A study was conducted to investigate the effects of color CRT misconvergence and display luminance on reading performance and perceived image quality. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effects of color CRT misconvergence on reading time and errors, (2) to determine the effects of color CRT misconvergence on subjective ratings of image quality, and (3) to examine the interaction between color CRT misconvergence and display luminance upon reading performance and subjective ratings of image quality. Ten participants performed a Tinker Speed of Reading Test on a shadow-mask, color CRT computer workstation. Both search time to find the out-of-context word and errors were recorded. Following the reading task, each participant rated the image quality of the display using a 9-point subjective scale. Reading performance was not affected by CRT misconvergence or character luminance. Increasing misconvergence did result in lower image quality ratings; however, it was found that participants perceived the more luminous displays to have higher image quality. Also, it was determined that image quality ratings were lowest for magenta misconvergence. However, using normalized ratings, it was found that image quality ratings decreased quickest for the yellow characters with increasing misconvergence. These findings indicate that lower levels of misconvergence (1 to 2.5 arcmin) may not affect reading performance adversely. However, since individuals perceive display quality to be poor at these levels of misconvergence, color CRTs should be used only when application absolutely requires them. / Master of Science

The presented research discusses the design, analysis, and testing of a low current, LaB6 heaterless hollow cathode for space propulsion applications. A heaterless design using LaB6 is chosen to reduce complexity and increase electrical power efficiency and robustness. Argon propellant is used due to its more favorable breakdown voltage characteristics compared to xenon. An original model for the insert region plasma is derived by combining several analyses in literature. This model allows the simultaneous calculation of many plasma and thermal parameters in the cathode using only two completely unobtrusive measurements, and requires several assumptions which are common in hollow cathode research. The design of the cathode and its subsystems are presented in detail. No diagnostics were used in the cathode except direct voltage measurements in the power circuit. A discussion of emitter poisoning and ignition behavior is presented. The cathode is characterized by measuring anode and keeper voltages as a function of anode current and propellant flow rate, with the cathode discharging directly to a flat metal anode. Results are consistent with those obtained by previous investigations of argon hollow cathodes. This data is used with the derived plasma model to calculate the dependence of various parameters on current and flow rate. A discussion of the spot-plume transition behavior is presented. Finally, insights and design improvements are discussed based on the experimental results. / Master of Science / In recent years, the space industry has seen rapidly accelerating growth due to the continuing advancement of technology. A critical area of spacecraft technology is the spacecraft’s propulsion system, which allows the vehicle to achieve and maintain its desired orbit or trajectory through space. One class of propulsion systems known as “electric propulsion” uses electrical power to accelerate the fuel of the spacecraft. These types of propulsion systems are far more efficient than traditional propulsion systems, which use chemical reactions to create thrust. One of the main components of certain types of electric propulsion systems is the hollow cathode, which initiates and sustains the thruster operation. In this research, a hollow cathode with several non-conventional characteristics is developed and tested. First of all, standard hollow cathodes use a heater to bring the cathode up to operational temperature, but this design is heaterless which offers several benefits to the cathode and electrical power system designs. Secondly, the cathode uses a non-conventional choice of material for the “emitter”, which emits electrons when heated and allows the cathode to operate. Lastly, while typical electric propulsion systems use xenon for fuel, this cathode uses argon which has several benefits over xenon including cost. An overview of electric propulsion is presented, as well as a new physics-based model of this type of cathode that allows useful calculations based on simple measurements. The design and test results of the cathode are discussed in detail, with several interesting and insightful behaviors that were noted during testing. Heaterless cathodes have the potential to improve the efficiency, cost, and weight of electric propulsion systems, and this research therefore contributes to an important field for the future of space exploration.

