PhD scholarship in Machine Learning Techniques for Noise Characterization of Ultra-Low Noise Lasers

Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD position funded by the NKT Photonics and European Research Council Consolidator grant FRECOM. The objective of the proposed PhD project project is to develop novel machine learning based methods for noise characterization of lasers. The start date is flexible, but preferably before 1 December 2021.

The project is interdisciplinary and will cover topics within the field of laser physics, machine learning, quantum optics and optical communication. The project will be carried out in Machine Learning in Photonic Systems (M-LiPS) group. The group has a strong track record and industry collaboration in the application of machine learning techniques to optical communication and measurements systems, in general. A close collaboration with NKT Photonics (leaders in ultra-low noise laser sources) is envisioned within the project. 

This Ph.D. project will explore the latest advances within machine learning to enable ultra -broadband and -sensitive noise characterization of laser sources. A machine learning based framework for joint tracking of amplitude and phase noise will be developed. The framework will rely on Bayesian filtering which offers record sensitivity and operation at to the quantum limit. The project will also focus on learning the corresponding state-space models for tracking amplitude and phase noise. The focus will be on low-complexity solutions that are feasible for real-time implementation. The project will cover both algorithm development as well as experimental implementations. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your work will includes research into novel methods for noise characterization of lasers and frequency combs. Specifically you will focus on the following areas:

• Bayesian filtering framework for joint tracking of amplitude and phase noise of lasers and frequency combs  
• Multi-layer neural networks for learning the evolution of amplitude and phase noise from the measurements data
• Relating the amplitude-phase noise correlation matrices to comb’s physical parameters such as timing jitter, carrier envelope frequency offset and power supply noise
• Building experimental set-ups for noise characterization of laser and frequency combs
• Maintenance  of the GitHub repository for the developed code
• Organising and managing joint experiments with the collaboration groups

You must 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.

You are expected to have experience with laser physics, machine learning, Bayesian filtering and optical communication systems. Moreover the candidate shall have additional skills as:

• Good understanding of adaptive filtering techniques (Kalman and Wiener filtering)
• Good understanding of digital signal processing (signal analysis, power spectrum estimation, time-series analysis)
• Good theoretical understanding of linear algebra with special focus on singular value and eigenvalue decomposition methods
• Good understanding of numerical methods for optimization
• Experience with machine learning techniques (expectation maximization algorithms, neural networks, Guassian processes, etc.)
• Experience using MATLAB, Python or similar
• Experience with software for version control such as git
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Innovative skills and the ability to generate new ideas

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 the DTU PhD Guide .  

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Darko Zibar.

We offer
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.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Workplace will be at DTU Fotonik at DTU Lyngby Campus.

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 papers are a good indication of the nature of the project and are good starting point to get familiar with the topic:

You can read more about DTU Fotonik on www.fotonik.dtu.dk/english .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .  

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than1 October 2021 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here )

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

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

DTU Fotonik has 210 employees with competences in optics and is one of the largest centres in the world based solely on research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics.

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.