abstract: The realization of Silicon based photonic devices will enable much faster data transmission than is possible today using the current electronics based devices. Group IV alloys germanium tin (GeSn) and silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) have the potential to form an direct bandgap material and thus, they are promising candidates to develop a Si compatible light source and advance the field of silicon photonics. However, the growth of the alloys is challenging as it requires low temperature growth and proper strain management in the films during growth to prevent tin segregation. In order to satisfy these criteria, various research groups have developed novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to deposit the films. While these reactors have been highly successful in depositing high crystal quality high Sn concentration films, they are generally expensive set-ups which utilize several turbomolecular/cryogenic pumps and/or load-lock systems. An more economical process than the state-of-the art to grow group IV materials will be highly valuable. Thus, the work presented in this dissertation was focused on deposition of group IV semiconductor thin films using simplified plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD) reactors. Two different in-house assembled PECVD reactor systems, namely Reactor No. 1 and 2, were utilized to deposit Ge, GeSn and SiGeSn thin films. PECVD technique was used as plasma assistance allows for potentially depositing the films at growth temperatures lower than those of conventional CVD. Germane (GeH4) and Digermane (Ge2H6) were used as the Ge precursor while Disilane (Si2H6) and tin chloride (SnCl4) were used as the precursors for Si and Sn respectively. The growth conditions such as growth temperature, precursor flow rates, precursor partial pressures, and chamber pressure were varied in a wide range to optimize the growth conditions for the films. Polycrystalline Ge films and SiGeSn films with an Sn content upto 8% were deposited using Reactor No. 1 and 2. Development of epitaxial Ge buffers and GeSn films was accomplished using a modified Reactor No. 2 at temperatures <400oC without the aid of ultra-high vacuum conditions or a high temperature substrate pre-deposition bake thereby leading to a low economic and thermal budget for the deposition process. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Materials Science and Engineering 2020

This master’s thesis deals with parameters of the TV Remote Controller. Aim of this work is studying standards of remote controling of TV receiver by the way of infra-red light. For succesful solving of this project is important to learn about the theory of IrDA. In the second part ot this thesis is designed measurement unit for measuring the parameters of the remote control. The measurement unit includes an integrated IR receiver and photodiode for receive IR signals from remote control. The description of measurement unit blocks and principles of measuring parameters are also placed there. The final part is devoted to processing the measurement results of measuring levels and time waveforms of signal in the receiver module, directional characteristics of remote control and receiver. For measuremented unit is created laboratory task including the role specification and protocol.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The reactive absorption rate of CO2 into non-aqueous solvents containing the primary amine, mono-ethanolamine (MEA) is recognised as a suitable method for measuring the effective interfacial mass transfer area of separation column internals such as random and structured packing. Currently, this method is used under conditions where the concentration of MEA in the liquid film is unaffected by the reaction and the liquid phase reaction is, therefore, assumed to obey pseudo first order kinetics with respect to CO2. Under pseudo first order conditions, the effect of surface depletion and renewal rates are not accounted for. Previous research indicated that the effective area available for mass transfer is also dependent upon the rate of surface renewal achieved within the liquid film. In order to study the effect of