Our information-oriented society relies on the widespread use of color CRT displays. Misconvergence of the primary colors of a shadow-mask CRT is a problem with this technology that deserves human factors engineering consideration. The purpose of this research was as follows: (1) to determine the effects of misconvergence type and amount and font type on reading performance (time required and errors made), (2) to determine the effects of misconvergence type and amount and font type on subjective image quality ratings, (3) to determine the role of luminance and chrominance contrasts in predicting performance or subjective ratings. Ten participants performed a simple reading task and rated the image quality of the text they had just seen using a nine-point scale. The text was presented on a shadow-mask CRT. Different misconvergence types and amounts and different font types were presented. Neither font type, misconvergence type, nor misconvergence amount affected the time required to perform the reading task. Only misconvergence type affected the rate at which errors occurred, with blue misconvergence of a white character resulting in the most errors and cyan misconvergence resulting in the fewest errors. Font type, misconvergence type, misconvergence amount, and the misconvergence type and amount interaction all affected subjective ratings, with 1 to 2 arcmin being the largest acceptable misconvergence amounts. The Yu'v’ chrominance contrast between the stationary misconvergence fringe and the background was positively correlated with subjective preference ratings. / Master of Science

Le besoin accru de stockage d'énergie via Li- et batteries Na-ion nécessite une recherche continue de nouveaux matériaux de cathode ayant une densité énergétique plus élevée et étant sûr et durable. Ainsi, nous avons exploré des composés à base de borate capables de réagir avec Li/ Na-ions de manière réversible, soit par le biais de réactions topotactic- ou de conversion. Nous nous sommes concentrés sur les candidats avec des anions polyborate, qui devraient montrer des potentiels redox élevés par rapport aux matériaux à base BO3. Li6CuB4O10 utilisant comme composé modèle, nous avons montré la possibilité d'obtenir des potentiels d'oxydo-réduction de 4.2 et 3.9 V par rapport à Li pour l'α- et ß polymorphes. L'activité redox a été rationalisée par spectroscopie EPR et calculs DFT. Nous révélons en outre la relation structurelle / synthétique entre les deux polymorphes et montrons une conductivité ionique élevée de 1.4 mS / cm à 500 °C pour une forme de HT d'-Li6CuB4O10. De plus, nous avons pu préparer deux pentaborates 3d-métal nouveau sodium Na3MB5O10 (M = Fe, Co). M = Fe, nous avons observé une intercalation Na réversible à un potentiel moyen de 2.5 V par rapport à Na, alors Na3CoB5O10 avéré être inactif électrochimique. Dévier à partir de composés d'insertion / désinsertion classiques, nous avons étudié la électrochimique entraîné la réaction d'un oxyborate bismuth Bi4B2O9 contre Li par des mesures électrochimiques combinées avec XRD et TEM. Nous avons constaté qu'il est possible de faire défiler ce matériau réversible entre 1.7 et 3.5 V avec un potentiel redox d'environ 2.3 V par rapport à Li avec seulement 5% en poids de carbone et une faible polarisation ~ 300 mV. / The increased need of energy storage via Li- and Na-ion batteries requires a continuous search for new cathode materials having higher energy density and being safe and sustainable. Thus, we explored borate based compounds capable of reacting with Li/ Na-ions in a reversible way either through topotactic- or conversion reactions. We focused on candidates with polyborate anions, that are expected to show elevated redox potentials compared to BO3 based materials. Using Li6CuB4O10 as a model compound we showed the possibility to achieve redox potentials of 4.2 and 3.9 V vs Li for the α- and β-polymorphs. The redox activity was rationalized through EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. We further reveal the structural/ synthetic relation between the two polymorphs and show a high ionic conductivity of 1.4 mS/cm at 500°C for a HT form of α-Li6CuB4O10. Moreover we were able to prepare two new sodium 3d-metal pentaborates Na3MB5O10 (M = Fe, Co). For M = Fe we observed a reversible Na intercalation at an average potential of 2.5 V vs Na, whereas Na3CoB5O10 turned out to be electrochemical inactive. Deviating from classical insertion/ deinsertion compounds, we studied the electrochemical driven reaction of a bismuth oxyborate Bi4B2O9 versus Li through electrochemical measurements combined with XRD and TEM. We found that it is possible to reversible cycle this material between 1.7 and 3.5 V with an redox potential of ~2.3 V vs Li with only 5wt% carbon and a small polarization ~300 mV. Owing to the complexity of 3d-metal borate chemistry encountered through this PhD, the chances of having a borate based positive electrode for next generation Li-ion batteries is rather slim.

