This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 9662, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.

Wilga Summer 2015 Symposium on Photonics Applications and Web Engineering was held on 23-31 May. The Symposium gathered over 350 participants, mainly young researchers active in optics, optoelectronics, photonics, electronics technologies and applications. There were presented around 300 presentations in a few main topical tracks including: bio-photonics, optical sensory networks, photonics-electronics-mechatronics co-design and integration, large functional system design and maintenance, Internet of Thins, and other. The paper is an introduction the 2015 WILGA Summer Symposium Proceedings, and digests some of the Symposium chosen key presentations.

XXXVth periodic Symposium WILGA (winter edition) on Design, Construction and Application of Advanced Electronic and Photonic Systems was held at the end of January 2015. It is an established, periodic meeting of young researchers, M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and their supervisors. The meeting is organized by the PERG/ELHEP Laboratories of Institute of Electronic Systems - WUT since two decades. Sessions of the 2015 January meeting were: development of the architecture of digital electronics, embedded systems, design of system functionality, analog electronics and photonics, hardware – software integration, complex system reliability and dependability working in harsh environments, applications of electronic and photonic systems in space and satellite engineering and large research experiments. Summer edition of WILGA Symposium is organized on 25-31 May 2015 [wilga.ise.pw.edu.pl].

The paper analyzes suitability of various spectrally efficient modulations (PAM, CAP, OFDM/DMT) in a VLC system using lighting LEDs as a transmitter. Although under ideal conditions all modulation have similar efficiency i.e. they produce similar throughputs with a given BER, their practical performances are different. For example, the level of nonlinear distortions generated by each modulation is the least for PAM and by far the greatest for OFDM/DMT locating CAP in the middle. The suitability of various OFDM/DMT variants in a VLC LED link was also analyzed proving that the asymmetrically clipped (ACO) OFDM has a worse performance as compared with DC biased (DCO) OFDM.

Continuous increasing share of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a lighting market, which we observe during the last couple years, opens new possibilities. Especially, when we talk about practical realization the concept of visible light communications (VLC), which gains on popularity recently. The VLC concept presupposes utilization of illumination systems for a purpose of data transmission. It means, the emitters, in this case the LEDs, will not of a light source only, but also the data transmitters. Currently, most of the conducted researches in this area is concentrated on achievement of effective transmission methods. It means a transmission only in one direction. This is not enough, when we talk about the fully functional transmission system. Ensuring of feedback transmission channel is a necessary also. One of the ideas, which was postulated by authors of this article, is using for this purpose the LEDs in a double role. A utilization of LEDs as photo-detectors requires a reverse polarization, in contrast to a forward bias, which has a place when they work as light emitters. Ensuring of proper polarization get significant meaning. The article presents the investigations results on the influence of reverse bias on photo-receiving properties of LEDs used as light detectors. The conducted research proved that an improvement of sensitivity and bandwidth parameters are possible by application of appropriate value of the reverse voltage in a receiver.

The paper presentes a two way open space optical link ready for 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet signal transmission. It uses lighting LEDs as light sources in both transmission directions. A detailed description of used circuitry is given together with preliminary results.

Existing optical networks are driven by dynamic user and application demands but operate statically at their maximum performance. Thus, optical links do not offer much adaptability and are not very energy-efficient. In this paper a novel approach of implementing performance and power adaptivity from system down to optical device, electrical circuit and transistor level is proposed. Depending on the actual data load, the number of activated link paths and individual device parameters like bandwidth, clock rate, modulation format and gain are adapted to enable lowering the components supply power. This enables flexible energy-efficient optical transmission links which pave the way for massive reductions of CO2 emission and operating costs in data center and high performance computing applications. Within the FP7 research project Adaptive Data and Power Aware Transceivers for Optical Communications (ADDAPT) dynamic high-speed energy-efficient transceiver subsystems are developed for short-range optical interconnects taking up new adaptive technologies and methods. The research of eight partners from industry, research and education spanning seven European countries includes the investigation of several adaptive control types and algorithms, the development of a full transceiver system, the design and fabrication of optical components and integrated circuits as well as the development of high-speed, low loss packaging solutions. This paper describes and discusses the idea of ADDAPT and provides an overview about the latest research results in this field.

This paper discusses the challenges and the trade-offs in the design of laser drivers for very-short distance optical communications. A prototype integrated circuit is designed and fabricated in 28 nm super-low-power CMOS technology. The power consumption of the transmitter is 17.2 mW excluding the VCSEL that in our test has a DC power consumption of 10 mW. The active area of the driver is only 0.0045 mm². The driver can achieve an error-free (BER < 10 ^-12) electrical data-rate of 25 Gbit/s using a pseudo random bit sequence of 2⁷ -1. When the driver is connected to the VCSEL module an open optical eye is reported at 15 Gbit/s. In the tested bias point the VCSEL module has a measured bandwidth of 10.7 GHz.

