<p>Air, nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide were used as the atomizing gas in an 'air-assist' spray nozzle to determine the effect of these gases on mean droplet size, number density, velocity and their distributions in kerosene fuel spays and spray flames using a two dimensional phase Doppler interferometer. Data have been obtained with these atomizing gases using a base, air assisted case as a reference, since this is the most commonly used atomizing fluid in almost all applications. Comparisons were made between the gases on a mass and momentum flux basis. Both burning and nonburning sprays were investigated. The results show significant differences in atomization characteristics from the atomizer with different gases and under conditions of constant mass and momentum flux of the gas. The results also show that the presence of oxygen in the air atomized sprays assists in the combustion process, since it produces smaller and faster moving droplets, especially at locations near to the nozzle exit. In nonburning sprays, droplets had similar size and velocity. Lighter gases such as nitrogen more effectively atomized the fuel in comparison to the denser gases. Argon and carbon dioxide produced larger, slower moving droplets than air and nitrogen assisted cases in both the burning and nonburning sprays. Flame photographs revealed the argon and carbon dioxide atomized flames to have greater luminosity than air or nitrogen atomized flames.</p> / Master of Science

L'observation des planètes extrasolaires, ainsi que l'étude de l'environnementcircumstellaire demandent des instruments très performants en matière dedynamique et de résolution angulaire. L'interférométrie classique et annulanteoffrent une solution. En particulier, dans le cas de l'interférométrie annulante,le flux de l'étoile sur l'axe de l'interféromètre est fortement réduit et permetainsi aux structures plus faibles hors axe d'émerger et être plus facilementdétectables. Dans ce contexte, la reconstruction d'image est un outilfondamental. Le développement d'interféromètres à haute résolution spectraletelle que AMBER, et bientôt MATISSE et GRAVITY, fait de la reconstruction d'imagepolychromatique une priorité.Cette thèse a comme objectif de développer et d'améliorer des techniques dereconstruction d'image hyperspectrale. Le travail présenté s'articule en deuxparties. En premier, nous discutons le potentiel de l'interférométrie annulantedans le cadre de la résolution du problème inverse. Ce travail repose sur dessimulations numériques et sur l'exploitation de données collectées sur le bancinterférométrique annulant PERSEE. Ensuite, nous avons adapté et développé desméthodes de reconstruction d'images monochromatique et polychromatique. Cestechniques ont été appliquées pour étudier l'environnement circumstellaire dedeux objets évolués, Achernar et Eta Carina, à partir de données PIONIER etAMBER.Ce travail apporte des éléments méthodologiques sur la reconstruction d'image etl'analyse hyperspectrale, ainsi que des études spécifiques sur l'environnementd'Achernar et d'Eta Carina / Environment of nearby stars requires instruments with high performances in termsof dynamics and angular resolution. The interferometry offers a solution. Inparticular, in the nulling interferometry, the flux of the star on the axis ofthe interferometer is strongly reduced, allowing to emerge fainter structuresaround it. In this context, the image reconstruction is a fundamental andpowerful tool. The advent of the high spectral resolution interferometers such asAMBER, MATISSE and GRAVITY boost the interest in the polychromatic imagereconstruction, in order to exploit all the available spectral information.The goal of this thesis is to develop and improve monochromatic and hyperspectralimaging techniques. The work here presented has two main parts. First, we discussthe performances of the nulling in the context of the inverse problem solving.This part is based on simulations and data collected on the nulling test benchPERSEE. Second, we adapted and developed monochromatic and hyperspectral imagereconstruction methods. Then, we applied these methods in order to study thecircumstellar environment of two evolved objects, Achernar and Eta Carina, fromPIONIER and AMBER observations.This work provides elements in the field of the image reconstruction forminterferometric observations as well as the specific studies on the environmentof Achernar and Eta Carina