Cette thèse est consacrée à la fabrication ascendante (bottom-up) de matériaux nanostructurés hybrides hiérarchisés à base de nanotubes de carbone alignés verticalement (VACNTs) décorés par des nanoparticules (NPs). En fonction de leur utilisation comme cathode ou anode, des nanoparticules de soufre (S) ou silicium (Si) ont été déposées. En raison de leur structure unique et de leurs propriétés électroniques, les VACNTs agissent comme une matrice de support et un excellent collecteur de courant, améliorant ainsi les voies de transport électroniques et ioniques. La nanostructuration et le contact du S avec un matériau hôte conducteur améliore sa conductivité, tandis que la nanostructuration du Si permet d'accommoder plus facilement les variations de volume pendant les réactions électrochimiques. Dans la première partie de la thèse, nous avons synthétisé des VACNTs par une méthode de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur (HF-CVD) directement sur des fines feuilles commerciales d'aluminium et de cuivre sans aucun prétraitement des substrats. Dans la deuxième partie, nous avons décoré les parois latérales des VACNTs avec différents matériaux d'électrode, dont des nanoparticules de S et de Si. Nous avons également déposé et caractérisé des nanoparticules de nickel (Ni) sur les VACNTs en tant que matériaux alternatifs pour l'électrode positive. Aucun additif conducteur ou aucun liant polymère n'a été ajouté à la composition d'électrode. La décoration des nanotubes de carbone a été effectuée par deux méthodes différentes: méthode humide par électrodéposition et méthode sèche (par dépôt physique en phase vapeur (PVD) ou par CVD). Les structures hybrides obtenues ont été testées électrochimiquement séparément dans une pile bouton contre une contre-électrode de lithium. A notre connaissance, il s'agit de la première étude de l'évaporation du soufre sur les VACNTs et de la structure résultante (appelée ici S@VACNTs). Des essais préliminaires sur les cathodes nanostructurées obtenues (S@VACNTs revêtus d'alumine ou de polyaniline) ont montré qu'il est possible d'atteindre une capacité spécifique proche de la capacité théorique du soufre. La capacité surfacique de S@VACNTs, avec une masse de S de 0.76 mg cm-2, à un régime C/20 atteint une capacité de 1.15 mAh cm-2 au premier cycle. Pour les anodes nanostructurées au silicium (Si@VACNTs), avec une masse de Si de 4.11 mg cm-2, on montre une excellente capacité surfacique de 12.6 mAh cm-2, valeur la plus élevée pour les anodes à base de silicium nanostructurées obtenues jusqu'à présent. Dans la dernière partie de la thèse, les électrodes nanostructurées fabriquées ont été assemblées afin de réaliser la batterie complète (Li2S/Si) et sa performance électrochimique a été testée. Les capacités surfaciques obtenues pour les électrodes nanostructurées de S et de Si ouvrent la voie à la réalisation d'une LIB à haute densité d'énergie, entièrement nanostructurée, et démontrent le grand potentiel du concept proposé à base d'électrodes nanostructurées hybrides hiérarchisées. / This thesis is devoted to the bottom-up fabrication of hierarchical hybrid nanostructured materials based on active vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) decorated with nanoparticles (NPs). Owing to their unique structure and electronic properties, VACNTs act as a support matrix and an excellent current collector, and thus enhance the electronic and ionic transport pathways. The nanostructuration and the confinement of sulfur (S) in a conductive host material improve its conductivity, while the nanostructuration of silicon (Si) accommodates better the volume change during the electrochemical reactions. In the first part of the thesis, we have synthesized VACNTs by a hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HF-CVD) method directly over aluminum and copper commercial foils without any pretreatment of the substrates. In the second part, we have decorated the sidewalls and the surface of the VACNT carpets with various LIB's active electrode materials, including S and Si NPs. We have also deposited and characterized nickel (Ni) NPs on CNTs as alternative materials for the cathode electrode. No conductive additives or any polymer binder have been added to the electrode composition. The CNTs decoration has been done systematically through two different methods: wet method by electrodeposition and dry method by physical vapor deposition (PVD). The obtained hybrid structures have been electrochemically tested separately in a coin cell against a lithium counter-electrode. Regarding the S evaporationon VACNTs, and the S@VACNTs structure, these topics are investigated for the first time to the best of our knowledge.Preliminary tests on the obtained nanostructured cathodes (S@VACNTs coated with alumina or polyaniline) have shown that it is possible to attain a specific capacity close to S theoretical storage capacity. The surface capacity of S@VACNTs, with 0.76 mg cm-2 of S, at C/20 rate reaches 1.15 mAh cm-2 at the first cycle. For the nanostructured anodes Si@VACNTs, with 4.11 mg cm-2 of Si showed an excellent surface capacity of 12.6 mAh cm-2, the highest value for nanostructured silicon anodes obtained so far. In the last part of the thesis, the fabricated nanostructured electrodes have been assembled in a full battery (Li2S/Si) and its electrochemical performances experimentally tested. The high and well-balanced surface capacities obtained for S and Si nanostructured electrodes pave the way for realization of high energy density, all-nanostructured LIBs and demonstrate the large potentialities of the proposed hierarchical hybrid nanostructures' concept.

