Day 1 Winter Break 2014 in Japan: Solo Traveler from Sendai to Tokyo

Solo Traveler from Sendai to Tokyo


It was 26th December, I decided to go to Tokyo by JR local Train 18きっぷ. I got 5 tickets of unlimited JR train within 5 days on 10 Dec- 10Jan (not counted in sequence day). I was really insecure at that time because I had to go alone by train with 5 transits along Sendai to Tokyo. Based on the itinerary it would take 6 hours riding by JR local train. Yeah, 6 hours inside the train alone, wanderer from northen to southern Japan.

My first destination was Tokyo Skytree. Of course, as a landmark of Japan, it has its own attraction.

Tokyo Skytree & Aqua Liner

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Tower

Asakusa Shrine

Akihabara-ku

Shibuya-ku

Yokohama

Cosmo World's Ferrish Wheel

Minato Mirai 

Those are some places I visited in Tokyo. More photos will be updated soon.
I hope this post makes you want to visit Japan more.



*all photos belong to admin. Taken by Xiaomi MI3

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Spectral Linewidth Reduction

1. Spectral Linewidth

A spectral line is a dark or bright line in an otherwise uniform and continuous spectrum. A spectral line extends over a range of frequencies, not a single frequency (i.e., it has a nonzero linewidth). In addition, its center may be shifted from its nominal central wavelength. 

Linewidth is width of the spectrum of a light beam or an absorption feature.

"Widely wavelength tunable lasers are key components for future reconfigurable dense wavelength-divisionmultiplexed (DWDM) optical networks. And they are also expected to replace fixed-wavelength light sources, thus reducing the spares inventory and system costs. Many types
of widely tunable lasers have already been proposed and developed , including distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers , distributed feedback (DFB) laser arrays,
and external cavity lasers (ECLs)]. Of these, we have developed tunable DFB laser arrays (TLAs), because we think they are the most reliable. Their stable mode behavior is a great advantage for use in optical communication systems that require highly reliable components. We obtained a high fiber output power of more than 20 mW, a wide tuning range of more than 35 nm in both the C- and L-bands, and a high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of more than 45 dB with
the TLAs. These features make TLAs extremely useful for current 10-Gbit/s DWDM applications." Hiroyuki Ishii, Member, IEEE, Kazuo Kasaya, and Hiromi Oohashi, Member, IEEE

2. Distributed feedback (DFB) lasers

Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers are single mode lasers containing an integrated grating structure. The result is a single mode emission at an outmost precise wavelength with an extremely narrow line width. 

3. Optical Fiber Communication 

Fiber-optic communication is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber. The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry information.  Because of its advantages over electrical transmission, optical fibers have largely replaced copper wire communications in core networks in the developed world. Optical fiber is used by many telecommunications companies to transmit telephone signals, Internet communication, and cable television signals.

The process of communicating using fiber-optics involves the following basic steps: Creating the optical signal involving the use of a transmitter, relaying the signal along the fiber, ensuring that the signal does not become too distorted or weak, receiving the optical signal, and converting it into an electrical signal.

4. Optical Transmitters

The most commonly used optical transmitters are semiconductor devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes. The difference between LEDs and laser diodes is that LEDs produce incoherent light, while laser diodes produce coherent light. For use in optical communications, semiconductor optical transmitters must be designed to be compact, efficient, and reliable, while operating in an optimal wavelength range, and directly modulated at high frequencies.

In its simplest form, a LED is a forward-biased p-n junction, emitting light through spontaneous emission, a phenomenon referred to as electroluminescence. The emitted light is incoherent with a relatively wide spectral width of 30-60 nm. LED light transmission is also inefficient, with only about 1% of input power, or about 100 microwatts, eventually converted into launched power which has been coupled into the optical fiber. However, due to their relatively simple design, LEDs are very useful for low-cost applications.


Communications LEDs are most commonly made from Indium gallium arsenide phosphide (InGaAsP) or gallium arsenide (GaAs). Because InGaAsP LEDs operate at a longer wavelength than GaAs LEDs (1.3 micrometers vs. 0.81-0.87 micrometers), their output spectrum, while equivalent in energy is wider in wavelength terms by a factor of about 1.7. The large spectrum width of LEDs is subject to higher fiber dispersion, considerably limiting their bit rate-distance product (a common measure of usefulness). LEDs are suitable primarily for local-area-network applications with bit rates of 10-100 Mbit/s and transmission distances of a few kilometers. LEDs have also been developed that use several quantum wells to emit light at different wavelengths over a broad spectrum, and are currently in use for local-area WDM (Wavelength-Division Multiplexing) networks.

