Integrated Underwater and Terrestrial Communication Networks

Extending high-speed wireless data transfer to the underwater environment has several benefits that include environmental protection, national security, mineral exploration, and monitoring of vital underwater infrastructure among others. This need has led to increased research in underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC). Recent studies in controlled in-lab testbeds have shown the possibility of a Gbps data rate. But achieving reliable, robust and resilient data transfer in the challenging underwater channel remains a challenge. This project will study UOWC and investigate approaches to link the underwater network to the much wider land and space communication networks.

This project is also to study the existing radiative transfer theoretical framework of photon propagation in underwater to formulate a signalling/waveform design that is best suited to the UOWC channel. This will be followed by designing a new resilient waveform for UOWC and developing a computer-based simulation to evaluate its performance. Finally, the study will use existing UOWC channel emulator to demonstrate the feasibility of the new signalling/waveform.

The ideal candidate for this project would have first degree and MSc/MEng in physics, electronic and electrical engineering or a related discipline. A passion for experimental work and capability to develop/apply mathematical modelling techniques will be particularly important for this project.

Expected start date: June 2026 or shortly thereafter.

Funding Notes

Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home and International students.

To qualify for the funding, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.