Abstract: There is suppressed deterioration of transmission quality resulting from FWM light generated in the optical fiber of an optical transmission apparatus that performs wavelength division multiplex transmission. To suppress deterioration of the transmission quality due to the FWM light, the sender apparatus adjusts the intensity of wavelength-division-multiplexed light output to the optical fiber, according to a level of FWM crosstalk observed by receiver apparatus.

Abstract: Processes, techniques, and compositions used to fabricate high performance solid acid fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies are disclosed. The techniques include preparing the solid acid electrolyte material, depositing the electrolyte membrane, depositing the electrocatalyst layer, preparing the electrodes, fabricating the gas seals, and constructing the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A sounds-like spelling group is generated in which scores are used for word descriptions. A user selects a correct sounds-like spelling from a generated sounds-like spelling group, and a group of base forms is generated with scores provided for the selected sounds-like spelling and the reading of the word. In this fashion, a base form having a score that exceeds a reference value is registered without a voice recording being required. During the speech recognition process as performed by a user, when a predetermined error state is detected, e.g., when the number of recognition errors exceeds N, a panel is output requesting that the user register the inscription, the sounds-like spelling and the pronunciation inscription for the word and that the user record a corresponding pronunciation. In accordance with the pronunciation provided by the user, the base form is obtained and is re-registered in the speech recognition dictionary.

Abstract: Direct alcohol fuel cells using solid acid electrolytes and internal reforming catalysts are disclosed. The fuel cell generally comprises an anode, a cathode, a solid acid electrolyte and an internal reforming catalyst. The internal reforming catalyst may comprise any suitable reformer and is positioned adjacent the anode. In this configuration the heat generated by the exothermic fuel cell catalyst reactions and ohmic heating of the fuel cell electrolyte drives the endothermic fuel reforming reaction, reforming the alcohol fuel into hydrogen. Any alcohol fuel may be used, e.g. methanol or ethanol. The fuel cells according to this invention show increased power density and cell voltage relative to direct alcohol fuel cells not using an internal reformer.

Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus comprising a first detector for detecting the power of the supervisory signal light separated from received wavelength-division multiplexed signal lights; a second detector for detecting the power of the wavelength-division multiplexed signal lights after the separation of the supervisory signal light; a gain-controlled type optical amplifier for amplifying the wavelength-division multiplexed signal lights; an optical attenuator coupled to the amplifier; and a control unit for controlling the optical amplifier and the optical attenuator so as to keep the output level of the wavelength-division multiplexed signal lights to a predetermined target value, wherein the control unit restrains automatic output level control by the optical attenuator when the supervisory signal light power fluctuates within its permissible range and fluctuations in the signal light power have deviated from its permissible range.

Abstract: In a wavelength-division multiplexing system with an OADM mounted, part of the chromatic dispersion on a transmission line is compensated for by a chromatic dispersion compensator for dropped wavelength that is provided in the wavelength-division multiplexing system, and the other part of the chromatic dispersion is compensated for by a chromatic dispersion compensator for added wavelength that is similarly provided in the wavelength-division multiplexing system. Thus, the chromatic dispersion compensator for dropped wavelength acts on the signal dropped by the OADM, and the chromatic dispersion compensator for added wavelength acts on the added signal. Both the chromatic dispersion compensators act on the passing signal. With the chromatic dispersion compensators being mounted in the optical transmission apparatus before the system is upgraded, it is not necessary to alter the chromatic dispersion compensating method and the variation of the communication quality can be suppressed.

Abstract: There is suppressed deterioration of transmission quality resulting from FWM generated in the optical fiber of an optical transmission apparatus which performs wavelength division multiplex transmission. A wavelength division multiplexing optical transmission system is not restricted by a wavelength division multiplex density. Intensity of FWM generated in an optical fiber transmission line for each span is observed by a receiver side to determine intensity of output light to send the span by a sender side, to thereby suppress deterioration of the transmission quality due to the FWM generated in the optical fiber of a WDM optical transmission apparatus.

Abstract: In the WDM systems, the OSNR and the signal loss among the optical signals are substantially minimized at the receiving terminal to combat the SRS effects. An equal amount of the signal loss is expected for every span in the transmission path so that the optical amplifier gain tilt is not affected among a number of wavelength frequencies in the optical signal. This is accomplished by controlling the amplification process according to a feedback from the monitoring units for monitoring the optical signal.

Abstract: Optical signal transmission is improved by reducing the variance in light output level and OSNR by adjusting optical signal intensity and gain tilt, taking SRS influence into consideration.