CACSD, GUI's, and the multivariable frequency domain toolbox

This talk describes a new version of the Multivariable Frequency Domain Toolbox for Matlab. The intellectual issue which arises here is whether there is a role for Matlab-4 GUI facilities in a Toolbox which provides relatively low-level functionality, with a correspondingly random pattern of user interaction. My belief is that there is a role, but it is very restricted: in effect only for providing convenient 'viewing' facilities for low-level objects (which are multivariable frequency responses in the case of the MFD Toolbox). There is a more obvious role for a GUI with higher-level functions, such as frequency domain identification or parametric controller optimisation.

Adjoint linearised Euler solver in the frequency domain for jet noise modelling

The paper is devoted to extending the new efficient frequency-domain method of adjoint Green's function calculation to curvilinear multi-block RANS domains for middle and farfield sound computations. Numerical details of the method such as grids, boundary conditions and convergence acceleration are discussed. Two acoustic source models are considered in conjunction with the method and acoustic modelling results are presented for a benchmark low-Reynolds-number jet case.

Bayesian estimation of simultaneous musical notes based on frequency domain modelling

This paper proposes a Bayesian method for polyphonic music description. The method first divides an input audio signal into a series of sections called snapshots, and then estimates parameters such as fundamental frequencies and amplitudes of the notes contained in each snapshot. The parameter estimation process is based on a frequency domain modelling and Gibbs sampling. Experimental results obtained from audio signals of test note patterns are encouraging; the accuracy is better than 80% for the estimation of fundamental frequencies in terms of semitones and instrument names when the number of simultaneous notes is two.

Effects of KI encapsulation in single-walled carbon nanotubes by Raman and optical absorption spectroscopy.

The effect of KI encapsulation in narrow (HiPCO) single-walled carbon nanotubes is studied via Raman spectroscopy and optical absorption. The analysis of the data explores the interplay between strain and structural modifications, bond-length changes, charge transfer, and electronic density of states. KI encapsulation appears to be consistent with both charge transfer and strain that shrink both the C-C bonds and the overall nanotube along the axial direction. The charge transfer in larger semiconducting nanotubes is low and comparable with some cases of electrochemical doping, while optical transitions between pairs of singularities of the density of states are quenched for narrow metallic nanotubes. Stronger changes in the density of states occur in some energy ranges and are attributed to polarization van der Waals interactions caused by the ionic encapsulate. Unlike doping with other species, such as atoms and small molecules, encapsulation of inorganic compounds via the molten-phase route provides stable effects due to maximal occupation of the nanotube inner space.

Intrinsic terahertz plasmon signatures in chemical vapour deposited graphene

Plasmonic resonance at terahertz (THz) frequencies can be achieved by gating graphene grown via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) to a high carrier concentration. THz time domain spectroscopy of such gated monolayer graphene shows resonance features around 1.6 THz, which appear as absorption peaks when the graphene is electrostatically p-doped and change to enhanced transmission when the graphene is n-doped. Superimposed on the Drude-like frequency response of graphene, these resonance features are related to the inherent poly-crystallinity of CVD graphene. An understanding of these features is necessary for the development of future THz optical elements based on CVD graphene. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

Rhythm generation in monkey motor cortex explored using pyramidal tract stimulation.

We investigated whether stimulation of the pyramidal tract (PT) could reset the phase of 15-30 Hz beta oscillations observed in the macaque motor cortex. We recorded local field potentials (LFPs) and multiple single-unit activity from two conscious macaque monkeys performing a precision grip task. EMG activity was also recorded from the second animal. Single PT stimuli were delivered during the hold period of the task, when oscillations in the LFP were most prominent. Stimulus-triggered averaging of the LFP showed a phase-locked oscillatory response to PT stimulation. Frequency domain analysis revealed two components within the response: a 15-30 Hz component, which represented resetting of on-going beta rhythms, and a lower frequency 10 Hz response. Only the higher frequency could be observed in the EMG activity, at stronger stimulus intensities than were required for resetting the cortical rhythm. Stimulation of the PT during movement elicited a greatly reduced oscillatory response. Analysis of single-unit discharge confirmed that PT stimulation was capable of resetting periodic activity in motor cortex. The firing patterns of pyramidal tract neurones (PTNs) and unidentified neurones exhibited successive cycles of suppression and facilitation, time locked to the stimulus. We conclude that PTN activity directly influences the generation of the 15-30 Hz rhythm. These PTNs facilitate EMG activity in upper limb muscles, contributing to corticomuscular coherence at this same frequency. Since the earliest oscillatory effect observed following stimulation was a suppression of firing, we speculate that inhibitory feedback may be the key mechanism generating such oscillations in the motor cortex.

