Optical-Wireless Convergence
Efficient Chemistry
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Using the unique properties of new nanometer-scale magnetic particles, Georgia Tech researchers have for the first time separated for reuse two different catalysts from a multistep chemical reaction done in a single vessel. The technique could lead to more efficient production of specialty chemicals — and a reduction in waste normally produced by separation processes.
Explains associate professor Christopher Jones, "By doing the reactions in a single vessel, we can cut out two or three separation steps to provide both an economic advantage and an environmentally benign process."
Separations using magnetic catalysts have been limited by a tendency of the nanoparticles to clump together because of their magnetic attraction for one another. The clumping dramatically reduces their catalytic activity. To overcome this problem, the Tech researchers used nanometer-scale magnetic particles that are so small they no longer exhibit a net magnetic attraction.
Jones envisions the new process being used in the specialty chemical and pharmaceutical industries that produce relatively small volumes of high-value chemicals.
Optical-Wireless Convergence
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Georgia Tech telecommunications researchers have demonstrated a novel communications network design that would provide both ultra-high speed wireless and wired access services from the same signals carried on a single optical fiber. The new hybrid system could allow dual wired/wireless transmission of the same content such as high-definition television, data and voice up to 100 times faster than current networks.
The new architecture would reduce the cost of providing dramatically improved service to conference centers, airports, hotels, shopping malls — and ultimately to homes and small offices.
"The same services would be provided to customers who would either plug into the wired connection in the wall or access the same information through a wireless system," explains Tech professor Gee-Kung Chang of the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
"In an airport, for instance, a traveler could watch a movie, talk to a friend and work interactively through a wireless system or by plugging into the wall."
The optical-wireless access network envisioned by Chang and his colleagues would connect to existing optical fiber networks that serve much of the nation.
©2006 Georgia Tech Alumni Association
