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no / Bifractional displacement operators, are introduced by performing two fractional Fourier transforms on displacement operators. They are shown to be special cases of elements of the group G , that contains both displacements and squeezing transformations. Acting with them on the vacuum we get various classes of coherent states, which we call bifractional coherent states. They are special classes of squeezed states which can be used for interpolation between various quantities in phase space methods. Using them we introduce bifractional Wigner functions A(α,β;θα,θβ)A(α,β;θα,θβ), which are a two-dimensional continuum of functions, and reduce to Wigner and Weyl functions in special cases. We also introduce bifractional Q-functions, and bifractional P-functions. The physical meaning of these quantities is discussed.

High performance liquid chromatographic separations employing on-line flow cell Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic detection were developed for polar compounds including phenols, alcohols, amines and azaarenes. Detection by FTIR gave information concerning hydrogen bonding and solvent effects occurring during the separations in addition to giving structural information about eluted species to aid in identification. Both analytical size and microbore normal phase columns were employed. Such experimental considerations as column overload, injected minimum detectable quantities, the use of analytical vs. microbore columns and flow cell pathlength were examined. The developed HPLC-FTIR systems were applied to the analysis of several coal liquefaction samples for heteroatom content. Confirmatory and additional information concerning the samples were provided by field ionization mass spectrometry, gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry and reversed phase liquid chromatography employing UV detection. An equation relating reversed phase retention times to structural parameters was developed and applied to the analysis of the coal-derived samples. Two process solvents were found to contain primarily alkyl-substituted phenols in addition to azaarenes such as pyridine and quinoline. Some non-distillable coal-derived samples were found to contain azaarenes such as alkyl quinolines. Evidence was also found concerning the presence of hydroxypyridine type compounds and the incorporation of process solvent molecules into the coal structure during liquefaction. / Ph. D.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition caused by in-utero exposure to opioids, and its occurrence is increasing nationwide. NAS patients are newborns who can experience withdrawal symptoms including tremors, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. Presently, the Finnegan Scoring System, a subjective rating scale, is commonly used to judge the patient's condition and determine appropriate treatment methods. This project sought to develop a sensor system that is capable of objectively assessing symptoms of withdrawal, including tremors and high pitched cry. The system developed is composed of five wireless accelerometers, for attachment to a subject's limbs and chest, and an external microphone. The sensor system is targeted toward quantifying limb movements of the subject and recording audio information that includes samples of the subject's cry. The sensor system was used as part of a research study, and data was collected from recruited participants. A total of 29 out of 30 desired participants were enrolled and studied as part of the data collection process. Gathered data was analyzed using MATLAB, with motion data being searched for tremor activity in NAS participants, and cry samples searched for unique characteristics. Results generated indicate that detection of tremors was successful, and that the average fundamental frequency of cry differs between the NAS and non-NAS participants. Future considerations for this project include expanding to measure more symptoms, and system refinement to minimize the number of sensors. / Master of Science

Optimization of capillary gas chromatography-Fourier Transform Infrared (GC-FTIR) spectrometry has been accomplished by studying various columns, lightpipe designs, FTIR detectors and spectroscopic parameters. For adequate separation of complex samples the efficiency of WCOT (Wall Coated Open Tubular) fused silica capillary columns was found to be unmatched by packed columns or wide bore glass capillaries. A consequence of using more narrow bore columns, however, is lower sample capacity and less IR detectability. Two 6 cm light pipes and a more narrow 40 cm lightpipe were compared with respect to both optical throughput and eluent band broadening. FTIR spectroscopic parameters such as mirror velocity and number of scans coadded were examined in order to achieve an optimum signal to noise ratio. The complexity of a particular sample has been shown to dictate certain spectroscopic parameters. The sensitivity differences of two liquid-nitrogen cooled FTIR detectors used in the GC-FTIR experiments have been determined with reference to using them with either a long or short lightpipe. The capability of optimized capillary GC-FTIR has been demonstrated in the analysis of model compound mixtures and comp lex petroleum products including test aviation jet fuels. Major attention was given to the detection and identification of aliphatic and aromatic components in the highly complex samples. Computerized library search routines have been used to tentatively identify eluting components by infrared spectral matching to quality vapor phase library file spectra. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data are also included for the same jet fuel samples to directly compare extent of information provided and relative spectroscopic sensitivities. / Master of Science