A method of wireless communications includes adapting to downlink/uplink resource allocations. In particular, the downlink/uplink communications may be adjusted according to time division duplexed (TDD) configurations of serving and neighbor cells.

The use of the electride form of 12CaO-7Al.sub.2O.sub.3, or C12A7, as a low work function electron emitter in a hollow cathode discharge apparatus is described. No heater is required to initiate operation of the present cathode, as is necessary for traditional hollow cathode devices. Because C12A7 has a fully oxidized lattice structure, exposure to oxygen does not degrade the electride. The electride was surrounded by a graphite liner since it was found that the C12A7 electride converts to it's eutectic (CA+C3A) form when heated (through natural hollow cathode operation) in a metal tube.

A manufacturing method for an electron source according to the present disclosure includes steps of: (A) cutting out a chip from a block of an electron emission material, (B) fixing a first end portion of the chip to a distal end of a support needle, and (C) sharpening a second end portion of the chip. The step (A) includes forming first and second grooves which constitute first and second surfaces of the chip in the block by irradiating a surface of the block with an ion beam. The first end portion of the chip includes the first surface and the second surface with the surfaces forming an angle of 10 to 90. The step (B) includes forming a joint between the distal end of the support needle and the first end portion of the chip.

A manufacturing method for an electron source according to the present disclosure includes steps of: (A) cutting out a chip from a block of an electron emission material, (B) fixing a first end portion of the chip to a distal end of a support needle, and (C) sharpening a second end portion of the chip. The step (A) includes forming first and second grooves which constitute first and second surfaces of the chip in the block by irradiating a surface of the block with an ion beam. The first end portion of the chip includes the first surface and the second surface with the surfaces forming an angle of 10 to 90. The step (B) includes forming a joint between the distal end of the support needle and the first end portion of the chip.

A device for ionization of a fluid includes a container and a first pair of electrodes arranged in the container opposite each other and at a distance from each other, wherein the container is adapted for conveying the fluid in a gaseous state in a fluid flow past the first pair of electrodes, wherein the device further includes a power supply adapted to charge the first pair of electrodes such that electric discharges take place from the electrodes for the ionization of the fluid, wherein the device further includes a magnetic field generating arrangement including a plurality of magnets circumferentially spaced around the container by a support structure which is adapted for generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the first pair of electrodes for affecting the discharges for supporting the ionization of the fluid.

A device for ionization of a fluid includes a container and a first pair of electrodes arranged in the container opposite each other and at a distance from each other, wherein the container is adapted for conveying the fluid in a gaseous state in a fluid flow past the first pair of electrodes, wherein the device further includes a power supply adapted to charge the first pair of electrodes such that electric discharges take place from the electrodes for the ionization of the fluid, wherein the device further includes a magnetic field generating arrangement including a plurality of magnets circumferentially spaced around the container by a support structure which is adapted for generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the first pair of electrodes for affecting the discharges for supporting the ionization of the fluid.