New super-orthogonal space-time trellis codes using differential M-PSK for noncoherent mobile communication systems with two transmit antennas

In this paper, we develop super-orthogonal space-time trellis codes (SOSTTCs) using differential binary phase-shift keying, quadriphase-shift keying and eight-phase shift keying for noncoherent communication systems with two transmit antennas without channel state information at the receiver. Based on a differential encoding scheme proposed by Tarokh and Jafarkhani, we propose a new decoding algorithm with reduced decoding complexity. To evaluate the performance of the SOSTTCs by way of computer simulations, a geometric two-ring channel model is employed throughout. The simulation results show that the new decoding algorithm has the same decoding performance compared with the traditional decoding strategy, while it reduces significantly the overall computing complexity. As expected the system performance depends greatly on the antenna spacing and on the angular spread of the incoming waves. For fair comparison, we also design SOSTTCs for coherent detection of the same complexity as those demonstrated for the noncoherent case. As in the case of classical single antenna transmission systems, the coherent scheme outperforms the differential one by approximately 3 dB for SOSTTCs as well.     

Solvent‐Induced Morphology in Polymer‐Based Systems for Organic Photovoltaics

Studies on the influence of four different solvents on the morphology and photovoltaic performance of bulk‐heterojunction films made of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₆₁ butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) via spin‐coating for photovoltaic applications are reported. Solvent‐dependent PCBM cluster formation and P3HT crystallization during thermal annealing are investigated with optical microscopy and grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) and are found to be insufficient to explain the differences in device performance. A combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), X‐ray reflectivity (XRR), and grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) investigations results in detailed knowledge of the inner film morphology of P3HT:PCBM films. Vertical and lateral phase separation occurs during spin‐coating and annealing, depending on the solvent used. The findings are summarized in schematics and compared with the IV characteristics. The main influence on the photovoltaic performance arises from the vertical material composition and the existence of lateral phase separation fitting to the exciton diffusion length. Absorption and photoluminescence measurements complement the structural analysis.     

The Impact of Shadowing and the Severity of Fading on the First and Second Order Statistics of the Capacity of OSTBC MIMO Nakagami-Lognormal Channels

This article presents a thorough statistical analysis of the capacity of orthogonal space-time block coded (OSTBC) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) Nakagami- lognormal (NLN) channels. The NLN channel model allows to study the joint effects of fast fading and shadowing on the statistical properties of the channel capacity. We have derived exact analytical expressions for the probability density function (PDF), cumulative distribution function (CDF), level-crossing rate (LCR), and average duration of fades (ADF) of the capacity of MIMO NLN channels. It is observed that an increase in the MIMO dimension or a decrease in the severity of fading results in an increase in the mean channel capacity, while the variance of the channel capacity decreases. On the other hand, an increase in the shadowing standard deviation increases the spread of the channel capacity, however the shadowing effect has no influence on the mean channel capacity. We have also presented approximation results for the statistical properties of the channel capacity, obtained using the Gauss-Hermite integration method. It is observed that approximation results not only reduce the complexity, but also have a very good fitting with the exact results. The presented results are very useful and general because they provide the flexibility to study the impact of shadowing on the channel capacity under different fading conditions. Moreover, the effects of severity of fading on the channel capacity can also be studied. The correctness of theoretical results is confirmed by simulations.     

Effect of Bismuth Nanotubes on the Thermoelectric Properties of BiSb Alloy Nanocomposites

Bismuth nanotubes have been synthesized and successfully included in Bi_1?x Sb _x nanoalloys to form composite structures. The nanotubes were synthesized by transformation of a β-BiI precursor with n-BuLi solution leading to tubular bismuth structures. The Bi_1?x Sb _x nanoalloys were produced by ball milling. Three series of composite structures were synthesized by including different fractions (0 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.%) of nanotubes in nanoalloys of different composition x. Investigation of thermoelectric and structural properties revealed a decrease of the thermal conductivity of up to 40% for the composites in comparison with alloys without nanotube inclusions. This effect can be attributed to enhanced phonon scattering. Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities were both slightly enhanced in the composite series with 3 wt.% nanotube inclusions, leading to enhancement of $$ ZT \ \left(ZT=\frac {(S^2 \sigma)}{\kappa}\,{ {T}}\right) $$ throughout the series compared with the nanoalloy series without nanotube inclusions.     

Catalytically Doped Semiconductors for Chemical Gas Sensing: Aerogel‐Like Aluminum‐Containing Zinc Oxide Materials Prepared in the Gas Phase

Atmospheric contamination with organic compounds is undesired in industry and in society because of odor nuisance or potential toxicity. Resistive gas sensors made of semiconducting metal oxides are effective in the detection of gases even at low concentration. Major drawbacks are low selectivity and missing sensitivity toward a targeted compound. Acetaldehyde is selected due to its high relevance in chemical industry and its toxic character. Considering the similarity between gas‐sensing and heterogeneous catalysis (surface reactions, activity, selectivity), it is tempting to transfer concepts. A question of importance is how doping and the resulting change in electronic properties of a metal‐oxide support with semiconducting properties alters reactivity of the surfaces and the functionality in gas‐sensing and in heterogeneous catalysis. A gas‐phase synthesis method is employed for aerogel‐like zinc oxide materials with a defined content of aluminum (n‐doping), which were then used for the assembly of gas sensors. It is shown that only Al‐doped ZnO represents an effective sensor material that is sensitive down to very low concentrations (<350 ppb). The advance in properties relates to a catalytic effect for the doped semiconductor nanomaterial.     