In the past decade, the field of biosensing has experienced an incredible pace of development, due to the compelling need for accurate and reliable tools for characterization of biomolecular kinetics. Specifically, label-free kinetic measurements are the most direct method for studying molecular binding, for example to establish the efficacy of drug-receptor interactions. For this reason, researchers in the pharmaceutical industry rely heavily on label-free detection for drug and antibody screening. Meanwhile, in the biosafety industry and healthcare, there is great demand for screening tools that can target biothreats, in order to accurately recognize the presence of toxins and pathogens with high sensitivity in diverse samples, such as bodily fluids, food and drinking water. This research topic has become particularly relevant during the recent pandemic, where vaccine development was carried out side by side with quantification and characterization of single viral particles. Here, we introduce a versatile biosensing platform capable of characterizing virtually any type of target compound, down to the single molecule level. For this work, we have improved the Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) to perform accurate measurements of the binding kinetics of analytes ranging in molecular weight from less than 1kDa (small molecules) to more than 1MDa (biological nanoparticles). For the first time, we demonstrate multiplexed kinetic binding characterization of small molecules to surface immobilized antibody probes, as well as detection and phenotyping of large and complex analytes, on the same platform. The IRIS platform utilizes the optical interference signal produced by thinly layered substrates in order to precisely measure the thickness of a transparent film atop a silicon chip. In the context of this work, dynamic characterization of a wide range of biomolecular and nanoparticle targets was made possible by a multidimensional optimization, in order to improve both the sensitivity and the dynamic range of the instrument. Analysis of low molecular weight compounds required a significant increase in signal to noise ratio, which was achieved through averaging, as well as complete elimination of background solution effects ('bulk effect’). Additionally, the best surface chemistry for each application was identified by a new technique which consists of immobilizing capture probes on a multiplexed array of active polymers functionalized on the same sensor surface, allowing for simultaneous side-by-side comparison of their performance. Surface chemistry plays a huge role in kinetic measurements, in terms of probe functionality, steric hindrance, charge distribution and diffusion effects. Finally, imaging optics, illumination wavelength, and thickness of the silicon dioxide film were optimized to perform detection and phenotyping of large analytes, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) and antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles (mAb-GNPs). Results obtained from numerical simulations allowed for selection of the best experimental parameters for each application. Experimentally, mAb-GNPs were utilized to produce a real-time sandwich lateral flow assay. In this context, we demonstrated how the improved IRIS platform can bridge the gap between single-particle detection ('digital’ configuration) and bulk reflectance measurements ('analog’ configuration), creating a new 'hybrid' system (h-IRIS), which only requires minimal hardware adjustments to easily switch from one modality to the other. This brought a substantial improvement in sensitivity, improving the limit of detection by three orders of magnitude and enabling single-molecule level measurements. Finally, future system optimization ideas are presented to achieve even higher accuracy and further extend the range of target analytes.

As technology progresses towards smaller electronic packages, thermo-mechanical considerations pose a challenge to package designers. One area of difficulty is the ability to predict the fatigue life of the solder connections. To do this one must be able to accurately model the thermo-mechanical performance of the electronic package. As the solder ball size decreases, it becomes difficult to determine the performance of the package with traditional methods such as the use of strain gages. This is due to the fact that strain gages become limited in size and resolution and lack the ability to measure discreet strain fields as the solder ball size decreases. A solution to the limitations exhibited in strain gages is the use of Moiré interferometry. Moiré interferometry utilizes optical interferometry to measure small, in-plane relative displacements and strains with high sensitivity. Moiré interferometry is a full field technique over the application area, whereas a strain gage gives an average strain for the area encompassed by the gage. This ability to measure full field strains is useful in the analysis of electronic package interconnections; especially when used to measure strains in the solder ball corners, where failure is known to originate. While the improved resolution of the data yielded by the method of Moiré interferometry results in the ability to develop more accurate models, that is not to say the process is simple and without difficulties of it's own. Moiré interferometry is inherently susceptible to error due to experimental and environmental effects; therefore, it is vital to generate a reliable experimental procedure that provides repeatable results. This was achieved in this study by emulating and modifying established procedures to meet our specific application. The developed procedure includes the preparation of the specimen, the replication and transfer of the grids, the use of the PEMI, interpretation of results, and validation of data by finite element analysis using ANSYS software. The data obtained maintained uniformity to the extent required by the scope of this study, and potential sources of error have been identified and should be the subject of further research.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune hematologic disorder characterized by a low platelet count due to increased platelet destruction or decreased production. In primary ITP, the patient can have a low platelet count (<100 billion cells/L) for clinically unknown reasons. ITP is a rare disease that affects approximately 3/100 000 adults each year and some patients may experience bleeding symptoms. Autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity plays a role in the destruction of platelets by targeting platelet glycoproteins (GPs). Autoantibodies against platelet membrane GPIIbIIIa and GPIbIX are observed in about 50% of patients through direct antigen-capture assays, and 18% in patients through indirect antigen-capture assays. It is possible that some antibodies may not be detectable due to affinity or titre, or there may be other factors involved in platelet destruction. Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic test available for ITP, as a result of low assay sensitivity and different mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to use a novel approach to increase autoantibody detection unique to ITP patients. Total IgG was purified from patient and control plasma samples. A streptavidin-based antigen-capture assay was optimized to test the effect of biotinylation on the detection of anti-GPIIbIIIa and anti-GPIbIX autoantibodies in primary ITP patients (n=14), secondary ITP patients (n=3), non-immune thrombocytopenic controls (n=2) and healthy controls (n=16). Streptavidin-coated biosensors were used in an optimized biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay to study autoantibodies binding to biotinylated GPIIbIIIa and GPIbIX. Detection of anti-GPIIbIIIa autoantibodies in the streptavidin antigen-capture assay had a sensitivity of 24% and anti-GPIbIX autoantibodies had a sensitivity of 25%. BLI showed binding of autoantibodies in approximately 5% of ITP samples for both GPIIbIIIa and GPIbIX. The samples that had detectable autoantibodies in the antigen-capture assay did not have detectable antibodies in the BLI assay. BLI was not able to confirm antibody detection found in enzyme immunoassays. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc) / Platelets are blood cells involved in clotting at sites of injury. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disease defined by a low platelet count that can lead to bleeding. ITP is a rare disease that affects 3 in 100 000 adults every year. ITP is thought to be caused by proteins known as antibodies that bind self-platelets and lead to their destruction. These antibodies are directly found on approximately 50% of patients’ platelets, and only 18% of patients have antibodies in circulation. It is possible in many patients, antibodies are present at a low concentration, or are too weak to be detected in antibody tests. In this study, a new technology known as biolayer interferometry was employed to find antibodies in a higher percentage of patients. Results showed only 6% of ITP patients had detectable antibodies in their circulation. This research will improve our understanding of antibodies in ITP.

