Thesis advisor: Krzysztof Kempa / The resonant modes of a sequence of periodically spaced microstrip resonators is studied. The system is analyzed as transmission line with periodic capacitive gaps, as a waveguide with apertures via normal mode expansion, and through a derivation of the static fields in the gap between two microstrip resonators via conformal mapping. FDTD simulations are also performed to numerically calculate the resonant modes of the sequence and also its absorption spectrum when it contains a lossy dielectric. It is found, as expected, that when the gap size is large, the microstrip resonators are uncoupled and there resonant modes are unperturbed. As the gap size narrows, the resonators become strongly coupled, and changing boundary conditions perturb the resonant modes upwards in frequency. Moreover, an additional resonant mode is observed that does not correspond to any uncoupled mode. / Thesis (BS) — Boston College, 2011. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: College Honors Program. / Discipline: Physics Honors Program. / Discipline: Physics.

The low-lying topographic nature of salt marshes makes plants in these communities particularly vulnerable to increased salinity and inundation exposure associated with sea level rise. Both increased salinity and inundation have been cited as major causes of reduced plant performance and survival in marsh and areas fringing marsh. In addition to limitations imposed by physical stress, interspecific interactions have also been shown to mediate the performance and survival of salt marsh and salt marsh fringing species. The Stress Gradient Hypothesis (SGH) postulates that species interactions shift from competitive to facilitative as stress levels increase and predicts that (a) the frequency and intensity of facilitative interactions increase as conditions become more stressful for plants and (b) the strength of competitive interactions increases as abiotic stress levels diminish. The SGH has been rigorously tested to examine how both the frequency and intensity of species interactions change under varying physical stress levels. Studies conducted in salt marsh systems have shown facilitation to be as strong of a driving force as competition in influencing plant performance and survival and have shown that while competition appears to be the pervasive force in the less physically stressful terrestrial zones fringing salt marshes, facilitation influences the performance and survival of species in harsher marsh areas. Under conditions of sea level rise, it remains unclear if the nature of interspecific interactions would shift as stress levels change. This research endeavors to examine the interplay between abiotic stresses and biotic interactions under conditions of increased salinity and inundation exposure. The first study presented here investigated the effects of increased inundation and soil salinity associated with sea level rise on four salt marsh fringing species, and assesses how competition and facilitation impact survival of salt marsh fringing plant survival under these changing conditions. All plant species experienced reduced growth and photosynthetic inhibition below their current distributional positions, both in the presence and absence of neighboring above ground vegetation. The findings also signal a potential shift in the nature of interspecific interactions from competition to facilitation to neutral as plants begin to experience increased salt and inundation exposure. The second study aimed to disentangle the effects of increased soil salinity and increased soil moisture on four salt marsh fringing species, and to examine the effects of plant neighbors. The results showed that fringe plants exposed to increased inundation experienced a two-fold reduction in performance and survival over 750 g pure salt addition, suggesting that inundation may be a more important limiting factor than salinity with rising sea levels. Landward transplants at the forest-fringe margin exposed to lower soil salinity and decreased inundation exhibited a three-fold increase in performance and survival when compared to controls. Neighbor manipulation studies, which consisted of trimming neighboring vegetation to ground level, again suggested that interspecific interactions in salt marsh fringing species may shift from competitive to facilitative with climate-induced sea level rise. Overall, our findings suggest that salt marsh fringing species may not be able to tolerate changing conditions associated with sea level rise and their survival may hinge on their ability to migrate towards higher elevations. The final experiment tested the Stress Gradient Hypothesis and investigated the relative importance of facilitation and competition in a salt marsh system under varying stress levels. This study also ascertained whether salt or inundation exposure is the primary influence on salt marsh plant performance and survival. As in previous studies, our findings suggest that many salt marsh plants don't require, but merely tolerate harsher abiotic conditions. The results showed that plants at higher elevations were depressed by strong competitive pressure from neighboring fringe species while plants at lower elevations benefited from the presence of neighbors. Collectively, the results of these studies indicate that species interactions are an integral driver of plant distribution in salt marsh communities. Furthermore, our findings indicate that changing stress levels may not always result in a shift in the nature of interspecific interactions. These studies have endeavored to show that the interplay between competition and facilitation interacts with physical processes to determine the growth and performance of both fringe and marsh plant species. The paucity of studies examining the roles of species interactions and changing abiotic stress levels on multiple salt marsh and salt marsh fringing species warrants the need for additional research. The responses of salt marsh and salt marsh fringing species to sea level rise can not only serve as very valuable and sensitive indictors of climate change, but will also aid in predicting the future location of the marsh-fringe-forest ecotone, which is predicted to shift inland as sea levels continue to rise.

