Fast-polarization-hopping transmission diversity to mitigate prolonged deep fades in indoor wireless communications

Fast-polarization-hopping (FPH) transmission diversity is herein proposed to mitigate prolonged deep fades at the mobile receiver in, for example, the indoor propagation environment. Even if the individual multipaths are each sufficiently strong for detection, deep fades may occur due to the multipath signals' destructive summation at the receiver. The relative immobility of the transmitter, the propagation environment, and the receiver in the indoor environment means that a deep fade may last for a very long duration, dropping calls or severing links. By rapidly hopping the transmission polarization (say, alternating transmission between a vertically-polarized-dipole antenna and a horizontally-polarized-dipole antenna - or between two "X"-oriented dipoles), the effective propagation channel experiences consecutive polarization modes (each involving a different multipath summation), all within the duration allowed by the channel-coder's interleaving depth. This scheme is usable for either frequency-shift keying (with incoherent demodulation), or for channel-coded phase-shift keying (with differential coding, or with pilot-symbol phase synchronization). This scheme requires no change in the mobile receiver (which does not need to be dual polarized). The base station also needs no spatially separated antenna array, nor any other additional hardware, no mechanical movement of the transmitting antenna(s), and no sophisticated signal processing (such as channel estimation or closed-loop feedback) nor any additional software. The proposed scheme's cost - relative to using antenna arrays at the base station and/or the mobile - is a potentially doubling of the transmission bandwidth. The proposed scheme's potential is illustrated by limited computer simulations using CINDOOR, a polarization-sensitive indoor wireless-propagation ray-tracing simulation software package based on geometrical optics and the uniform theory of diffraction (GO/UTD).     

Efficient coding of homogeneous textures using stochastic vectorquantisation and linear prediction

Vector quantisation (VQ) has been extensively used as an effective image coding technique. One of the most important steps in the whole process is the design of the codebook. The codebook is generally designed using the LBG algorithm which uses a large training set of empirical data that is statistically representative of the images to be encoded. The LBG algorithm, although quite effective for practical applications, is computationally very expensive and the resulting codebook has to be recalculated each time the type of image to be encoded changes. Stochastic vector quantisation (SVQ) provides an alternative way for the generation of the codebook. In SVQ, a model for the image is computed first, and then the codewords are generated according to this model and not according to some specific training sequence. The SVQ approach presents good coding performance for moderate compression ratios and different type of images. On the other hand, in the context of synthetic and natural hybrid coding (SNHC), there is always need for techniques which may provide very high compression and high quality for homogeneous textures. A new stochastic vector quantisation approach using linear prediction which is able to provide very high compression ratios with graceful degradation for homogeneous textures is presented. Owing to the specific construction of the method, there is no block effect in the synthetised image. Results, implementation details, generation of the bit stream and comparisons with the verification model of MPEG-4 are presented which prove the validity of the approach. The technique has been proposed as a still image coding technique in the SNHC standardisation group of MPEG     

SMOS Calibration

The calibration of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) payload instrument, known as Microwave Imaging Radiometer by Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS), is based on characterization measurements which are performed initially on-ground prior to launch and, subsequently, in-flight. A good calibration is a prerequisite to ensure the quality of the geophysical data. The calibration scheme encompasses both the spaceborne instrument and the ground data processing. Once the system has been calibrated, the instrument performance can be verified, and the higher level geophysical variables, soil moisture and ocean salinity, can be validated. In this paper, the overall calibration approach is presented, focusing on the main aspects relevant to the SMOS instrument design and mission requirements. The distributed instrument, comprising 72 receivers, leads to a distributed internal calibration approach supported by specific external calibration measurements. The relationship between the calibration data and the routine ground processing is summarized, demonstrating the inherent link between them. Finally, the approach to the in-flight commissioning activities is discussed.     

A description and the measured performance of three coaxial beam-rotating antenna prototypes

Many high-power microwave (HPM) sources utilize an azimuthally symmetric output mode, like the TM/sub 01/ circular waveguide or the coaxial TEM modes. If radiated directly, these modes produce a doughnut-shaped radiation pattern, with a boresight . Mode-conversion techniques for transforming the azimuthally symmetric mode to one with a more desirable radiated pattern are possible, but mode conversion is typically undesirable, due to inefficiencies and due to increases in system size and weight. Antenna designs have been explored that will radiate the azimuthally symmetric mode directly, but those considered to date tend to exhibit low gain, and do not radiate a boresight peak (along the longitudinal axis of the source). This article describes the measured performance of three prototype antennas, all of the coaxial beam-rotating antenna (COBRA) class. These accept directly an azimuthally symmetric mode, and radiate a high-gain, circularly polarized beam with a boresight peak. The antennas achieve this capability by varying the electrical length of a path from a focal point to the aperture plane as a function of the azimuthal angle of the aperture. A brief overview of the general theory of COBRA operation is first presented. Next, measured data, characteristic of the input impedance and far-field patterns of three COBRA prototypes, are given. The architectures of COBRA prototypes reviewed in this article include those utilizing (1) a single, stepped paraboloidal reflector; (2) a dual reflector; and (3) a dual reflector with a coaxial feed.     