Multiparametric capillary sensors are used for examination of liquids. The measurements results from such sensors are data from time series measurements taken during the movement of the fluid inside the capillary. The truthful characterization requires simultaneous measurements at different capillary points or performed with different techniques or specification. Points and tracks of time series can be analyzed simultaneously. Such analysis performed by trained human operators is time consuming and sometimes not precise because of slow signals levels variations resulting from device imperfection, and fast variations resulting from the presence of noise. The paper presents result of software characteristic data detection from a two-channel capillary sensor. One channel is for the reflected signal measurement; the other channel is for sensing of the scattered signal. The fluid movement inside the capillary is forced by local heating. The software analysis allows the classification of diesel and biodiesel fuel by their content on the base of the slopes of signals manifestation. Obtained results show that the automated analysis of the differences between two simultaneous channels of signals provides more precise data than those obtained from independent time series analysis.

In this paper the analysis of the transmission quality in Nyquist WDM transport system is presented. Results are presented of a system simulation carried out for different modulation format, symbol rates, channel spacing and filter characteristics of the transmitter and receiver. This paper also contains the comparison between results obtained for the N-WDM (Nyquist Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) system. Two quality indicators are taken into consideration: interchannel crosstalk and symbol error rate for both different system configurations.

An optoelectronic system for measurements of hematocrit level (HCT) in the whole human blood is presented. Proposed system integrates a dedicated optoelectronic sensor, a microcontroller and a small LCD display in a low cost, battery-powered, handheld device. Chosen method for determining blood hematocrit level is based on optical properties of whole blood in visible and NIR wavelength range. Measurements with the use of proposed system require blood samples (small drop in the range of microliters) which is placed in the micro cuvette. Then, absorption of the sample is measured at wavelengths of 570 nm and 880 nm. Prototype of the device was build and tested. Test results confirmed proper operation of the device with correct metrological parameters in application to HCT level measurements. Such a portable device can be used as a tool of bedside diagnosis, which becomes interesting alternative to full laboratory tests.

Mathematical model of distributed temperature sensor based on spontaneous Raman scattering is described in this paper. The concept uses Stokes and anti-Stokes scattered signals as reference and detection signals respectively. Model is completed by experimental results coming from setup of 200 m G.652 sensing fiber tested in temperatures 3°C, 15°C, 23 °C and 30°C and 2500 m reference fiber preserved in 22°C. Parameters of the scattered signal source in used setup configuration allow to achieve distributed temperature profile with spatial resolution up to 50 m.

In the article the multimode tapered optical light pipe for illumination systems was investigated. Based on tree light emitting diodes at the wavelength of 460 nm (blue), 528 nm (green) and 631 nm (red) possibility of white light emission on the output surface of the tapered light pipe was submitted. Influence of optical power of LEDs on the colour coordinates (CIE-1931) has been investigated.

Local liquid sample heating is used in multiparametric sensors of liquid type classification and in sensors of liquid flow. In such applications, the heating of the liquid is done by micro-heaters, with the liquid separated from the micro-heater. The presented paper concentrates on the physical conditions of liquid sample heating used in capillary sensors. In such devices the repeatable transfer of heat is required. The basic measurements include time of liquid to vapor phase transitions and local transfer of heat. In the work were used experimental and simulation techniques. The obtained results show that in the capillary sensor repeatable local heat transfer conditions can be easier achieved than repeatable time of liquid to vapor phase transitions. In the analyzed case, the local heating depends mostly on the capillary to micro-heater distance. The liquid to vapor transition times, beside of the liquid type, depend on the powers used for micro-heater heating and on capillary cross-section parameters, such as the inner and outer diameter values. By increasing the power to the micro-heater the transition time variability is reduced.

In the paper we present a successful joint transmission of the IEEE 802.11 signal and an optical Gbit Ethernet over a multimode fiber based link. Most importantly, the multiplexation of both signals was performed in the optical domain. Due to the utilization of the multimode fiber the OBI noise was avoided and both channels were able to operate at the same wavelength. We prove that potential RoF link for IEEE 802.11 signal distribution may be used to additionally transmit other signals as Gbit Ethernet and therefore utilize the fiber infrastructure installed more effectively. The qualities of both the IEEE 802.11 and Ethernet transmissions fulfilled the requirements imposed by appropriate standards.

