45 GHz self-pulsation with narrow linewidth in quantum dot Fabry-Perot semiconductor lasers at 1.5 /spl mu/m

Self-pulsation at 45 GHz repetition frequency has been demonstrated in 1.5 /spl mu/m monolithic single-section quantum dot Fabry-Perot semiconductor lasers without saturable absorber. The mode-beating exhibits a narrow linewidth below 100 kHz, demonstrating high phase correlation between these modes. Such modelocked lasers open ways to low timing-jitter components for clock recovery or millimetre-wave generation in wireless transmission applications.     

Resource contention in shared-memory multiprocessors: A parameterized performance degradation model

A standard metric conventionally employed to compare the performance of different multiprocessor systems is speedup. Although providing a measure of the improvement in execution speed achievable on a system, this metric does not yield any insight into the factors responsible for limiting the potential improvement in speed. This paper studies the performance degradation in shared-memory multiprocessors as a result of contention for shared-memory resources. A replicate workload framework with a flexible mechanism for workload specification is proposed for measuring performance. Two normalized performance metrics—efficiency and overhead factor—are introduced to quantify the factors limiting performance and facilitate comparison across architectures. Finally, the proposed model is employed to measure and compare the performance of three contemporary shared-memory systems, with special emphasis on the newly released BBN Butterfly-II (TC2000), currently undergoing Beta test.     

Les enjeux économiques de ľinterconnexion des réseaux

The network interconnection and its regulation consist in solving the following dilemma: increase competition and preserve the universal service through access charges, which symbolizes today institutional organization within the telecommunication industry. This paper presents some of the economic and social factors that drive the interconnection policies namely ona (open network architecture) in the United States, or onp (open network provision) in Europe. In the first section, we list some social and economical issues related to open network policies. In the second section, we study the different answers brought up by the regulator through alternative interconnection price formulas. In conclusion, we discuss the stakes and risks of interconnection, while the technological evolution of network introduces intelligent software in switching équipement and implements the tremendous abilities of the digital broadband networks.     

Object permanence and working memory in cats (Felis catus).

Cats (Felis catus) find an object when it is visibly moved behind a succession of screens. However, when the object is moved behind a container and is invisibly transferred from the container to the back of a screen, cats try to find the object at or near the container rather than at the true hiding place. Four experiments were conducted to study search behavior and working memory in visible and invisible displacement tests of object permanence. Exp 1 compared performance in single and in double visible displacement trials. Exp 2 analyzed search behavior in invisible displacement tests and in analogs using a transparent container. Exps 3 and 4 tested predictions made from Exps 1 and 2 in a new situation of object permanence. Results showed that only the position changes that cats have directly perceived are encoded and activated in working memory because they are unable to represent or infer invisible movements. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Complex system reliability modelling with Dynamic Object Oriented Bayesian Networks (DOOBN)

Nowadays, the complex manufacturing processes have to be dynamically modelled and controlled to optimise the diagnosis and the maintenance policies. This article presents a methodology that will help developing Dynamic Object Oriented Bayesian Networks (DOOBNs) to formalise such complex dynamic models. The goal is to have a general reliability evaluation of a manufacturing process, from its implementation to its operating phase. The added value of this formalisation methodology consists in using the a priori knowledge of both the system's functioning and malfunctioning. Networks are built on principles of adaptability and integrate uncertainties on the relationships between causes and effects. Thus, the purpose is to evaluate, in terms of reliability, the impact of several decisions on the maintenance of the system. This methodology has been tested, in an industrial context, to model the reliability of a water (immersion) heater system.     

Microwave heating of poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottle preforms used in the thermoforming process

Thermoforming (free blowing) of poly(ethylene terephthalate) preforms was successfully and quickly performed in a rotating system designed for dielectric hysteresis heating. Temperature profile modeling was carried out with the amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) permittivity at different temperatures. The Maxwell and heat equations were used to determine the best profile and power tuning. The determination of the theoretical boundary conditions was accomplished by the adjustment of the numerical transient external surface wall temperature with experimental infrared pyrometry results. In comparison with infrared, microwaves allowed high power density absorption inside the perform wall without a dramatic temperature gradient. Consequently, the heat blowing stage could be accelerated, and the process took at least 5 times less energy than infrared heating. Industrial applications involve the integration of the molding step and the design of the overall process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008