Physical Layer Algorithms for Intrabody Nano-Communications

Abstract: In this thesis we develop a mathematical model of the physical layerfor an in-body nano-machine (NM) communication. The purpose isfinding what modulation and detection schemes are suitable for applicationin the body and discovering what factors limit the feasiblecommunication distance. Inside the body, the NMs use small antennasoperating in the THz frequency spectrum. They have limited energyresources and low computational power and must fulfill their task ina challenging environment with large absorption losses. By employingon-off-keying pulse modulation and small integrating receiver circuits,it is possible to consume minimal energy while being able communicateover small distances of a few mms. This is shown througha simulation of a point to point nano-communication link. We alsodemonstrate how connecting several NMs in a network and employingamplify-and-forward relaying can facilitate communication overlarger distances. The final analysis shows that communication insidethe body is possible over short distances, a few mms at most, but transmittinga signal strong enough to connect aNMnetwork to an externalterminal may prove challenging.