The realization of a laboratory stand for testing photovoltaic panels is presented here. The project of the laboratory stand was designed in SolidWorks software. The aim of the project was to control the electrical parameters of a PV panel. For this purpose a meter that measures electrical parameters i.e. voltage, current and power, was realized. The meter was created with the use of LabJack DAQ device and LabVIEW software. The presented results of measurements were obtained in different conditions (variable distance from the source of light, variable tilt angle of the panel). Current voltage characteristics of photovoltaic panel were created and all parameters could be detected in different conditions. The standard uncertainties of sample voltage, current, power measurements were calculated. The paper also gives basic information about power characteristics and efficiency of a solar cell.

In this paper the off-grid photovoltaic system consisting of a PV panel, MMPT charge controller and battery is described. The realization of a laboratory stand for charging or discharging batteries is presented. Original monitoring and control system, which is based on LabVIEW software and LabJack DAQ device, has been built. Data acquisition part, arithmetic part and front panel of program created in LabVIEW are described. Some problems with implementation of this system, providing the monitoring of electrical parameters, are mentioned.

In this article a laboratory stand for measuring the impact of temperature on the electrical parameters of a photovoltaic panel is presented. For this purpose, the original program in LabVIEW for temperature, electric current and voltage acquisition in real time had to be created. Data acquisition was done automatically. On the basis of the results, the current-voltage characteristics were created. Moreover, the temperature coefficients and efficiency of a photovoltaic panel were calculated. The parameter values of a polycrystalline photovoltaic panel decreased with the rise of temperature. The short-circuit current, which increased slightly, was the exception. With the temperature increase, the efficiency of the tested panel decreased by approximately 0.5% per Kelvin.

This paper presents comparison image classification method of co-firing biomass and pulverized coal. Defined two class of combustion: stable and unstable for three variants with different power value parameters and fixed amount biomass. Used support vector machine to classify flame image which correspond with the state of the combustion process.

During the past years significantly increased the number of LED models available on the market. However, not all of them have parameters which allow for use in professional lighting systems. The article discusses the international standards which should be met by modern LEDs. Among them, one of the most important parameters is factor of luminous flux decline in value during the operation of the LEDs. Its value is influenced by many factors, among others, the junction temperature of the diode and average and maximum values of supply current. Other important, for lighting reasons, parameters are stability of correlated color temperature and stability of chromaticity coordinates of the emitted light. The paper presents a system to measure luminous flux and colorimetric parameters of LEDs. Measurement system also allows for measuring a change in these parameters during operation of the LED.

When testing transparent plates with high quality flat surfaces and a small angle between them the three-beam interference phenomenon is observed. Since the reference beam and the object beams reflected from both the front and back surface of a sample are detected, the recorded intensity distribution may be regarded as a sum of three fringe patterns. Images of that type cannot be succesfully analyzed with standard interferogram analysis methods. They contain, however, useful information on the tested plate surface flatness and its optical thickness variations. Several methods were elaborated to decode the plate parameters. Our technique represents a competitive solution which allows for retrieval of phase components of the three-beam interferogram. It requires recording two images: a three-beam interferogram and the two-beam one with the reference beam blocked. Mutually subtracting these images leads to the intensity distribution which, under some assumptions, provides access to the two component fringe sets which encode surfaces flatness. At various stages of processing we take advantage of nonlinear operations as well as single-frame interferogram analysis methods. Two-dimensional continuous wavelet transform (2D CWT) is used to separate a particular fringe family from the overall interferogram intensity distribution as well as to estimate the phase distribution from a pattern. We distinguish two processing paths depending on the relative density of fringe sets which is connected with geometry of a sample and optical setup. The proposed method is tested on simulated data.

In this paper, bismuth-germanate oxide glass doped with erbium ions has been synthesized. Composition of the glass has been chosen in terms of the low phonon energy and good transparency in the infrared region. Transparent glass-ceramics sample has been prepared by controlled crystallization process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to determinate structural properties of samples. The absorption coefficient, the luminescence intensity in visible and infrared region and the differential scanning calorimetry have been examined. Difference in the emission intensity and shape of the luminescence bands indicates the presence of crystalline phases in obtained glass-ceramics sample.

In the paper spectroscopic properties of aluminosilicate glasses co-doped with Nd³⁺/Yb³⁺ were investigated. Strong and wide emission in the 1μm region obtained by optimization of Nd³⁺ → Yb³⁺ energy transfer corresponding to the superposition of optical transitions Nd³⁺:⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2 and Yb³⁺:²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2 (Yb³⁺) was observed. The construction of double-core, double-clad optical fiber with cores manufactured from the aluminosilicate glass (co-doped with 1^st core- 0.15Nd₂O₃, 2^nd core - 0.15Nd₂O₃/0.45Yb₂O₃ mol%) was developed. Comparative analysis of shape of luminescence (λ_p=808 nm) obtained in bulk glass (0.15Nd₂O₃/0.45Yb₂O₃) and ASE in double-core optical fiber clearly shows significant differences in luminescent properties. Mechanisms influencing differences in the shape of luminescence of fabricated glass and optical fiber were also discussed.

