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Keywords = avalanche gain

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20 pages, 7725 KiB  
Article
Harmonic Distortion Peculiarities of High-Frequency SiGe HBT Power Cells for Radar Front End and Wireless Communication
by Paulius Sakalas and Anindya Mukherjee
Electronics 2025, 14(15), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14152984 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 248
Abstract
High-frequency (h. f.) harmonic distortion (HD) of advanced SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT)-based power cells (PwCs), featuring optimized metallization interconnections between individual HBTs, was investigated. Single tone input power (Pin) excitations at 1, 2, 5, and 10 GHz frequencies were [...] Read more.
High-frequency (h. f.) harmonic distortion (HD) of advanced SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT)-based power cells (PwCs), featuring optimized metallization interconnections between individual HBTs, was investigated. Single tone input power (Pin) excitations at 1, 2, 5, and 10 GHz frequencies were employed. The output power (Pout) of the fundamental tone and its harmonics were analyzed in both the frequency and time domains. A rapid increase in the third harmonic of Pout was observed at input powers exceeding −8 dBm for a fundamental frequency of 10 GHz in two different PwC technologies. This increase in the third harmonic was analyzed in terms of nonlinear current waveforms, the nonlinearity of the HBT p-n junction diffusion capacitances, substrate current behavior versus Pin, and avalanche multiplication current. To assess the RF power performance of the PwCs, scalar and vectorial load-pull (LP) measurements were conducted and analyzed. Under matched conditions, the SiGe PwCs demonstrated good linearity, particularly at high frequencies. The key power performance of the PwCs was measured and simulated as follows: input power 1 dB compression point (Pin_1dB) of −3 dBm, transducer power gain (GT) of 15 dB, and power added efficiency (PAE) of 50% at 30 GHz. All measured data were corroborated with simulations using the compact model HiCuM L2. Full article
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22 pages, 1066 KiB  
Article
GA-Synthesized Training Framework for Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy PID Control in High-Precision SPAD Thermal Management
by Mingjun Kuang, Qingwen Hou, Jindong Wang, Jianping Guo and Zhengjun Wei
Machines 2025, 13(7), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13070624 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
This study presents a hybrid adaptive control strategy that integrates genetic algorithm (GA) optimization with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for precise thermal regulation of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To address the nonlinear and disturbance-sensitive dynamics of SPAD systems, a performance-oriented dataset [...] Read more.
This study presents a hybrid adaptive control strategy that integrates genetic algorithm (GA) optimization with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for precise thermal regulation of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). To address the nonlinear and disturbance-sensitive dynamics of SPAD systems, a performance-oriented dataset is constructed through multi-scenario simulations using settling time, overshoot, and steady-state error as fitness metrics. The genetic algorithm (GA) facilitates broad exploration of the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller parameter space while ensuring control stability by discarding low-performing gain combinations. The resulting high-quality dataset is used to train the ANFIS model, enabling real-time, adaptive tuning of PID gains. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed GA-ANFIS-PID controller significantly enhances dynamic response, robustness, and adaptability over both the conventional Ziegler–Nichols PID and GA-only PID schemes. The controller maintains stability under structural perturbations and abrupt thermal disturbances without the need for offline retuning, owing to the real-time inference capabilities of the ANFIS model. By combining global evolutionary optimization with intelligent online adaptation, this approach improves both accuracy and generalization, offering a practical and scalable solution for SPAD thermal management in demanding environments such as quantum communication, sensing, and single-photon detection platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Automation and Control Systems)
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17 pages, 1027 KiB  
Review
Photon Detector Technology for Laser Ranging: A Review of Recent Developments
by Zhihui Li, Xin Jin, Changfu Yuan and Kai Wang
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070798 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 555
Abstract
Laser ranging technology holds a key position in the military, aerospace, and industrial fields due to its high precision and non-contact measurement characteristics. As a core component, the performance of the photon detector directly determines the ranging accuracy and range. This paper systematically [...] Read more.
