Remote Object Identification using Quantum-Enhanced Imaging

About the Project

About the Project

Overview

In recent years, there have been a number of remarkable advances in the use of quantum detection in optical imaging. The aim of this PhD is to design, build, test and field trial compelling demonstrations of compact short pulse LIDAR (light detection and ranging) systems built around SPAD (single photon avalanche diode) sensor technology operating in the near or short wave infrared waveband for remote object identification and rangefinding. This work will be in collaboration with Thales UK (co-sponsors with EPSRC and potential end-users) and also with technical experts at Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Labs). The LIDAR system would enable high resolution identification and ranging of remote objects over kilometres. The state-of-the-art analysis approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence methods, will be used to examine the unique data sets. It is very likely lead to results being published in high impact scientific journals, as well as being subject of commercial exploitation by the sponsors.

The PhD would include a 3 month placement at Thales Glasgow with most of the experimental work being performed at Heriot-Watt’s campus in Edinburgh. The PhD will be allied to the Quantum Enabled Position Navigation and Timing Hub (QEPNT) which is led by the University of Glasgow, with Heriot-Watt University as major partners. The sponsored nature of this studentship allows for a significantly enhanced stipend and a large allowance for travel.

Why Heriot-Watt University?

Heriot-Watt University is a major campus University situated in beautiful countryside just outside Edinburgh. We are a short commute for the centre of Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most beautiful cities with a lively student population.

The Single-Photon Group at Heriot-Watt is led by Professor Gerald Buller and has a long–standing track record in researching ground-breaking single photon detection and applications in quantum communications, single-photon detectors, and quantum enhancedimaging. The group leads the EPSRC’s £22M Integrated Quantum Networks Hub and has key involvements in the EPSRC Quantum-Enhanced Position, Navigation and Timing Hubs. We lead the SPEXS Programme Grant and the USQA International Centre-to-Centre Grant with Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

With single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, we initiated and led collaborations to produce the first custom-designed InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode detector (2006), first strained SiGe SPAD (2002), and custom-designed Ge-on-Si SPAD (2013), and first planar Ge-on-Si SPAD (2018). In quantum communications systems: work in the field led to a world record transmission distance quantum key distribution system (2001); the first demonstration of a quantum key distribution system operating at GHz clock–rate over an optical fibre link (2004); the first experimental demonstrations of quantum digital signatures (including the first experimental demonstration of quantum digital signatures over installed optical fibre in the Tokyo network) (2015 and 2017), and several novel coherent state amplification experiments. We have pioneered single-photon three-dimensional imaging since the 1990’s and continue to innovate, for example: being the first to make underwater single-photon imaging demonstrations (2015); first measurements through camouflage (2017), first measurements through fog (2018), first single-photon full colour image reconstruction (2018); and first demonstration of real-time reconstruction of single-photon data for complex (multi-surface) depth imaging (2019); kilometre distance automatic human activity recognition using single-photon detection (2025) .

Unique Selling Points

• Industrial Collaboration with a dedicated team at Thales UK, including internship working with experts at the company.
• Enhanced stipend of more than £4K per year above EPSRC minimum. An enhanced travel package will allow travel to collaborators and conferences.
• Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry,
• Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises,

The candidate

The successful candidate will join a diverse and motivated team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working across a range of projects from fundamental science to industrially funded research. Candidates must have experience in experimental laboratory work and a strong grounding in the fundamentals of optics and lasers. The project will involve both experimental laser work, including experimental and mechanical design.

How to apply

How to apply. Interested candidates should contact Prof. Gerald Buller (G.S.Buller@hw.ac.uk) and arrange an informal call to discuss the project in more detail. Formal applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt on-line application system, https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm

Start date. The project will start at a mutually convenient date.

Funding Notes

Thsi project contains an enhanced stipend and is only open to UK nationals.