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Anastasios Papazafeiropoulos

Publications and source records attributed to Anastasios Papazafeiropoulos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

MISO Downlink with Fluid Antenna Multiple Access

Fluid antenna multiple access (FAMA) enables each user to rapidly switch among several closely spaced ports and select the strongest received signal. Although this mechanism offers micro-scale spatial diversity, its behavior in multiuser downlink systems with spatial correlation and linear precoding is not well understood. This paper develops a unified analytical framework for the multiple-input single-output (MISO) downlink with FAMA users served via maximum ratio transmission (MRT) or zero-forcing (ZF). We show that the per-port signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) follows a Beta-prime distribution with parameters \((M_{\mathrm{eff}},L)\), where \(M_{\mathrm{eff}}=M\) under MRT and \(M_{\mathrm{eff}}=M-U+1\) under ZF, and derive closed-form finite-sum cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) for both cases. We further provide the first analytical characterization of cross-port SIR correlation. \textcolor{black}{Furthermore, we derive rigorous outage probability bounds that tightly bracket the exact performance and become exact in the limiting cases of fully correlated and independent ports.} Asymptotic analyses reveal the fundamental diversity orders and tail behavior for each precoder. Numerical results confirm the accuracy of the SIR distributions, correlation model, and outage bounds, and show that MRT achieves weaker port correlation and larger selection gains than ZF when the base station (BS) has ample spatial degrees of freedom. The framework offers explicit guidelines for port configuration and precoder selection in practical FAMA systems.

cs.IT

Stacked Intelligent Metasurface-Assisted Fluid Antenna Systems: Outage Probability

Stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIMs) and fluid antenna systems (FAS) are emerging technologies for wave-domain and spatial signal manipulation, respectively.This letter proposes a novel joint SIM-FAS communication model in which transmission and reception are performed by a SIM and an FAS, respectively. Using the block-diagonal matrix approximation (BDMA), a closed-form expression for the outage probability is derived, and the SIM phase shifts are optimized to minimize outage. Numerical results validate the analytical accuracy and demonstrate substantial performance gains over conventional benchmark schemes.

cs.IT

Achievable Rate Optimization for Large Flexible Intelligent Metasurface Assisted Downlink MISO under Statistical CSI

The integration of electromagnetic metasurfaces into wireless communications enables intelligent control of the propagation environment. Recently, flexible intelligent metasurfaces (FIMs) have evolved beyond conventional reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), enabling three-dimensional surface deformation for adaptive wave manipulation. However, most existing FIM-aided system designs assume perfect instantaneous channel state information (CSI), which is impractical in large-scale networks due to the high training overhead and complicated channel estimation. To overcome this limitation, we propose a robust statistical-CSI-based optimization framework for downlink multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems with FIM-assisted transmitters. A block coordinate ascent (BCA)-based iterative algorithm is developed to jointly optimize power allocation and FIM morphing, maximizing the average achievable sum rate. Simulation results show that the proposed statistical-CSI-driven FIM design significantly outperforms conventional rigid antenna arrays (RAAs), validating its effectiveness and practicality.

eess.SP

Flexible Intelligent Metasurface for Downlink Communications under Statistical CSI

Flexible intelligent metasurface (FIM) is a recently developed, groundbreaking hardware technology with promising potential for 6G wireless systems. Unlike conventional rigid antenna array (RAA)-based transmitters, FIM-assisted transmitters can dynamically alter their physical surface through morphing, offering new degrees of freedom to enhance system performance. In this letter, we depart from prior works that rely on instantaneous channel state information (CSI) and instead address the problem of average sum spectral efficiency maximization under statistical CSI in a FIM-assisted downlink multiuser multiple-input single-output setting. To this end, we first derive the spatial correlation matrix for the FIM-aided transmitter and then propose an iterative FIM optimization algorithm based on the gradient projection method. Simulation results show that with statistical CSI, the FIM-aided system provides a significant performance gain over its RAA-based counterpart in scenarios with strong spatial channel correlation, whereas the gain diminishes when the channels are weakly correlated.

eess.SP

On the Ergodic Capacity for SIM-Aided Holographic MIMO Communications

We derive a novel closed-form lower bound on the ergodic capacity of holographic multiple-input multiple-output (HMIMO) systems enhanced by stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIMs) under Rayleigh fading conditions. The proposed expression is valid for systems with a finite number of antennas and SIM elements and exhibits tightness throughout the whole signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) range. Furthermore, we conduct a comprehensive low-SNR analysis, offering meaningful observations on how key system parameters influence the capacity performance.

cs.IT

Ergodic Mutual Information and Outage Probability for SIM-Assisted Holographic MIMO Communications