The growing demand for higher data rate transmissions in local and metropolitan area networks is main reason of developing effective and inexpensive transmission systems. In this paper, study about the possibility to realize 1310 nm tunable DWDM transmitter using commercially available low-cost DFB lasers is presented. Extensive DFB lasers characterization has been performed which led to establish relationships between laser current, operational temperature, emitted wavelength and power. An algorithm to find the laser settings for a desired wavelength grid has been proposed and tested. Generation of the 1310nm DWDM channels with frequency spacing between 120 and 240GHz has been demonstrated.

The utilization of multiple wavelength domains in one transmission system has become a significant trend in modern opto-telecommunications due to the growing demand for transmission capacity. To realize parallel 1550/1310 nm transmission, new 1310 nm amplification techniques are needed, such as the 1310 nm Raman amplifier. In the paper, we investigate the performance of three different configurations of the 1310 nm QD laser based Raman amplifier. In the polarization multiplexed co-propagating configuration we obtained a gain of 9 dB, while it was reduced to 8 dB in the bi-directional configuration. The highest gain was achieved in the polarization multiplexed counter-propagating configuration, with a gain of over 16 dB. The presented results open the way for the optimization of the 1310 nm Raman amplifier’s architecture and the enhanced utilization of Raman amplifiers in telecommunication systems.

This article considers multilevel transistor inverter for converting energy of solar panels into electroenergy. The output of multilevel transistor inverter produces the voltage of almost sinusoidal form. The primary objective of this inverter is to transform solar energy into electroenergy of industrial frequency. The analysis of received output curves of voltage for sinusoidality has been conducted.

Lanthanum fluoride nanoparticles doped with Nd³⁺ ions obtained via solvothermal method have been presented. Doped nanoparticles were prepared in two-step method. Firstly rare-earth chlorides were synthesized from oxides and then they were used to prepare LaF₃ particles. The luminescence spectra shows typical for crystalline materials Stark splitting at 880 nm corresponding ⁴F_3/2 to ₄I_9/2 level transition and 1060 nm matching ⁴F_3/2 to ⁴I_11/2 level transition. The highest luminescence intensity was achieved for sample doped with 0.75% wt. of Nd³⁺, and the longest decay time for sample doped with 0.5% wt. which reached 328 μs. The XRD pattern analysis confirmed that obtained material consists of crystalline LaF₃, the grain size was estimated from Sherrer's formula and equaled about 25nm.

Color imaging depends strongly on the illumination conditions. Semi-specular surfaces impose ambiguity in colorimetric analysis and the specular reflection component has to be treated differently depending on the material. To exclude the specular component, special configuration of photometric devices is required. Such conditions cannot easily be met for images of irregular surfaces. I propose a simple method of structured light illumination for separating the specular and diffuse components of semi-specular surfaces using color camera and a calibrated flat-screen monitor.

High order modulation of 850nm bare Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) has been studied. In particular, four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) has been investigated in order to reach data transmission rates up to 25 GBaud. A probe station has been designed and built as a part of the bare VCSELs high speed test bed and static characterization bench. The PAM-4 quality evaluation methods have been developed.

Technology, characterization and in particularly modeling of 4H-SiC photodiode have been presented in this paper. Modeling and simulation has been performed using PSPICE environment. Comparison of simulation with real results for electrical characteristic (I-V) of circular SiC photodiodes has been also presented.

Actinometric station is using for measuring solar of radiation. The results are helpful in determining the optimal position of solar panels relative to the Sun, especially in today’s world, when the energy coming from the Sun and other alternative sources of energy become more and more popular. Polish climate does not provide as much energy as in countries in southern Europe, but it is possible to increase the amount of energy produced by appropriate arrangement of photovoltaic panels. There is the possibility of forecasting the amount of produced energy, the cost-effectiveness and profitability of photovoltaic installations. This implies considerable development opportunities for domestic photovoltaic power plants. This article presents description of actinometric system for diffuse radiation measurement, which is equipped with pyranometer - thermopile temperature sensor, amplifier AD620, AD Converter ADS1110, microcontroller Atmega 16, SD card, GPS module and LCD screen.

Fiberscopes are composed of an ordered optical fiber bundle. This construction allows faithful transmission of the luminance distribution of the frontal area to the end of fiberscope-image. This paper presents method to obtain the transfer effect of the luminance distribution in unordered fiber bundle. Large number of fibers in a bundle results in the possibility of obtaining high-resolution. This article shows the possibility of obtaining the function of a typical fiberscope in a disordered bundle of fibers.

