arXiv subjects

G. Ruffini

Publications and source records attributed to G. Ruffini.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2008

SAR Altimetry Applications over Water

The application of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques to classical radar altimetry offers the potential for greatly improved Earth surface mapping. This paper provides an overview of the progress of SAMOSA, Development of SAR Altimetry Studies and Applications over Ocean, Coastal zones and Inland waters, an on-going ESA-funded project. The main objective of SAMOSA is to better quantify the improvement of SAR altimetry over conventional altimetry on water surfaces. More specifically, one of the tasks focuses on the reduction of SAR mode data to pulse-limited altimeter data, and a theoretical modelling to characterize the expected gain between high Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) reduced SAR mode data and low PRF classical Low-Resolution Mode (LRM) data. To this end, theoretical modelling using the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) will be used and the results will be compared to previous theoretical estimates [7], using an analysis akin to that in [8].

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2007

First human trials of a dry electrophysiology sensor using a carbon nanotube array interface

Fatigue, sleepiness and disturbed sleep are important factors in health and safety in modern society and there is considerable interest in developing technologies for routine monitoring of associated physiological indicators. Electrophysiology, the measurement of the electrical activity of biological origin, is a key technique for the measurement of physiological parameters in several applications, but it has been traditionally difficult to develop sensors for measurements outside the laboratory or clinic with the required quality and robustness. In this paper we report the results from first human experiments using a new electrophysiology sensor called ENOBIO, using carbon nanotube arrays for penetration of the outer layers of the skin and improved electrical contact. These tests, which have included traditional protocols for the analysis of the electrical activity of the brain--spontaneous EEG and ERP--indicate performance on a par with state of the art research-oriented wet electrodes, suggesting that the envisioned mechanism--skin penetration--is responsible. No ill side-effects have been observed six months after the tests, and the subject did not report any pain or special sensations on application of the electrode.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2006

A revisit to the GNSS-R code range precision

We address the feasibility of a GNSS-R code-altimetry space mission and more specifically a dominant term of its error budget: the reflected-signal range precision. This is the RMS error on the reflected-signal delay, as estimated by waveform retracking. So far, the approach proposed by [Lowe et al., 2002] has been the state of the art to theoretically evaluate this precision, although known to rely on strong assumptions (e.g., no speckle noise). In this paper, we perform a critical review of this model and propose an improvement based on the Cramer-Rao Bound (CRB) approach. We derive closed-form expressions for both the direct and reflected signals. The performance predicted by CRB analysis is about four times worse for typical space mission scenarios. The impact of this result is discussed in the context of two classes of GNSS-R applications: mesoscale oceanography and tsunami detection.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2005

Quantization of simple parametrized systems

I study the canonical formulation and quantization of some simple parametrized systems, including the non-relativistic parametrized particle and the relativistic parametrized particle. Using Dirac's formalism I construct for each case the classical reduced phase space and study the dependence on the gauge fixing used. Two separate features of these systems can make this construction difficult: the actions are not invariant at the boundaries, and the constraints may have disconnected solution spaces. The relativistic particle is affected by both, while the non-relativistic particle displays only by the first. Analyzing the role of canonical transformations in the reduced phase space, I show that a change of gauge fixing is equivalent to a canonical transformation. In the relativistic case, quantization of one branch of the constraint at the time is applied and I analyze the electromagenetic backgrounds in which it is possible to quantize simultaneously both branches and still obtain a covariant unitary quantum theory. To preserve unitarity and space-time covariance, second quantization is needed unless there is no electric field. I motivate a definition of the inner product in all these cases and derive the Klein-Gordon inner product for the relativistic case. I construct phase space path integral representations for amplitudes for the BFV and the Faddeev path integrals, from which the path integrals in coordinate space (Faddeev-Popov and geometric path integrals) are derived.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Complex networks in brain electrical activity

We analyze the complex networks associated with brain electrical activity. Multichannel EEG measurements are first processed to obtain 3D voxel activations using the tomographic algorithm LORETA. Then, the correlation of the current intensity activation between voxel pairs is computed to produce a voxel cross-correlation coefficient matrix. Using several correlation thresholds, the cross-correlation matrix is then transformed into a network connectivity matrix and analyzed. To study a specific example, we selected data from an earlier experiment focusing on the MMN brain wave. The resulting analysis highlights significant differences between the spatial activations associated with Standard and Deviant tones, with interesting physiological implications. When compared to random data networks, physiological networks are more connected, with longer links and shorter path lengths. Furthermore, as compared to the Deviant case, Standard data networks are more connected, with longer links and shorter path lengths--i.e., with a stronger ``small worlds'' character. The comparison between both networks shows that areas known to be activated in the MMN wave are connected. In particular, the analysis supports the idea that supra-temporal and inferior frontal data work together in the processing of the differences between sounds by highlighting an increased connectivity in the response to a novel sound.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2004

