UCD + Huawei Technologies · 2018–2019
Optical systems research
Two research projects at UCD with Huawei: lead programmer on beam-steering algorithms in 2018, then beam shaping and optoelectronic switching in 2019.
OverviewThe two research projects
Both projects combined programming and optical modelling with aligning real components and measuring what the system actually produced.
In 2018, I worked as lead programmer in a team developing and testing beam-steering algorithms with MATLAB, Python, and experimental hardware. In 2019, the research moved into optoelectronic switching and beam shaping, with extensive use of Python and Zemax OpticStudio.
MethodFrom simulation to the optical bench
Model the system
I used Zemax OpticStudio to describe the optical path and check how a design should behave before changing the physical setup. Python and MATLAB handled the algorithms, the data and repeatable analysis around those models.
Build the path
On the bench, small errors in position, angle, focus or alignment show up straight away. The model became a real optical path of lenses, mounts, fibre, detectors and test equipment.
TestingComparing the model with measurements
I compared model output with physical measurements, then worked through any difference to see whether it came from the model, the setup, the algorithm, or the measurement.
- Writing down the model assumptions made them easier to check.
- Changing one variable at a time kept the tests easier to compare.
- Unexpected measurements often pointed to something useful in the setup.