In order to correctly perform circuit simulation, it is crucial that parasitic capacitances near devices are accurately extracted and are consistent with the SPICE models. Although 3D device simulation can be used to extract such parasitics, it is expensive and does not consider the effects of nearby interconnect and devices in a layout. Conventional rule-based layout parasitic extraction (LPE) tools which are used for interconnect extraction are inaccurate in modeling 3D effects near devices. In this thesis, we propose a methodology which combines 3D field solver based extraction with the ability to exclude specific parasitics from among the parameters in the SPICE model. We use this methodology to extract parasitics due to fringing fields and sidewall capacitances in MOSFETs, bipolar transistors and FinFETs in advanced process nodes. We analyze the importance of considering layout and process variables in device extraction by comparing with standard SPICE models. The results are validated by circuit simulation using predictive technology models and test chips. We also demonstrate the versatility of this flow by modeling the capacitance contributions of the raised gate profile in nanoscale FinFETs.

In industrial drives market, speed and position estimation are one of the most important subjects for accurate motor drives. Vector controlled drives has the best dynamic performance among AC motor drives. Sensorless vector control is one of the most studied one. However, sensorless drive systems fail at low or zero speeds and may not have enough accuracy. For better accuracy and speed range speed sensors or position encoders are usually essential. However, coupling of sensor and sensor prices introduces extra cost on the drive. Thus in order to reduce the cost of the drive a cheap and easy to mount speed sensor is essential. Throughout this study, a speed and position sensor using an external search coil placed between cooling fins on the frame of an induction machine is proposed. The search coil utilizes the fringing flux outside the frame of induction motor. Using the induced voltage on the external search coil, a new method that estimates the flux and rotor position is proposed. In this study, the induced voltage on the search coils are investigated with different types of search coils placed on various positions. The frequency domain and time domain analysis are performed in order to build a model that can estimate machine flux, rotor speed and rotor position. As a result of this study, a low cost, easy to mount speed and position sensor is designed and implemented. Experiment results are presented.

This thesis addresses the fabrication, evaluation, and analysis of the probe tip of a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor. The non-vibrating contact potential difference (nvCPD) probe measures the work function variation on a conducting surface and recent experiments performed to measure the size of surface features have shown poor correlation between actual and calculated probe tip dimensions. In order to address this deficiency, experiments were done and an analytical model was developed, including fringe electrical fields, that predicts the shape of the nvCPD probe signal as a function of probe tip geometry, work function variation, and experimental parameters. Probe tips were constructed with varying geometric properties and experiments using these probe tips were compared to a model. There was good correlation of the nvCPD probe output for a known work function change and probe tip geometry. The effective area of the probe tip resulting from electrical field fringing is expected to increase with dielectric thickness to a finite value, based on pre-existing electrostatic models for a shielded parallel plate capacitor. The minimum fringe field obtained in these experiments was for a 3.18mm diameter probe tip with a dielectric thickness of 0.20mm. The fringe field diameter was 3.38mm at a fly height of 0.60mm, representing an effective probe tip area increase of 13%.

