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Russ Whiton created cellular car navigation for autonomous vehicles
Published: 2024-03-21
Title of thesis: Dude, Where's My Car? Cellular Navigation for Autonomous Driving.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Wednesday April 10th, 09:15, room E:1406. Zoom link. Zoom ID: 69963010473.
Describe your research...
Title of thesis: Dude, Where's My Car? Cellular Navigation for Autonomous Driving.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Wednesday April 10th, 09:15, room E:1406.
Zoom link. Zoom ID: 69963010473.
Describe your research in a popular science way
This thesis is a case study in using cellular signals for navigation for a passenger vehicle in environments where GPS is most likely to be unsatisfactory. It touches on many of the important aspects of the problem, starting with how such a navigation technology might be integrated into vehicular electronic systems for advanced use cases like autonomous driving and what challenges need to be overcome if cellular navigation is to work in the environments where satellite navigation also struggles.
A transmitted signal from a cellular base station arrives at a car through several different paths, undergoing different propagation mechanisms for each. Illustration: Max Boerboom.
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
I worked in industry between my Bachelor?s and Master?s, and for 6 years between my Master?s and PhD. It was appealing to me to gain a better theoretical understanding of engineering principles to see problems with more clarity. I also realized that commercialization frequently does not allow for in-depth exploration of subjects, because when something works well enough for deployment it is time to move on to generating new revenue streams.
What is the most fascinating or interesting with your thesis subject?
Navigation as a subject is fascinating. In my thesis, I tried to draw some kind of line from ancient Polynesians navigating using star compasses through to GPS to navigation methods that are novel in 2024 that I developed in this project with my collaborators.
Do you believe some results from your research will be applied in practice eventually? And if so, how / how?
Yes, some of my colleagues in the department are already extending my work for channel modelling. For the navigation methods, I think some form of them might be applied to tracking problems for future cellular networks.
What are your plans?
I bought a Volkswagen Caddy and I?m converting it into a micro-camper. My short-term plan is to rent out my apartment and make a career shift into a life of vagrancy and live in my van, but that choice might be re-evaluated when the temperature drops and the money runs dry.
Link to the article Russ Whiton created cellular car navigation for autonomous vehicles
Niklas Wingren developed software for microwave scattering.
Published: 2024-03-18
Title of thesis: Computational Methods and Measurements for Direct and Inverse Scattering of Microwaves.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Friday April 5th, 09:15, room E:1406. Zoom link. Zoom ID:...
Title of thesis: Computational Methods and Measurements for Direct and Inverse Scattering of Microwaves.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Friday April 5th, 09:15, room E:1406.
Zoom link. Zoom ID: 62684643819.
Describe your research in a popular science way
We all use electromagnetic waves in our everyday lives with technologies like mobile phones, contactless payment, and car radars, to name a few. This explosion in wireless technology during the last 30 years or so has, in part, been made possible by the rapid development of computational tools used to simulate electromagnetic waves. It is fair to say that a modern mobile phone, with many antennas hidden inside, would not be possible to design without these tools. My research has focused on situations where electromagnetic waves are scattered by objects, which happens, for example, when an aircraft is located by radar. I have developed computational tools to simulate such situations, and worked with theoretical solutions and real measurements to verify that the computations are correct. I have also combined computational tools with measurements of waves scattered by structural components to locate defects inside the structure.
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
After studying the courses in electromagnetics at LTH I realized that I wanted to learn more, so I looked for a research-adjacent master?s thesis project at the department. This gave me an idea of what it might be like to work as a PhD student, and I decided to apply for a position that was opening up.
Do you believe some results from your research will be applied in practice eventually? And if so, how / how?
The computational software I developed during my time as a PhD student is open source, meaning that it is freely available online for anyone to use. I hope that this will make it useful to others, either directly as a tool or as a basis for other software. Most of my research has also been conducted in collaboration with industry, and there has been interest in my software from their part.
What are your plans?
I will stay at EIT until the summer to, among other things, make my computational software more accessible. After that we?ll see where I might end up.
Link to the article Niklas Wingren developed software for microwave scattering.
Zahra Chamideh improved self-driving cars.
Published: 2024-02-29
Title of thesis: Navigating the Future: Intersection of Safety, Efficiency, and Resilience in Autonomous Traffic Systems. Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Tuesday March 12th, 09:15, room E:1406. Zoom link. Zoom ID:...
Title of thesis: Navigating the Future: Intersection of Safety, Efficiency, and Resilience in Autonomous Traffic Systems.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Tuesday March 12th, 09:15, room E:1406.
Zoom link. Zoom ID: 66179207826.
Describe your research in a popular science way
Imagine a world where your morning commute is no longer a battle with endless red lights and traffic jams. Envision instead a scenario where your car passes through intersections, in seamless conversation with both its vehicular peers and the infrastructure that guides them. This isn't science fiction; it's the emerging reality of autonomous vehicles and intelligent traffic management systems. Across our cities, we're beginning to see glimpses of this future. Smart traffic management systems adjust based on real-time traffic flow, reducing congestion and idling. Autonomous vehicles, already on our roads, promise a future of hands-free, stress-free driving. These advancements are not just about convenience; they're about creating safer, cleaner, and more efficient urban environments.
But what happens when the technologies we rely on face glitches? Picture this: you're in a self-driving car, approaching an intersection. Suddenly, the car's positioning system malfunctions, or it loses the ability to communicate with other vehicles. In such a scenario, the harmonious flow of traffic could be disrupted, leading to confusion or even accidents. This is not just a theoretical concern. The reality is that our technology, as advanced as it is, isn't perfect. Communication breakdowns, GPS inaccuracies, or even cyber threats can pose significant risks in a system that relies heavily on precision and inter-connectivity.
