The theory of bandpass sampling

The sampling of bandpass signals is discussed with respect to band position, noise considerations, and parameter sensitivity. For first-order sampling, the acceptable and unacceptable sample rates are presented, with specific discussion of the practical rates which are nonminimum. It is shown that the minimum sampling rate is pathological in that any imperfection in the implementation will cause aliasing. In applying bandpass sampling to relocate signals to a base-band position, the signal-to-noise ratio is not preserved owing to the out-of-band noise being aliased. The degradation in signal-to-noise ratio is quantified in terms of the position of the bandpass signal. For the construction of a bandpass signal from second-order samples, the cost of implementing the interpolant (dynamic range and length) depends on Kohlenberg's sampling factor (1953) k, the relative delay between the uniform sampling streams. An elaboration on the disallowed discrete values of k shows that some allowed values are better than others for implementation     

The mechanism of the reduction of [AnO2]2+ (An = U, Np, Pu) in aqueous solution, and by Fe(II) containing proteins and mineral surfaces, probed by DFT calculations

The fate of actinyl species in the environment is closely linked to oxidation state, since the reduction of An(VI) to An(IV) greatly decreases their mobility due to the precipitation of the relatively insoluble An(IV) species. Here we study the mechanism of the reduction of [AnO(2)](2+) (An = U, Np, Pu) both in aqueous solution and by Fe(II) containing proteins and mineral surfaces, using density functional theory calculations. We find a disproportionation mechanism involving a An(V)-An(V) cation-cation complex, and we have investigated how these complexes are formed in the different environments. We find that the behaviour of U and Pu complexes are similar, but the reduction of Np(V) to Np(IV) would seems to be more difficult, in line with the experimental finding that Np(V) is generally more stable than U(V) or Pu(V). Although the models we have used are somewhat idealised, our calculations suggest that there are strong similarities between the biotic and abiotic reduction pathways.     

Combination of fluid and solid mechanical stresses contribute to cell death and detachment in a microfluidic alveolar model

Studies using this micro-system demonstrated significant morphological differences between alveolar epithelial cells (transformed human alveolar epithelial cell line, A549 and primary murine alveolar epithelial cells, AECs) exposed to combination of solid mechanical and surface-tension stresses (cyclic propagation of air-liquid interface and wall stretch) compared to cell populations exposed solely to cyclic stretch. We have also measured significant differences in both cell death and cell detachment rates in cell monolayers experiencing combination of stresses. This research describes new tools for studying the combined effects of fluid mechanical and solid mechanical stress on alveolar cells. It also highlights the role that surface tension forces may play in the development of clinical pathology, especially under conditions of surfactant dysfunction. The results support the need for further research and improved understanding on techniques to reduce and eliminate fluid stresses in clinical settings.     

Secondary emission formulas

A minor revision is made to the author's `A New Formula for Secondary Emission Yield' (ibid., vol.36, no.9, p.1963-7, September 1989) based on the work of A. Shih and C. Hor reported elsewhere in this issue (ibid. vol.40, no.4, p.824-9, Apr. 1993)     

Transmitting, receiving, and scattering properties of antennas

In most modern textbooks on antennas, it is stated that receiving antennas scatter as much as they absorb under matched-load conditions. This is incorrect, as was shown 50 years ago. The reason for this discrepancy is an apparently incorrect use of the equivalent circuits. In this tutorial paper, a simple example of a two-element Yagi antenna and a test dipole in the far field is analyzed for transmission, reception, and scattering, through the use of the symmetric impedance matrix. It is shown that the correct equivalent circuit for the scattering case is more complicated, owing to the existence of more sources than in the transmitting case. Through a numerical example, it is also shown that the scattered power may be larger, equal to, or smaller than the absorbed power.     

Inter-transverse-mode injection locking and subthreshold gainmeasurements in a CO2 waveguide laser

A higher order CO₂ waveguide laser resonator mode has been studied both above and below threshold, by reinjecting a frequency shifted portion of the laser output back into the resonator. The relative reinjected (autodyne) gain profile in the vicinity of the subthreshold transverse mode is shown to shift in frequency, reduce in spectral width, and increase in magnitude as the subthreshold mode is brought nearer to threshold by tilting one of the resonator mirrors. Once above threshold, inter-transverse-mode injection locking has been demonstrated, and close to the locking-point higher order terms from the nonlinear interaction are clearly evident