En se basant sur un niveau océanique constant, les études des nappes côtières ne considèrent généralement pas l'impact des forçages océaniques. Notre approche combine le suivi à long terme de la « Nappe des Sables » de l'Ermitage (en arrière d'un récif frangeant, La Réunion) avec la réalisation de modèles numériques dans le but de tester l'influence des de ces forçages sur l'évolution de la piézométrie, du front dispersif et des flux transitant le long de la limite océanique. En mettant en parallèle le comportement de la nappe et du domaine océanique (récif), ces travaux présentent l'étude comparative la plus complète d'un système côtier, basée sur un enregistrement en continu d'environ 600 jours. Il apparaît que la géométrie du modèle et les paramètres hydrodynamiques choisis, associés à différents types de forçages océaniques, ont des conséquences variables sur la piézométrie, le front dispersif et les flux. Ainsi, les différentes définitions de limite océanique testées sur des simulations reproduisant la période de suivi montrent que la prise en compte d'une limite océanique complexe en régime transitoire sur cette période génère une meilleure reproductibilité des signaux enregistrés (piézométriques et salinité) que lorsque l'on utilise un niveau océanique moyen constant dans les modèles. Ces résultats mettent en évidence qu'une bonne compréhension des mécanismes hydrodynamiques au sein des nappes côtières implique la mise en place d'un suivi à long terme des phénomènes de forçage océanique qui agissent directement sur la nappe. La caractérisation des différents forçages océaniques nécessite de décomposer le signal global, dont l'analyse en harmonique permet d'identifier les contributions respectives des oscillations périodiques et homogènes de marée et des oscillations brusques et ponctuelles liées à la houle. La modélisation met ici en évidence qu'il est indispensable que la complexité du système naturel soit reproduite de manière réaliste dans les futures études des nappes côtières. Dans cette optique, la combinaison des données hydrogéologiques et océanographiques dans des environnements côtiers où ces approches n'ont, jusqu'à présent, jamais été couplées, permettra de quantifier l'impact des forçages océaniques sur ces milieux. / Studies of coastal aquifers based on a constant mean sea level generally not consider the impact of oceanic oscillations. Our approach combines a long-term recording of “La Nappe des Sables” (adjacent to the fringing reef system of l'Ermitage, La Reunion) with numerical models in order to investigate the influence of these oceanic seasonal oscillations on groundwater hydrodynamics, seawater intrusions and submarine groundwater discharges. Analyzing both the behavior of the aquifer and the oceanic domain (reef), this study integrates a continuous recording of 600 days. It shows that the geometry and the hydrodynamic parameters chosen in the model, correlated to three types of oceanic oscillations, have variable consequences on the hydraulic head, the dispersive front and submarine groundwater discharges. Moreover, taking into account different complex oceanic boundaries in transient simulations over this 600 days period generates a better reproducibility of recorded signals (hydraulic head and salinity). These results underline that a long-term recording of oceanic oscillations is necessary for a good understanding of hydrodynamic mechanisms within coastal aquifers. The global signal must be decomposed with a harmonic analysis in order to identify the respective contributions of wave set up and tidal pumping to this signal. Our models reveal that the complexity of the natural system must be accounted for realistically in future numerical studies. The combination of hydrogeological and oceanographical data will allow the quantification of the impact of oceanic seasonal oscillations on such environments.

