Code Design for Non-Coherent Detection of Frame Headers in Precoded Satellite Systems

In this paper we propose a simple method for generating short-length rate-compatible codes over $\mathbb{Z}_M$ that are robust to non-coherent detection for $M$-PSK constellations. First, a greedy algorithm is used to construct a family of rotationally invariant codes for a given constellation. Then, by properly modifying such codes we obtain codes that are robust to non-coherent detection. We briefly discuss the optimality of the constructed codes for special cases of BPSK and QPSK constellations. Our method provides an upper bound for the length of optimal codes with a given desired non-coherent distance. We also derive a simple asymptotic upper bound on the frame error rate (FER) of such codes and provide the simulation results for a selected set of proposed codes. Finally, we briefly discuss the problem of designing binary codes that are robust to non-coherent detection for QPSK constellation.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Decoding Across the Quantum LDPC Code Landscape

We show that belief propagation combined with ordered statistics post-processing is a general decoder for quantum low density parity check codes constructed from the hypergraph product. To this end, we run numerical simulations of the decoder applied to three families of hypergraph product code: topological codes, fixed-rate random codes and a new class of codes that we call semi-topological codes. Our new code families share properties of both topological and random hypergraph product codes, with a construction that allows for a finely-controlled trade-off between code threshold and stabilizer locality. Our results indicate thresholds across all three families of hypergraph product code, and provide evidence of exponential suppression in the low error regime. For the Toric code, we observe a threshold in the range $9.9\pm0.2\%$. This result improves upon previous quantum decoders based on belief propagation, and approaches the performance of the minimum weight perfect matching algorithm. We expect semi-topological codes to have the same threshold as Toric codes, as they are identical in the bulk, and we present numerical evidence supporting this observation.Comment: The code for the BP+OSD decoder used in this work can be found on Github: https://github.com/quantumgizmos/bp_os

Optimization of Non Binary Parity Check Coefficients

This paper generalizes the method proposed by Poulliat et al. for the determination of the optimal Galois Field coefficients of a Non-Binary LDPC parity check constraint based on the binary image of the code. Optimal, or almost-optimal, parity check coefficients are given for check degree varying from 4 to 20 and Galois Field varying from GF(64) up to GF(1024). For all given sets of coefficients, no codeword of Hamming weight two exists. A reduced complexity algorithm to compute the binary Hamming weight 3 of a parity check is proposed. When the number of sets of coefficients is too high for an exhaustive search and evaluation, a local greedy search is performed. Explicit tables of coefficients are given. The proposed sets of coefficients can effectively replace the random selection of coefficients often used in NB-LDPC construction.Comment: First version submitted to IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, August the 5, 2017. Revised version, May the 5, 201

A single-photon sampling architecture for solid-state imaging

Advances in solid-state technology have enabled the development of silicon photomultiplier sensor arrays capable of sensing individual photons. Combined with high-frequency time-to-digital converters (TDCs), this technology opens up the prospect of sensors capable of recording with high accuracy both the time and location of each detected photon. Such a capability could lead to significant improvements in imaging accuracy, especially for applications operating with low photon fluxes such as LiDAR and positron emission tomography. The demands placed on on-chip readout circuitry imposes stringent trade-offs between fill factor and spatio-temporal resolution, causing many contemporary designs to severely underutilize the technology's full potential. Concentrating on the low photon flux setting, this paper leverages results from group testing and proposes an architecture for a highly efficient readout of pixels using only a small number of TDCs, thereby also reducing both cost and power consumption. The design relies on a multiplexing technique based on binary interconnection matrices. We provide optimized instances of these matrices for various sensor parameters and give explicit upper and lower bounds on the number of TDCs required to uniquely decode a given maximum number of simultaneous photon arrivals. To illustrate the strength of the proposed architecture, we note a typical digitization result of a 120x120 photodiode sensor on a 30um x 30um pitch with a 40ps time resolution and an estimated fill factor of approximately 70%, using only 161 TDCs. The design guarantees registration and unique recovery of up to 4 simultaneous photon arrivals using a fast decoding algorithm. In a series of realistic simulations of scintillation events in clinical positron emission tomography the design was able to recover the spatio-temporal location of 98.6% of all photons that caused pixel firings.Comment: 24 pages, 3 figures, 5 table