surface depletion and renewal rates on the effective area, a method utilising a fast reaction with appreciable depletion of the liquid phase reagent is required. The homogeneous liquid phase reaction kinetics of CO2 with MEA n-Propanol as alcoholic solvent was investigated in this study. A novel, in-situ Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) method of analysis was developed to collect real time concentration data from reaction initiation to equilibrium. The reaction was studied in a semi-batch reactor set-up at ambient conditions (T = 25°C, 30°C and 35°C, P = 1 atm (abs)). The concentration ranges investigated were [MEA]:[CO2] = 5:1 and 10:1. The concentration range investigated represents conditions of significant MEA conversion. The reaction kinetic study confirmed the findings of previous research that the reaction of CO2 with MEA is best described by the zwitterion reactive intermediate reaction mechanism. Power rate law and pseudo steady state hypothesis kinetic models (proposed in literature) were found to be insufficient at describing the reaction kinetics accurately. Two fundamentally derived rate expressions (based on the zwitterion reaction mechanism) provided a good quality model fit of the experimental data for the conditions investigated. The rate constants of the full fundamental model were independent of concentration and showed an Arrhenius temperature dependence. The shortened fundamental model rate constants showed a possible concentration dependence, which raises doubt about its applicability. The specific absorption rates (mol/m2.s) of CO2 into solutions of MEA/n-Propanol (0.2 M and 0.08 M, T = 25°C and 30°C, P = ±103 kPa) were investigated on a wetted wall experimental setup. The experimental conditions were designed for a fast reaction in the liquid film to occur with a degree of depletion of MEA in the liquid film. Both interfacial depletion and renewal of MEA may be considered to occur. The gas phase resistance to mass transfer was determined to be negligible. An increase in liquid turbulence caused an increase in the specific absorption rate of CO2 which indicated that an increase in liquid turbulence causes an increase in effective mass transfer area. Image analysis of the wetted wall gas-liquid interface confirmed the increase in wave motion on the surface with an increase in liquid turbulence. The increase in wave motion causes an increase in both interfacial and effective area. A numerical solution strategy based on a concentration diffusion equation incorporating the fundamentally derived rate expressions of this study is proposed for calculating the effective area under conditions where surface depletion and renewal rates are significant. It is recommended that the reaction kinetics of CO2 with MEA in solvents of varying liquid properties is determined and the numerical technique proposed in this study used to calculate effective area from absorption rates into these liquids. From the absorption data an effective area correlation as a function of liquid properties may be derived in future. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die reaktiewe absorpsie van CO2 in nie-waterige oplossings van die primêre amien, monoetanolamien (MEA) word erken as ‘n geskikte metode om die effektiewe massaoordragsarea van gepakte skeidingskolomme te bepaal. Tans word die metode gebruik onder vinnige pseudo eerste orde reaksietoestande met betrekking tot CO2. Die pseudo eersteorde aanname beteken dat die konsentrasie van MEA in die vloeistoffilm onbeduidend beïnvloed word deur die reaksie en effektief konstant bly. Onder pseudo eerste orde toestande word oppervlakverarming- en oppervlakvernuwingseffekte nie in ag geneem nie, juis as gevolg van die konstante konsentrasie van MEA in die vloeistoffilm. Daar is voorheen bevind dat oppervlakverarming en oppervlakvernuwing ‘n beduidende invloed het op die beskikbare effektiewe massaoordragsarea. Hierdie invloed kan slegs bestudeer word met ‘n vinnige reaksie in die vloeistoffilm wat gepaard gaan met beduidende oppervlakverarming van die vloeistoffase reagens. Die homogene vloeistoffase reaksiekinetika van CO2 met MEA in die alkohol oplosmiddel, n- Propanol, is in hierdie studie