Soft handoff algorithms for CDMA cellular networks

This paper discusses the design of soft handoff algorithms for cellular communication systems. The handoff process is modeled as a hybrid system and handoff design is cast as an optimization problem based on such a model. Performance is evaluated in terms of call quality, average number of active base stations, average number of active set updates, and average amount of interference. A soft handoff algorithm, which achieves a tradeoff between these performance criteria, is obtained using principles of dynamic programming. One key feature of the algorithm is that it incorporates the effects of mobility and shadow fading in the handoff decision. Different diversity combining schemes are considered including selective combining, equal gain combining (EGC), and various optimized combining (OC) methods in the soft handoff mode. For EGC and OC, Wilkinson's and Schwartz and Yeh's methods are used to compute the statistics for the power sum of the signals. Simulation results indicate that the performance of the handoff algorithm is a function of the different combining schemes and of the different methods used to compute the statistics of the power sum. Moreover, it is observed that interference cancellation is important in order for the algorithm to be viable for cellular systems which experience interference due to using nonorthogonal multiple access.     

Vortex Dynamics in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 Single Crystal with Low Density Columnar Defects Studied by Magnetic Force Microscope

We have studied vortex dynamics in Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ single crystal with low density columnar defects by using a magnetic force microscope. Single crystal Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈ sample was irradiated by 1.3 GeV uranium ion to form artificial pinning centers along the crystalline c-axis. The irradiation dose corresponded to a matching field of 20 gauss. The radius of an individual vortex is approximately 140 nm, which is close to the penetration depth of this material. Magnetic force microscope (MFM) images show that intrinsic crystalline defects such as stacking fault dislocations are very effective pinning centers for vortices in addition to the pinning centers due to ion bombardment. By counting the number of vortex, we found that the flux trapped at each pinning center is a single flux quantum. At higher magnetic field, the vortex structure showed an Abrikosov lattice disturbed only by immobile vortices located at pinning centers. When increasing or decreasing the external magnetic field, the spatial distribution of vortices showed a Bean model like behavior.     

A fictitious domain decomposition method for the solution of partially axisymmetric acoustic scattering problems. Part 2: Neumann boundary conditions

We present a fictitious domain decomposition method for the fast solution of acoustic scattering problems characterized by a partially axisymmetric sound‐hard scatterer. We apply this method to the solution of a mock‐up submarine problem, and highlight its computational advantages and intrinsic parallelism. A key component of our method is an original idea for addressing a Neumann boundary condition in the general framework of a fictitious domain method. This idea is applicable to many other linear partial differential equations besides the Helmholtz equation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanoweb Formation: 2D Self‐Assembly of Semiconductor Gallium Oxide Nanowires/Nanotubes

This paper reports a method to produce networks of crystalline gallium oxide comprised of one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures. Because of the unique arrangement of wires, these crystalline networks are termed as ‘nanowebs’. Nanowebs are of great technological interest since they contain wire densities of the order of 10⁹ cm^–2. A possible mechanism for the fast self‐assembly of crystalline metal oxide nanowires involves multiple nucleation and coalescence via oxidation–reduction reactions at the molecular level. The preferential growth of nanowires parallel to the substrate enabled them to coalesce into regular polygonal networks. The individual segments of the polygonal network consist of both nanowires and nanotubules of β‐gallium oxide. Individual wire properties contribute to a nanoweb’s overall capacity and the implications for devices based on nanowebs are expected to be enormous.     

Origin of the threshold voltage instability in SiO/sub 2//HfO/sub 2/ dual layer gate dielectrics

The magnitude of the V/sub T/ instability in conventional MOSFETs and MOS capacitors with SiO/sub 2//HfO/sub 2/ dual-layer gate dielectrics is shown to depend strongly on the details of the measurement sequence used. By applying time-resolved measurements (capacitance-time traces and charge-pumping measurements), it is demonstrated that this behavior is caused by the fast charging and discharging of preexisting defects near the SiO/sub 2//HfO/sub 2/ interface and in the bulk of the HfO/sub 2/ layer. Based on these results, a simple defect model is proposed that can explain the complex behavior of the V/sub T/ instability in terms of structural defects as follows. 1) A defect band in the HfO/sub 2/ layer is located in energy above the Si conduction band edge. 2) The defect band shifts rapidly in energy with respect to the Fermi level in the Si substrate as the gate bias is varied. 3) The rapid energy shifts allows for efficient charging and discharging of the defects near the SiO/sub 2//HfO/sub 2/ interface by tunneling.     

Grain size effects on the mechanical properties of some squeeze cast light alloys

Mechanical property-grain size relationships have been examined for squeeze cast Al-4.5% Cu alloy, for an aluminium alloy with a composition corresponding to wrought 7010, and for a magnesium alloy AZ91. The general trend of the results obtained showed that the tensile properties and the fatigue strength improved as grain size decreased and the reverse was found to be the case for the fatigue crack propagation resistance and fracture energy of these castings. However, the results also showed that no simple common relationship existed between grain size and the tensile properties of the different alloys. The results are discussed in respect of their microstructures.     

Primer-induced labeling of pea and field bean chromosomes in situ and in suspension

A protocol for primed in situ DNA labeling (PRINS) was optimized for pea (Pisum sativum L.) and field bean (Vicia faba L.) chromosomes attached to coverslips. Cloned DNA or synthetic oligonucleotides were used as probes for repetitive DNA sequences (rDNA, Fok-element) and different reaction conditions were tested to achieve the highest specific signal-to-background ratio. A procedure based on direct labeling by fluorescein-dUTP was compared with an indirect one using digoxigenin detected by fluorescently labeled antibody. Under optimal conditions, strong and specific signals were obtained exclusively on chromosome regions known to contain respective DNA sequences. Compared to the direct labeling, significantly stronger signals were obtained when the indirect procedure was used. Both types of labeling were successfully applied to chromosomes in suspension and were shown to produce signals comparable to that obtained with chromosomes attached to coverslips. It is expected that primed in situ DNA labeling en suspension (PRINSES) will provide a basis for flow-cytometric discrimination and sorting of otherwise indistinguishable chromosomes according to their specific fluorescent labeling.     

Mesa and planar SiGe-HBTs on MBE-wafers

SiGe-HBTs have the potential for outstanding analog and digital or mixed-signal high frequency circuits widely based on standard Si technology. Here we review on MBE grown transistors and circuits. Processes and results of a research-like SiGe HBT and two possible production relevant HBT versions are presented. The high frequency results with f_max and f_T up to 120 GHz and a minimum noise figure of 0.9 dB at 10 GHz demonstrate the advantage of using MBE samples with steep and high base doping and high germanium contents. A comparison to the concept of reported low doped, low germanium and triangular profiled SiGe base layers, realized by UHV-CVD, is given. In addition, some circuit demonstrators of SiGe-ICs will be presented.