Laser ranging technology holds a key position in the military, aerospace, and industrial fields due to its high precision and non-contact measurement characteristics. As a core component, the performance of the photon detector directly determines the ranging accuracy and range. This paper systematically reviews the technological development of photonic detectors for laser ranging, with a focus on analyzing the working principles and performance differences of traditional photodiodes [PN (P-N junction photodiode), PIN (P-intrinsic-N photodiode), and APD (avalanche photodiode)] (such as the high-frequency response characteristics of PIN and the internal gain mechanism of APD), as well as their applications in short- and medium-range scenarios. Additionally, this paper discusses the unique advantages of special structures such as transmitting junction-type and Schottky-type detectors in applications like ultraviolet light detection. This article focuses on photon counting technology, reviewing the technological evolution of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). PMT achieves single-photon detection based on the external photoelectric effect but is limited by volume and anti-interference capability. SPAD achieves sub-decimeter accuracy in 100 km lidars through Geiger mode avalanche doubling, but it faces challenges in dark counting and temperature control. SNSPD, relying on the characteristics of superconducting materials, achieves a detection efficiency of 95% and a dark count rate of less than 1 cps in the 1550 nm band. It has been successfully applied in cutting-edge fields such as 3000 km satellite ranging (with an accuracy of 8 mm) and has broken through the near-infrared bottleneck. This study compares the differences among various detectors in core indicators such as ranging error and spectral response, and looks forward to the future technical paths aimed at improving the resolution of photon numbers and expanding the full-spectrum detection capabilities. It points out that the new generation of detectors represented by SNSPD, through material and process innovations, is promoting laser ranging to leap towards longer distances, higher precision, and wider spectral bands. It has significant application potential in fields such as space debris monitoring. Full article
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13 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
A 5 Gb/s Optoelectronic Receiver IC in 180 nm CMOS for Short-Distance Optical Interconnects
by Yunji Song and Sung-Min Park
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060624 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 321
Abstract
This paper presents a CMOS-based optoelectronic receiver integrated circuit (CORIC) realized in a standard 180 nm CMOS technology for the applications of short-distance optical interconnects. The CORIC comprises a spatially modulated P+/N-well on-chip avalanche photodiode (P+/NW APD) for optical-to-electrical [...] Read more.
This paper presents a CMOS-based optoelectronic receiver integrated circuit (CORIC) realized in a standard 180 nm CMOS technology for the applications of short-distance optical interconnects. The CORIC comprises a spatially modulated P+/N-well on-chip avalanche photodiode (P+/NW APD) for optical-to-electrical conversion, a dummy APD at the differential input for enhanced common-mode noise rejection, a cross-coupled differential transimpedance amplifier (CCD-TIA) for current-to-voltage conversion, a 3-bit continuous-time linear equalizer (CTLE) for adaptive equalization by using NMOS registers, and a fT-doubler output buffer (OB). The CTLE and fT-doubler OB combination not only compensates the frequency-dependent signal loss, but also provides symmetric differential output signals. Post-layout simulations of the proposed CORIC reveal a transimpedance gain of 53.2 dBΩ, a bandwidth of 4.83 GHz even with a 490 fF parasitic capacitance from the on-chip P+/NW APD, a dynamic range of 60 dB that handles the input photocurrents from 1 μApp to 1 mApp, and a DC power consumption of 33.7 mW from a 1.8 V supply. The CORIC chip core occupies an area of 260 × 101 μm2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Low-Dimensional Optoelectronic Materials and Devices)
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20 pages, 3530 KiB  
Article
Avalanche Photodiode-Based Deep Space Optical Uplink Communication in the Presence of Channel Impairments
by Wenjng Guo, Xiaowei Wu and Lei Yang
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060562 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Optical communication is a critical technology for future deep space exploration, offering substantial advantages in transmission capacity and spectrum utilization. This paper establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework for avalanche photodiode (APD)-based deep space optical uplink communication under combined channel impairments, including atmospheric and [...] Read more.