ondersoek. ‘n Nuwe, in-situ Fourier Transform Infra-Rooi (FTIR) metode van analiese is ontwikkel in hierdie ondersoek. Die reaksie is ondersoek in ‘n semienkelladings reaktor met MEA wat gevoer is tot die reaktor om met die opgeloste CO2 te reageer. Die FTIR metode meet spesiekonsentrasie as ‘n funksie van tyd sodat die konsentrasieprofiele van CO2, MEA en een van die soutprodukte van die reaksie gebruik kan word om verskillende reaksiesnelheidsvergelykings te modelleer. Die reaksie is ondersoek onder matige toestande (T = 25°C, 30°C and 35°C, P = 1 atm (abs)). Die konsentrasiebereik van die ondersoek was [MEA]:[CO2] = 5:1 en 10:1. Hierdie bereik is spesifiek gebruik sodat daar beduidende omsetting van MEA kon plaasvind. Die reaksiekinetieka studie het, ter ondersteuning van bestaande teorie, bevind dat die reaksie van CO2 met MEA in nie-waterige oplosmiddels soos alkohole, beskyf word deur ‘n zwitterioon reaksiemeganisme. Die bestaande reaksiesnelheids modelle (eksponensiële wet en pseudo gestadigde toestand hipotese) kon nie die eksperimentele data met genoegsame akuraatheid beskryf nie. Twee nuwe reaksiesnelheidsvergelykings, afgelei vanaf eerste beginsels en gebaseer op die zwitterioon meganisme, word voorgestel. Hierdie volle fundamentele model het goeie passings op die eksperimentele data getoon oor die volledige temperatuur en konsentrasiebereik van hierdie studie. Die reaksiekonstantes van die fundamentele model was onafhanklik van konsentrasie en tipe oplosmiddel en het ‘n Arrhenius temperatuurafhanklikheid. Die verkorte fundamentele model se reaksiekonstantes het ‘n moontlike konsentrasieafhanlikheid gewys. Dit plaas onsekerheid op die fundamentele basis van hierdie model en kan dus slegs as ‘n eerste benadering beskou word. Die spesifieke absorpsietempos (mol/m2.s) van CO2 in MEA/n-Propanol oplossings (0.2 M en 0.08 M MEA, T = 25°C and 30°C, P = ±103 kPa) is ondersoek met ‘n benatte wand (‘wetted wall’) eksperimentele opstelling. Die eksperimentele toestande is gekies sodat daar ‘n vinnige reaksie in die vloeistoffilm plaasgevind het, met beide beduidende en nie-beduidende MEA omsetting. Die doel met hierdie eksperimentele ontwerp was om die invloed van intervlakverarming en intervlakvernuwing op die spesifieke absorpsietempo te ondersoek. Gas fase weerstand was nie-beduidend onder die eksperimentele toestande nie. Beide intervlakverarming en intervlakvernuwing gebeur gelyktydig en is waargeneem vanuit die eksperimentele data. ‘n Beeldverwerkingstudie van die gas-vloeistof intervlak van die benatte wand het bevind dat daar ‘n toename in golfaksie op die vloeistof oppervlak is vir ‘n toename in vloeistof turbulensie. Hierdie golfaksie dra by tot oppervlakvernuwing en ‘n toename in effektiewe massaoordragsarea. ‘n Numeriese metode word voorgestel om die effektiewe area van beide die benatte wand en gepakte kolomme te bepaal vanaf reaktiewe absorpsietempos. Die metode gebruik die fundamentele reaksiesnelheidsvergelykings, bepaal in hierdie studie, in a konsentrasie diffusievergelyking sodat oppervlakverarming en vernuwing in ag geneem kan word. Daar word voorgestel dat die reaksiekinetika van CO2 met MEA in oplossings met verskillende fisiese eienskappe (digtheid, oppervlakspanning en viskositeit) bepaal word sodat die numeriese metode gebruik kan word om ‘n effektiewe area korrelasie as ‘n funksie van hierdie eienskappe te bepaal.

O objetivo deste estudo clinico duplo-cego, randomizado, controlado foi avaliar a resposta pós-operatória de pacientes após cirurgia de extração de terceiros molares inclusos que receberam a irradiação com diferentes protocolos do terapia de fotobiomodulação. Sessenta pacientes foram recrutados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão previamente estabelecidos e distribuídos nos 2 grupos experimentais (irradiados) e no grupo placebo (não-irradiado); n=20. Para o grupo 1: ? 660nm, 100mW, 36J/cm2, 1J por ponto, 10 segundos/por ponto (3 pontos intra-oral 6 extra oralmente). Para o grupo 2: ? 