Obtaining the frequencies of Schenberg detector sphere using finite element modelling

The resonant-mass gravitational wave detector SCHENBERG is a spherical detector that operates with a central frequency close to 3200 Hz and a bandwidth around 200 Hz. It has a spherical mass that works as an antenna whose weight is 1150 kg and is connected to the outer environment by a suspension system designed to attenuate local noise due to seism as well as other sources; the sphere is suspended by its center of mass. When a gravitational wave passes by the detector, the antenna is expected to vibrate. This motion should be monitored by six parametric microwave transducers whose output signals will be digitally analyzed. In order to determine the detector performance better, it is necessary to obtain the vibration frequencies of the sphere with a better precision. To achieve such a goal the sphere with the holes to mount the transducers and the central hole from which the sphere is suspended is simulated in a finite element method program when the gravity is applied to the sphere and the deformation is kept. After that the vibration normal modes of the sphere are calculated and they are compared to the experimental results.

Cognitive Spectrum Sensing with Multiple Primary Users in Rayleigh Fading Channels

Accurate detection of white spaces is crucial in cognitive radio networks. Initial investigations show that the accurate detection in a multiple primary users environment is challenging, especially under severe multipath conditions. Among many techniques, recently proposed eigenvalue-based detectors that use random matrix theories to eliminate the need of prior knowledge of the signals proved to be a solid approach. In this work, we study the effect of Rayleigh multipath fading channels on spectrum sensing in a multiple primary user environment for a pre-proposed detector called the spherical detector using the eigenvalue approach. Simulation results show interesting outcomes.

Cognitive Spectrum Sensing with Multiple Primary Users in Rayleigh Fading Channels

Accurate detection of white spaces is crucial in cognitive radio networks. Initial investigations show that the accurate detection in a multiple primary users environment is challenging, especially under severe multipath conditions. Among many techniques, recently proposed eigenvalue-based detectors that use random matrix theories to eliminate the need of prior knowledge of the signals proved to be a solid approach. In this work, we study the effect of Rayleigh multipath fading channels on spectrum sensing in a multiple primary user environment for a pre-proposed detector called the spherical detector using the eigenvalue approach. Simulation results show interesting outcomes.

Ultra-broadband axicon transducer for optoacoustic endoscopy

Image performance in optoacoustic endoscopy depends markedly on the design of the transducer employed. Ideally, high-resolution performance is required over an expanded depth of focus. Current optoacoustic focused transducers achieve lateral resolutions in the range of tens of microns in the mesoscopic regime, but their depth of focus is limited to hundreds of microns by the nature of their spherical geometry. We designed an ultra-broadband axicon detector with a 2 mm central aperture and investigated whether the imaging characteristics exceeded those of a spherical detector of similar size. We show a previously undocumented ability to achieve a broadband elongated pencil-beam optoacoustic sensitivity with an axicon detection geometry, providing approximately 40 μm-lateral resolution maintained over a depth of focus of 950 μm—3.8 times that of the reference spherical detector. This performance could potentially lead to optoacoustic endoscopes that can visualize optical absorption deeper and with higher resolution than any other optical endoscope today.