Optical network as a sensor

Powered by the innovation of Bell Labs, Nokia is at the forefront of creating the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives. The mission of Bell Labs is to define the future of communications and networking and deliver disruptive innovations that redefine human existence and business realities. Within Bell Labs, the "Optical Systems & Devices Research” lab investigates forward-looking research activities for the preparation of the future optical transport networks that will interconnect data centers, cities and continents. Until recently, such networks were expected to provide ever increasing capacity, flexibility and agility at reduced costs and energy footprint. Lately, a new dimension, security, emerges as a separate, high-priority need.

The future optical fabric offers digital services down to the physical network layer by introducing platforms to collect, visualize, analyze, and learn from the collected data.  In this direction, recent works propose fiber sensing thanks to the telecommunication receiver as well as using the optical fiber infrastructure as a sensor.

 We're seeking brilliant master’s students to dive into the exciting topic!
 

As an intern, you will work with physical layer monitoring and environmental sensing techniques leveraging advanced capabilities of coherent receivers. You will gain hands-on experience with one of them on our small mesh optical network, giving you insights into real-life optical systems. By working closely with our research experts, you will conduct fiber sensing experiments using Nokia transponders alongside dedicated sensing equipment. Your mission? Investigate how critical parameters, from fiber types and network configuration to system length, directly impact sensing precision and resulting prediction. 

You will also take the lead in designing and developing an engaging and interactive demonstration that brings technology to life for people to see, touch and understand the key concepts.   

You will be part of a dynamic team contributing to groundbreaking research to shape the future of the industry beyond telecommunication applications!

Objectives:

• Participating with other team members in lab experiments on fiber sensing

• Investigate the impact of different fiber types on sensing accuracy

• Extend the experimental evaluation to a networking approach with multiple lightpaths and a WDM configuration

• Design a demonstration scenario with audience participation
   

• Background in optical communications

• Eager to develop skills in a lab environment 

• Strong spoken and written technical English