808nm, 100mW, 107 J/cm2, 3J por ponto, 30 segundos/por ponto (3 pontos intra-oral 6 extra oralmente). Para todos os grupos os pacientes foram irradiados imediatamente após o procedimento cirúrgico e às 48h. No grupo placebo foi utilizado um laser com o recobrimento da ponta, não permitindo a saída da luz no tecido alvo. Depois da cirurgia todos os participantes foram orientados quanto as recomendações pós-operatórias de rotina. Os pacientes foram instruídos a preencher um diário para avaliação da intensidade da dor pós-operatória em uma escala numérica de dor do máximo ao mínimo após o término do efeito do anestésico, nos períodos de 4, 6, 8, 24 e 48 horas. Para avaliar o processo inflamatório foram usados dois parâmetros: trismo (avaliado mediante a máxima abertura inter-incisiva) e edema (avaliada mediante três medições extra-orais, por meio de uma fita métrica flexível). Para avaliar a deiscência foi realizada uma escala analógica visual e com um medidor de ponta seca com 4 escores (não existe deiscência, leve 5 mm, moderada 10 mm e grave 20 mm ou mais). As variáveis de inflamação e deiscência foram avaliadas em tres momentos diferentes por um observador calibrado no: pré-operatório, às 48 horas e aos 7 dias. Os valores obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística para determinação da homogeneidade e normalidade da amostra. A partir desta análise foi escolhido o teste estatístico mais adequado para a comparação entre os grupos experimentais realizados. Os resultados revelaram uma correlação positiva entre a irradiação com terapia de fotobiomodulação e as variáveis estudadas. O laser infravermelho apresentou melhores resultados em termos de dor, trismo, edema e deiscência em relação ao laser vermelho, embora os resultados não forneçam dados estatisticamente significativos quando comparados ao grupo placebo. No entanto, os efeitos do laser após a cirurgia de terceiros molares requer mais estudos devido à grande aplicabilidade na área. / The objective of this random controlled double-blind clinical study, is to assess the post-operatory response of patients after a surgery of extraction of included third molars; that received radiation with different protocols of Low Level Laser. Sixty patients were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria previously established and distributed into two experimental groups (radiated) and into a placebo group (not radiated); n=20. For group 1: ? 660nm, 100mW, 36J/cm2, 1J per point, 10 seconds/per point (3 points intra-oral 6 extra orally). For group 2: ? 808nm, 100mW, 107 J/cm2, 3J per point, 30 seconds/per point (3 points intra-oral 6 extra orally). For all the groups the patients were irradiated immediately after the surgical process and 48 hours after. In the control group a covered tip laser was used; not allowing the exit of the light towards the alveoli tissue. After the surgery all the participants were learnt about the current post operatory recommendations. Patients were instructed to complete a diary to evaluate postoperative pain intensity on a numerical scale of pain from the maximum to the lowest after the end of the anesthetic effect, in the periods of 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 hours. To assess the inflamatory process, two parameters were used: Trismus (a measure of the maximum inter-incisor separation) and edema (assessed by three extra-oral measurements done with a flexible measuring tape). To assess the dehiscence, an analogue scale with 4 data fields was used (nonexistent dehiscence, slight 5 mm, moderate 10 mm and severe 20 mm or more). The variables of inflamation and dehiscence were assessed in three different moments by a qualified observer in: pre-operatory, after 48 hours and after 7 days. The values obtained were subjected to a statistic analysis for determination of homogeneity and normality of the sample. From this analysis, the most suitable statistic test was chosen for comparison between experimental groups. The outcome showed a positive correlation between photobiomodulation therapy and the studied variables. The infrared laser showed better results in terms of pain, trismus, edema and dehiscence in comparison to the red laser, although the results did not provide meaningful statistic data when comparing to the control group. Nevertheless, the effects of laser after a surgery of third molars require further studies due to the wide application in the area.

