilities.

We are seeking outstanding, enthusiastic graduates, with a first or upper second class honours degree (first class honours preferred) or equivalent and/or MSc in electronic engineering, physics or related discipline. Experience of research and/or experiments in optics, optical communications, networks, optoelectronics, and numerical modeling with Matlab, C++ or similar would be desirable. Previous/current students of the group include some 6 winners of IEEE/LEOS postgraduate fellowships awards as well as a host of other prizes from Rank Prize Funds, Institute of Physics and others, and we are looking for students of similar calibre.

All studentships are for three years and cover tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus a stipend at the level of approx Â£14,000 per annum (tax free), increasing with inflation. A higher level of stipend may be available for exceptional candidates For non-EU students there would be the possibility to enter the Overseas Research Studentship competition (deadline 1 March 2007): (Please visit the site for further info)

Applicants must fulfill EPSRC eligibility criteria and the normal academic requirements for acceptance for postgraduate study in the Department.

Applications should be made using the UCL postgraduate study application form, obtainable at this page, or from Sara Collins, +44(0) 20 7679 5760.

Candidates should indicate on the application form under ‘Programme of Study’ that they are applying for this studentship above. Candidates should send two complete sets of the application form (including references) by the closing date of 1st March 2007. However, the positions are open to start at any point after 1 February 2007 and will remain open until
filled.

Informal inquiries on the studentship topics/practical details can be made to Dr B Thomsen (Dr Benn Thomsen, Dept. of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, UCL, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, England; b.thomsen@ee.ucl.ac.uk) or Prof P Bayvel (pbayvel@ee.ucl.ac.uk) , tel + 44 (0)207 6797921. One set forms should to be directed to the Registry (as per application form).