The PLATO Dome A Site-Testing Observatory : instrumentation and first results

The PLATeau Observatory (PLATO) is an automated self-powered astrophysical observatory that was deployed to Dome A, the highest point on the Antarctic plateau, in 2008 January. PLATO consists of a suite of site-testing instruments designed to quantify the benefits of the Dome A site for astronomy, and science instruments designed to take advantage of the unique observing conditions. Instruments include CSTAR, an array of optical telescopes for transient astronomy; Gattini, an instrument to measure the optical sky brightness and cloud cover statistics; DASLE, an experiment to measure the statistics of the meteorological conditions within the near-surface layer; Pre-HEAT, a submillimeter tipping radiometer measuring the atmospheric transmission and water vapor content and performing spectral line imaging of the Galactic plane; and Snodar, an acoustic radar designed to measure turbulence within the near-surface layer. PLATO has run completely unattended and collected data throughout the winter 2008 season. Here we present a detailed description of the PLATO instrument suite and preliminary results obtained from the first season of operation

Universal transceivers: Opportunities and future directions for the internet of everything (IOE)

The Internet of Everything (IoE) is a recently introduced information and communication technology (ICT) framework promising for extending the human connectivity to the entire universe, which itself can be regarded as a natural IoE, an interconnected network of everything we perceive. The countless number of opportunities that can be enabled by IoE through a blend of heterogeneous ICT technologies across different scales and environments and a seamless interface with the natural IoE impose several fundamental challenges, such as interoperability, ubiquitous connectivity, energy efficiency, and miniaturization. The key to address these challenges is to advance our communication technology to match the multi-scale, multi-modal, and dynamic features of the natural IoE. To this end, we introduce a new communication device concept, namely the universal IoE transceiver, that encompasses transceiver architectures that are characterized by multi-modality in communication (with modalities such as molecular, RF/THz, optical and acoustic) and in energy harvesting (with modalities such as mechanical, solar, biochemical), modularity, tunability, and scalability. Focusing on these fundamental traits, we provide an overview of the opportunities that can be opened up by micro/nanoscale universal transceiver architectures towards realizing the IoE applications. We also discuss the most pressing challenges in implementing such transceivers and briefly review the open research directions. Our discussion is particularly focused on the opportunities and challenges pertaining to the IoE physical layer, which can enable the efficient and effective design of higher-level techniques. We believe that such universal transceivers can pave the way for seamless connection and communication with the universe at a deeper level and pioneer the construction of the forthcoming IoE landscape. Index Terms– Internet of Everything, Universal IoE Transceiver, Interoperability, Multi-modality, Hybrid Energy Harvesting, Molecular Communications, THz Communications, Graphene and related nanomaterials

The IEEE 1906.1 Standard: nanocommunications as a new source of data

Nanoscale communications is a new paradigm encompassing all those concerns related to the exchange of information among devices at the nanometer scale. A network infrastructure consisting of a huge amount of nano-devices is envisaged to ensure robust, reliable and coordinated data transmission. This will enable a plethora of forthcoming applications and services in many different research fields, such as personalized medicine, synthetic biology, environmental science or industry, which will lead to outstanding and unprecedented advances. The IEEE P1906.1 standard provides a conceptual and general framework to set the starting point for future developments in nanoscale communication networks. This paper reviews the latest IEEE P1906.1 recommendations, observing their main features when applied to the electromagnetic (EM) nanocommunication area. We contribute by identifying and discussing the principal shortcomings of the standard, to which further research efforts must be devoted. We also provide interesting guidelines for focusing the object of future investigations.This work has been supported by the project AIM, ref. TEC2016-76465-C2-1-R (AEI/FEDER, UE)

On the Road to 6G: Visions, Requirements, Key Technologies and Testbeds

Fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems have entered the stage of commercial development, providing users with new services and improved user experiences as well as offering a host of novel opportunities to various industries. However, 5G still faces many challenges. To address these challenges, international industrial, academic, and standards organizations have commenced research on sixth generation (6G) wireless communication systems. A series of white papers and survey papers have been published, which aim to define 6G in terms of requirements, application scenarios, key technologies, etc. Although ITU-R has been working on the 6G vision and it is expected to reach a consensus on what 6G will be by mid-2023, the related global discussions are still wide open and the existing literature has identified numerous open issues. This paper first provides a comprehensive portrayal of the 6G vision, technical requirements, and application scenarios, covering the current common understanding of 6G. Then, a critical appraisal of the 6G network architecture and key technologies is presented. Furthermore, existing testbeds and advanced 6G verification platforms are detailed for the first time. In addition, future research directions and open challenges are identified for stimulating the on-going global debate. Finally, lessons learned to date concerning 6G networks are discussed

A Survey of Beam Management for mmWave and THz Communications Towards 6G

Communication in millimeter wave (mmWave) and even terahertz (THz) frequency bands is ushering in a new era of wireless communications. Beam management, namely initial access and beam tracking, has been recognized as an essential technique to ensure robust mmWave/THz communications, especially for mobile scenarios. However, narrow beams at higher carrier frequency lead to huge beam measurement overhead, which has a negative impact on beam acquisition and tracking. In addition, the beam management process is further complicated by the fluctuation of mmWave/THz channels, the random movement patterns of users, and the dynamic changes in the environment. For mmWave and THz communications toward 6G, we have witnessed a substantial increase in research and industrial attention on artificial intelligence (AI), reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), and integrated sensing and communications (ISAC). The introduction of these enabling technologies presents both open opportunities and unique challenges for beam management. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey on mmWave and THz beam management. Further, we give some insights on technical challenges and future research directions in this promising area.Comment: accepted by IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorial

Cognitive and Autonomous Software-Defined Open Optical Networks

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

MINI-ROBOT VIA WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

 The Emergence Of Nano-Electromagnetic Communications Supported Graphene Nano-Antennas Has Opened New Perspectives For Communications Between Small Things, Referred As To The Web Of MiniThings Or Maybe Because The Internet Of Nano-Things. However, These Antennas Make Use Of The Terahertz Band Which Raises Many Problems Just Like The Absorption Of Entire Range Of The Available Bandwidth By Any Molecule. Meanwhile, Recent Advances Are Made Within The Design And Fabrication Of Mini-Robots Enabling Formation Of Minirobots Networks. Nano-Antennas Are A Stimulating Way Of Communicating Between Mini-Robots. We Envision Two Types Of Bene_Ts Using Integrated NanoAntennas In Mini-Robots. Second, nano wireless communications can create new applications and new applications.This Article Presents A Simulation Framework For Mini-Robots Using Nano-Wireless Communications And An Application Being Developed Within Our Simulator.&nbsp