The Eddy Experiment: GNSS-R speculometry for directional sea-roughness retrieval from low altitude aircraft

We report on the retrieval of directional sea surface roughness, in terms of its full directional mean square slope (including direction and isotropy), from Global Navigation Satellite System Reflections (GNSS-R) Delay-Doppler-Map (DDM) data collected during an experimental flight at 1 km altitude. This study emphasizes the utilization of the entire DDM to more precisely infer ocean roughness directional parameters. In particular, we argue that the DDM exhibits the impact of both roughness and scatterer velocity. Obtained estimates are analyzed and compared to co-located Jason-1 measurements, ECMWF numerical weather model outputs and optical data.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2004

On the GNSS-R Interferometric Complex Field Coherence Time

In this paper we focus on the microwave bistatic scattering process, with the aim of deriving an expression for the interferometric complex field auto-correlation function from a static platform. We start from the Fresnel integral and derive the auto-correlation function in the Fraunhofer and Modified Fraunhofer regime. The autocorrelation function at short times can be expressed as a Gaussian with a direction dependent time scale. The directional modulation is a function of the angle between the scattering direction and the wave direction. The obtained relation can be used for directional sea state estimation using one or more GNSS-R coastal receivers.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2004

The Eddy Experiment: accurate GNSS-R ocean altimetry from low altitude aircraft

During the Eddy Experiment, two synchronous GPS receivers were flown at 1 km altitude to collect L1 signals and their reflections from the sea surface for assessment of altimetric precision and accuracy. Wind speed (U10) was around 10 m/s, and SWH up to 2 m. A geophysical parametric waveform model was used for retracking and estimation of the lapse between the direct and reflected signals with a 1-second precision of 3 m. The lapse was used to estimate the SSH along the track using a differential model. The RMS error of the 20 km averaged GNSS-R absolute altimetric solution with respect to Jason-1 SSH and a GPS buoy measurement was of 10 cm, with a 2 cm mean difference. Multipath and retracking parameter sensitivity due to the low altitude are suspected to have degraded accuracy. This result provides an important milestone on the road to a GNSS-R mesoscale altimetry space mission.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2004

Sea state monitoring using coastal GNSS-R

We report on a coastal experiment to study GPS L1 reflections. The campaign was carried out at the Barcelona Port breaker and dedicated to the development of sea-state retrieval algorithms. An experimental system built for this purpose collected and processed GPS data to automatically generate a times series of the interferometric complex field (ICF). The ICF was analyzed off line and compared to a simple developed model that relates ICF coherence time to the ratio of significant wave height (SWH) and mean wave period (MWP). The analysis using this model showed good consistency between the ICF coherence time and nearby oceanographic buoy data. Based on this result, preliminary conclusions are drawn on the potential of coastal GNSS-R for sea state monitoring using semi-empirical modeling to relate GNSS-R ICF coherence time to SWH.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2003

PARFAIT: GNSS-R coastal altimetry

GNSS-R signals contain a coherent and an incoherent component. A new algorithm for coherent phase altimetry over rough ocean surfaces, called PARFAIT, has been developed and implemented in Starlab's STARLIGHT GNSS-R software package. In this paper we report our extraction and analysis of the coherent component of L1 GPS-R signals collected during the ESTEC Bridge 2 experimental campaign using this technique. The altimetric results have been compared with a GPS-buoy calibrated tide model with a resulting precision of the order 1 cm.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2003

The GNSS-R Eddy Experiment I: Altimetry from Low Altitude Aircraft

We report results from the Eddy Experiment, where a synchronous GPS receiver pair was flown on an aircraft to collect sampled L1 signals and their reflections from the sea surface to investigate the altimetric accuracy of GNSS-R. During the experiment, surface wind speed (U10) was of the order of 10 m/s, and significant wave heights of up to 2 m, as discussed further in a companion paper. After software tracking of the two signals through despreading of the GPS codes, a parametric waveform model containing the description of the sea surface conditions has been used to fit the waveforms (retracking) and estimate the temporal lapse between the direct GPS signals and their reflections. The estimated lapses have then been used to estimate the sea surface height (SSH) along the aircraft track using a differential geometric model. As expected, the precision of GNSS-R ranges was of 3 m after 1 second integration. More importantly, the accuracy of the GNSS-R altimetric solution with respect to Jason-1 SSH and in situ GPS buoy measurements was of 10 cm, which was the target with the used experimental setup. This new result confirms the potential of GNSS-R for mesoscale altimetric monitoring of the ocean, and provides an important milestone on the road to a space mission.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2003

