Research
Variations on a Theme of Information Theory 📡
2024 Ivy Space Conference
Radio Communications for 3U Cubesat Satellites
My Research
To me, research is the pursuit of answers to the most intriguing and complex questions, driven by an insatiable curiosity to understand the unknown. It’s about constantly pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and transforming challenges into opportunities for discovery. Research is not just about finding solutions—it’s about the process of learning, experimenting, and growing through every setback and breakthrough. It's where creativity meets rigor, and each step forward uncovers new avenues to explore. Ultimately, research fuels my passion for innovation and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of technology and knowledge.
Communicating with Light in a Sea of Noise
Free-space optical links often require robust encoding and noise mitigation techniques to ensure reliable data transmission, especially in environments with significant atmospheric scattering. In my research at the PROBE Optics Lab, I focused on developing novel approaches to enhance the robustness of these communication systems. By employing advanced signal processing techniques and exploring the use of optical coherence properties, we worked to overcome the challenges posed by non-unitary noise.
As a key contributor to this work, I co-authored the paper 'Scattering-Immune Optical Communications Using the Coherence Rank,' which presented our findings on how coherence rank can be harnessed to improve signal fidelity in free-space optical communications. This research has significant implications for the future of high-speed, long-distance optical communication networks.
How reliable is the modern pulse oximeter?
In brief, its reliability can be questionable in certain situations. While pulse oximeters are indispensable in contemporary medical practice, they sometimes lack the consistent accuracy required for all scenarios. Motion, ambient light, and even skin pigmentation can influence the readings. Notably, studies indicate that individuals with darker skin tones may be more susceptible to obtaining readings that overestimate their actual blood oxygen levels. This is a dangerous precedent.
In the summer of 2023, I developed a set of equations and methods that would aid in assessing the reliability of a pulse oximeter's PPG signal through what I call the Signal Quality Index (SQI). The results of my research were presented at Brown University's 2023 Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award Symposium. Further, I received an invitation to attend the 2023 Optica Amplify Immersion Program along with the Frontier in Optics conference.
A Glimpse into 0s and 1s- Information Theory
As a member of Professor Rose's World of Bits research group in the field of information theory and coding, I specialize in exploring innovative decoding schemes that can improve the reliability and efficiency of communication systems at scale. One of the decoding schemes that I have been investigating is called Guessing Random Additive Noise Decoding (GRAND).
GRAND is a unique decoding approach that involves guessing the error vector by adding random noise to the received signal and using a permuted version of Syndrome Decoding to check if the received signal is a codeword. The noise sequences are generated using probability to rank the most likely error sequence. I've constructed this kind of decoding scheme in Python where I have the ability to study this decoding method is greater detail.
One such adaptation is the use of Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) polynomials to generate random generator matrices, G, and their respective parity check matrices, H. By mapping CRC generator polynomials to Generator Matrices, I aim to not only deviate from purely canonical generator matrices, but to optimize the entire method of random signal encoding.
Decoding the World of Research
Accessibility to education has always been the forefront of my focus in research. I believe that research should be the advancement of knowledge for all. Because of that, I've started a mini-blog section of this website to explain parts of my research in terms that are accessible to all.