Free-Space Optical Communications and Quantum Experiments with Taiaho Observatory

Host Institution: University of Auckland – Faculty of Science, School of Physics

Supervision: Assoc. Prof. Nicholas Rattenbury and Dr Joe Ashby

Location: Taiaho Observatory, Ardmore Field Station, Auckland, New Zealand

Overview

We invite applications for a fully-funded PhD project based at the University of Auckland’s Taiaho Observatory. The successful candidate will join an active and expanding programme in free-space optical communication (FSOC), quantum optics, and ground-space networked experimentation, working in collaboration with major international partners including the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and members of the Australasian Optical Ground Station Network (AOGSN).

This PhD forms part of an enduring collaboration between academic and space-sector institutions across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, aiming to develop high-bandwidth, quantum-capable ground station infrastructure for next-generation space science and communications.

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Background and Collaborations

Our group has a strong track record of national and international funding (including multiple MBIE Catalyst:Strategic and Catalyst:Influence awards), enabling:

• A collaborative FSOC testbed with DLR’s Institute of Communications and Navigation (IKN)

• Participation in AOGSN: a distributed ground station network including partners in Australia (ANU, UNSW, UWA)

• Preliminary development of portable, quantum-ready optical ground stations in Auckland and South Island

• Pilot experiments on laser beacon tracking, turbulence characterisation, and initial quantum-secure links

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Possible PhD Research Areas

The PhD project will be shaped to align with the candidate’s interests and background, and may include one or more of the following themes:

1. FSOC Ground Station Systems Engineering

• Design, deployment, and testing of portable optical terminals (telescopes, tracking systems, beam launchers)

• Integration of 1550 nm laser sources, single-photon detectors, and AO modules

• Development of safety protocols for operation near airports (e.g. Ardmore)

2. Atmospheric Turbulence & Link Characterisation

• On-sky experiments to characterise signal distortion, beam wander, and scintillation

• Dual-channel experiments comparing classical vs quantum channel stability

• Comparison of site performance across AOGSN node locations (Auckland, Mt John, Canberra, etc.)

3. Quantum Communications & Secure Protocols

• Implementation of decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) over FSOC links

• Testing entanglement-based QKD with mobile quantum sources (via DLR/ANU links)

• Preparation for upcoming satellite-based quantum experiments (e.g. QUBE, NZ CubeSats)

4. Ground Station Networking and Operations

• Coordination software and link scheduling for multi-node operations across AOGSN

• Cross-calibration and optical alignment routines for simultaneous dual-node tracking

• Long-term reliability testing of semi-autonomous observatory operations

5. Novel Communications Protocols and Modulation

• Exploration of hybrid RF/optical protocols, error correction, and burst-mode modulation

• Use of adaptive optics and fast steering mirrors to improve received signal quality

• Experiments with low-SWaP-C systems for CubeSat-compatible FSOC

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Candidate Profile

We seek an enthusiastic candidate with a background in physics, astronomy, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have experience or interest in:

• Optical systems and laser safety

• Space mission design or CubeSats

• Data acquisition, Python/Matlab programming

• Experimental quantum optics or photonics (desirable but not essential)

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Why Apply?

This project offers a unique opportunity to:

• Be embedded in an internationally connected space-science programme

• Gain hands-on experience in experimental FSOC with real optical ground stations

• Participate in joint experiments with DLR and Australian/NZ observatories

• Contribute to future quantum-secured satellite missions and testbed development

• Publish in a fast-evolving field at the interface of space, optics, and quantum technology

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