In the paper thermal and luminescence properties of phospho-tellurite glass and glass after thermal treatment doped with NdF₃ were presented. The crystallization kinetic of the main crystallization peaks of glass was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The value of the activation energy for crystalline phase (E_c 54,21 ± 5 kJ mol^-1) was calculated using Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Starink and Tang methods. The glass-ceramic was obtained by heat treatment method. The luminescence transitions from levels ⁴F_5/2 → ⁴I_9/2 (878 nm), ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_11/2 (1058 nm), and ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2 (1330 nm) in glass and glass-ceramic doped NdF3 were compered.

The paper presents new construction of luminescent photonic sensor based on an optical fiber capillary with a side ribbon doped with Sm³⁺ ions. Samarium ions ensure efficient excitation at the wavelength of 405 nm and multi colour luminescence in visible spectrum (550-720 nm). This phenomenon was proposed to increase sensor accuracy by using measurements of certain wavelength. The luminescence and angular characteristics of developed optrode were characterized at the lateral and face excitation of special capillary fibre construction. Rhodamine B (RhB) was used as a test solution in designed optrode. The nearly linear characteristic of RhB concentration was obtained for up to 0.15 % (w/w). The results indicate that the designed optrode can be used for construction of compact luminescent sensor for measuring selected properties of the solutions.

The paper proposes a method to quantify inaccuracy of the DGD estimation in which the propagation model neglects nonlinearities in an optical fiber and presents the results of the assessment. The practical limits for the application of the linear model can be learnt. The outcome of the paper can be used as a source for design directions for in-work DGD monitoring systems for optical communications.

Spectrum reflected or transmitted by fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in laboratory environment usually has smooth shape with high signal to noise ratio, similar to Gaussian curve. However, in some applications reflected spectrum could included some strong noise, especially where sensing array contains large number of FBGs or while is used broadband, low power source. This paper presents a possibility for extraction fiber Bragg grating peak wavelength from spectra with weak signal to noise radio with most frequently using digital signal processing algorithms. The accuracy of function minimum, centroid and Gaussian fitting methods for peak wavelength detection is compared. The linearity of processing characteristics of extended FBG measured for reference high power and second, low power source is shown and compared.

We present studies over the relations between stellar mass, redshift and star formation history for a high quality sample of early-type galaxies (ETGs) observed by the by the VIMOS Public Extragalactic Redshift Survey (VIPERS). VIPERS is an ongoing Large Programme to map in detail the large-scale distribution of galaxies at 0:5 < z < 1:2 with a unique volume (24 deg²) and sampling rate (~= 45%). At this redshift, IPERS fills a unique niche in galaxy surveys, provides a exceptional opportunity to study galaxies and their evolution at an epoch when the Universe had approximately half its current age. VIPERS data set will become the z ~ 1 equivalent of current state-of-the-art local (z < 0:2) surveys, allowing us to compare measurements at these two different epochs on equal statistical footing. The final sample of this survey is going to reach nearly 100,000 galaxies. As the VIPERS sample contains ~ 15% of the early type galaxies with known spectroscopic redshift and a very good quality spectra, it is a perfect sample to study the star formation history based on their spectroscopic features. We show that there the age of stellar population is depending on the stellar mass and the redshift. Our results show that lower mass galaxies have young stellar populations, while higher mass ETGs are populated with old stars. This suggest that marginal star formation occurs in massive galaxies. This result is consistent with the observations of the local Universe. Moreover, this trend of evolution is preserved for the different redshift range between 0:4 < z < 1:2.

This article presents a laboratory stand used for research concerning static and dynamic characteristics of MAV (micro air vehicle) drive units. An electric powered drive unit, applied in unmanned flying vehicles of short range was chosen as the research object. Such device consists of the following elements: acquisition and control unit, a variable frequency drive (VFD), an engine and a propeller. The article contains a description of the stand structure as well as the way of data acquisition and an example of its processing in the post-processing mode. Moreover, example tests and the results are presented here.

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is an attractive source of power for systems without connection to power grid. Because of seasonal variations of solar radiation, design of such a power system requires careful analysis in order to provide required reliability. In this paper we present results of three-year measurements of experimental PV system located in Poland and based on polycrystalline silicon module. Irradiation values calculated from results of ground measurements have been compared with data from solar radiation databases employ calculations from of satellite observations. Good convergence level of both data sources has been shown, especially during summer. When satellite data from the same time period is available, yearly and monthly production of PV energy can be calculated with 2% and 5% accuracy, respectively. However, monthly production during winter seems to be overestimated, especially in January. Results of this work may be helpful in forecasting performance of similar PV systems in Central Europe and allow to make more precise forecasts of PV system performance than based only on tables with long time averaged values.