Dynamical behavior of damped driven coupled single electron simple harmonic oscillators

Coherent coupling between a large number of qubits is the goal for scalable approaches to solid state quantum information processing. Prototype systems can be characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Here, we use pulsed-continuous wave microwave spectroscopy to study the behavior of electrons trapped at defects within the gate dielectric of a sol-gel-based high-k silicon MOSFET. Disorder leads to a wide distribution in trap properties, allowing more than 1000 traps to be individually addressed in a single transistor within the accessible frequency domain. Their dynamical behavior is explored by pulsing the microwave excitation over a range of times comparable to the phase coherence time and the lifetime of the electron in the trap. Trap occupancy is limited to a single electron, which can be manipulated by resonant microwave excitation and the resulting change in trap occupancy is detected by the change in the channel current of the transistor. The trap behavior is described by a classical damped driven simple harmonic oscillator model, with the phase coherence, lifetime and coupling strength parameters derived from a continuous wave (CW) measurement only. For pulse times shorter than the phase coherence time, the energy exchange between traps, due to the coupling, strongly modulates the observed drain current change. This effect could be exploited for 2-qubit gate operation. The very large number of resonances observed in this system would allow a complex multi-qubit quantum mechanical circuit to be realized by this mechanism using only a single transistor.

Refractive index evaluation of multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays

Transmission terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measurements of carbon nanotube arrays are presented. A relatively thin film with vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes has been prepared and measured using THz-TDS. Experimental results were obtained from 80GHz to 2.5THz, and the sample has been characterized by extracting the relative permittivity of the carbon nanotubes. A combination of the Maxwell-Garnett and Drude models within the frequency range provide a good fit to the measured permittivity.

Lowering the excitation threshold of a random laser using the dynamic scattering states of an organosiloxane smectic A liquid crystal

Smectic A liquid crystals, based upon molecular structures that consist of combined siloxane and mesogenic moieties, exhibit strong multiple scattering of light with and without the presence of an electric field. This paper demonstrates that when one adds a laser dye to these compounds it is possible to observe random laser emission under optical excitation, and that the output can be varied depending upon the scattering state that is induced by the electric field. Results are presented to show that the excitation threshold of a dynamic scattering state, consisting of chaotic motion due to electro-hydrodynamic instabilities, exhibits lower lasing excitation thresholds than the scattering states that exist in the absence of an applied electric field. However, the lowest threshold is observed for a dynamic scattering state that does not have the largest scattering strength but which occurs when there is optimization of the combined light absorption and scattering properties. © 2012 American Institute of Physics.

CLADP - THE CAMBRIDGE LINEAR ANALYSIS AND DESIGN PROGRAMS USER REFERENCE MANUAL (4TH ISSUE: APRIL 1983).

CLADP is an engineering software program developed at Cambridge University for the interactive computer aided design of feedback control systems. CLADP contains a wide range of tools for the analysis of complex systems, and the assessment of their performance when feedback control is applied, thus enabling control systems to be designed to meet difficult performance objectives. The range of tools within CLADP include the latest techniques in the field whose central theme is the extension of classical frequency domain concepts (well known and well proven for single loop systems) to multivariable or multiloop systems, and by making extensive use of graphical presentation information is provided in a readily understood form.

TWO TUTORIAL EXAMPLES OF MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN.

Two tutorial examples are presented which illustrate different methods of designing practical multivariable control systems using frequency-domain techniques. In the first case eigenvector alignment techniques are used to manipulate and shape the generalized Nyquist diagrams, while in the second case LQG theory in conjunction with singular value plots is employed. In both cases the designs are carried out on a modern computer-aided control-system design package.

HEAVY VEHICLE VIBRATION - A CASE STUDY.

A method is presented for the digital simulation of multiple degrees-of-freedom lumped parameter vibrating systems with arbitrary constitutive elements in an inertial frame of reference. The geometry of the system is treated independently of the constitutive elements and as a result nonlinear (time domain) or linearised (frequency domain) calculations may be performed using a single input description. The method is used to simulate a 3-axle rigid heavy commercial vehicle for harsh vibrating conditions. Some of the assumptions to which the calculations are sensitive are examined. Agreement between the response of a 3-dimensional whole vehicle model and measurements on the test vehicle is satisfactory.

Multivariable toolbox for use with MATLAB.

The authors describe a toolbox for the frequency-domain analysis and design of multivariable feedback systems, to be used with PC-Matlab, or Pro-Matlab. The principal model representations used by the toolbox are described. Its capabilities are illustrated by a worked design example, which shows the use of a Nyquist array method. Other design techniques supported by the toolbox are briefly reviewed.