No description available.

A volume-averaged hollow cathode plasma model is presented that serves as a preliminary design tool for orificed hollow cathodes. The plasma discharge volume is subdivided into two computational domains with separate sub-models that are used to determine the emitter and orifice region plasma parameters. The plasma model is coupled with a lumped node thermal model that uses power inputs from the plasma model to estimate the temperature distribution of the hollow cathode. The model has been implemented for conventional cylindrical emitter geometries and for novel disc-shaped emitters. A lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) hollow cathode has been used to validate the cylindrical model results and shows good agreement with well-known trends of hollow cathodes and published model data, while a calcium aluminate electride (C12A7:e-) hollow cathode developed at Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) served as the basis for the disc configuration. The model results of the disc configuration are presented and discussed to identify trends and optimization potential for hollow cathodes using C12A7:e- emitters. The model results in combination with thermal measurements of the TUD hollow cathode indicate a work function of C12A7:e- in a hollow cathode plasma below 2 eV.

This study mainly explores the development of alternative cathode materials for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ by high temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (HTSOECs), which operate in the reverse manner of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The conventional Ni-yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cermets cathode suffered from coke formation, whereas the perovskite-type (La, Sr)(Cr, Mn)O₃ (LSCM) oxide material displayed excellent carbon resistance. Initial CO₂ electrolysis performance tests from different cathode materials prepared by screen-printing showed that LSCM based cathode performed poorer than Ni-YSZ cermets, due to non-optimized microstructure. Efforts were made on microstructure modification of LSCM based cathodes by means of various fabrication methods. Among the LSCM/YSZ graded cathode, extra catalyst (including Pd, Ni, CeO₂, and Pt) aided LSCM/GDC (Gd₀.₁Ce₀.₉O₁.₉₅) cathode, LSCM impregnated YSZ cathode, and GDC impregnated LSCM cathode, the GDC impregnated LSCM cathode, with porous LSCM as backbone for finely dispersed GDC nanoparticles, was found to possess the desired microstructure for CO₂ splitting reaction via SOEC. Incorporating of 0.5wt% Pd into GDC impregnated LSCM cathode gave rise to an Rp of 0.24 Ω cm² at open circuit voltage (OCV) at 900°C in CO₂-CO 70-30 mixture, comparable with the Ni/YSZ cermet cathode operated in the identical conditions. Meanwhile, the cathode kinetics and possible mechanisms of the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ were studied, and factors including CO₂/CO composition, operation temperature and potential were taken into account. The current-to-chemical efficiency of CO₂ electrolysis was evaluated with gas chromatography (GC). The high performance Pd and GDC co-impregnated LSCM cathode was also applied for CO₂ electrolysis without protective CO gas in feed. This cathode also displayed superb performance towards CO₂ electrochemical reduction under SOEC operation condition in CO₂/N₂ mixtures, though it had OCV as low as 0.12V at 900°C. The LSCM/GDC set of SOEC cathode materials were investigated in the application of steam electrolysis and H₂O-CO₂ co-electrolysis as well. For the former, adequate supply of steam was essential to avoid the appearance of S-shaped I-V curves and limited steam transport. The 0.5wt% Pd and GDC co-infiltrated LSCM material has been found to be a versatile cathode with high performance and good durability in SOEC operations.

