Finite-Blocklength Analysis of Alamouti Codes over Eisenstein Integers

Abstract

We study a space--time block code from a maximal order in the definite quaternion algebra $(-1,-3)_{\Q}$. Its embedding into $\C^{2\times 2}$ yields an Alamouti--Eisenstein code over $\mathbb{Z}[w]$ with full diversity, orthogonality, and non-vanishing determinant. The underlying lattice is isomorphic to $\mathbb{Z}[w{]}^2$, while the embedded lattice has $A_2\oplus A_2$ geometry, yielding a hexagonal shaping gain. We compare it with the classical Alamouti code over $\mathbb{Z}[i]$ in terms of shaping, constellation-constrained mutual information, and finite-blocklength achievable rates, obtaining an asymptotic energy gain of about $0.79$~dB and a small but positive mutual-information gain. At the same SNR and rate, the Alamouti--Eisenstein design also improves short-packet reliability.

6 pages, 1 figure, Accepted for presentation at ISIT2026