Optical communication is a critical technology for future deep space exploration, offering substantial advantages in transmission capacity and spectrum utilization. This paper establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework for avalanche photodiode (APD)-based deep space optical uplink communication under combined channel impairments, including atmospheric and coronal turbulence induced beam scintillation, pointing errors, angle-of-arrival (AOA) fluctuations, link attenuation, and background noise. A closed-form analytical channel model unifying these effects is derived and validated through Monte Carlo simulations. Webb and Gaussian approximations are employed to characterize APD output statistics, with theoretical symbol error rate (SER) expressions for pulse position modulation (PPM) derived under diverse impairment scenarios. Numerical results demonstrate that the Webb model achieves higher accuracy by capturing APD gain dynamics, while the Gaussian approximation remains viable when APD gain exceeds a channel fading-dependent gain threshold. Key system parameters such as APD gain and field-of-view (FOV) angle are analyzed. The optimal APD gain significantly influences the achievement of optimal SER performance, and angle of FOV design balances AOA fluctuations tolerance against noise suppression. These findings enable hardware optimization under size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) constraints without compromising performance. Our work provides critical guidelines for designing robust APD-based deep space optical uplink communication systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Optical Wireless Communications)
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14 pages, 5389 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Guard Rings on Self-Induced Signal and Leakage Current in Trench-Isolated Low Gain Avalanche Diodes
by Gordana Lastovicka-Medin, Gregor Kramberger, Jiri Kroll and Mateusz Rebarz
Sensors 2025, 25(10), 3006; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25103006 - 10 May 2025
Viewed by 728
Abstract
In this contribution, we explored the interplay of guard ring (GR) configuration and isolation structures, as well as irradiation effects, which all together create a rich landscape of phenomena such as self-induced signals (“ghosts”) in trench-isolated Low-Gain Avalanche Diodes (TI-LGADs). The ghost effect [...] Read more.
In this contribution, we explored the interplay of guard ring (GR) configuration and isolation structures, as well as irradiation effects, which all together create a rich landscape of phenomena such as self-induced signals (“ghosts”) in trench-isolated Low-Gain Avalanche Diodes (TI-LGADs). The ghost effect is related to the increased surface current due to presence of SiO2 trenches (and defects) in studied diodes, but it is also affected by interplay between the guard ring(s) and the n+ bias ring, implanted in inter-pixel region of these devices. In double-trenched sensors, the n+ bias ring is inserted in between the two trenches. We present the investigation on the role of these structures on the self-induced signals in trench-isolated sensors from two different productions (RD50 and AIDAinnova). The sensors from the first production have multiple guard rings, whereas the second type of devices feature only one. Detailed examination of the ghost effect and leak current was performed when guard rings were left floating or connected to the pixels (brought to the same potential). The results show that guard ring configuration in trenched sensors can be critical for the leak current and the presence of a ghost signal. To our best knowledge, the latter problem has not been investigated yet. Full article
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10 pages, 4218 KiB  
Article
Front-End Prototype ASIC with Low-Gain Avalanche Detector Sensors for the ATLAS High Granularity Timing Detector
by Salah El Dine Hammoud
Particles 2025, 8(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/particles8020050 - 1 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 584
Abstract
Timing measurements are critical for the detectors at the future HL-LHC, to resolve reconstruction ambiguity when the number of simultaneous interactions reaches up to 200 per bunch crossing. The ATLAS collaboration therefore builds a new High-Granularity Timing detector for the forward region. A [...] Read more.
Timing measurements are critical for the detectors at the future HL-LHC, to resolve reconstruction ambiguity when the number of simultaneous interactions reaches up to 200 per bunch crossing. The ATLAS collaboration therefore builds a new High-Granularity Timing detector for the forward region. A customized ASIC, called ALTIROC, has been developed, to read out fast signals from low-gain avalanche detectors (LGADs), which has 50 ps time-resolution for signals from minimum-ionizing particles. To meet these requirements, a custom-designed pre-amplifier, a discriminator, and TDC circuits with minimal jitter have been implemented in a series of prototype ASICs. The latest version, ALTIROC3, is designed to contain full functionality. Hybrid assemblies with ALTIROC3 ASICs and LGAD sensors have been characterized with charged-particle beams at CERN-SPS and with laser-light injection. The time-jitter contributions of the sensor, pre-amplifier, discriminator, TDC, and digital readout are evaluated. Full article
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14 pages, 4600 KiB  
Communication
Low-Jitter Clock Receivers for Fast Timing Applications
by Carl Grace, Maurice Garcia-Sciveres, Timon Heim and Amanda Krieger
Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2284; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072284 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 447
Abstract
Precision timing is a key requirement for emerging 4D particle tracking, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), beam and fusion plasma diagnostics, and other systems. Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs) are commonly used to provide digital estimates of the relative timing between events, but the jitter performance [...] Read more.
