The company Inmersia Computers and the Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development (CD6) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) are searching for a candidate to develop his/her PhD thesis within the framework of the Industrial Doctorate Plan (DI) of the Generalitat de Catalunya. 

Project description:

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are technologies with great potential, which could represent an even more disruptive change than the appearance of smartphones. However, despite the enormous technological advances in the recent years, it has not yet been possible to design compact smart glasses that offer a sufficiently immersive experience to be adopted as an everyday solution. The main limitation is imposed by the currently available technology in near-eye display optical systems (NED), consisting of a projection system integrated with the glasses lens, which are the key element in charge of showing the virtual content to the user. Nowadays, there is the lack of compact NEDs offering a wide field of view and a comfortable and quality visual experience. 

The objective of this PhD project is the development of a new compact NED optical system for AR/VR glasses for everyday use, which solves the limitations that current systems present (bulky, limited field of view, vergence-accommodation conflict, among others). To achieve this goal, the tasks to be carried out in the project will include the research on novel optical design strategies for this type of devices, their simulation and optimization, and the implementation and validation of a prototype based on the design outcomes. 

Job description:

•  3-years full-time contract with the company. 
• Location: facilities of the company (Castelldefels, Barcelona) and of the research center (Terrassa, Barcelona). 
• Estimated start date: 01/01/2022.

More information:

• About Inmersia Computers: https://www.inmersia.com/
• About CD6: https://www.cd6.upc.edu/
• About the DI plan conditions: https://doctoratsindustrials.gencat.cat

Requirements:

• BSc in Physics or Engineering. 
• MSc in Photonics, Optical Engineering or related disciplines. 
• Fulfillment of the admission requirements of the Optical Engineering doctoral programme of UPC (*). 
• Academic record with a minimum average mark of 6.5 (considering BSc + MSc). 
• Fluent spoken and written English. 
• Also valued:
  • Knowledge in optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V,…). 
  • Experience in the integration of optomechanical and electronic systems. 
  • Programming skills in C++, Phyton, Matlab, … 
  • Experience with typical optical lab instrumentation. 

Contact: Send CV and cover letter to: fernando.diaz-douton@upc.edu

Deadline for applications: 15/09/2021