A clock synchronization skeleton based on RTAI

This paper presents a clock synchronization skeleton based on RTAI (Real Time Application Interface). The skeleton is a thin layer that provides unified but extendible interfaces to the underlying operating system, the synchronization algorithms and the upper level applications in need of clock synchronization. The skeleton provides synchronization support to a system, whereby the achieved accuracy is the best obtainable given this software structure. By connecting an algorithm and a communication module with the skeleton, a system becomes capable to run with synchronization support. To demonstrate and validate the design, the skeleton has been tested successfully with two different synchronization algorithms based on the CAN bus. Other algorithms and communication technologies can also work with the skeleton, as long as they provide the necessary functionalities for clock synchronization

Dielectric structures with bound modes for microcavity lasers

Cavity modes of dielectric microspheres and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, in spite of their high Q, are never exactly bound, but have a finite width due to leakage at the borders. We propose types of microstructures that sustain three-dimensionally bound modes of the radiation field when dissipation is neglected. Unlike photonic crystals, the photonic systems that we consider here rely on periodicity in only one or two dimensions. In particular, we discuss a cavity composed of two crossed vertical layers combined with a periodic structure of horizontal layers. The layers have an anisotropic dielectric tensor, which could be obtained by making air holes in the vertical and horizontal directions within isotropic material. We calculate cavity resonance frequencies and spontaneous emission rates. The simplicity of this laser geometry allows an analytical study of light propagation and amplification in three dimensions