Precision timing is a key requirement for emerging 4D particle tracking, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), beam and fusion plasma diagnostics, and other systems. Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs) are commonly used to provide digital estimates of the relative timing between events, but the jitter performance of a TDC can be no better than the performance of the circuits that acquire the pulses and deliver them to the TDC. Several clock receiver and distribution circuits were evaluated, and a differential amplifier with resistive loads driving a pseudo-differential clock distribution network, developed using design guidelines for radiation tolerance and cryogenic compatibility, was fabricated as part of three prototypes: an analog front-end testbed chip for high-precision timing pixel readout, a dedicated TDC evaluation chip, and a Low-Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) readout circuit. Based on TDC measurements of the prototypes, we infer that the jitter added by the clock receiver and distribution circuits is less than 2.25 ps-rms. This performance meets the requirements of many future precision timing systems. The clock receiver and on-chip pseudo-differential driver were fabricated in commercial 28-nm CMOS technology and occupy 2288 µm2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced CMOS Integrated Circuit Design and Application III)
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11 pages, 2521 KiB  
Communication
Effect of Multiplication and Charge Layers on the Gain in InGaAsSb/AlGaAs Avalanche Photodiodes at Room Temperature
by Tetiana Manyk, Jarosław Rutkowski, Krzysztof Kłos, Nathan Gajowski, Sanjay Krishna and Piotr Martyniuk
Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2255; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072255 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 614
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical analysis of npBp infrared (IR) barrier avalanche photodiode (APD) performance operating at 300 K based on a quaternary compound made of AIIIBV—InGaAsSb, lattice-matched to the GaSb substrate with a p-type barrier made of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a theoretical analysis of npBp infrared (IR) barrier avalanche photodiode (APD) performance operating at 300 K based on a quaternary compound made of AIIIBV—InGaAsSb, lattice-matched to the GaSb substrate with a p-type barrier made of a ternary compound AlGaSb. Impact ionization in the multiplication layer of InGaAsSb separate absorption, grading, charge, and multiplication avalanche photodiodes (SAGCM APDs) was studied using the Crosslight Software simulation package APSYS. The band structure of the avalanche detector and the electric field distribution for the multiplication and absorption layers were determined. The influence of the multiplication and charge layer parameters on the impact multiplication gain and the excess noise factor was analyzed. It has been shown that with the decrease in the charge layer doping level, the gain and the breakdown voltage increase, but the punch-through voltage decreases, and the linear range of the APD operating voltages widens. The multiplication layer doping level slightly affects the detector parameters, while increasing its width, the photocurrent and the breakdown voltage also increase. The detector structure proposed in this work allows us to obtain a comparable gain and lower dark currents to the APD detectors made of InGaAsSb previously presented in the literature. The performed simulations confirmed the possibility of obtaining APDs with high performance at room temperatures made of InGaAsSb for the SWIR range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Sensors)
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13 pages, 6249 KiB  
Article
The High-Granularity Timing Detector for ATLAS at HL-LHC
by Joaquim Pinol
Particles 2025, 8(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/particles8020036 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 451
Abstract
The increased particle flux expected at the HL-LHC poses a serious challenge for the ATLAS detector performance, especially in the forward region. The High-Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD), featuring novel Low-Gain Avalanche Detector silicon technology, will provide pile-up mitigation and luminosity measurement capabilities, and [...] Read more.
The increased particle flux expected at the HL-LHC poses a serious challenge for the ATLAS detector performance, especially in the forward region. The High-Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD), featuring novel Low-Gain Avalanche Detector silicon technology, will provide pile-up mitigation and luminosity measurement capabilities, and augment the new all-silicon Inner Tracker in the pseudo-rapidity range from 2.4 to 4.0. Two double-sided layers will provide a timing resolution better than 50 ps/track for MIPs throughout the HL-LHC running period, and provide a new timing-based handle to assign particles to the correct vertex. The LGAD technology provides suitable gain to reach the required signal-to-noise ratio, and a granularity of 1.3 × 1.3 mm2 (with 3.6 M channels in total). This paper presents the current status of the HGTD project with emphasis on the sensor development and module results. Full article
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21 pages, 8764 KiB  
Article
Design and Implementation of a High-Reliability Underwater Wireless Optical Communication System Based on FPGA
by Tengfei Han, Peng Ding, Nan Liu, Zhengguang Wang, Zhenyao Li, Zhanqiang Ru, Helun Song and Zhizhen Yin
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3544; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073544 - 24 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952
Abstract
In order to meet the reliability requirements of communication for underwater resource exploration, this study develops an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system utilizing a blue semiconductor laser as the light source. At the receiver, a fully digital automatic gain control (AGC) module, [...] Read more.