The Topographic Interferometry Mapping Mission (TIMMi) instrument is a unique millimeter wave interferometric radar system operating at 35 GHz (Ka-band). It was constructed in part to advance the technology readiness level of NASA’s Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, a spaceborne platform that will globally map the altimetry of Earth’s water to gain insight into surface water interactions and dynamics. Previous ground deployments of TIMMi were successful in demonstrating the abilities of the system from a stationary platform. The next logical step was to move TIMMi closer to space by installing it on an airborne platform prove its capability in mapping wide swaths of land at a higher incidence angle. This thesis outlines the design considerations and challenges in adapting TIMMi to a small airborne platform. Documentation is included from many points throughout the development cycle, including hardware and software development, flight planning, data acquisition, and post-flight data processing.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID 19 is detected by RT-PCR tests and serological tests. RT-PCR tests detect viral RNA and require trained individuals to run the test as well as a lengthy analysis time. Serological tests detect antibodies produced in response to viral infection. Rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests, such as the at-home COVID test kits, are quick and easy to run. RAD tests detect viral antigen in the test sample binding to the antibody-coated testing device. However, production of antibodies is a long and costly process. Aptamers can replace antibodies with advantages including low-cost, stability, tunable selectivity, and ability to be chemically modified. Aptamers are short single-stranded oligonucleotides selected for specific targets using Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). This project aims to characterize the binding of aptamers to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein using capillary electrophoresis (CE) and compare with bio-layer interferometry (BLI). DNA aptamers were selected via SELEX and screened using BLI in which protein was immobilized on the BLI sensor tip and dipped into aptamer solution. Three aptamers specific to N protein were selected for further binding affinity (Kd) determination. In CE, the aptamer and protein are free in solution to bind and unbind, providing an alternative approach in characterizing the binding. A greater Kd was observed with CE compared to BLI. Using CE, the apparent Kd of the 3 aptamers was determined to be 18 ± 4 nM, 45 ± 11 nM, and 32 ± 7 nM, respectively. When tested with BLI, the apparent Kd were 4.83 ± 0.63, 4.51 ± 0.87, and 2.91 ± 0.59 nM, respectively. This discrepancy in affinity can be due to steric differences between immobilized (BLI) and in solution (CE) binding, buffer composition and stability of aptamer structures, or buffer pH and difference in electrostatic interactions. All three of these variables will impact binding and the calculated Kd. This work offers insight into aptamer affinity when used in a different system from which they were selected. This work would lead to a better understanding when employing aptamers to different assays and assay mediums.

OH Megamasers (OHMs) generally appear in luminous infrared regions i.e. merging galaxies. In this study we assume that OHMs may not be represented by their association with star formation solely, because of the possibility of a compact AGN source in the merging galaxies. In fact, previously classified starburst galaxies where OHMs are found are now optically observed as AGN. OHMs may also serve as a reasonable criterion for the evolutionary stage of the merger. This project focuses on observations from a multi-frequency analysis of merging regions with known OHMs. Optically, Hα and BVRI filters provided an environmental perspective of the "masing" components. In the radio, 18-cm data was used to determine the structure and position of the OHM. We studied the source IIZw096 and compared our results with two familiar OHM sources. We were able to look at each source at high radio resolutions and compare the structure and classification of each.