Stacked intelligent metasurface (SIM) is a promising enabler for next-generation high-capacity networks that exhibit better performance compared to its single-layer counterpart by means of just wave propagation. However, the study of ergodic mutual information (EMI) and outage probability for SIM-assisted multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems is not available in the literature. To this end, we obtain the distribution of the MI by using large random matrix theory (RMT) tools. Next, we derive a tight closed-form expression for the outage probability based on statistical channel state information (CSI). Moreover, we apply the gradient descent method for the minimization of the outage probability. Simulation results verify the analytical results and provide fundamental insights such as the performance enhancements compared to conventional MIMO systems and the single-layer counterpart. Notably the proposed optimization algorithm is faster than the alternating optimization (AO) benchmark by saving significant overhead.

cs.IT

Channel Estimation for Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces in Rician Fading Channels

The recent combination of the rising architectures, known as stacked intelligent metasurface (SIM) and holographic multiple-input multiple-output (HMIMO), drives toward breakthroughs for next-generation wireless communication systems. Given the fact that the number of elements per surface of the SIM is much larger than the base station (BS) antennas, the acquisition of the channel state information (CSI) in SIM-aided multi-user systems is challenging, especially when a line-of-sight (LoS) component is present. Thus, in this letter, we address the channel procedure under conditions of Rician fading by proposing a protocol in terms of a minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator for wave-based design in a single phase. Moreover, we derive the normalized mean square error (NMSE) of the suggested estimator, and provide the optimal phase shifts minimising the NMSE. Numerical results illustrate the performance of the new channel estimation protocol.

cs.IT

STARS-Enabled Full-Duplex Two-Way mMIMO System Under Spatially-Correlated Channels

\underline{S}imultaneous \underline{t}ransmitting \underline{a}nd \underline{r}eflecting \underline{s}urface (STARS)-assisted systems have emerged to fill this gap by providing $ 360^{\circ}$ wireless coverage. In parallel, full-duplex (FD) communication offers a higher achievable rate through efficient spectrum utilization compared to the half-duplex (HD) counterpart. Moreover, two-way/bi-directional communications in an FD system can further enhance the system's spectral efficiency. Hence, in this paper, we propose a STARS-enabled massive MIMO deployment in an FD two-way communication network for highly efficient spectrum utilization, while covering the dead zones around the STARS. This model enables simultaneous information exchange between multiple nodes, while \emph{potentially} doubling the spectral efficiency (SE). By invoking the use-and-then-forget (UaTF) combining scheme, we derive a closed-form expression for an achievable SE at each user of the system considering both uplink and downlink communications based on statistical channel state information (CSI), while also accounting for imperfect CSI and correlated fading conditions. Moreover, we formulate an optimization problem to obtain an optimal passive beamforming matrix design at the STARS that maximizes the sum achievable SE. The considered problem is non-convex and we propose a provably-convergent low-complexity algorithm, termed as \underline{pro}jected \underline{gr}adient \underline{a}scent \underline{m}ethod (ProGrAM), to obtain a stationary solution. Extensive numerical results are provided to establish the performance superiority of the FD STARS-enabled system over the HD STARS-enabled and FD conventional RIS (cRIS)-enabled counterparts, and also to show the effect of different parameters of interest on the system performance.

cs.IT

Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces for Integrated Sensing and Communications

Stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIM) have recently emerged as a promising technology, which can realize transmit precoding in the wave domain. In this paper, we investigate a SIM-aided integrated sensing and communications system, in which SIM is capable of generating a desired beam pattern for simultaneously communicating with multiple downlink users and detecting a radar target. Specifically, we formulate an optimization problem of maximizing the spectrum efficiency, while satisfying the power constraint of the desired direction. This requires jointly designing the phase shifts of the SIM and the power allocation at the base station. By incorporating the sensing power constraint into the objective functions as a penalty term, we further simplify the optimization problem and solve it by customizing an efficient gradient ascent algorithm. Finally, extensive numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed wave-domain precoder for automatically mitigating the inter-user interference and generating a desired beampattern for the sensing task, as multiple separate data streams transmit through the SIM.

cs.IT

Near-Field Beamforming for Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces-assisted MIMO Networks

Stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIMs) have recently gained significant interest since they enable precoding in the wave domain that comes with increased processing capability and reduced energy consumption. The study of SIMs and high frequency propagation make the study of the performance in the near field of crucial importance. Hence, in this work, we focus on SIM-assisted multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems operating in the near field region. To this end, we formulate the weighted sum rate maximisation problem in terms of the transmit power and the phase shifts of the SIM. By applying a block coordinate descent (BCD)-relied algorithm, numerical results show the enhanced performance of the SIM in the near field with respect to the far field.