In order to meet the reliability requirements of communication for underwater resource exploration, this study develops an underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system utilizing a blue semiconductor laser as the light source. At the receiver, a fully digital automatic gain control (AGC) module, implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), is designed to mitigate signal fluctuations induced by underwater turbulence. Digital filtering techniques, including median filtering (MF) and bilateral edge detection filtering (BEDF), are also employed to improve signal demodulation reliability. An improved Reed–Solomon (RS) coding scheme is further adopted to significantly reduce the bit error rate (BER). The design of a highly reliable UWOC system was realized based on the above techniques. The system’s performance was evaluated across a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and bubble intensities. The results show that the digital AGC module can provide a gain range from −3.2 dB to 16 dB, adapting to varying signal strengths, which greatly bolsters the system’s resilience against underwater turbulence. Filtering techniques and RS coding further enhance the system’s immunity to interference and reduce the system BER. Communication experiments were conducted over various distances under three distinct water quality conditions. The results demonstrate that, within the detection range of the avalanche photodiode (APD), the system consistently maintained a BER below 3.8 × 10−3 across all water types, thereby confirming its high reliability. In clear seawater, the system demonstrated reliable information transmission over a 10 m distance at a data rate of 10 Mbps, achieving a BER of 2 × 10−8. Theoretical calculations indicate that the maximum transmission distance in clear seawater can reach 111.35 m. Full article
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20 pages, 5520 KiB  
Review
Runaway Electrons in Gas Discharges: Insights from the Numerical Modeling
by Dmitry Levko
Plasma 2025, 8(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8010012 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1736
Abstract
This paper reviews the state of the art of our understanding of the mechanisms of runaway electron generation in pressurized gases from the numerical modeling perspective. Since the energy relaxation length of these electrons is comparable to the interelectrode spacing, these electrons can [...] Read more.
This paper reviews the state of the art of our understanding of the mechanisms of runaway electron generation in pressurized gases from the numerical modeling perspective. Since the energy relaxation length of these electrons is comparable to the interelectrode spacing, these electrons can be captured only using the kinetic approach. Therefore, only the results from kinetic models are discussed here. Special attention is given to pulsed discharges, which play an important role in modern industry. It is concluded that the mechanisms of runaway electron generation are defined by the gap overvoltage and the discharge gap geometry. For small and moderate overvoltages, runaway electrons are primarily generated at the heads of fast ionization waves or streamers. Due to their long energy relaxation length, these electrons can pre-ionize the discharge gap far from their origin, accelerating ionization and starting new avalanches. At high overvoltages, cathode surface irregularities enhance the local electric field, leading to electron emission into the interelectrode space. These electrons, injected into the strong electric field, gain high energy and reach discharge walls with extremely high energies measuring tens and hundreds of electron volts. These electrons not only pre-ionize the gas but also stimulate the emission of high-energy photons, which can further contribute to the pre-ionization of the discharge gap. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Plasma Theory, Modeling and Predictive Simulations)
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14 pages, 5286 KiB  
Article
Novel APD Array Configurations for Improved Detection Area and Frequency Response
by Xuan Zeng, Xuzhen Yu, Hewei Zhang, Yi Lu and Yanli Zhao
Sensors 2025, 25(6), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25061671 - 8 Mar 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
This paper presents two novel avalanche photodiode (APD) array structures designed to significantly enhance both detection area and bandwidth, overcoming the common trade-off between these parameters in conventional photodetectors. The impact of various parameters on the bandwidths of the two distinct array structures [...] Read more.