Les gisements de type roll-front du Kazakhstan représentent près de 13% des réserves mondiales en uranium en 2015. Les minéraux argileux, présents à chaque étape du cycle minier, ont récemment suscité l’intérêt des exploitants. L’étude de la distribution et des proportions de ces minéraux dans les sédiments à l’échelle d’un gisement permettraient d’améliorer à la fois l’exploration, l’exploitation et la réhabilitation de ce type de gisement.Différentes méthodes ont été développées pour identifier et quantifier les minéraux d’intérêt à partir de la spectrométrie infrarouge (IR), une technique instrumentale rapide, adaptée à une utilisation sur le terrain. Ces méthodes ont été calibrées à l’aide d’une large base de données de spectres IR et la préparation de sables artificiels.Il est possible d’obtenir, à partir d’une seule mesure spectrale, la teneur en argiles des sables et particulièrement celle en smectite afin d’identifier les zones les plus riches et adapter l’extraction de l’uranium. L’ensemble de ces méthodes permettent de réaliser des cartographies de la répartition des minéraux argileux à l’échelle du gisement pour comprendre sa géométrie et sa mise en place.La migration des corps minéralisés à l’échelle régionale a été mise en évidence par spectrométrie de résonance paramagnétique, avec l’étude des défauts structuraux engendrés par la proximité des minéraux argileux avec les minéraux uranifères. / Uranium roll-front type sandstone-hosted deposits from Kazakhstan account for about 13% of the worldwide uranium reserve in 2015. Clay minerals occur at every step of the mining cycle and recently begun to be considered by mining companies.The proportions and distribution of these clay minerals in the sediments at the roll-front deposit scale could improve the exploration, exploitation and rehabilitation of such uranium deposits.Several methods were developed to identify and quantify minerals using a portable near-infrared spectrometer, a convenient and fast analytical tool for use in the field. These methods were calibrated with the help of a wide spectral database and the conception of artificial sands.The clay mineral content, and more importantly, the smectite content can be obtained from a single spectral measurement. It enables the detection of smectite-rich areas to optimise the uranium extraction process where they occur. Combination of the methods provide a mapping tool for clay minerals at the ore deposit scale, yielding information about its actual geometry and formation.Uranium ore bodies migration was observed at the ore deposit scale with the use of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Crystalline radiation induced defects in clay minerals that were in close contact with uranium showed records of the past migration.

[pt] No presente trabalho realizou-se a otimização da metodologia de análise de TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) em amostras de areia contaminadas com petróleo, validando a técnica de detecção na região do infravermelho com o equipamento da Infracal TOG/TPH. Os ensaios foram realizados utilizando Óleo Marine Fuel 380, com densidade igual 0,987 g cm-3 e viscosidade de 5313 cP a 20 Graus Celsius. Este óleo foi fornecido pelo Centro de Pesquisa da Petrobrás (CENPES/PETROBRÁS/RJ), sendo o mesmo óleo derramado no acidente ocorrido em janeiro de 2000 na Baia de Guanabara, RJ, quando 1.300 m3 vazaram do duto que interliga a REDUC (Refinaria Duque de Caxias, RJ) ao terminal da Ilha d`Água/RJ, atingindo praias. A metodologia otimizada foi aplicada na determinação de TPH em amostras de areia contaminada com petróleo do referido acidente, sendo que em 110 amostras analisadas, foram obtidos resultados de TPH na faixa de 10,0 a 155,0 g Kg-1. Os resultados da validação indicaram que o desempenho da metodologia foi muito favorável à aplicação que se destina. Entre os parâmetros metrológicos obtidos neste trabalho, o limite de detecção do método foi de 9,44 mg l-1, consideravelmente inferior à faixa de concentração normalmente obtida para tais amostras. / [en] This dissertation deals with an optimization of TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon) analysis methodology for samples of contaminated sands, validating the infrared detection technique through the use of Infracal TOG/TPH equipment. Tests were validated using Marine Fuel 380 oil, density 0.987 g cm-3 and viscosity 5313 cP at 20 Celsius Degrees. This oil sample was kindly supplied by Petrobras Research Centre (CENPES), and is the same oil that leaked from a pipeline in REDUC Refinery on January 2000, contaminating several beaches in Guanabara Bay, including Anil and Mauá. The optimized methodology was applied on 110 sand samples contaminated with the aforementioned oil, and TPH were determined within the range of 10.0 to 155.0 g kg-1. The validation results suggested that the methodology performance was adequate for this application. Amongst the metrological parameters obtained from this work, the detection limit, 9.44 mg l-1, was a plus; since it was far below to the concentration range obtained from this samples.