ChemiX is a new generation Bragg crystal spectrometer intended to measure X-ray spectra from solar corona. The instrument is under development, and will be attached as one of the scientific equipment to Russian space solar observatory Interhelioprobe. The final heliocentric orbit will be reached after cruise phase which involves exposing the observatory to varying thermal conditions during the whole mission. Final scientific orbit is highly eccentric which results in substantial changes of solar heat flux. The power dissipated inside the instrument itself has also significant impact on thermal conditions. Furthermore ChemiX, as a component of whole spacecraft, will receive and give back some heat due to conduction to the main structure.

Proper evaluation of temperatures and heat fluxes in this case is not only important for correct performance of ChemiX but also for success of whole Interhelioprobe mission. To evaluate those parameters a steady state analysis in satellite crucial position was provided as well as computer simulation.

The paper presents a two methods for simulation of signal induction in the detector. First method base on carriers tracks calculation while second method include simplification of accelerating calculations. Calculation has been performed for Caliste-SO detector, which is cadmium telluride X-ray detector. This detector will be used in the Solar Orbiter/STIX instrument. Solar Orbiter is M-class mission of the ESA's programme Cosmic Vision 2015-2025, which is conducted in collaboration with NASA. It will be launched in October 2018. STIX (Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-Rays) is X-ray telescope and spectrometer and will observe solar X-ray emission from 4 to 150 keV using Fourier-imaging technique. Deep space condition can influence significantly the detector parameters. Tools for detectors behaviour analysis are needed to understand how this harsh radiation environment can influence detector quantum efficiency.

Obtaining interesting celestial objects from tens of thousands or even millions of recorded optical-ultraviolet spectra depends not only on the data quality but also on the accuracy of spectra decomposition. Additionally rapidly growing data volumes demands higher computing power and/or more efficient algorithms implementations. In this paper we speed up the process of substracting iron transitions and fitting Gaussian functions to emission peaks utilising C++ and OpenCL methods together with the NOSQL database. In this paper we implemented typical astronomical methods of detecting peaks in comparison to our previous hybrid methods implemented with CUDA.

"Pi of the Sky" is a system of wide field of view robotic telescopes, which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system was designed for autonomous operation, monitoring a large fraction of the sky with 12^m-13^m range and time resolution of the order of 1 - 10 seconds. For now there are two working "Pi of the Sky" observatories: in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and near Mazagón in Southern Spain. In this paper we report on the status of the project, as well as recent observation of asteroid 2004BL₈₆, which passed the Earth in late January 2015, DG CVn outburst in 2014, satellites observations and our future plans.

The Pi of the Sky is a system of five autonomous detectors designed for continuous observation of the night sky, mainly looking for optical flashes of astrophysical origin, in particular for Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB). In the Pi of the Sky project we also study many kinds of variable stars (periods in range of 0.5^d - 1000.0^d) or take part in the multiwavelength observing campaigns, such as the DG Cvn outburst observations. Our wide field of view robotic telescopes are located in San Pedro the Atacama Observatory, Chile and INTA El Arenosillo Observatory, Spain and were designed for monitoring a large fraction of the sky with 12^m -13^m range and time resolution of the order of 1 - 10 seconds. During analysis of the variable stars observations very important is accurate determination of their variability parameters. We know a lot of algorithms which can be used to the variability analysis of the observed stars¹²³ . In this article using Monte Carlo analysis we compare all used by us the period detection algorithms dedicated to the astronomical origin data analysis. Based on the tests performed we show which algorithm gives us the best period detection quality and try to derived approximate formula describing the period detection error. We also give some examples of this calculation based on the observed by our detectors variable stars. At the end of this article we show how removing bad measurements from the analysed light curve affect to the accuracy of the period detection.

This paper describes study results regarding potential use of White Rabbit technology in Space Related Applications. During the study Technology Readiness Level and Compliance with Space Related Applications was evaluated. After considering possible deployment and development scenarios, main focus has been put on European Space Agency's tracking station system. This outcome derived from specific requirements of tracking system which are coherent with White Rabbit technology scope of application and further development plans. Current state of Time and Frequency Distribution technology implemented into tracking stations is based on multiple different technologies coexisting in parallel creating a complex system. It requires specific, custom made hardware to combine all the technologies which makes it expensive and difficult to maintain. White Rabbit could be use to reduce Time and Frequency Distribution to a single Ethernet based network with link redundancy, payload data transfer and sub-nanosecond accuracy.

This paper describes development of low noise readout subsystem for digital camera dedicated for astronomical observations. Main aim of the study is noise reduction in regard of sensor's output signal and noise added by the analogue electronics. Basic concept and simulation results of analogue front-end are presented. Various Digital Signal Processing schemes are considered in order to increase Signal to Noise ratio. Another step of development are design of the prototype PCB board and implementation of selected processing techniques in to the structure of a FPGA device.

Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field-of-view robotic telescopes, which search for short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The system was designed for autonomous operation, monitoring a large fraction of the sky with 12^m-13^m range and time resolution of the order of 1 - 100 seconds. LUIZA is a dedicated framework developed for efficient off-line processing of the Pi of the Sky data, implemented in C++.

The photometric algorithm based on ASAS photometry was implemented in LUIZA and compared with the algorithm based on the pixel cluster reconstruction and simple aperture photometry algorithm. Optimized photometry algorithms were then applied to the sample of test images, which were modified to include different patterns of variability of the stars (training sample). Different statistical estimators are considered for developing the general variable star identification algorithm. The algorithm will then be used to search for short-period variable stars in the real data.

Pi of the Sky is a system of wide field-of-view robotic telescopes designed for observations of short timescale astrophysical phenomena, especially for prompt optical GRB emission. The apparatus designed for autonomous operation follows the predefined observing strategy and adopts to the actual running conditions, monitoring a large part of the sky with time resolution of the order of 1 - 10 seconds and range 12^m-13^m. Observation strategy and system design was successfully tested with a prototype detector in Chile and starting 2013 the final Pi of the Sky detector system in operation at the INTA El Arenosillo Test Centre in Spain. For the analysis of the data from a wide field-of-view system a set of dedicated algorithms have been developed, which allowed us to reduce photometry uncertainty for bright stars to the level of 0.015^m– 0.02^m.

Design of the Pi of the Sky telescopes allows also for measurements of near-Earth objects as comets, asteroids, satellites and space debris. Precise determination of the orbit parameters of the geostationary satellites is possible when using a parallax measured with simultaneous observations from Spain and Chile. Dedicated tests have been performed recently to verify system capabilities for observation of objects on lower orbits, moving at higher speeds. First results are discussed in this contribution.

The presentation focuses on plans of the Pi of the Sky collaboration to participate in the future LSC-Virgo's Electromagnetic (EM) Follow-up campaigns. Pi of the Sky telescope participated in the first "EM Follow-up project", called Looc-Up^1-3 2009-2010 organized by LSC-Virgo collaboration. Pi of the Sky brought to the project an instrument with the biggest field of view and with a very high time resolution. Recently Pi of the Sky has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LSC-Virgo for EM Follow-up observations in the Advanced Detector Era (ADE). Plans of the Pi of the Sky telescope for joint observations with advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors will be also outlined.

Sports cycling is becoming increasingly popular over last years. Obtaining and maintaining a proper position on the bike has been shown to be crucial for performance, comfort and injury avoidance. Various techniques of bike fitting are available - from rough settings based on body dimensions to professional services making use of sophisticated equipment and expert knowledge. Modern fitting techniques use mainly joint angles as a criterion of proper position. In this work we examine performance of two proposed methods for dynamic cyclist position assessment based on video data recorded during stationary cycling. Proposed methods are intended for home use, to help amateur cyclist improve their position on the bike, and therefore no professional equipment is used. As a result of data processing, ranges of angles in selected joints are provided. Finally strengths and weaknesses of both proposed methods are discussed.

A dedicated absorption spectroscopy system was set up using tungsten-halogen broadband source, optical fibers, sample holder, and a commercial spectrometer with CCD array. Analysis of noise present in the setup was carried out. Data processing was applied to the absorption spectra to reduce spectral noise, and improve the quality of the spectra and to remove the baseline level. The absorption spectra were measured for whole blood samples, separated components: plasma, saline, washed erythrocytes in saline and human whole blood with biomarkers - biocompatible nanodiamonds (ND). Blood samples had been derived from a number of healthy donors. The results prove a correct setup arrangement, with adequate preprocessing of the data. The results of blood-ND mixtures measurements show no toxic effect on blood cells, which proves the NDs as a potential biocompatible biomarkers.

Respiration is the main reason of the chest movements. However, there are also non-respiratory ones, resulting from e.g. snoring, wheezing, stridor, throat clearing or coughing. They may exist sporadically, however should be examined in case when their incidences increase. Detecting non-respiratory movements is very important, because many of them are symptoms of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer. Assessment of the presence of non-respiratory movements could be important element of effective diagnosis. It is also necessary to provide quantitative and objective results for intra-subject studies. Most of these events generate vibroacoustic signals that contain components of sound and vibrations. This work provides the review of the solutions and devices for monitoring of the non-respiratory movements, primarily considering the accuracy of the chest movements' detection and distinguishing.

