Netherlands: PhD postion Photonic and RF integration of Optical Beamforming Modules in SMART antennas for Today

Deadline: 15th October 2012

Job description

The Electrical Engineering department of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente (UT) is one of the three academic institutions in Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands. The Telecommunication Engineering (TE) research group is embedded in the Electrical Engineering department. The research is part of the multidisciplinary research institute Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (CTIT). In the framework of the IOP Photonics project the TE group will design and test novel large scale integrated optical beamforming systems for phased array antennas. Within this project a single chip silica based optical beam former component will be developed that employs true time delay ring resonators. By tuning these resonators, a continuously adjustable broadband time delay can be obtained. To achieve low-cost integrated optical beamforming technology will be employed. In addition to these component architecture investigations, beam former control and signal path research will be performed as well. In this work issues like optimal signal-to-noise-ratio, sideband and carrier suppression, filtering, multibeaming will be addressed. The research assignment will include aspects such as large scale optical beamforming network design for phased array antenna systems, system analysis, testing and optimization of technology, and design. In cooperation with other university groups and companies, the true time delay device platform has to be integrated with, the laser devices, high-frequency modulators and feed-back units, followed by beam steering tests in combination with state-of-the-art antenna elements.

Requirements

You have completed a relevant university degree (MSc level) or are about to graduate in an area that is relevant to our research. You like working in a team and have intellectual curiosity and knowledge in one or more of the described topics. Background in optics or RF photonics is preferred. Very good knowledge of scientific English and willingness to learn Dutch is required.    More information can be obtained from dr.ir. Chris Roeloffzen, c.g.h.roeloffzen@utwente.nl. Candidates are invited to upload their application towww.utwente.nl/vacatures/en, before October 15, 2012. Please include  your CV, referees and publications list.