The Technical School of Telecommunication Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSIT-UPM) has awarded funding to researchers Clara Quevedo Galán and Javier Pereiro García through the “First Projects” grant for early-career researchers, as part of the ETSIT-UPM Research Support Call. This initiative aims to boost the careers of young researchers with innovative, high-impact projects.

Clara Quevedo Galán will lead the project “Development of a Photonic Temperature Sensor Based on Bragg Gratings and Dual-Frequency Comb,” which aims to improve the precision and speed of Bragg grating-based optical fiber sensors by using optical frequency combs generated by gain-switched Fabry-Pérot laser diodes. Her proposal will optimize spectral resolution and system compactness, eliminating moving parts and reducing instrumentation requirements, with the goal of expanding the applications of this technology beyond the laboratory.

Meanwhile, Javier Pereiro García will develop the project “orbItal aNgular momenTum mUltiplexing lIquid crysTal reconfIgurable deVicEs (INTUITIVE),” focused on optical multiplexing based on orbital angular momentum (OAM) to improve free-space communications, with applications in satellite networks such as IRIS². His proposal introduces the use of spiral phase retarders (SPP) in liquid crystal technology, offering a reconfigurable and efficient alternative to current solutions, aiming to demonstrate a proof of concept for an electronically adaptable optical multiplexing system.

Both projects, which will be carried out at CEMDATIC at ETSIT-UPM, have the potential to transform sensing technologies and the secure and efficient transmission of data in advanced optical networks. This recognition highlights the research excellence of the center and strengthens its commitment to developing innovative solutions in the fields of photonics and telecommunications.