Car collision avoidance with velocity obstacle approach

The obstacle avoidance maneuver is required for an autonomous vehicle. It is essential to define the system's performance by evaluating the minimum reaction times of the vehicle and analyzing the probability of success of the avoiding operation. This paper presents a collision avoidance algorithm based on the velocity bstacle approach that guarantees collision-free maneuvers. The vehicle is controlled by an optimal feedback control named FLOP, designed to produce the best performance in terms of safety and minimum kinetic collision energy. Dimensionless accident evaluation parameters are proposed to compare different crash scenarios

Kramers–Kronig coherent receiver

The interest for short-reach links of the kind needed for inter-data-center communications has fueled in recent years the search for transmission schemes that are simultaneously highly performing and cost effective. In this work we propose a direct-detection coherent receiver that combines the advantages of coherent transmission and the cost-effectiveness of direct detection. The working principle of the proposed receiver is based on the famous Kramers–Kronig (KK) relations, and its implementation requires transmitting a continuous-wave signal at one edge of the information-carrying signal spectrum. The KK receiver scheme allows digital postcompensation of linear propagation impairments and, as compared to other existing solutions, is more efficient in terms of spectral occupancy and energy consumption

The delay spread in fibers for SDM transmission: dependence on fiber parameters and perturbations.

Contrary to single mode fibers, where random imperfections are responsible for polarization-mode dispersion, modal dispersion (MD) in multi-mode fiber structures for space-division multiplexed (SDM) transmission, originates chiefly from the intrinsic non-degeneracy of the propagating modes, also known as modal birefringence. The presence of random imperfections in such fibers has a positive aspect, as it reduces the intrinsic MD, and in the limit of strong coupling it causes the signal delay spread to increase with the square root of the propagation distance, rather than linearly, as would be the case in an ideal fiber. In this paper we derive a formula that relates the signal delay spread to the fiber geometry and to the statistical properties of the structural fiber perturbations. The derived formula provides insight into the MD phenomenon and facilitates the design of low-MD multi-mode fiber structures

Intensity impulse response of SDM links.

We study the response of space-division multiplexed fiber links to an excitation by a short impulse of the optical intensity. We show that, in the presence of full mixing, the intensity impulse response is Gaussian, confirming recently reported experimental observations, and relate its variance to the mean square of the mode dispersion vector of the link τ(-). The good agreement between our theory and the previously published experiments provides solid foundations to the random coupling model of SDM fiber links, and provides a tool for efficient design of MIMO-DSP receivers

Imaging Impulsivity in Parkinson's Disease and the Contribution of the Subthalamic Nucleus

Taking risks is a natural human response, but, in some, risk taking is compulsive and may be detrimental. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is thought to play a large role in our ability to inhibit responses. Differences between individuals' ability to inhibit inappropriate responses may underlie both the normal variation in trait impulsivity in the healthy population, as well as the pathological compulsions experienced by those with impulse control disorders (ICDs). Thus, we review the role of the STN in response inhibition, with a particular focus on studies employing imaging methodology. We also review the latest evidence that disruption of the function of the STN by deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease can increase impulsivity