cs.IT

OFDM-Based Active STAR-RIS-Aided Integrated Sensing and Communication Systems

Simultaneously transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS), which consists of numerous passive elements, has recently emerged in wireless communication systems as a promising technology providing 360$^\circ$ coverage and better performance. In our research, we introduce an active STAR-RIS (ASTARS)-aided integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) system designed to optimize the radar signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), enhancing detection and signal transmission efficiency. The introduction of an ISAC system aims to improve both communication efficiency and sensing capabilities. Also, we employ orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to address the frequency-selective fading problem. Furthermore, we evaluate the radar sensing capabilities by examining the range and velocity, and assess the performance through the mean-squared error (MSE) of their estimations. Our simulation results demonstrate that ASTARS outperforms STAR-RIS in our system configurations, and that the proposed optimization approach further enhances the system performance. Additionally, we confirm that an increase in the subcarrier spacing can reduce the transmission bit error rate (BER) under high-velocity conditions.

eess.SP

Achievable Rate Optimization for Large Stacked Intelligent Metasurfaces Based on Statistical CSI

Stacked intelligent metasurface (SIM) is an emerging design that consists of multiple layers of metasurfaces. A SIM enables holographic multiple-input multiple-output (HMIMO) precoding in the wave domain, which results in the reduction of energy consumption and hardware cost. On the ground of multiuser beamforming, this letter focuses on the downlink achievable rate and its maximization. Contrary to previous works on multiuser SIM, we consider statistical channel state information (CSI) as opposed to instantaneous CSI to overcome challenges such as large overhead. Also, we examine the performance of large surfaces. We apply an alternating optimization (AO) algorithm regarding the phases of the SIM and the allocated transmit power. Simulations illustrate the performance of the considered large SIM-assisted design as well as the comparison between different CSI considerations.

cs.IT

STAR-RIS-Assisted Communication Radar Coexistence: Analysis and Optimization

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is expected to play a prominent role among emerging technologies in future wireless communications. In particular, a communication radar coexistence system is degraded significantly by mutual interference. In this work, given the advantages of promising reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), we propose a simultaneously transmitting and reflecting RIS (STAR-RIS)-assisted radar coexistence system where a STAR-RIS is introduced to improve the communication performance while suppressing the mutual interference and providing full space coverage. Based on the realistic conditions of correlated fading, and the presence of multiple user equipments (UEs) at both sides of the RIS, we derive the achievable rates at the radar and the communication receiver side in closed forms in terms of statistical channel state information (CSI). Next, we perform alternating optimization (AO) for optimizing the STAR-RIS and the radar beamforming. Regarding the former, we optimize the amplitudes and phase shifts of the STAR-RIS through a projected gradient ascent algorithm (PGAM) simultaneously with respect to the amplitudes and phase shifts of the surface for both energy splitting (ES) and mode switching (MS) operation protocols. The proposed optimization saves enough overhead since it can be performed every several coherence intervals. This property is particularly beneficial compared to reflecting-only RIS because a STAR-RIS includes the double number of variables, which require increased overhead. Finally, simulation results illustrate how the proposed architecture outperforms the conventional RIS counterpart, and show how the various parameters affect the performance. Moreover, a benchmark full instantaneous CSI (I-CSI) based design is provided and shown to result in higher sum-rate but also in large overhead associated with complexity.

cs.IT

Performance of Double-Stacked Intelligent Metasurface-Assisted Multiuser Massive MIMO Communications in the Wave Domain

Although reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is a promising technology for shaping the propagation environment, it consists of a single-layer structure within inherent limitations regarding the number of beam steering patterns. Based on the recently revolutionary technology, denoted as stacked intelligent metasurface (SIM), we propose its implementation not only on the base station (BS) side in a massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) setup but also in the intermediate space between the base station and the users to adjust the environment further as needed. For the sake of convenience, we call the former BS SIM (BSIM), and the latter channel SIM (CSIM). Hence, we achieve wave-based combining at the BS and wave-based configuration at the intermediate space. Specifically, we propose a channel estimation method with reduced overhead, being crucial for SIMassisted communications. Next, we derive the uplink sum spectral efficiency (SE) in closed form in terms of statistical channel state information (CSI). Notably, we optimize the phase shifts of both BSIM and CSIM simultaneously by using the projected gradient ascent method (PGAM). Compared to previous works on SIMs, we study the uplink transmission, a mMIMO setup, channel estimation in a single phase, a second SIM at the intermediate space, and simultaneous optimization of the two SIMs. Simulation results show the impact of various parameters on the sum SE, and demonstrate the superiority of our optimization approach compared to the alternating optimization (AO) method.

cs.IT

Achievable Rate Optimization for Stacked Intelligent Metasurface-Assisted Holographic MIMO Communications

