TeraNet Projects | PhD Projects
PhD Research with TeraNet: Advancing Free-Space Optical Communications
Exploring cutting-edge technologies to overcome the challenges of laser-based communication.
Pushing the Boundaries of Optical Communication
TeraNet’s PhD research projects focus on tackling the key challenges in free-space laser communications, an emerging field critical for the future of space exploration, global connectivity, and secure data transfer.
As demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency communication grows, our researchers are developing new solutions in adaptive optics, automation, and mobile laser terminals to unlock the full potential of optical communication.
PhD students work within the Astrophotonics Group at ICRAR, gaining hands-on experience in a world-class optical laboratory, collaborating with leading experts across Australia and international research institutions.
PhD Topics
TeraNet’s PhD research projects focus on advancing free-space laser communication technologies to overcome key challenges in optical ground station networks, atmospheric mitigation, and mobile laser communications. These projects contribute to real-world applications in space exploration, defence, and global connectivity, equipping students with expertise in optical engineering, experimental physics, and applied photonics.
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While laser communications are a paradigm shifting technology, the major weakness is weather; lasers cannot propagate through clouds. The way around this is to use multiple optical ground stations that overlap in their coverage but are far enough apart that the weather they experience is not correlated. This project would investigate how an OGS network can be automated and optimised to ensure the best possible uptime for links.
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Atmospheric turbulence degrades an optical signal, reducing its capacity to transmit data. Adaptive optics is a mature technology used by astronomers to correct for this, but optical ground stations will need to operate under less favourable conditions than the pristine sites that astronomical observatories are located. This project would investigate various turbulence mitigation strategies for laser communications, whether based on adaptive optics or other techniques.
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Laser communications can also be employed in terrestrial scenarios where high bandwidth and/or secure communications are needed, but optical fibre is impractical. Defence, the resources sector, and disaster management could benefit significantly from laser communications. This project would involve the design and implementation of optical terminals that could be vehicle-mounted and operate over links of ~20km.
Why Choose the TeraNet PhD Topic?
We are seeking dedicated and innovative PhD candidates to collaborate with world-leading researchers in the Astrophotonics Group at ICRAR. Students will:
Work in a state-of-the-art optical laboratory with access to cutting-edge instrumentation.
Gain expertise in optical engineering, experimental physics, and photonics research.
Collaborate with international research groups and industry partners on high-impact projects.
Interested students can learn more about the Astrophotonics Group here
TeraNet Related Publications
Explore the research outputs of the TeraNet project