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Master thesis (f/m/x): Characterization of optical turbulence induced noise in a lidar setup
Job Description
Req ID:  2040
Place of work:  Oberpfaffenhofen
Starting date:  01.09.2025
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  6 to 12 months

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

The Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the German Aerospace Centre conducts research into the physics and chemistry of the global atmosphere from the ground p to 120 kilometres altitute.

 

What to expect

It is well known that optical turbulence has detrimental effects on optical measurements such as in astronomy (seeing) or in free-space communication. The same is true for laser-based atmospheric lidar systems. With the objective of measuring wind speeds and turbulence as an input for feed-forward flight control, an interferometry-based Doppler wind lidar (DWL) has been successfully realized (https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14143356) and is being continuously improved and validated. The objective of the thesis is evaluating the turbulence induced noise during this measurement.
Are you enthusiastic about astronomy and turbulence, eager to develop theory on the blackboard and validate it in the lab? Then, you are the right person for our team! Come join us!

 

Your tasks

  • theoretical-physical description of interactions of the laser radiation with the atmospheric medium, its geometry etc.
  • Extension of the propagation and wind retrieval libraries of AMALIA, our internally built lidar digital twin
  • Implementation and test of different OTG (optical turbulence generator) configurations in the lab
  • Analysis of the lab results with characterization of the generated turbulence
  • Cross-validation of the expected and measured response of the lidar receiver system

 

Your profile 

  • currently enrolled in the last year of a master degree in astronomy, physics, optics, engineering, mathematics or similar
  • Experience in handling lasers, optics and electronics in the lab
  • strong programming skills in programming, preferably in Matlab, Python
  • interdisciplinary communication in English
  • good knowledge of geometric and physical optics

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD EG05 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

 

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2040) please contact:

 

Andreas Fix 
Tel.: +49 8153 28 2577 

 

 
Apply now