The GNSS-R Eddy Experiment II: L-band and Optical Speculometry for Directional Sea-Roughness Retrieval from Low Altitude Aircraft

We report on the retrieval of directional sea-roughness (the full directional mean square slope, including MSS, direction and isotropy) through inversion of Global Navigation Satellite System Reflections (GNSS-R) and SOlar REflectance Speculometry (SORES)data collected during an experimental flight at 1000 m. The emphasis is on the utilization of the entire Delay-Doppler Map (for GNSS-R) or Tilt Azimuth Map (for SORES) in order to infer these directional parameters. Obtained estimations are analyzed and compared to Jason-1 measurements and the ECMWF numerical weather model.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2003

GNSS-R: Operational Applications

This paper provides an overview of operational applications of GNSS-R, and describes Oceanpal, an inexpensive, all-weather, passive instrument for remote sensing of the ocean and other water surfaces. This instrument is based on the use of reflected signals emitted from GNSS, and it holds great potential for future applications thanks to the growing, long term GNSS infrastructure. The instrument exploits the fact that, at any given moment, several GNSS emitters are simultaneously in view, providing separated multiple scattering points with different geometries. Reflected signals are affected by surface roughness and motion (i.e., sea state, orbital motion, and currents), mean surface height and dielectric properties (i.e., salinity and pollution). Oceanpal is envisioned as an accurate, "dry" tide gauge and surface roughness monitoring system, and as an important element of a future distributed ocean remote sensing network concept. We also report some results from the Starlab Coastpal campaign, focusing on ground GNSS-R applications.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv2002

Mesoscale Ocean Altimetry Requirements and Impact of GPS-R measurements for Ocean Mesoscale Circulation Mapping

In the framework of the PARIS Beta project, fundamental milestones have been reached for the definition of future GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System signal Reflections) altimetry missions (the PARIS concept). The most important one is the confirmation of the significant impact that GNSS-R data can have on mesoscale oceanography, as we discuss here. In this report, we first briefly review the contribution of satellite altimetry to mesoscale oceanography. We then summarise recent results obtained on the mapping capabilities of existing and future altimeter missions. From these analyses, refined requirements for mesoscale ocean altimetry (in terms of space/time sampling and accuracy) are derived. A review of on-going and planned altimetric missions is then performed and we analyse how these configurations match the user requirements. Then we will describe the simulation approach and impact analysis of GPS-R data.

physics.ao-ph↗

arXiv1999

GIST: A tool for Global Ionospheric Tomography using GPS ground and LEO d ata and sources of opportunity with applications in instrument calibration

Ionospheric tomography using GPS data has been reported in the literature and even the application to radar altimeter calibration was succesfully carried out in a recent work. We here present a new software tool, called Global Ionospheric Stochastic Tomography software (GIST), and its powerful capability for ingesting GPS data from different sources (ground stations, receivers on board LEO for navigation and occultation purposes) and other data such as altimetry data to yield global maps with dense coverage and inherent calibration of the instruments. We show results obtained including 106 IGS ground stations, GPS/MET low rate occultation data, TOPEX/POSEIDON GPS data from the navigation antenna and NASA Radar Altimeter with the additional benefit of a direct estimation of the NRA bias. The possibility of ingesting different kinds of ionospheric data into the tomographic model suggest a way to accurately monitor the ionosphere with direct application to single frequency instrument calibration.

physics.geo-ph↗

arXiv1999

4D Tropospheric Tomography using GPS Estimated Slant Delays

Tomographic techniques are successfully applied to obtain 4D images of the tropospheric refractivity in a local dense network. In the lower atmosphere both the small height and time scales and the non-dispersive nature of tropospheric delays require a more careful analysis of the data. We show how GPS data is processed to obtain the tropospheric slant delays using the GIPSY-OASIS II software and define the concept of pseudo-wet delays, which will be the observables in the tomographic software. We then discuss the inverse problem in the 3D stochastic tomography, using simulated refractivity fields to test the system and the impact of noise. Finally, we use data from the Kilauea network in Hawaii and a local 4x4x41-voxel grid on a region of 400 Km$^2$ and 15 Km in height to produce 4D refractivity fields. Results are compared with ECMWF forecast.

physics.geo-ph↗