ch the magnetic orientation in the film. But when the now aligned electrons flow through the second mag- netic film, the process is reversed. This time the alignment of the electrons is transferred to the film. The result is that the magnetization of the film rapidly switches direction, or oscillates, generating a microwave signal. The microwave signal can be tuned from less than 5 GHz (5 billion oscillations a second) to greater than 40 GHz. The NIST experiments confirm predictions made by theorists at IBM Corp. and Carnegie Mellon University in 1996. NIST physicist William Rippard says ANTENNA TECHNOLOGIES the new oscillators can be built into integrated circuits with the same tech- nologies now used to make computer chips and that they may eventually replace bulkier technologies at a greatly reduced cost. 6.10 ANTENNA TECHNOLOGIES For most people, even many engineers, the antenna is the least interesting part of a radio. Yet radio performance depends greatly on the type of antenna used. In fact, the best transmitter or receiver is little more than a high-tech doorstop unless it's connected to a high-quality antenna. That's why antenna research is critical to the future of radio technology. 6.10.1 High Dielectric Antenna Researchers are working on several new antenna technologies. One promis- ing design, which could significantly boost 3G wireless data transfer speeds, is being developed by Cambridge, United Kingdom-based Antenova. The device breaks all the normal rules of antenna design, yet improves signal quality SO much that handsets can actually support services such as playing real-time video clips-a feat that has proved elusive to date. The breakthrough comes from Antenova's high dielectric antenna (HDA) technology, which enables two or more antennas to listen independently even though they are mounted within millimeters of each other. The antenna also breaks new ground in size and efficiency. The antenna's reception sensitivity, which is based on an advanced ceramic material, is significantly improved c