Communications with a twist

The devices we use on a daily basis place huge strain on the communication networks we rely on for almost every component of our digitally connected lives. Network connected appliances; from coffee machines to lightbulbs are becoming commonplace and not purely something from our favourite Sci-fi TV show. All of this connected technology is moving us towards the Internet of Things. This new Internet landscape will require fundamental structural changes in the network tools used to link homes and businesses, and potential re-designs of the network architecture.

During this project I will be exploring the development of next generation technology focused on delivering multiplicative capacity boosts to the last mile portion of our communications networks.

These last-mile links are those that connect our homes to the larger network, and are the most challenging area of the network to upgrade due to the larger number of branched connections. An optical property known as Orbital Angular Momentum will be used as a method to multiplex data carrying signals over the communications link offering a large boost to the achievable data rates. The project will involve both fundamental studies of the behaviour of this optical property, along with the development of technology allowing this property to be implemented into potential commercially available devices.

Beyond these devices use within communications, there will be a focus on implementing this technology into other areas such as sensing, imaging and medical devices.