Communication technologies developed by researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have been put into practical use in the rescue work in Sichuan, the university's associate professor of electronic engineering Xue Quan revealed in a ceremony announcing the establishment of the State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves.

Antennas and amplifiers the researchers developed were installed on the Beidou 1 satellite, which was used by rescuers in Sichuan to communicate with the rescue center.

Meanwhile, the university's science and engineering faculty dean Chan Chi-hou said the newly established laboratory will focus on researching the principal theories and applications of millimeter waves, a high frequency electromagnetic wave that can be used in wireless communication, navigation and remote control.

In addition, the laboratory will seek ways to improve the penetration of millimeter to make the technology more accessible.

(HK Edition 06/06/2008 page1)