Learning probability distributions in continuous evolutionary algorithms – a comparative review

We present a comparative review of Evolutionary Algorithms that generate new population members by sampling a probability distributionconstructed during the optimization process. We present a unifying formulation for five such algorithms that enables us to characterize them based on the parametrization of the probability distribution, the learning methodology, and the use of historical information.The algorithms are evaluated on a number of test functions in order to assess their relative strengths and weaknesses. This comparative reviewhelps to identify areas of applicability for the algorithms and to guidefuture algorithmic developments.     

Two-way transmission using electro-optical modulator

A new method of simultaneous two-way transmission over one fibre is described. Only one optical source is required when an electro-optical modulator is used. In addition, the experimental results of a version of this system operating over 12 km of single-mode fibre are presented.     

Simultaneous single-fibre transmission of video and bidirectionalvoice/data using LiNbO3 guided-wave devices

A system experiment which uses integrated optics to effect bidirectional transmission on a single-mode fiber is described. The system has practical applications and provides more functionality than previously reported experimental systems. The system consists of a video link (180 Mbit/s) and a voice/data link (1.54 Mbit/s) to the end user and a return voice/data link (1.54 Mbit/s) from the end user. Two LiNbO ₃ devices are used to externally modulate lasers and a third is used in a novel way to demultiplex the incoming signals and to eliminate the need for an optical source at the user's end. The system operated over 4 km of standard single-mode fiber with a BER⩽10^-9 and excess margins (4.9, 9.3, and 28.1 dB) on the three links