PhD on Physical Layer Security for Laser Satellite Communications

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Job Description

We foresee a future where lasers light up the sky to enable high-bandwidth and secure communications to every corner of the Earth. Thanks to the low divergence of laser beams, these optical/infrared signals are much harder to intercept and to jam in comparison to conventional radio communications. However, more security guarantees are needed. Therefore, in this project we invite you – as a candidate PhD – to join the research on physical layer security schemes for free space optical (FSO) channels. Join the information and communication theory lab (ICT Lab) on this exciting EU research project with prestigious institutes, observatories and companies throughout Europe.

Quantum key distribution over satellite networks is envisioned as part of the core infrastructure for future long-distance, resilient, secure communications. Though the optical losses in the free space optical channel are considerably less than in the fiber channel, for large distances, the secure key rates are still very limited. This means in practice that the number of keys, the length of the keys and the rate with which they can be refreshed is limited. To overcome this and enhance the security, in addition to quantum key distribution, classical (optical) key distribution can take place. The classical key distribution can be added – on top of the quantum key distribution – and inherits its security thanks to the low-divergence of laser beams and by exploiting physical optical channel properties and smart two-way handshakes.

As a PhD candidate, you are asked to perform research in this area and come up with innovative concepts. The research includes FSO channel modelling, performing secrecy/capacity analysis for this FSO channel, performing comparative analysis between various methods in terms of their performance, and devising novel physical layer security schemeswith the aim to enhance the security, enable higher secure key rates and longer-distance secure communications.

This position is part of the collaborative EU research project LaiQa which develops key technologies for a global quantum Internet enabled from space. The consortium consists of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS, Greece), the applied research organization TNO (Netherlands), Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH QTLABS (Austria), Quantum Space Systems GmbH QSSYS (Germany), the National Observatory of Athens (Greece), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece), and Thales Alenia Space (Italia).

Job Requirements

• Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or a related topic, with excellent grades.
• Good understanding of physical-layer communications, information theory and (optical) wireless channel models.
• Critical thinking attitude and ability to come up with novel concepts and innovations.
• Ability to professionally cooperate with other students, researchers and external partners.
• Good proficiency in written and verbal English, along with strong communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
he hiring managers dr. Wim Korevaar, Optical Satellite Communications Researcher (SPS Group) at [email protected] or prof. Alex Alvarado, Associate Professor (SPS Group) at [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For more information about the research groups in this project please visit; https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/  https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/ict-lab.

For any other informal inquires, please contact the secretary of the ICT Lab, Mrs. Emeral Clump-Busser at [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Copies of up to five self-selected ‘best and appropriate publications’.
• A copy of the candidate’s PhD Thesis

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.