<p>Laser beam control is important in many applications. Phase modulating spatial light modulators (SLMs) can be used to electronically alter the phase distribution of an optical wave-front and thus change the direction and shape of a laser beam. Physical constraints set limitations to the SLM and an ideal phase distribution can usually not be realised. In order to understand how such components can be used for non-mechanical beam control three nematic liquid crystal (NLC) SLMs have been thoroughly characterised and modelled.</p><p>The pixel structure and phase quantisation give a discrepancy between ideal and realised phase distributions. The impact on beam steering capability was examined by measurements and simulations of the intensity distribution in the far-field.</p><p>In two of the studied SLMs the pixel period was shorter than the thickness of the LC layer giving the optical phase shift. This results in a so-called “fringing field”, which was shown to degrade the phase modulation and couple light between polarisation modes. The deformation of the LC was simulated and a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm was used to calculate how polarised light propagates through the optically anisotropic SLM.</p><p>Non-mechanical beam steering and tracking in an optical free-space communication link were demonstrated. Continual optimisation of the steering angle was achieved by feedback from a video camera.</p><p>The optical properties of the SLM in the time period right after a voltage update were studied. It was shown how light is redistributed between orders during the switching from one blazed grating to another. By appropriate choice of the blazed gratings the effects on the diffraction efficiency can be minimised.</p><p>The detailed knowledge of the SLM structure and its response to electronic control makes it possible to predict and optimise the device performance in future systems.</p>

Laser beam control is important in many applications. Phase modulating spatial light modulators (SLMs) can be used to electronically alter the phase distribution of an optical wave-front and thus change the direction and shape of a laser beam. Physical constraints set limitations to the SLM and an ideal phase distribution can usually not be realised. In order to understand how such components can be used for non-mechanical beam control three nematic liquid crystal (NLC) SLMs have been thoroughly characterised and modelled. The pixel structure and phase quantisation give a discrepancy between ideal and realised phase distributions. The impact on beam steering capability was examined by measurements and simulations of the intensity distribution in the far-field. In two of the studied SLMs the pixel period was shorter than the thickness of the LC layer giving the optical phase shift. This results in a so-called “fringing field”, which was shown to degrade the phase modulation and couple light between polarisation modes. The deformation of the LC was simulated and a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm was used to calculate how polarised light propagates through the optically anisotropic SLM. Non-mechanical beam steering and tracking in an optical free-space communication link were demonstrated. Continual optimisation of the steering angle was achieved by feedback from a video camera. The optical properties of the SLM in the time period right after a voltage update were studied. It was shown how light is redistributed between orders during the switching from one blazed grating to another. By appropriate choice of the blazed gratings the effects on the diffraction efficiency can be minimised. The detailed knowledge of the SLM structure and its response to electronic control makes it possible to predict and optimise the device performance in future systems.

The Chatham Islands are located in the SW Pacific Ocean, approximately 850 km to the east of the South Island of New Zealand. This small group of islands is situated near the eastern margin of the Chatham Rise, an elongated section of submerged continental crust that represents part of the Late Paleozoic-Mesozoic Gondwana accretionary margin. The location and much of the geology of the Chatham Islands are attributed to intra-plate basaltic volcanism, initiated during the Late Cretaceous, in association with development of a failed rifting system to the south of the Chatham Rise. Despite the volcanic nature of much of the geology, the majority of the Cenozoic sedimentary stratigraphic record on the islands comprises non-tropical skeletal carbonate deposits whose deposition was often coeval with submarine volcanics and volcaniclastic deposits. This has resulted in complex stratigraphic relationships, with the volcanic geology exerting a strong influence on the geometry and distribution of the carbonate deposits. These limestones, despite some general field descriptions, have been little studied and are especially poorly understood from a petrographic and diagenetic perspective. The carbonate geology in detail comprises eleven discrete limestone units of Late Cretaceous through to Pleistocene age which were studied during two consecutive field expeditions over the summers of 2005 and 2006. These limestone occurrences