Stacked intelligent metasurfaces (SIM) is a revolutionary technology, which can outperform its single-layer counterparts by performing advanced signal processing relying on wave propagation. In this work, we exploit SIM to enable transmit precoding and receiver combining in holographic multiple-input multiple-output (HMIMO) communications, and we study the achievable rate by formulating a joint optimization problem of the SIM phase shifts at both sides of the transceiver and the covariance matrix of the transmitted signal. Notably, we propose its solution by means of an iterative optimization algorithm that relies on the projected gradient method, and accounts for all optimization parameters simultaneously. We also obtain the step size guaranteeing the convergence of the proposed algorithm. Simulation results provide fundamental insights such the performance improvements compared to the single-RIS counterpart and conventional MIMO system. Remarkably, the proposed algorithm results in the same achievable rate as the alternating optimization (AO) benchmark but with a less number of iterations.

cs.IT

Two-Timescale Design for Active STAR-RIS Aided Massive MIMO Systems

Simultaneously transmitting and reflecting \textcolor{black}{reconfigurable intelligent surface} (STAR-RIS) is a promising implementation of RIS-assisted systems that enables full-space coverage. However, STAR-RIS as well as conventional RIS suffer from the double-fading effect. Thus, in this paper, we propose the marriage of active RIS and STAR-RIS, denoted as ASTARS for massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) systems, and we focus on the energy splitting (ES) and mode switching (MS) protocols. Compared to prior literature, we consider the impact of correlated fading, and we rely our analysis on the two timescale protocol, being dependent on statistical channel state information (CSI). On this ground, we propose a channel estimation method for ASTARS with reduced overhead that accounts for its architecture. Next, we derive a \textcolor{black}{closed-form expression} for the achievable sum-rate for both types of users in the transmission and reflection regions in a unified approach with significant practical advantages such as reduced complexity and overhead, which result in a lower number of required iterations for convergence compared to an alternating optimization (AO) approach. Notably, we maximize simultaneously the amplitudes, the phase shifts, and the active amplifying coefficients of the ASTARS by applying the projected gradient ascent method (PGAM). Remarkably, the proposed optimization can be executed at every several coherence intervals that reduces the processing burden considerably. Simulations corroborate the analytical results, provide insight into the effects of fundamental variables on the sum achievable SE, and present the superiority of 16 ASTARS compared to passive STAR-RIS for a practical number of surface elements.

cs.IT

STAR-RIS Assisted Cell-Free Massive MIMO System Under Spatially-Correlated Channels

This paper investigates the performance of downlink simultaneous transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surface (STAR-RIS)-assisted cell-free (CF) massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) systems, where user equipments (UEs) are located on both sides of the RIS. We account for correlated Rayleigh fading and multiple antennas per access point (AP), while the maximum ratio (MR) beamforming is applied for the design of the active beamforming in terms of instantaneous channel state information (CSI). Firstly, we rely on an aggregated channel estimation approach that reduces the overhead required for channel estimation while providing sufficient information for data processing. We obtain the normalized mean square error (NMSE) of the channel estimate per AP, and design the passive beamforming (PB) of the surface based on the long-time statistical CSI. Next, we derive the received signal in the asymptotic regime of numbers of APs and surface elements. Then, we obtain a closed-form expression of the downlink achievable rate for arbitrary numbers of APs and STAR-RIS elements under statistical CSI. Finally, based on the derived expressions, the numerical results show the feasibility and the advantages of deploying a STAR-RIS into conventional CF mMIMO systems. In particular, we theoretically analyze the properties of STAR-RIS-assisted CF mMIMO systems and reveal explicit insights in terms of the impact of channel correlation, the number of surface elements, and the pilot contamination on the achievable rate.

cs.IT

Max-Min SINR Analysis of STAR-RIS Assisted Massive MIMO Systems with Hardware Impairments

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) has emerged as a cost-effective solution to improve wireless communication performance through just passive reflection. Recently, the concept of simultaneously transmitting and reflecting RIS (STAR-RIS) has appeared but the study of minimum signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and the impact of hardware impairments (HWIs) remain open. In addition to previous works on STAR-RIS, we consider a massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) base station (BS) serving multiple user equipments (UEs) at both sides of the RIS. Specifically, in this work, focusing on the downlink of a single cell, we derive the minimum SINR obtained by the optimal linear precoder (OLP) with HWIs in closed form. The OLP maximises the minimum SINR subject to a given power constraint for any given passive beamforming matrix (PBM). Next, we obtain deterministic equivalents (DEs) for the OLP and the minimum SINR, which are then used to optimise the PBM. Notably, based on the DEs and statistical channel state information (CSI), we optimise simultaneously the amplitude and phase shift by using a projected gradient ascent algorithm (PGAM) for both energy splitting (ES) and mode switching (MS) STAR-RIS operation protocols with reduced feedback, \textcolor{black}{which is quite crucial for STAR-RIS systems that include the double number or variables compared to reflecting only RIS.} Simulations verify the analytical results, shed light on the impact of HWIs, and demonstrate the better performance of STAR-RIS compared to conventional RIS.

cs.IT