This is where my work comes into play. Recognizing these challenges, my thesis focuses on developing a resilient Autonomous Intersection Management (AIM) system. This system is designed to withstand technological imperfections and unforeseen circumstances. By employing advanced algorithms and reinforcement learning techniques, the AIM system can adapt and respond to various disruptions, ensuring that traffic continues to flow smoothly and safely, even when individual components fail or behave unpredictably.
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
I saw a chance to really dive into how self-driving cars and intelligent traffic systems could change our daily commutes. I was curious about making these technologies not just cool but also really reliable and safe, especially when things go wrong.
What is the most fascinating or interesting with your thesis subject?
This research is not only fascinating due to its innovative use of cutting-edge technology but also because of its significant real-world implications. By prioritizing safety, reliability, and efficiency, my work attempts to address key challenges in autonomous vehicular network, offering solutions that could impact future urban mobility and smart city infrastructure.
Do you believe some results from your research will be applied in practice eventually? And if so, how / how?
Absolutely, my research on improving traffic management has a strong chance of being applied in the real world. It might not mean my system gets used exactly as it is, but I'm pretty excited about how it brings new ways of thinking, analyzing, and improving traffic systems to the table. Think of it getting into smart city projects, influencing how self-driving cars are controlled. My research could be a big deal in making our streets smarter and safer.
What are your plans?
As my interest in the field, which already from the start was high, has increased further, I would like to continue in the field. I wish to get involved in future projects that aim to make vehicles as well as roads safe at the same time as the traffic flow is efficient.
Link to the article Zahra Chamideh improved self-driving cars.
Robin Atle studied memristors
Published: 2024-02-28
Title of thesis: Ferroelectric Memristors ? Materials, Interfaces and Applications. Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Friday March 8th, 09:15, room E:1406. Zoom link. Zoom ID: 63504410836
Describe your research in...
Title of thesis: Ferroelectric Memristors ? Materials, Interfaces and Applications.
Link to thesis in Lund University Research Portal.
Defence: Friday March 8th, 09:15, room E:1406.
Zoom link. Zoom ID: 63504410836
Describe your research in a popular science way
Today?s society is heavily dependent on electronics, from the smartphone in your pocket to the heat pump heating your house. This digitalization is the engineering result of ?chips?, where billions of electrical switches called transistors are integrated on an area the size of a fingernail. The huge improvements seen over the last 50 years can mainly be attributed to making these switches smaller, allowing one to pack more of them onto the same chip. However, we are now at a crossroads where this is no longer possible. Issues with heat dissipation and fundamental physical properties severely hamper today?s chips. This, coupled with an ever-increasing demand for computation driven by applications such as AI, requires new approaches which look beyond this miniaturization trend. By integrating new materials with superior properties and taking inspiration from the biological brain more energy efficient and faster systems can be achieved.
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
I had a taste of conducting research during my master?s thesis where I initiated the work on ferroelectric materials which at the end extended into a PhD project. I was intrigued by the process of research and breaking new ground which potentially could advance our society.
What is the most fascinating or interesting with your thesis subject?
The complexity and intricacies of modern chips which make up the backbone of all our electronic devices and applications is incredibly difficult to grasp. The ability to successfully integrate billions (!) of transistors onto a chip the size of a fingernail requires atomic scale accuracy, which in my opinion is probably the greatest engineering feat to date of humankind.
What are your plans?
For the coming months I will continue our research on ferroelectrics as there is much more to be done, then we will see what the future might hold!
Link to the article Robin Atle studied memristors
Patrik Olausson studied quantum bit transistors
Published: 2024-02-05
Title of thesis: III-V Devices for Emerging Electronic Applications Link to thesis in LU Research Portal:
https://portal.research.lu.se/en/publications/iii-v-devices-for-emerging-electronic-applications
Defence: Friday February 23rd, 09:15,...
Title of thesis: III-V Devices for Emerging Electronic Applications
Link to thesis in LU Research Portal:
https://portal.research.lu.se/en/publications/iii-v-devices-for-emerging-electronic-applications
Defence: Friday February 23rd, 09:15, Lecture Hall E:1406, building E.
Describe your research in a popular science way
Today?s digital electronics relies on the transistor technology, where calculations are performed using a binary numerical system, represented by high and low currents. An interesting approach to increase the computational power is to replace the digital bits "1" and "0" with quantum bits, which can exist in a superposition of these two states. This enables certain types of calculations to be performed more efficiently. One of the most promising quantum bits is based on the fact that certain metals becomes superconducting at temperatures near absolute zero (-273.15°C). The recent development in realization of these types of devices has led to an increased interest in cryogenic electronics. In this thesis, were are fabricating III-V transistors and studying the electron transport at cryogenic temperatures.
What made you want to pursue a PhD?
I was introduced to semiconductor device processing when I did my master?s thesis at RISE. I really enjoyed it, and decided to do a PhD within the field.
What is the most fascinating or interesting with your thesis subject?
Processing of devices on the nm-scale is demanding. Excellent material quality is required, and the surface-to-volume ratio is large, meaning that the surface quality is essential. Defects in the crystal structure or poor interfaces leads to scattering of electrons and reduced device performance. In addition, different parts of the devices are defined in separate steps, hence requiring extremely high spatial precision. It is fascinating to follow how far the limit for engineering achievements can be pushed.
What are your plans?
I will further increase my knowledge within semiconductor device processing by joining a company developing semiconductor lasers.
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Link to the article Patrik Olausson studied quantum bit transistors