Next-Generation Optical Signal Processing Using Nonlinear Fourier Methods

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas students are welcome to apply for this position.

Details of the Project

Many modern photonic systems, such as fibre links and ultrafast lasers, operate in regimes where light waves interact nonlinearly. In these conditions, traditional signal analysis based on the standard Fourier spectrum becomes limited, because different frequency components mix and evolve in complex ways. A powerful alternative is the nonlinear Fourier spectrum, which describes the signal in a way that naturally accounts for the system's nonlinearity and reveals stable features known as solitons—robust pulses of light that maintain their shape as they propagate.

While techniques for manipulating the linear Fourier spectrum are well developed, methods for controlling the nonlinear Fourier spectrum in hardware do not exist. This project will address that gap by developing and applying Optical Darboux Transformers, devices that enable the controlled addition or removal of solitons from a light signal without disturbing its remaining characteristics.

The research will focus on experimental implementation in optical fibre, fibre lasers, and resonator systems, assisted by numerical simulations. The outcomes will be applied in optical communications and high-performance pulsed lasers.

This project would suit candidates with a background knowledge in optics, photonics, nonlinear physics, or optical engineering, and provides broad training in both theory and hands-on laboratory techniques.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1.

OR

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.

Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

Applicants are expected to have a degree in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as optics, physics, opto-electronics, etc. Experimental or numerical simulations experiences of optical amplifiers or optical communication systems with peer-reviewed journal or conference publications are highly desirable.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr Mingming Tan at m.tan1@aston.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk

Funding Notes

The studentship fully covers tuition fees and provides a standard stipend in line with UKRI rates.