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T14:41:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PAULO ROBERTO FILGUEIRAS.pdf: 3169918 bytes, checksum: 48cbcda80c2b29c10aaabd66b509f472 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-08 / A exploração de petróleos nas diversas bacias sedimentares dá origem a óleos com composições químicas variáveis no qual exibe grandes diferenças de em suas propriedades físico-químicas, podendo estas características individuais serem mantidas mesmo após a formação das misturas (Blends). O conhecimento da composição do petróleo é uma necessidade imprescindível numa refinaria para o ajuste das condições do processo, pois definem a quantidade e a qualidades das diversas frações que podem ser obtidas. Neste contexto, métodos de espectroscopia no infravermelho médio, com reflectância total atenuada (FTIR-ATR) podem ser uma alternativa eficaz para fornecer metodologias analíticas rápidas, práticas, não destrutiva e de fácil amostragem para monitorar a composição do petróleo. Desta forma, é proposta deste trabalho estudar e desenvolver modelos de calibração multivariados, capazes de determinar a composição de blends de petróleo, formado por óleos de quatro Campos produtores, utilizando como descritores as absorções obtidas por medidas de FTIR-ATR. A metodologia é baseada na modelagem por mínimos quadrados parciais por intervalos (iPLS) e sinergismos de intervalos (siPLS), avaliados pelos erros gerados na previsão de novas amostras. Os resultados são promissores e indicam que os modelos se ajustam melhor a óleos com menor densidade. A absorção da molécula de água no infravermelho faz com que a água emulsionada seja um interferente no processo de modelagem. Os melhores resultados foram apresentados pelo algoritmo siPLS com erros de previsão entre 1,5 a 1,6 % e valores de correção em torno de 0,99 para óleos dos dois Campos com menor densidade. A partir dos resultados obtidos é possível elaborar um modelo estatístico para ser utilizado no processo de mistura de petróleos com objetivo de prever ou determinar a real composição do Blend / The exploitation of oil in various sedimentary basins gives rise to oils with variable chemical compositions in which displays great differences in their physical-chemistry properties, these individual characteristics can be maintained even after the blend. The composition of the oil is an indispensable necessity in a refinery for the adjustment of process conditions, because they define the amount of various fractions that can be obtained. In this context, methods of spectroscopy mid-infrared with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) can be an effective alternative analytical methodologies to provide rapid, practical, not destructive sampling and easy to monitor the composition of oil. This way, this work is proposed to determine the composition of blends of oil, formed by four fields of oil producers by FTIR-ATR measurements. The modeling methodology is based on partial least squares interval (iPLS) and synergisms intervals (siPLS) assessed the errors generated in prediction of new samples. The results are promising indicating that the models best fits the oils with lower density. The absorption of water molecule in IR causes the emulsified water is interfering in a process modeling. The best results were presented by the algorithm with errors siPLS forecast of 1.5 to 1.6% and offset values around 0.99% for oils two fields with lower density. From the results, we develop a statistical model to be used in the mixing process oil in order to predict or determine the actual composition of Blend

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a dense network of autonomous devices (or motes) with sensors that cooperatively monitor some physical or environmental conditions. These devices are resource constrained -limited memory, power and computational resources. Thus, any algorithm developed for WSN should be deigned such that the algorithm consumes the resources as minimal as possible. The problem addressed in this thesis is developing a low-complexity algorithm for intrusion detection in the presence of clutter arising from moving vegetation, using Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors. The algorithm is based on a combination of Haar Transform (HT) and Support-Vector-Machine (SVM) based training. The spectral signature of the waveforms is used to separate between the intruder and clutter waveforms. The spectral signature is computed using HT and this is fed to SVM which returns an optimal hyperplane that separates the intruder and clutter signatures. This hyperplane obtained by offline training is used online in the mote for surveillance. The algorithm is field-tested in the Indian Institute of Science campus. Based on experimental observations about the PIR sensor and the lens system, an analytical model for the waveform generated by an intruder moving along a straight line with uniform velocity in the vicinity of the sensor is developed. Analysis on how this model can be exploited to track the intruder path by optimally positioning multiple sensor nodes is provided. Algorithm for tracking the intruder path using features of the waveform from three sensors mounted on a single mote is also developed.

