EPSRC iCASE Studentship - Digital Twins of Physical Optical Networking Infrastructure

Applications are invited for a joint Microsoft Research UK / EPSRC ICASE funded PhD project in the area of optical fibre communication systems.

In core networks there is a huge quantity of metrology available ranging from SNR and BER measured by the transceivers through to the input and output powers of optical amplifiers and switches. The aim of this PhD project would be to use machine learning applied to metrology information, combined with the underpinning physics to create a digital twin of the physical optical network infrastructure. Not only would the digital twin be updated in real-time, but it would also incorporate the uncertainty into the model allowing for real-time margin allocation to improve the operation of the optical network to allow the throughput as a function of availability to be optimised providing the best user experience of a given installed infrastructure.

The research strategy would start with a single element, such as an optical amplifier, transmitter or receiver and create a mathematical model that is refined based on measurements taken. Research currently carried out in Cambridge has demonstrated that using Gaussian Processes with priors based on a physical model allows for a physically informed machine learning approach. While it is anticipated a Bayesian framework would be utilised, options of physical models and shades of grey, ranging from white box models to black box models would be explored. Having created the mathematical basis for a digital twin the statistical variation in the performance can be quantified and verified, with the complexity of the system increased until initially a digital twin is created for the 1200 km link in the Cambridge lab.

The applicant should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2:1 (and preferably a Masters degree) in engineering or a related subject such as computer science, mathematics, statistics or physics. For informal enquires please contact Prof Seb Savory (email [email protected] )

The EPSRC ICASE studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for eligible UK students. EU and international students may be considered for a small number of awards at the UK rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/career-and-skills-development/studentships/industrial-case/

The studentship is funded for 4 years.

Standard application instructions: Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions web pages https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg , with Prof Seb Savory identified as the potential supervisor. Please note there is a £75 submission fee.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.