Postdoctoral Research Associate in CMOS SPAD array Underwater LiDAR

Role

Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in CMOS SPAD array for Underwater LiDAR

Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £37,694 - £47,389 per annum

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Fixed-term (8 months)

Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

The Single-Photon Group at Heriot-Watt have a long–standing track record in researching ground-breaking single‑photon detection, applications in quantum communications and single-photon imaging. With single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, we initiated and led collaborations to produce the first custom-designed In Ga As /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: 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). 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 fully submerged transceiver system for real-time 3D imaging in scattering environments (2023).

Our group has seven laboratories with a total floor area of more than 150 m^2, including space within a collaborative facility leveraging the skills and technologies of local EPSRC Quantum Enhance Position Navigation and Timing (QEPNT) Hub, EPSRC Quantum Sensing, Imaging, and Timing (QuSIT) Hub, and EPSRC Integrated Quantum Network (IQN) Hub colleagues. The research group has direct ownership of world–leading state–of–the–art equipment with a total value in excess of £3.5 million and shared access to the national network of resources from the Quantum Technology Hub Network.

Furthermore, we have a global network of fellow world-leading researchers - offering the possibility of exchanges and collaborations. Access to these resources will allow a motivated candidate to drive the research on underwater single‑photon imaging and sensor fusion within the EPSRC QEPNT Hub, playing a pivotal role in the UK’s future three‑dimensional imaging research using quantum technologies.

The PDRA will investigate aspects of underwater single-photon imaging, and how to integrate quantum detection technologies in underwater vehicles. In particular, the successful candidate will characterise a number of CMOS SPAD arrays and compare their performance for underwater single-photon LiDAR.

The contract is for an initial 8 month period, with a good chance of follow-up funding.

• Work with colleagues and line manager to devise and perform experiments, modelling and analysis consistent with the goals of the project.
• Write research reports and publications. Analyse and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes. Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding purposes. Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Assist the development of student research skills, and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge (particularly PhD students) in the context of teaching and supervision duties. Could be expected to contribute to specialist courses such as research methods and equipment.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects, making use of relevant research techniques and methods. Disseminate results…