High‐Density Stretchable Electrode Grids for Chronic Neural Recording

Electrical interfacing with neural tissue is key to advancing diagnosis and therapies for neurological disorders, as well as providing detailed information about neural signals. A challenge for creating long‐term stable interfaces between electronics and neural tissue is the huge mechanical mismatch between the systems. So far, materials and fabrication processes have restricted the development of soft electrode grids able to combine high performance, long‐term stability, and high electrode density, aspects all essential for neural interfacing. Here, this challenge is addressed by developing a soft, high‐density, stretchable electrode grid based on an inert, high‐performance composite material comprising gold‐coated titanium dioxide nanowires embedded in a silicone matrix. The developed grid can resolve high spatiotemporal neural signals from the surface of the cortex in freely moving rats with stable neural recording quality and preserved electrode signal coherence during 3 months of implantation. Due to its flexible and stretchable nature, it is possible to minimize the size of the craniotomy required for placement, further reducing the level of invasiveness. The material and device technology presented herein have potential for a wide range of emerging biomedical applications.     

Numerical models of sunspot formation and fine structure

Sunspots are central to our understanding of solar (and stellar) magnetism in many respects. On the large scale, they link the magnetic field observable in the photosphere to the dynamo processes operating in the solar interior. Properly interpreting the constraints that sunspots impose on the dynamo process requires a detailed understanding of the processes involved in their formation, dynamical evolution and decay. On the small scale, they give an insight into how convective energy transport interacts with the magnetic field over a wide range of field strengths and inclination angles, leading to sunspot fine structure observed in the form of umbral dots and penumbral filaments. Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made on both observational and theoretical sides. Advanced ground- and space-based observations have resolved, for the first time, the details of umbral dots and penumbral filaments and discovered similarities in their substructures. Numerical models have advanced to the degree that simulations of entire sunspots with sufficient resolution to resolve sunspot fine structure are feasible. A combination of improved helioseismic inversion techniques with seismic forward modelling provides new views on the subsurface structure of sunspots. In this review, we summarize recent progress, with particular focus on numerical modelling.     

Experimentelle Untersuchung des Abwälzverhaltens von Beveloidverzahnungen mit lokal angepassten Verzahnungsdaten entlang der Zahnbreite

Forschung im Ingenieurwesen - Zur Übertragung von Drehmoment und Drehzahl in beliebiger Achsanordnung eignen sich bei kleinem Achswinkel bis&nbsp;30° Beveloidverzahnungen. Besonders...     

Spin-Wave Optics in YIG Realized by Ion-Beam Irradiation

Direct focused-ion-beam writing is presented as an enabling technology for realizing functional spin-wave devices of high complexity, and demonstrate its potential by optically-inspired designs. It is shown that ion-beam irradiation changes the characteristics of yttrium iron garnet films on a submicron scale in a highly controlled way, allowing one to engineer the magnonic index of refraction adapted to desired applications. This technique does not physically remove material, and allows rapid fabrication of high-quality architectures of modified magnetization in magnonic media with minimal edge damage (compared to more common removal techniques such as etching or milling). By experimentally showing magnonic versions of a number of optical devices (lenses, gratings, Fourier-domain processors) this technology is envisioned as the gateway to building magnonic computing devices that rival their optical counterparts in their complexity and computational power.     

Klimakonstruktionen

Constructing Climate. From Classical Climatology to Modern Climate Research Both climate researchers and historians of climate science have conceived climate as a stable and well defined category. This article argues that such a conception is flawed. In the course of the 19th and 20th century the very concept of climate changed considerably. Scientists came up with different definitions and concepts of climate, which implied different understandings, interests, and research approaches. Understanding climate shifted from a timeless, spatial concept at the end of the 19th century to a spaceless, temporal concept at the end of the 20th. Climatologists in the 19th and early 20th centuries considered climate as a set of atmospheric characteristics associated with specific places or regions. In this context, while the weather was subject to change, climate remained largely stable. Of particular interest was the impact of climate on human beings and the environment. In modern climate research at the close of the 20th century, the concept of climate lost its temporal stability. Instead, climate change has become a core feature of the understanding of climate and a focus of research interests. Climate has also lost its immediate association with specific geographical places and become global. The interest is now focused on the impact of human beings on climate. The paper attempts to investigate these conceptual shifts and their origins and impacts in order to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the history of climate research.