Research Mentorship Programme

#1 - Scaling Behaviours in Quantum Key Distribution

This theoretical project seeks to explore the potential scaling behaviours in various design protocols for quantum key distribution. Particularly, the project will look at how different protocols and design structure, alongside other practical factors, will influence the error rates and the key rates.

Name of PI: Tan Da Yang
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) cluster
Location: Remote
Prerequisites: Nil
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Dec 2021
Number of Students: 2 to 4

#2 - Entanglement in Open Quantum Systems

This theoretical project aims to look at the entanglement in an open system context, i.e. when a pair of entangled particles are subjected to the influence of the environment that cannot be controlled. It has been previously shown that the interaction with the environment leads to interesting dynamics, such as entanglement sudden death and non-monotonic behaviour between the entangled pair and the environment. By using a toy model, we will investigate if there are any interesting behaviours that arises.

Name of PI: Tan Da Yang
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) cluster
Location: Remote
Prerequisites: Nil
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Dec 2021
Number of Students: 2 to 4

#3 - Realisation of Low Cost Quantum Cryptography Optomechanical Experimental and Teaching Tool

The key objective of this project is to construct a low cost quantum cryptography experimental tool via 3D printing. Quantum cryptography provides a sufficiently low entry point for students to learn quantum mechanics and to appreciate why it is different from classical mechanics, as well as its power from an engineering and scientific perspective. There has been proposals to develop such tools, however, such tools usually involves experiment grade instruments that are costly. Hence, by using 3D printing, it is aimed to bring down the cost of such tools, in hope for a wider pedagogical outreach.

*Note: Interested students will need to have access to a 3D printer on their own; cost of consumables will be covered by PI on a reimbursable basis.

Name of PI: Tan Da Yang
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) cluster
Location: Mainly remote, but may need to meet physically for hands-on testing etc.
Prerequisites: Nil
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Dec 2021
Number of Students: 2 to 4

#4 - Embodied AI for Computational Perception and Understanding of Spatial Designs

In this project, we will train a deep neural network to learn the semantics of apartment interiors. The research will involve agents in extracting relevant data while navigating within a virtual 3D simulator environment. The aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of spatial designs using AI.

Name of PI: Immanuel Koh
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Architecture and Sustainable Design & Design and Artificial Intelligence
Location: Remote (SUTD when needed)
Prerequisites: Require fluency in Python language
Start/End Date: Flexible. Up to 9 months
Number of Students: 1 to 2

#5 - Detection of Defective 3D Food Printing

With the rapidly ageing population, there is an increasing demand around the world (especially among the developed countries) to address issues that are arising. One of the issues that a number of the elderlies are facing is the losing capability to chew and nutrient management for the elderly is growing market with increasing importance. Hence, there has been an increasing demand for 3D food printing. Unlike plastic, mechanical properties of the food ink changes with ink significantly and it is possible for defective print. Thus, a camera is desired to provide feedback if the print is defective and the print will be stop should a defect be detected. To achieve that, data/images have to be first collected. In this project, the student will be tasked to perform data collection. Several food printing will be performed and images of defective prints will be collected.

Name of PI: Tan U-Xuan
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Engineering Product Development
Location: SUTD
Prerequisites: Nil
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Dec 2021
Number of Students: 3

#6 - Computational Design of Functional Assemblies

Functional assemblies refer to structures/mechanisms that combine multiple component parts to achieve a specific functionality. Typical examples include toys, furniture, and machines. This project focuses on developing a computational tool to automate the design of functional assemblies according to users’ high-level specifications. Experiments will be conducted to validate functionality of generated designs by rapid prototyping with 3D printing.

Name of PI: Peng Song
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Information Systems Technology and Design
Location: SUTD
Prerequisites: Require fluency in programming language(s), especially C/C++.
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Oct 2021
Number of Student: 1

#7 - Coastal First-Responder Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System

Beaches in coastal areas require active human surveillance (life guards) to:

• Monitor for swimmers in distress, and
• Intervene when the need arises by commencing life-saving operations

Challenges:

• Area of coverage is large and susceptible to human error (where to look and continuous detection)
• Time required to research distressed swimmer and deliver a life-saving payload (lifebuoy) is one of the most critical factor in success of life-saving operations

The goal of this project is to develop a complementary ground-based visual surveillance system to provide automated detection and localisation of distressed swimmers.

Name of PI: Foong Shaohui
Cluster/Pillar/Research Centre: Engineering Product Development & Temasek Laboratories (TL@SUTD)
Location: Remote
Prerequisites: Fluency/familiarity in any programming language and computer vision would be preferred
Start Date: Apr 2021
End Date: Aug 2021
Number of Student: 1