Local convexity inspired low-complexity non-coherent signal detector for nano-scale molecular communications

Molecular communications via diffusion (MCvD) represents a relatively new area of wireless data transfer with especially attractive characteristics for nanoscale applications. Due to the nature of diffusive propagation, one of the key challenges is to mitigate inter-symbol interference (ISI) that results from the long tail of channel response. Traditional coherent detectors rely on accurate channel estimations and incur a high computational complexity. Both of these constraints make coherent detection unrealistic for MCvD systems. In this paper, we propose a low-complexity and noncoherent signal detector, which exploits essentially the local convexity of the diffusive channel response. A threshold estimation mechanism is proposed to detect signals blindly, which can also adapt to channel variations. Compared to other noncoherent detectors, the proposed algorithm is capable of operating at high data rates and suppressing ISI from a large number of previous symbols. Numerical results demonstrate that not only is the ISI effectively suppressed, but the complexity is also reduced by only requiring summation operations. As a result, the proposed noncoherent scheme will provide the necessary potential to low-complexity molecular communications, especially for nanoscale applications with a limited computation and energy budget

The 2017 Terahertz Science and Technology Roadmap

Science and technologies based on terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (100GHz-30THz) have developed rapidly over the last 30 years. For most of the 20th century, terahertz radiation, then referred to as sub-millimeter wave or far-infrared radiation, was mainly utilized by astronomers and some spectroscopists. Following the development of laser based terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in the 1980s and 1990s the field of THz science and technology expanded rapidly, to the extent that it now touches many areas from fundamental science to “real world” applications. For example THz radiation is being used to optimize materials for new solar cells, and may also be a key technology for the next generation of airport security scanners. While the field was emerging it was possible to keep track of all new developments, however now the field has grown so much that it is increasingly difficult to follow the diverse range of new discoveries and applications that are appearing. At this point in time, when the field of THz science and technology is moving from an emerging to a more established and interdisciplinary field, it is apt to present a roadmap to help identify the breadth and future directions of the field. The aim of this roadmap is to present a snapshot of the present state of THz science and technology in 2016, and provide an opinion on the challenges and opportunities that the future holds. To be able to achieve this aim, we have invited a group of international experts to write 17 sections that cover most of the key areas of THz Science and Technology. We hope that The 2016 Roadmap on THz Science and Technology will prove to be a useful resource by providing a wide ranging introduction to the capabilities of THz radiation for those outside or just entering the field as well as providing perspective and breadth for those who are well established. We also feel that this review should serve as a useful guide for government and funding agencies