Millimeter-wave components and subsystems built using microstriptechnology

The author describes the evaluation of microstrip as a transmission medium for components and subsystems operating in the millimeter wavebands. The manufacturing process for thin-film MICs on single-crystal quartz is described. The microwave integrated circuit (MIC) manufacturing process is suitable for high-value manufacturing of highly integrated subsystems since manufacturing costs for the circuits are almost independent of the number of circuit functions. Designs for various circuit elements are discussed, and an integrated subsystem is described in which MIC techniques are used to produce a miniature millimeter-wave distance-measuring sensor. Range measurement results for the miniature sensor are presented     

Integratable, high speed buried ridge DFB lasers fabricated on semi-insulating substrates

The fabrication of buried ridge DFB lasers on semi-insulating substrates is described. A novel contacting mechanism was employed to give a series resistance of less than 4 Omega . Devices were fabricated at both 1.3 and 1.53 mu m with lasing thresholds as low as 16 mA. Single longitudinal mode operation was achieved with SMSR greater than 30 dB at both wavelengths. The structure gives an inherently low capacitance, which together with low threshold currents, low series resistance and fabrication on SI substrates makes these devices suitable for integration and high speed applications.<>     

The Software Architecture for a Large Telephone Switch

This paper describes the software and the software structure used in a family of high-capacity digital telephone switches. The call processing task is complex, and has great diversity. It must support existing and future features, including some not yet envisioned. The software must also provide man-machine interfaces, maintain the office database, and offer automatic recovery from hardware and software errors. It must also meet critical real-time performance specifications. The techniques adopted to meet these requirements include the use of a strongly typed high-level language, independent design and compilation of software modules, and the provision of an automated program library system and problem reporting system. Considerable experience in the development and support of large software systems has been accumulated, and is described in the paper.     

THE FEASIBILITY OF SELECTIVE SEPARATION OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLES AT A SOLID/LIQUID INTERFACE

This paper considers the feasibility of separating colloidal species according to their surface charge, by selective and reversible adsorption onto a collector surface. Selectivity is achieved through control of the electrochemical potential of the collector. The principles of controlled-collector-potential chromatographic separation (CCPCS) methods are illustrated for the separation of alumina and titania particles at a macroscopic platinum collector in aqueous electrolytes.     

Thermal Diffusivity/Conductivity of Alumina—Silicon Carbide Composites

Thermal diffusivity and conductivity values for several Al₂O₃-SiC whisker composites were determined. The thermal diffusivity values spanned the range from 373 to 1473 K, and thermal conductivity data wre obtained between 305 and 365 K. The thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing temperature and increased with SiC-whisker content. An estimate of the thermal conductivity of the whiskers was obtained from the direct thermal conductivity measurements, but attempts to derive whisker conductivity values from the thermal diffusivity data were not successful because the laser flash method lacks the required accuracy and precision. Specimens were subjected to two different thermal quench experiments to investigate the effect of thermal history on diffusivity. In the most severe case, multiple 1073- to 373-K quenches, radial cracks were observed in the test specimens; however, there was no change in diffusivity. The lack of sensitivity to thermal cycling appears to be related to the sample size.     

Criteria for selecting cure cycles in autoclave processing of graphite/epoxy composites

Room temperature mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and impact resistance, of epoxies and graphite/epoxy composites go through a maximum as a function of epoxy conversion. For tetraglycidyl 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM)-4,4′-diamlnodiphenylsulfone (DDS) formulations, the recommended cure cycle prescribes a maximum temperature close to 177°C. The maximum extent of reaction that may be obtained at this temperature is determined from the vitrification curve. At this maximum conversion, balanced mechanical and physical properties are attained in the partially cured specimen. However, if the standard cycle is used to cure thick parts, the maximum temperature inside the sample increases beyond 177°C. This leads to a complete conversion in most of the part and a consequent impairment of resulting physical and mechanical properties. It is shown how numerical solutions of differential energy and mass balances may be used to propose alternative cure cycles such that the maximum conversion at every point remains bounded by the vitrification curve. An illustration for a particular thickness is provided.     

The importance of choosing attractors for optimizing chaotic communications

In this brief, we consider methods to improve the performance of chaotic communication schemes. We study a system using a receiver which explicitly includes the presence of noise in the channel. We show how the choice of chaotic dynamical system generating the transmitted signal is crucial. We observe a large variation in bit error rate performance of the system as parameters in the maps are changed, and we propose a simple explanation for this variation.     

Helical-core ytterbium-doped fibre laser

An Yb-doped fibre laser with a helical core trajectory in the cladding material has been demonstrated for the first time. The laser yields 350 mW of linearly-polarised, single-spatial-mode output at 1047 nm from a multimode core of diameter, 26 /spl mu/m, and numerical aperture, 0.14, when core-pumped by an Yb:YAG laser at 1030 nm.     

Revisiting the Worksite in Worksite Health Campaigns: Evidence From a Multisite Organ Donation Campaign

This article advances the beginnings of a general theory of organizational features to aid in understanding why health campaigns that work well in one organization may be ineffectual in another organization. The physical, social, and information structures of organizations are theorized to create an interaction environment that is distinct to each organization and that influences health campaigns. To test this argument, an organ donation campaign was conducted in 46 organizations. Multilevel modeling yielded mixed findings. Physical structure was negatively associated with signing an organ donor card. Social structure and information structure were positively associated with communication with coworkers about donation and communicative peer influence. Industry type was positively associated with knowledge change.