are best exposed in scattered coastal outcrops where they form prominent rugged bluffs. While many of the younger (Oligocene to Pliocene) outcrops comprise of poorly exposed, thin and eroded limestone remnants (it;5 m thick), older (Late Paleocene to Early Oligocene) exposures can be up to 100 m in thickness. The character of these limestones is highly variable. In outcrop they display a broad range of textures and skeletal compositions, often exhibit cross-bedding, display differing degrees of porosity occlusion by cementation, and may include rare silicified horizons and evidence of hardground formation. Petrographically the limestones are skeletal grainstones and packstones with a typical compositional makeup of about 70% skeletal material, 10% siliciclasts, and 20% cement/matrix. Localised increases in siliciclastics occur where the carbonates are diluted by locally-derived volcaniclastics. The spectrum of skeletal assemblages identified within the Chatham Island limestones is diverse and appears in many cases to be comparable to the bryozoan dominant types common in mainland New Zealand and mid-latitude Australian cool-water carbonates in general. However, some key departures from the expected cool-water carbonate skeletal makeup have been identified in this study. The occurrence of stromatolitic algal mats in Late Cretaceous and Early Eocene carbonate deposits indicates not cool-temperate, but certainly warm-temperate paleoclimatic conditions. A change to cool-temperate conditions is recorded in the limestone flora/fauna from the mid-Late Miocene times following the development and later northward movement of the Subtropical Front. An uncharacteristic mix of shallow-shelf (bryozoans) and deeper water fauna (planktic foraminifera), together with their highly fragmented and abraded nature, is indicative of the likely remobilisation and redistribution of carbonate, primarily during episodic storm events. The Chatham Islands limestones formed within the relative tectonic stability of an oceanic island setting, which was conducive to ongoing carbonate accumulation throughout much of the Cenozoic. This contrasts markedly with other mainland New Zealand shelf carbonates which formed over sporadic and short-lived geological periods, experiencing greater degrees of burial cementation controlled by a relatively more active tectonic setting. As a consequence of the tectonically stable setting, the Chatham Islands limestones have experienced little burial and exhibit a paucity of burial cementation effects. They remain commonly soft and friable. Detailed petrographic investigations have shown the limestones are variably cemented by rare uneven acicular spar fringes, poorly to well-developed syntaxial rim cements about echinoderm fragments, and equant/blocky microsparite. Staining of thin sections and cathodoluminescence petrography show these spar cement generations are non-ferroan and their very dull- to non-luminescent nature supports precipitation from Mn-poor oxygenated waters, likely of an either meteoric or combined marine/shallow burial origin. Micrite is the dominant intra- and inter-particle pore fill and occurs both as a microbioclastic matrix and as precipitated homogenous and/or micropeloidal cement. The rare fringing cements often seen in association with homogenous and/or micropeloidal micrite may be indicative of true early marine (seafloor) cement precipitation and localised hardground development. An interesting feature of the geology of the Chatham Islands is the occurrence of carbonate material within sedimentary dykes. The locations of the dykes are in association with volcanic and volcaniclastic deposits. Similarities between dyke characteristics at Red Bluff on Chatham Island with mainland occurrences from East Coast and Canterbury Basins (North and South Islands, respectively) on mainland New Zealand have been recognised. They show complex structures including sidewall striations, internal flow structures as revealed by grain sorting, and extra-clast inclusions of previous fill lithologies which are characteristic of carbonate injection. This is in contrast to other dykes which are known to be of a passive fill origin. Multiple phases of carbonate sediment injection can be recognised by crosscutting relationships enabling the determination of a parasequence of events. Possible injection mechanisms are most likely associated with sediment overloading or hydrothermal pressurisation associated with emplacement of submarine volcanics. The Chatham Islands provide an exciting example of a geologically unique and complex non-tropical carbonate depositional setting. The production of carbonates is controlled by volcanic and volcaniclastic sediment input with the types of carbonate deposits and water depth variations related to thermal uplift/subsidence in association with global eustatic sealevel and temperature changes associated with development of Southern Ocean water fronts from the Late Cretaceous-Cenozoic. Carbonate deposition on the Chatham Islands is considered to relate to a rather variable and small scale oceanic, high energy, cool-water carbonate ramp setting whose geometry was continually evolving/changing as a consequence of periodic volcanic episodes.