At the Wits Optical Communication Lab, we engineer light to create the next generation of wireless communication—delivering fibre-optic performance, without the physical fibre. We achieve this by structuring laser beams (optical modes) and developing novel information-theoretic frameworks to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Our work is primarily experimental, complemented by rigorous theory and simulation, and focuses on three core thrusts:
Our research is driven by a team of creative and self-motivated postgraduate students. If you are interested in solving fundamental problems and building the future of communication, learn more about joining us.
The lab is situated within the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg.
Wits (pronounced "Vits") is consistently ranked as a leading university in Africa and among the top 1% globally. It is home to four Nobel laureates and a vibrant research ecosystem that includes the second IBM Research laboratory established in Africa. The School of Electrical and Information Engineering has a rich heritage of producing graduates with exceptional technical and entrepreneurial talent, including optics pioneers like Dr. Tingyi Li, whose early work laid the groundwork for modern optical communications. This environment of excellence provides the ideal foundation for our ambitious research agenda.
Please take a look at our Research page to see what we do... and follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witsoclab
