PhD in Engineering - Channel Defined Acoustic Modes for Underwater Communications and Sensing

About the Project

Start date: October 2026

This joint project research project between the Thales and University of Glasgow, will explore the development of tailored acoustic fields that can reveal information about the marine environment and communicate with range of underwater craft. Leveraging acoustic arrays, the phase and intensity of acoustic beams can be controlled in real time allowing creation of unique acoustic fields. This project acoustic focused project is focusing on translating optical technologies that have already been developed for atmospheric sensing and high-capacity laser communications. Our target is developing technologies that can assist in monitoring oceanic health and security applications, although sponsored by Thales, this project does not have a specific defense application, and we expect the resulting technologies to broad impact for academic and commercial applications in sensing and autonomous vehicle control. Supported by the Structured Photonics Research Group at the University of Glasgow, led by Prof Martin Lavery, you will have the opportunity to apply your research to a range of communication, sensing applications, ranging from quantum optics, environmental sensors, and next-generation biomedical technology development.

Preferred candidate will have a background in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or Computer Science and has an interest in both simulation and experimental research work. We understand the candidate might not specific experience in this area, where we are looking for engaged researchers looking to learn a range of new skills in the development of novel technologies. Supervisory support will be provided by both academic and industrial supervisors, however the majority of the research work will be carried out within the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow.

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.

Funding Notes

The studentship is for home students only, and will provide both full tuition fees and a stipend at UKRI rates.