Sensors
Work description
The proposed work is based on the development of a hybrid underwater LiDAR and RF system for the inspection, localisation and monitoring of submarine cables. Submarine cables are critical infrastructures for offshore energy, electrical interconnections and global communications. Current inspection often relies on ROVs/AUVs, sonar, magnetometers and visual inspection. Underwater LiDAR enables high-resolution 3D reconstruction, although it is limited by turbidity and optical attenuation; distributed fibre technologies, such as DAS/DVS, have been gaining importance for continuous cable monitoring and the detection of vibrations/anomalies. The main objective will be to develop, validate and demonstrate a hybrid submarine cable monitoring system based on underwater LiDAR, RF/electromagnetic techniques and data fusion, aiming to detect exposure, burial, displacement, structural damage and external threats in power and telecommunications cables. The work will be developed according to the following methodology: • Review, modelling and system specification A literature review will be carried out on submarine cable inspection, underwater LiDAR, RF/electromagnetic sensors, AUV/ROV systems and sensor fusion. The study scenarios will be defined: exposed cable, partially buried cable, cable covered by sediments, cable crossing, mechanical damage, biofouling and the presence of external objects. Expected results: state-of-the-art review, conceptual system architecture and definition of experimental requirements. • Development of the LiDAR and RF modules A LiDAR acquisition and processing module will be developed for 3D reconstruction of the cable and seabed. In parallel, an RF/electromagnetic module will be studied for detecting the cable signature, with a focus on localisation when optical vision is limited. Simulation models will be created to assess range, resolution, noise, turbidity and interference. Expected results: laboratory prototypes, propagation models, initial detection algorithms and first scientific publication. • Data fusion and experimental validation A LiDAR–RF fusion architecture will be developed, using classical methods and/or machine learning to classify cable states: visible, buried, displaced, damaged or with a nearby threat. Tests will be carried out in a tank or controlled environment, using different sediments, turbidity levels, geometries and distances. Expected results: experimental database, validated fusion algorithm, performance metrics and second scientific publication. • Demonstration, optimization and thesis writing The system will be optimized for integration into a mobile platform, such as an ROV or AUV. A demonstration will be carried out in a relevant environment, whenever possible in collaboration with an industrial entity or maritime laboratory. The final phase will include comparison with conventional methods, analysis of limitations, thesis writing and submission of articles.
Academic Qualifications
Master’s degree in Physics Engeneering or a related field, with valorization in optics or a related field, and have a scientific and professional CV that demonstrates a suitable profile for the activities to be carried out.
Minimum profile required
Master’s degree in Physics Engeneering or a related field, with valorization in optics or a related field, and have a scientific and professional CV that demonstrates a suitable profile for the activities to be carried out.
Preference factors
LiDAR technologies, RF/electromagnetic systems, signal processing, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence applied to anomaly detection, and monitoring of critical infrastructures, namely submarine power and telecommunications cables.
Application Period
Since 01 Jul 2026 to 14 Jul 2026
Centre
Applied Photonics