Les matériaux à bande interdite électromagnétique (BIE) plus connus sous le nom de cristaux photoniques en optique, sont des structures périodiques possédant des propriétés intéressantes que l'on ne retrouve pas dans les matériaux conventionnels. Ces propriétés dépendent des paramètres géométriques de la structure, et des paramètres constitutifs de ses éléments ( E et μ). Ainsi, ils peuvent présenter un indice de réfraction négatif, posséder des bandes interdites ou encore être fortement anisotropes. Pour les dispositifs hyperfréquences, l'exploitation de ces propriétés s'avère très pertinente. Or, ces structures sont en général passives, et l'une des considérations actuelles vise à les rendre reconfigurables, afin d'étendre encore leur champ d'applications. L'originalité de ce travail consiste à utiliser les plasmas comme élément contrôlable. En effet, leurs paramètres physiques (E , diamètre etc.) varient en fonction des conditions de décharge. Pour l'étude de ce principe de reconfigurabilité, un dispositif de diviseur de puissance commutable à base d'un BIE a été défini. Différents plasmas de grand volume à des pressions allant de 40 à 760 torrs ont été étudiés puis intégrés dans le dispositif. Des mesures microondes ont alors mis en évidence le contrôle de la propagation de l'onde par le plasma. Cette thèse, à l'intersection de deux disciplines, plasma et microondes, a permis de valider le concept d'utilisation de plasmas localisés pour rendre reconfigurable certaines propriétés des structures BIE. Suite à cette validation, d'autres travaux sont d'ores et déjà entamés, afin d'améliorer les performances et d'explorer d'autres idées liant notamment métamatériaux et plasmas.

Comprendre, contrôler et optimiser le mécanisme de la réaction de réduction de l’oxygène à la cathode, cette démarche devient une nécessité pour améliorer les dispositifs de conversion d'énergie de haute performance tels que les piles à combustible à oxyde électrolyte solide (PAC). Des films poreux à conduction mixte, ionique et électronique (MIEC) et leurs composites comprenant un conducteur ionique offrent des propriétés uniques. Cependant, la corrélation des propriétés intrinsèques des composants d'électrodes aux caractéristiques microstructurales reste une tâche difficile. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, la couche fonctionnelle de cathode de La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) pure et du composite LSCF/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (CGO) a été élaborée par la technique d’atomisation électrostatique. Une microstructure à porosité hiérarchique a été obtenue dans un domaine nanométrique à micrométrique. Les films ont été recouverts d’un collecteur de courant (CCL), LSCF, par sérigraphie. Une étude paramétrique a été réalisée expérimentalement pour optimiser la double couche en termes de taille de particules, de composition et d'épaisseur des couches de CFL et CCL. En se basant sur ces résultats, un modèle éléments finis 3D a été développé en utilisant les paramètres microstructuraux déterminés par tomographie de FIB-SEM dans une géométrie simple, similaire à des caractéristiques colonnaires. Dans ce travail, un guide de conception du matériau d’électrode a été proposé reliant des performances électrochimiques optimisées à la microstructure et aux propriétés du massif en combinant une étude expérimentale et une étude théorique de modélisation. Une cellule complète de PAC intégrant la cathode optimisée double couche de LSCF a été testée dans des conditions réelles d'exploitation. / Understanding, controlling and optimizing the mechanism of oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode need to be addressed for high performance energy conversion devices such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Structured porous films of mixed ionic electronic conductors (MIECs) and their composites with addition of a pure ionic conductor offer unique properties. However, correlating the intrinsic properties of electrode components to microstructural features remains a challenging task. In this PhD thesis, cathode functional layers (CFL) of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) and LSCF/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (CGO) composite cathodes with hierarchical porosity from nano- to micro-range are fabricated by electrostatic spray deposition technique. The films were topped with LSCF as a current collecting layer (CCL) by screen printing technique. A parametric optimization study was conducted experimentally in terms of particle size, composition, and thickness of CFL and CCL layers. The experimental results were supported by a numerical 3D Finite Element Model (FEM). Microstructural parameters determined by FIB-SEM tomography were used in a simple geometry similar to experimentally observed columnar features. In this work, experimental results and modelling were combined to provide design guidelines relating optimized electrochemical performances to the microstructure and bulk material properties. A complete fuel cell with optimized cathode film was tested in real SOFC operational conditions.