5. Tunable Lasers

A tunable laser is a laser whose wavelength of operation can be altered in a controlled manner. While all laser gain media allow small shifts in output wavelength, only a few types of lasers allow continuous tuning over a significant wavelength range.

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Throwback Robotics Stuff

First of all I would like to say Thank you to my friends, my seniors in Universitas Indonesia, who helped me a lot to build and mobilize robot . Thanks for the courage, knowledge and time.

ありがとうー UI Robotics Team :)

My University's robotics club member. Full team in one frame.
TRUI! JUARA! JUARA! JUARA!

TRUI! JUARA! JUARA! JUARA!

1. When I was still a freshman student

I have been interested in one of club in my university, Robotics Club. My first year was begun by being supporter for my seniors to compete in Indonesian Robotics Contest. It was in 2013. I was hoping one day I can be the one who is being supported from podium. I wished I could be next year participant in sophomore year.

My first time watched National Robotics Competition

 2. My first time Programmed a Robot (Line Following Robot)

On my way to be accepted as part of UI Robotics team me and all of freshman participant need to build a line follower robot then we compete each other. My team was the only team consisting of all girls. They are amazing. My senior who is being our mentor is way too amazing too. Sleep was not an option for us at that time. We build our robot from the morning through the night. This time I began to be an amateur (very amateur) programmer. Thanks to everybody who helped me and us until we finally became the fourth winner (not bad tho). Thanks for the captain of first winner (who is my ex boyfriend) who helped me a lot quite a lot to be a programmer at that time.

our very first robot, without mechanic only 3 electricians and 1 programmer

we call it BIG BANG robot (can you guess why we named it so?)

3. Mini KRI

After finished first job to build a line follower robot, then the next challenge was to build mini manual-multitasking robot. The rule is simple. Each robot compete to take a cane and put it in a certain place. We can control the robot through joystick we made. This time every team was given mechanic. Mechanic is so important in building robot yet I have no skill on mechanics things at all.

As I remember my team gave the name to our robot "CIPUNG" (Cinta Kampung) It was because of me. I was the only programmer in that team but I ended up went back to my home town when the D-Day of match was started (hahaha can't helped it, I already purchase my ticket for going back to hometown)

4. KRI Regional 1 (Jakarta, Sumatera, West Java Region)

This is my first time took a part as a participant in National Robotics Contest. After passed the selection process to be  club member I started to work for team name ULUINO (this team is UI's representative for Abu Robocon Contest)

"Sleep is only for the weak"

how many nights I spent with no sleep during the process of making our robot robust? I didn't remember. To build one robot, not only work hard is needed but also pray hard and a very good team work. I still need to learn many things from programming. Debugging is a must. I tried not to make my friends disappointed (maybe I did, I'm sorry)

our precious robot!!!!

participant's card

full team's card

before match

the arena of match

full team

I thought we were being eliminated in that match but miracle did really happen. We were succeed to pass this stage and go to the National Level next two months!!! Thank you team! You're awesome!

5. KRI National Level (Jogjakarta, Indonesia - June 2014)

Thanks God ULUNO goes to National Arena. This time I didn't take a part as a participant (even I didn't change any code to prepare for the next match haha)

I was so happy at that time because I can travel with my close friends to Jogjakarta. It was fun to watch the match in National Level. They are all bright and hard worker student from all over part of Indonesia. I was so proud being one of them.

preparing air compressor for robot

only in Indonesia you can find Robot dances!

Dancing Robot

Basically I love programming yet I tried to change my specialty in telecommunication thingy. Yeah right now I am working in Optical Communication Laboratory. I have to learn so many things about optical. じゃな―ロボット＾＾

Thing I have learned a lot from building  robot is T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More)
This has been our Club's slogan for years.

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Trip to Osaka 大阪 during My Winter Break #冬休み２０１４

Here we are! The Amazing Osaka!

just arrived in Osaka

During my winter break I went to Osaka-shi with my friends from Tokyo.
Where did I go in Osaka? I and my friends bought an "Amazing Pass" card to go around Osaka with free entrance fee for every subway line and sight attractions. We went to almost all of the places in http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html in ONE DAY!

1. Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building is 173 meters high. It has an innovative form whereby the two skyscrapers are connected at their top floors and a huge atrium that extends about 150 meters connecting the sky and the ground. Together they suggest a solemn atmosphere to visitors not unlike a cathedral dome. When going out onto Sky Walk at the very top of the skyscrapers, visitors can feel the fresh air and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. In addition, in the basement, there is the "Takimi Lane of Restaurants" that reproduces the gourmet town of Osaka, a famous location where gourmets spare no expense on food. This famous new place in Osaka attracts throngs of people every day.

night view from roof-top of Umeda building

2. Shitennoji Temple

The temple was built not far from Osaka Bay, which played a vital role in trade and traffic. It was a strategic location which enabled a show of Japan's power and prosperity to the world. Despite repeated reconstructions, the layout of the temple compound has remained largely unchanged from the beginning. Shitennoji is the favorite shrine of many Japanese people and is fondly regarded as the Buddhist altar of Osaka. Indicative of the temple's long history are the many annual events held here, including the Doya-Doya, the Shoryoe, and the Shitennoji Wasso.

peace!

the yard

I'm so small

The lampions

3. Tsutentaku Tower

Tsutenkaku Tower is patterned after the Eiffel Tower, the original Tsutenkaku Tower with a height of 64 meters, was built in 1912 which was the tallest structure in the Orient at the time. The current Tsutenkaku Tower was built in 1956 with a height of 103 meters and has an observation deck on its 5th floor, where you can meet a charming God of Happiness, Billiken statue.

Tsutentaku Tower (photo credit by gojapan.com)

observation photo taken by me

inside the observatory deck

Billiken statue

peace again

miniature

4. Osaka Castle

The magnificent moats and the stone walls
Old buildings and structures from the Edo period, including stone walls of outer moats and inner moats, have escaped the ravages of numerous wars and casualties. The 13 structures, including the gate, gun powder storehouse, and turrets, are recognized as Important Cultural Properties by the national government.

stone walls

peace again

samurai cosplay

bridge before castle

all photos without credit's tag belong to admin, taken by Xiaomi MI3

5. Aqua Liner

"Aqua-Liner", a water bus, cruises around the Okawa River (former Yodo River). The bus goes around popular landmarks such as the red-brick Japan Mint in Osaka, a retro building of Osaka City, the Central Public Hall, and the symbol of Osaka, the Osaka Castle. The tour is full of new discoveries when viewed from the water from a different perspective. The bus departs hourly from four piers. It is crowded with people in spring, when cherry blossoms adorn the riversides.

ticket

aqua liner

view from outside the window

across the river

beauty of osaka

6. Santa Maria Cruise

One of the most exciting trips you can take in Osaka is on the Bay Cruise Osaka Santa Maria, which is a replica of the sailing ship in which Columbus discovered America (although the replica is twice the size of the original). The Santa Maria departs for a complete tour of Osaka Bay from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at Tempozan Harbor Village. From its deck you can see the bay in its entirety. The day cruise lasts 50 minutes, the night cruise 105 minutes.

on amazing cruise!

it is santa maria cruise

so glad be able to see this while sailing on the cruise

7. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

tempozan ferris wheel

Sitting at the mouth of the Osaka Bay is the enormous Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, formerly the biggest, tallest and most technologically advanced observation wheel in the world (now surpassed by the even more massive British Airways London Eye). From high up in the air you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, the mountains, and the entire city of Osaka. On the seaward side is the Akashi Straits Bridge in the distance; on the landward side downtown Osaka and Mt. Rokko. The night view with illumination is so romantic that this Ferris wheel is famous as a date spot. It is 112.5 meters in height, has 60 eight-passenger cars (for a maximum capacity of 480 people), plus the world?'s first "skyrocket fireworks" lighting pattern with illuminations of 100 meters in diameter. It also boasts the world?'s first transmission of weather information by 100-meter-diameter illumination.

trying to take a pict in front of ferris wheel, but the wind from the bay is just too hard to deal with

selfie inside the ferris wheel's passenger car

night view from outside the window of the car

color illumination of the Ferris wheel

finally, the proper selfie with Mr. Ferris Wheel

one of the biggest ferris wheel in the world

8. Dontonburi

So tired, we went to all of those place in one day! Finally we decided to eat something Osaka-ish in Dontonburi.

Dotonbori is a popular tourist destination in Namba Osaka. Dotonbori is famous for its giant crab and other restaurants.
The Dotonbori Canal, which runs through Namba (Minami), is the Namba's symbol. The Dotonbori Canal has often been used as a movie location for films such as 'Black Rain'. The area around the canal is referred to as Dotonbori. Both sides of the canal are always busy day and night. The north side of the canal is called Soemon-cho, where there are many restaurants and bars. The south side of the canal, Dotonbori Street, is a home of 'Kuidaore' with various eateries where you will be amazed with the famous Osaka giant signs such as moving crab, puffer fish, dragon, etc. Try famous Osaka food 'Takoyaki (octopus balls)'.

glico man

Glico Man
Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.

And this is my meal in dontonburi..

Very delicious TAKOYAKI

Ok, that's all I can share during my winter break trip to osaka. Hopefully you enjoy it! I wish someday I can go to those places with my family and my special one.

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