This funded PhD position is available under the recently launched Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Networks (DN) project "FOCAL" (Free-space Optical Communications for Aerial-sateLlite networks).

• Objectives: Study of viable architectures of the core space/aerial network to serve commercial and military aircraft user terminals, including resource allocation to provide seamless coverage. Analysis of functional and performance requirements for aircraft FSO terminals. Investigation and assessment of potential technologies to address key challenges, including full-hemispherical pointing system for satellite tracking, very low aerodynamic drag configurations, non-mechanical beam steering solutions, integrated photonics for terminal SWaP optimization and communication technologies to integrate FSO terminals in communication networks. Further development of selected technologies.
• Expected Results: Insight into and concepts of network configurations for commercial aircraft connectivity. Identification of key technology drivers for reliable and high data throughput aircraft FSO terminals, and knowledge and skills to their design. Concept of aircraft FSO terminal including beam pointing and tracking solution, matching the requirements on hemi-spherical angular range, tracking speed, extremely low aerodynamic drag and low volume. Development of innovative technologies (network communication, opto-mechanical, control, PIC) which empower the targeted aircraft FSO terminals.
• PhD supervision:
  • Airbus Netherlands, Leiden, The Netherlands.
  • Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands.

General description of the "FOCAL" MSCA DN Project :

With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum key distribution. The first optical inter-satellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes.
The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co-supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands-on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.

More information on the project can be found on the following URL: 

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169042