This paper presents two novel avalanche photodiode (APD) array structures designed to significantly enhance both detection area and bandwidth, overcoming the common trade-off between these parameters in conventional photodetectors. The impact of various parameters on the bandwidths of the two distinct array structures was theoretically simulated. Experimental validation using the self-fabricated 2 × 2 array on PCB board confirmed the bandwidth enhancement realized through inductor integration, with one APD array demonstrating an increase to 780 MHz (1.41 times greater) and another showing an increase to 1.21 GHz (1.35 times greater). Unlike prior works where array bandwidth is often lower than single detectors, our structures maintain high bandwidth while expanding the detection area. Structure 2 is particularly recommended over Structure 1 because of its lower noise, better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and reduced power consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Communications)
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50 pages, 5064 KiB  
Systematic Review
Design, Algorithms, and Applications of Microstrip Antennas for Image Acquisition: Systematic Review
by Luis Fernando Guerrero-Vásquez, Nathalia Alexandra Chacón-Reino, Byron Steven Sigüenza-Jiménez, Felipe Tomas Zeas-Loja, Jorge Osmani Ordoñez-Ordoñez and Paúl Andrés Chasi-Pesantez
Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061063 - 7 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1992
Abstract
This systematic literature review investigates microstrip antenna applications in image acquisition, focusing on their design characteristics, reconstruction algorithms, and application areas. We applied the PRISMA methodology for article selection. From selected studies, classifications were identified based on antenna patch geometry, substrate types, and [...] Read more.
This systematic literature review investigates microstrip antenna applications in image acquisition, focusing on their design characteristics, reconstruction algorithms, and application areas. We applied the PRISMA methodology for article selection. From selected studies, classifications were identified based on antenna patch geometry, substrate types, and image reconstruction algorithms. According to inclusion criteria, a significant increase in publications on this topic has been observed since 2013. Considering this trend, our study focuses on a 10-year publication range, including articles up to 2023. Results indicate that medical applications, particularly breast cancer detection, dominate this field. However, emerging areas are gaining attention, including stroke detection, bone fracture monitoring, security surveillance, avalanche radars, and weather monitoring. Our study highlights the need for more efficient algorithms, system miniaturization, and improved models to achieve precise medical imaging. Visual tools such as heatmaps and box plots are used to provide a deeper analysis, identify knowledge gaps, and offer valuable insights for future research and development in this versatile technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microwave and Wireless Communications)
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22 pages, 1338 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Consumer Empowerment: Insights into the Role of Rationality When Making Financial Investment Decisions
by Abhishek Sharma, Chandana Hewege and Chamila Perera
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18020106 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1068
Abstract
With an avalanche of market manipulations and unethical tactics in the Australian financial industry, the empowerment levels of female Australian consumers when making financial investment decisions are highly questionable. Through the theoretical lens of a utilitarian perspective, financial investment decisions are often built [...] Read more.
With an avalanche of market manipulations and unethical tactics in the Australian financial industry, the empowerment levels of female Australian consumers when making financial investment decisions are highly questionable. Through the theoretical lens of a utilitarian perspective, financial investment decisions are often built on the pillars of trust, security, and assurance, which allow consumers to make decisions rationally and gain empowerment when making these decisions. However, due to the widespread manipulations prevailing in Australian financial markets, the role of rationality and its influence on consumer empowerment remain understudied. Based on this context, this paper uncovers the association between how each stage of rational decision-making (RDM) (i.e., demand identification, information search, and the evaluation of alternatives) influences the consumer power (i.e., consumer resistance and consumer influence) of female Australian consumers when making financial investment decisions. In doing so, this study employs a quantitative approach, whereby the proposed conceptual framework is tested among 357 female Australian consumers to understand their decision-making power in the presence of heightened situations of market manipulation in the financial industry. The results show that information search has a significant positive relationship with consumer influence and consumer resistance when making financial investment decisions. Additionally, the findings suggest that female Australian consumers should not only rely on individual-based sources of power but also have exposure to network-based sources of power to gain empowerment when making financial investment decisions. Lastly, it is suggested that government bodies, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities should not only implement financial literacy programs but also promote gender diversity across organisations to encourage women’s empowerment (i.e., Goal 5 (SDGs)—Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Financial Literacy in Modern Finance)
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