PhD scholarship in Machine Learning Techniques for Spectral Shaping of Ultra-Broadband Optical Frequency Combs - DTU Electro

DTU Electro invites applications for a position as a PhD student in machine learning techniques for spectral shaping of ultra-broadband optical frequency combs, within the Villum Investigator program “Power efficient fiber-optic communication (POPCOM)”. The position is focused on developing programmable ultra-broadband (E+S+C+L) optical frequency combs, exhibiting flexible power profiles and minimum noise. The start date is 1 October 2024.
We seek a motivated, curious, and outgoing PhD candidate with a solid background in optical communication, laser physics or nonlinear optics. Experience with machine learning, digital signal processing and experimental work is a plus.

The project goal is to explore various machine learning techniques to realize feedback control that can enable spectral shaping and quantum noise limited operation. The project will cover both numerical simulations, algorithm development as well as experimental implementations.

We offer an opportunity to develop expertise in various domains, including but not limited to:

• Realization of experimental procedures for spectral shaping and noise characterization
• Machine learning techniques for noise characterization
• Reinforcement learning for feedback control
• Building fiber-optic communication systems
• Investigating the impact of spectral shaping and noise in transmission experiments

As a PhD candidate at DTU, you will take part in an educational program of 30 ECTS tailored to your needs on technical subjects, as well as on the “soft skills” needed for a successful career either in industry or academia.

Your tasks will include research into novel methods for spectral shaping and stabilization of frequency combs. The overall goal will be to devise strategies for programmable optical frequency combs with quantum noise limited performance. Specifically, you will focus on the following areas:

• Machine learning strategies for designing feedback loops
• Subspace tracking and autoencoders for amplitude and phase noise characterization
• Building experimental set-ups for optical frequency comb characterization
• Maintenance of the GitHub repository for the developed code
• Organizing and managing joint experiments with the collaboration groups

You have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree and some international experience.

The overall vision of the Villum Investigator program POPCOM is to build a world-class inter-disciplinary research environment that will use artificial intelligence to realize the transmitter and the receiver architectures for the next-generation of fiber-optic communication systems. The focus is on the quantum noise limited performance, low-power consumption and ultra-broadband operation.

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the living, mobility and family allowances, specified in the Horizon Europe Marie Curie project, will be incorporated into the total salary. All allowances included in the salary package, are considered as salary by Danish tax authorities, and will be taxed as income. The final salary will be calculated and agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. Expected starting date: 1 October 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Darko Zibar, [email protected].

The following paper is good indication of the nature of the project and are good starting point to get familiar with the topic:

1. Aleksandr Razumov, Holger R. Heebøll, Mario Dummont, Osama Terra, Bozhang Dong, Jasper Riebesehl, Poul Varming, Jens E. Pedersen, Francesco Da Ros, John E. Bowers, and Darko Zibar, "Subspace tracking for phase noise source separation in frequency combs," Opt. Express 31, 34325-34347 (2023).

You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later 31 May 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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