Project description
Limitless connectivity with free-space optical communications
Radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits. Without an alternative, it will be impossible to provide internet access to the billions of people currently lacking it. Optical communication accommodates a much larger bandwidth and enhances data security via quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are already being deployed. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the FOCAL project aims to prepare Europe’s young minds for the potential explosion in aerial and space optical nodes as a new communication network in the skies. FOCAL will create a doctoral training network focused on aerial and space optical wireless technologies for future telecommunications networks with endless connectivity, superb resilience and quantum-proof security.
Objective
With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes.
The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co-supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands-on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibers
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitydata protection
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- natural scienceschemical sciencescatalysis
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsfibre optics
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral NetworksCoordinator
13383 Marseille Cedex 13
France
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Participants (11)
51147 Koln
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80686 Munchen
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02150 Espoo
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91054 Erlangen
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2595 DA Den Haag
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2300 Copenhagen
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2333 CS Leiden
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31100 Toulouse
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71522 Backnang
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91300 Massy
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36030 Vicenza
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partners (14)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
35000 Rennes
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
02150 Espoo
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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2800 Kongens Lyngby
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SE1 3XF London
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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9220 Aalborg
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80539 MUNCHEN
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35122 Padova
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10623 Berlin
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5612 AE Eindhoven
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33000 Bordeaux
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38106 Braunschweig
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184-8795 Tokyo
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EH8 9YL Edinburgh
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
NE1 8ST Newcastle Upon Tyne
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