Advanced optical systems for terabit free-space communications

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Next generation mobile communications networks, such as 6G will revolutionise the way we interact with technology, enabling super high-speed connections to our mobile devices. However, this places incredible strain on the backhaul and access networks that support 5G and beyond. Optical connections are the only viable solution for handling the terabits of data that will be generated by mobile users. Working with the world leading supplier in mobile access technology, this project will develop novel optical systems for supporting ultra-high capacity optical linkages over cable free inter mobile cell connections.In this project, the student will develop a novel and efficient optical multiplexing technique for a form of space division multiplexing called orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. This form of information encoding puts a twist in the tale of propagating photons, and has potential to massively increase the capacity of communications channels. In the development of this sorter, the student will create new passive optical components based on transformation optical design, that can demultiplex information encoded in OAM with ultralow channel crosstalk. Free-form, metamaterial and diffractive optical systems will be explored. A further critical element of their novel optical designs, will be the support course wavelength division multiplexing (1270nmn to 1610nm), and will be integrated with bespoke adaptive optical solutions for mitigating atmospheric turbulence based on commercial deformable mirror technology. Supported by post-doctoral researchers these novel systems will be manufactured and tests in real-world communication systems.These technologies will have direct application within the research field of optical communications, but will also provide new optical systems that could be used within remote sensing and imaging systems that operate over long-distances. Previously demultiplexers, developed by Dr Lavery, have been widely used globally by world-leading research groups in quantum optics, astronomy, environmental sensing, and optical metrology, where these advanced systems will be fully transferable into these research fields. The student will collaborate with fellow researchers in the Structure Photonics Research group to transition their systems for use in optical sensing and metrology experiments. Further, environment sensing using spatially shaped light has become a recent hot topic, where the advances made within this PhD project will have a considerable impact on this emerging field.