This thesis investigates the problem of detecting an intruder in the presence of clutter in a Passive Infra-Red (PIR) based Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). As one of the major objectives in a WSN is to maximize battery life, data transmission and local computations must be kept to a minimum as they are expensive in terms of energy. But, as intrusion being a rare event and cannot be missed, local computations expend more energy than data transmission. Hence, the need for a low-complexity algorithm for intrusion detection is inevitable. A low-complexity algorithm for intrusion detection in the presence of clutter arising from wind-blown vegetation, using PIR sensors is presented. The algorithm is based on a combination of Haar Transform (HT) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) based training. The amplitude and frequency of the intruder signature is used to differentiate it from the clutter signal. The HT was preferred to Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) in computing the spectral signature because of its computational simplicity -just additions and subtractions suffice (scaling coefficients taken care appropriately). Intruder data collected in a laboratory and clutter data collected from various types of vegetation were fed into SVM for training. The optimal decision rule returned by SVM was then used to separate intruder from clutter. Simulation results along with some representative samples in which intrusions were detected and the clutter being rejected by the algorithm is presented. The implementation of the proposed intruder-detection algorithm in a network setting comprising of 20 sensing nodes is discussed. The field testing performance of the algorithm is then discussed. The limitations of the algorithm is also discussed. A closed-form analytical expression for the signature generated by a human moving along a straight line in the vicinity of the PIR sensor at constant velocity is provided. It is shown to be a good approximation by showing a close match with the real intruder waveforms. It is then shown how this expression can be exploited to track the intruder from the signatures of three well-positioned sensing nodes.

Ce travail de thèse porte sur l'élaboration de luminophores (La₂O₂S:Er,Yb, La₂O₂S:Nd, Lu₂O₂S:Nd, CaLa₂S₄:Nd) et céramiques optiques infra-rouges (ZnS et CaLa₂S₄). Il a consisté, en premier lieu, à développer des méthodes de synthèse de poudres de très grande pureté, principalement par méthode de combustion suivie de traitement sous H₂S(/N₂). Des nanopoudres de La₂O₂S:Er,Yb (50-200nm) se sont révélées être des luminophores très efficaces pour l'up‐conversion. Des nanopoudres de La₂O₂S: Nd (~250 nm) présentent un effet laser avec une énergie émise de 2,5 mJ et un rendement supérieur à 15%. L'étude de la densification (par hot pressing, HP) de poudres de ZnS préparées selon trois voies de synthèse (précipitation, synthèse par combustion et réaction en bain fondu) a permis d'élaborer des céramiques transparentes ZnS de qualité CVD‐HIP, avec des transmissions maximales supérieures à 73% à 12μm (précipitation) et la transmission maximale théorique de 75% à 10μm (combustion). Le frittage par HP de poudres de CaLa₂S₄, entre 1100°C et 1300°C, conduit, à cause d'une contamination par le carbone de la matrice de frittage et/ou d'une perte de soufre, à des céramiques noires et opaques en IR. CaLa₂S₄ comme nouveau matériau de matrice tolère des taux de dopage élevés en Nd. Après excitation à 815nm, il présente deux émissions intenses à 900nm et 1060nm, ainsi qu'une émission plus faible à 1350nm avec une intensité de luminescence qui augmente jusqu'à 10% molaire en Nd. / This thesis deals with the elaboration of phosphors (La₂O₂S:Er,Yb, La₂O₂S:Nd, Lu₂O₂S:Nd, CaLa₂S₄:Nd) and optical IR ceramics (ZnS and CaLa₂S₄). First, the routes for the synthesis of high purity powders have been developed, mainly by combustion method followed by H₂S(/N₂) treatment. La₂O₂S:Er, Yb nanopowders (50-200 nm) proved to be very efficient phosphors for up-conversion. La₂O₂S: Nd nanopowders (~250 nm) have a laser effect with a 2.5 mJ output energy and a yield higher than 15%. The densification by hot pressing of ZnS powders prepared following three synthesis routes (precipitation, combustion synthesis and reaction melt) has developed ZnS transparent ceramic of CVD‐HIP quality, with maximum transmission greater than 73% at 12μm (from powders obtained by precipitation) and with the theoretical maximum transmission of 75% at 10μm (from powders obtained by combustion). Hot pressing of CaLa₂S₄ powders, between 1100°C and 1300°C, leads to IR opaque ceramics with black color, due to carbon diffusion from the sintering matrix and/or to sulfur loss. CaLa₂S₄ as new phosphor matrix material tolerates high Nd doping level. After excitation at 815 nm, it shows two intense emissions at 900 nm and 1060 nm, and a lower transmission at 1350nm with a luminescence intensity that increases up to 10% (mol) Nd.