PhD fellowship in atmospheric turbulence modeling and adaptive optics

The ICTEAM institute of Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and the STAR institute of Université de Liège (ULiège) are inviting applications for a joint PhD position in the field of atmospheric turbulence and adaptive optics. The context of this project relates to satellite-to-ground optical telecommunication links.

We seek excellent students with a strong background in physical and/or engineering sciences. A successful candidate must hold a Masters degree or equivalent by the starting date of the position. The successful candidate will develop new models of atmospheric turbulence for optical telecommunication receiving sites using meteorological simulations, and will then use these models to optimize the performance of adaptive optics systems, in an attempt to minimize the onboard power in telecommunication satellites, and to maximize the transfer rate and robustness of communications. The work will include both software simulation and on-sky demonstration, using our laser-guided adaptive optics facility SALTO, developed in partnership with the Belgian company AMOS. 

The project will be carried out under the joint supervision of Prof Claude Oestges (UCLouvain) and Dr Olivier Absil (ULiège). The fellowship is not restricted by nationality. PhD students at UCLouvain / ULiège are funded for four years (contingent upon satisfactory progress), earn competitive salaries, and are eligible for social security benefits.

Applicants should send a CV, transcripts of study records (with grades), and a brief statement of past research and research interests to Prof Oestges ([email protected]) and Dr Absil ([email protected]). They should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent to these email addresses by the application deadline.

Complete applications received by 21 May 2023 will receive full consideration. The target starting date of the PhD fellowship is in September/October 2023.