PhD in Computational Ultra-Wide-Angle Holographic Display Systems

The Faculty of Engineering at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), in collaboration with imec and the Department of Electronics and Informatics (ETRO), is offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of computational ultra-wide-angle holographic display systems. This research opportunity is part of a larger, 4-year WEAVE project funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and the National Science Centre Poland (NCN), and involves collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology. The project aims to advance the technological boundaries of holographic visualization, focusing on overcoming current limitations in field of view, resolution, and visual realism. Traditional 3D displays suffer from optical inconsistencies such as the vergence-accommodation conflict, which can cause visual discomfort. Holography addresses these issues by reproducing the full wavefront of light, enabling natural depth cues and fatigue-free viewing. However, achieving ultra-wide-angle, ultra-high-resolution holography presents significant challenges, including massive data bandwidths, sophisticated optical control, advanced rendering pipelines, and the need for new algorithms that integrate hardware, sensors, and computational models. As a PhD student, you will work on innovative computational methods that combine optical system design, signal processing, machine learning, and optimization. Your contributions will include developing new solutions for hologram recording, generation, quality assessment, and real-time rendering. The research themes cover computer-generated holography (CGH), optical system analysis and simulation, AI/ML algorithm development, and perceptual and objective visual quality assessment for holograms. You will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international team working at the intersection of physics, computation, and human perception. The results of this project have the potential to impact future consumer, industrial, medical, and scientific visualization systems. The Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as your home base. Funding is provided through a 4-year doctoral grant, ensuring financial support throughout your studies. Applicants should have a strong academic background in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related fields, and experience with optical systems, signal processing, machine learning, or computational methods is highly desirable. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformative technology in immersive visual systems. To apply, visit the official VUB jobs portal and follow the instructions. Prepare your CV, motivation letter, and relevant academic documents. For further information, contact the research group or supervisors.