Overview of Cu contamination during integration in a dual damascene architecture for sub-quarter micron technology

A detailed study of copper contaminating steps performed during integration of multilevel Cu metallisation in dual damascene architecture has been performed. Contamination at the wafer back and the bevel edge should make it difficult to use the same equipment for conventional technology and new copper based technology. Several barrier materials have been claimed as efficient against copper diffusion. However, during process integration, contamination issues will be faced before deposition of the barrier layers. Heavy contamination can occur either during Cu chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) or during dielectric etching and via opening on top of contacted copper lines. These residues, concentrated at the dielectric surface, could result in current leakage and shorts between interconnection lines. Several cleaning solutions to remove metal contamination are reviewed and their efficiencies are compared.     

Optoelectronic study in porous silicon thin films

A photoconductivity (PC) study in as deposited porous silicon (PS) thin films is presented in this work. PS thin films were produced by the electrochemical anodizing method at different anodizing times. The films surfaces were characterized by SEM and porosity was determined by gravimetric methods. Photoluminescence and PC measurements were taken at room temperature. The maximum of the photoluminescence spectra are located around 650 nm, whereas those of PC are placed around 400 nm. The maximum of the photoluminescence signal shifts toward short wavelengths as the quantum dimension of the material skeleton diminishes, while any spectral displacement of the photocurrent signal as the porosity of the material increases is not observed. The spectral position of the PC signal does not change because it is strongly affected by the large quantity of defects present in the sample surface which diminishes the mean free path of the carriers to reach the electrodes. In all the samples photocurrent is small around 10^?1 μA and the intensity of the signal goes down as the porosity increases. Two mechanisms exist that compete with one another, the carrier generation and recombination through light emission centers which diminish the photocurrent.     

Empirical analysis of a 2 x 2 MIMO channel in outdoor-indoor scenarios for BFWA applications

The unquestionable advantages of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are having a strong influence on the development of new wireless systems, both in wireless local-area networks (WLANs), and in those designed to offer broadband fixed wireless access (BFWA) services in wireless metropolitan-area networks (WMANs). The MIMO channel characterization in different environments and for different operating frequency bands is a crucial factor in the design of new systems and standards, and for adequate planning of existing systems. This article makes two main contributions. First, the experimental characterization of a 2 times 2 MIMO channel at a frequency of 2.4 GHz in a canonical outdoor-indoor scenario is presented. The channel characterization performed includes the analysis of the spatial correlation between the MIMO system subchannels and its impact on the channel capacity. Second, on the basis of the capacity results obtained, a proposal is made for the use of a 2 times 2 MIMO system in outdoor-indoor scenarios for BFWA applications in metropolitan environments. The proposal is based on the experimentally verified hypothesis that the path loss due to building penetration can be practically compensated for by the diversity gain of 2 times 2 systems     

Robust Stability of Multivariate Polynomials. Part 1: Small Coefficient Perturbations

This paper presents a detailed analysis of some classes of stable multivariate polynomials. The main aim of the analysis is to give conditions under which polynomials preserve stability when they are subjected to small coefficient variations. The maximal class of such polynomials is introduced. Some basic properties of polynomials from this class are obtained.     

A Compact and Low-Power CMOS Circuit for Fully Integrated NEMS Resonators

This brief presents a fully integrated nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) resonator, operable at frequencies in the megahertz range, together with a compact built-in CMOS interfacing circuitry. The proposed low-power second-generation current conveyor circuit allows detailed read-out of the nanocantilever structure for either extraction of equivalent circuit models or comparative studies at different pressure and dc biasing conditions. In this sense, extensive experimental results are presented for a real mixed electromechanical system integrated through a combination of in-house standard CMOS technology and nanodevice post-processing by nanostencil lithography. The proposed read-out scheme can be easily adapted to operate the nanocantilever in closed loop operation as a stand-alone NEMS oscillator     

PbS and CdS Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solid‐State Solar Cells: “Old Concepts,New Results”

Lead sulfide (PbS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs) are prepared over mesoporous TiO₂ films by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. These QDs are exploited as a sensitizer in solid‐state solar cells with 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) as a hole conductor. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images reveal that PbS QDs of around 3 nm in size are distributed homogeneously over the TiO₂ surface and are well separated from each other if prepared under common SILAR deposition conditions. The pore size of the TiO₂ films and the deposition medium are found to be very critical in determining the overall performance of the solid‐state QD cells. By incorporating promising inorganic QDs (PbS) and an organic hole conductor spiro‐OMeTAD into the solid‐state cells, it is possible to attain an efficiency of over 1% for PbS‐sensitized solid‐state cells after some optimizations. The optimized deposition cycle of the SILAR process for PbS QDs has also been confirmed by transient spectroscopic studies on the hole generation of spiro‐OMeTAD. In addition, it is established that the PbS QD layer plays a role in mediating the interfacial recombination between the spiro‐OMeTAD⁺ cation and the TiO₂ conduction band electron, and that the lifetime of these species can change by around 2 orders of magnitude by varying the number of SILAR cycles used. When a near infrared (NIR)‐absorbing zinc carboxyphthalocyanine dye (TT1) is added on top of the PbS‐sensitized electrode to obtain a panchromatic response, two signals from each component are observed, which results in an improved efficiency. In particular, when a CdS‐sensitized electrode is first prepared, and then co‐sensitized with a squarine dye (SQ1), the resulting color change is clearly an addition of each component and the overall efficiencies are also added in a more synergistic way than those in PbS/TT1‐modified cells because of favorable charge‐transfer energetics.