This paper presents the design of a compact, wearable, rechargeable acceleration recorder to support long-term monitoring of ambulatory patients with motor disorders, and of software to display and analyze its output. The device consists of a microcontroller, operational amplifier, accelerometer, SD card, indicator LED, rechargeable battery, and associated minor components. It can operate for over a day without charging and can continuously collect data for three weeks without downloading to an outside system, as currently configured. With slight modifications, this period could be extended to several months. The accompanying software provides flexible visualization of the acceleration data over long periods, basic file operations and compression for easier archiving, annotation of segments of interest, and functions for calculation of various parameters and detection of immobility and vibration frequencies. Applications in analysis of gait and other movements are discussed.

Introduction: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a useful tool to asses human body composition and nutrition status; multi-frequency BIA has a higher accuracy than single-frequency BIA. In our study a difference of impedance values (Z) at 5, 100 and 200 kHz and Z200/Z5 index between professional athletes and control group were determined.

Methods: In this research 105 people were tested, divided into control group (72 people: 35 males and 37 females) and professional athletes (33 people: 16 males and 17 females). Impedance was measured at three frequency values - 5, 100 and 200 kHz; with received values the Z200/Z5 index was calculated.

Results: In most compared subgroups impedance values showed significantly lower values in athletes than in control group (5 kHz - males: p=0.136, females: p=0.001, 100 kHz - males: p=0.039, females: p<0.0001, 200 kHz - males: p=0.047, females: p<0.0001); Z200/Z5 index also showed lower value in athletes than in control group (p=0.016 for males, p<0.0001 for females).

Conclusion: Lower values of impedance and Z200/Z5 index indicates a better nutrition status and general health condition of athletes than in control group.

An important computational challenge is finding the regulatory elements across the promotor region. In this work we present the advantages and disadvantages from the application of different bioinformatics programs for localization of transcription factor binding sites in the upstream region of genes connected with sex determination in cucumber. We use PlantCARE, PlantPAN and SignalScan to find motifs in the promotor regions. The results have been compared and possible function of chosen motifs has been described.

The new sequencing methods, called Next Generation Sequencing gives an opportunity to possess a vast amount of data in short time. This data requires structural and functional annotation. Functional identification and characterization of predicted proteins could be done by in silico approches, thanks to a numerous computational tools available nowadays. However, there is a need to confirm the results of proteins function prediction using different programs and comparing the results or confirm experimentally. Here we present a bioinformatics pipeline for structural and functional annotation of proteins.

The haemodynamics of the arterial system can be described by the three-elements Windkessel model. As it is a lumped model, it does not account for pulse wave propagation phenomena: pulse wave velocity, reflection, and pulse pressure profile changes during propagation. The Modelflow© method uses this model to calculate stroke volume and total peripheral resistance (TPR) from pulse pressure obtained from finger; the reliability of this method is questioned.

The model parameters are: aortic input impedance (Zo), TPR, and arterial compliance (Cw). They were obtained from studies of human aorta preparation. Individual adjustment is performed based on the subject’s age and gender. As Cw is also affected by diseases, this may lead to inaccuracies.

Moreover, the Modelflow© method transforms the pulse pressure recording from the finger (Finapres©) into a remarkably different pulse pressure in the aorta using a predetermined transfer function — another source of error.

In the present study, we indicate a way to include in the Windkessel model information obtained by adding carotid pulse recording to the finger pressure measurement. This information allows individualization of the values of Cw and Zo. It also seems reasonable to utilize carotid pulse, which better reflects aortic pressure, to individualize the transfer function.

Despite its simplicity, the Windkessel model describes essential phenomena in the arterial system remarkably well; therefore, it seems worthwhile to check whether individualization of its parameters would increase the reliability of results obtained with this model.

Electrophysiological recording of neuronal action potentials from behaving animals requires portable, precise and reliable devices for positioning of multiple microelectrodes in the brain. We propose a semi-automatic microdrive system for independent positioning of up to 8 electrodes (or tetrodes) in a rat (or larger animals). Device is intended to be used in chronic, long term recording applications in freely moving animals. Our design is based on independent stepper motors with lead screws which will offer single steps of ~ μm semi-automatically controlled from the computer. Microdrive system prototype for one electrode was developed and tested. Because of the lack of the systematic test procedures dedicated to such applications, we propose the evaluation of the prototype similar to ISO norm for industrial robots. To this end we designed and implemented magnetic linear and rotary encoders that provided information about electrode displacement and motor shaft movement. On the basis of these measurements we estimated repeatability, accuracy and backlash of the drive. According to the given assumptions and preliminary tests, the device should provide greater accuracy than hand-controlled manipulators available on the market. Automatic positioning will also shorten the course of the experiment and improve the acquisition of signals from multiple neuronal populations.