SPEAR Centre: PhD in ‘Long-Range, High Bandwidth Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Fibre Optic Links’

SPEAR Centre: PhD in ‘Long-Range, High Bandwidth Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Fibre Optic Links’

About SPEAR
The Semiconductor and Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre, funded by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), is an €8.5 million cross-border project by Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute and their associate partner Seagate Technology. The Centre aims to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, contributing to the development of Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem. It seeks to train the next generation of scientists and engineers to support growth in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks. The position is available at Tyndall National Institute in Cork.

Project Description
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is rapidly emerging as a transformative technology capable of turning standard optical fibres into high-resolution acoustic sensor arrays. By detecting subtle phase variations of Rayleigh backscatter, DAS enables applications spanning structural health monitoring, security, transportation, geophysics and ocean observation. Recent field trials on telecom submarine cables have shown that fibre sensing using DAS can monitor earthquakes, micro seismic activity, ship traffic and other ocean noise using infrastructure that is already lying on the seabed. At the same time, DAS has been used to detect and localise baleen whales and other marine mammals, demonstrating its potential for passive acoustic monitoring and conservation, for example tracking whale vocalisations and clicks in challenging Arctic and coastal environments. New system-level innovations are required to unlock DAS’s full potential on 100–200 km links, while pushing acoustic bandwidths from the few-hundred-hertz regime towards the tens of kHz band relevant for ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics.

This PhD project will focus on the development of next-generation DAS architectures that support extended sensing range and increased acoustic bandwidth. The research will investigate advanced amplification strategies including semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs), erbium-doped fibre amplifiers (EDFAs), Raman amplification, and hybrid combinations to boost outgoing pulse power and enhance backscatter detection while maintaining low noise, low distortion, and stable system operation.

A key innovation is the exploration of interrogation schemes that push the maximum detectable acoustic frequency beyond conventional limits. Approaches may include high-repetition-rate pulse generation, linear frequency-modulated pulses, coded or chirped waveforms, optical frequency comb–based parallel interrogation, and coherent multi-heterodyne detection. The student will collaborate with researchers in the Photonic Systems Group to design and experimentally validate architectures capable of delivering both long sensing range and high acoustic resolution in realistic fibre network environments. This project provides access to a deployed fibre link integrated into the PSG laboratory, giving the student a rare opportunity to test novel interrogation concepts developed in this work on real network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate optical amplification models for DAS systems, including SOA, EDFA, Raman, and hybrid amplifier configurations.
• Investigate high-bandwidth interrogation techniques, such as high-rate linear frequency-modulated pulses, phase-coded sequences, parallel comb-based interrogation, and coherent multi-heterodyne detection.
• Design long-reach DAS system architectures that optimise signal to noise ratio, reduce fading, and maintain stable performance over 40–100 km fibre lengths.
• Perform co-simulation of optical and electronic/system-level subsystems (e.g., using Python, MATLAB, VPI).
• Build and characterise experimental demonstrators, including amplification stages, pulse shaping, and coherent detection.
• Present research findings at key international conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
• Complete required PhD coursework, participate in group meetings, and contribute to outreach and cohort activities.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Essential Criteria

• First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Electrical / Electronic Engineering or Physics.
• Strong interest in photonics, or high-speed optoelectronic systems, modelling and experimental work
• Proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
• Excellent analytical and programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).
• Self-driven motivated and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English suitable for technical documentation, presentations, and publication.
• A clear motivation letter describing why you want to pursue this PhD and how your skills and experience relate to the project.

Desirable Criteria

• Master’s degree in Physics/Engineering/Photonics
• Experience with experimental characterisation of photonic devices.
• Experience modelling photonic or optoelectronic systems using tools such as VPIphotonics, or custom Python/MATLAB simulations
• Experience with optical fibre sensing (e.g., φ-OTDR, DAS, Rayleigh/Brillouin scattering).
• Familiarity with optical amplification technologies such as SOAs, EDFAs, or Raman amplifiers.
• Prior experience contributing to publications, conference presentations, or technical reports.

What We Offer

• A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
• Training and development opportunities are also provided.
• Mardyke Sports Arena - Students – free when registered with UCC
• Free Park and Ride Service
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Employment
The annual stipend is €25,000.  In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

•            The successful candidate will be registered as PhD student at University College Cork. Doctoral students are going to be equipped with the highest level of scientific and engineering research skills needed to address the challenges of developing new integrated photonic technologies for diverse applications, as well as with the entrepreneurial, leadership and teamwork capabilities needed to lead and operate at the highest levels in industry.
•            As a student in the SPEAR Centre, you will join a vibrant, supportive and engaging cohort of 15 students and will have the chance to travel and attend a bespoke induction programme with students from all three partners, an annual training school and have access to advanced courses in areas such as semiconductor fabrication, packaging and entrepreneurship.
•            Preferred start date: the position is open and can commence as soon as candidate acceptance and administrative requirements (e.g. University approvals and visa where relevant) are complete. The latest possible start date is 1st October 2026.

Any queries concerning this PhD position can be sent to Paul Townsend.
Closing date for application is 9th January 2026.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.  The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process. 

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.  Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.  Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.