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a type of radar capable of high-resolution coherent imaging. In order to produce coherent imagery from raw SAR data, an image formation algorithm is employed. The various image formation algorithms have strengths and weaknesses. As this work shows, time-domain backprojection is one algorithm whose strengths are particularly well-suited to use at low-altitudes. This work presents novel research in three areas regarding time-domain backprojection. The first key contribution of this work is a detailed analysis of SAR time-domain backprojection. The work derives a general form of backprojection from first principles. It characterizes the sensitivities of backprojection to the various inputs as well as error sources and performance characteristics. This work then shows what situations are particularly well-suited to use of the backprojection algorithm, namely regimes with turbulent motion and wide variation in incidence angle across the range swath (e.g., low-altitude, airborne SAR).The second contribution of this work is an analysis of geometric signal correlation for multi-static, sometimes termed multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), imaging. Multi-static imaging involves forming multiple images using different combinations of transmitters and receivers. Geometric correlation is a measure of how alike observations of a target are from different aspect angles. This work provides a novel model for geometric correlation which may be used to determine the degree to which multi-static images are correlated. This in turn determines their applicable use: operating in the highly correlated regime is desirable for coherent processing whereas operating in a lower-correlation regime is desirable for obtaining independent looks. The final contribution of this work is a novel algorithm for interferometry based on backprojected data. Because of the way backprojected images are formed, they are less suited to traditional interferometric methods. This work derives backprojection interferometry and compares it to the traditional method of interferometry. The sensitivity and performance of backprojection interferometry are shown, as well as where backprojection interferometry offers superior results. This work finds that backprojection interferometry performs better with longer interferometric baseline lengths or systems with large measurement error in the baseline length or angle (e.g., low-altitude, airborne SAR).

Polarimetry is one of the principal means of investigating the interaction of light with matter. Theoretical models and experimental techniques are presented in this dissertation for polarimetric characterization of random electromagnetic beams and of signatures of random media in different scattering regimes and configurations. The degree of polarization rather than the full description of the state of polarization is of interest in multiple scattering and free space propagation where the statistical nature and not the deterministic component of light bears the relevant information. A new interferometric technique for determining the degree of polarization by measuring the intensity fluctuations in a Mach-Zehnder interferometric setup is developed. For this type of investigations, one also needs a light source with a controllable degree of polarization. Therefore, also based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, we proposed a new method for generating complex random electromagnetic beams. As a direct application of the cross-spectral density matrix formalism, it is shown that the spectral and the polarimetric characteristics of light can be controlled by adjusting the correlations between parallel components of polarization propagating through the two arms of the interferometer. When optical beams are superposed in the previous applications it is desirable to understand how their coherence and polarimetric characteristics are combined. A generalization of the interference laws of Fresnel and Arago is introduced and as a direct application, a new imaging polarimeter based on a modified Sagnac interferometer is demonstrated. The system allows full polarimetric description of complex random electromagnetic beams. In applications such as active illumination sensing or imaging through turbid media, one can control the orientation of the incident state of polarization such that, in a given coordinate system, the intensities are equal along orthogonal directions. In this situation, our novel interferometric technique has a significant advantage over standard Stokes imaging polarimetry: one needs only one image to obtain both the degree of polarization and the retardance, as opposed to at least three required in classical Stokes polarimetry. The measurement of the state of polarization is required for analyzing the polarization transfer through systems that alter it. Two innovative Mueller matrix measurement techniques are developed for characterizing scattering media, either in quasi real-time, or by detection of low level signals. As a practical aspect of Mueller polarimetry, a procedure for selecting the input Stokes vectors is proposed. The polarimetric signatures of different particulate systems are related to their structural properties and to the size distribution, shape, orientation, birefringent or dichroic properties of the particles. Various scattering regimes and different geometries are discussed for applications relevant to the biomedical field, material science, and remote sensing. The analysis is intended to elucidate practical aspects of single and multiple scattering on polydisperse systems that were not investigated before. It seems to be generally accepted that depolarization effects can only be associated to multiple scattering. It is demonstrated in this dissertation that depolarization can also be regarded as an indication of polydispersity in single scattering. In order to quantify the polarizing behavior of partially oriented cylinders, the polarization transfer for systems consisting of individual layers of partially aligned fibers with different degrees of alignment and packing fractions is also analyzed in this dissertation. It is demonstrated that a certain degree of alignment has the effect of a partial polarizer and that the efficiency of this polarizer depends on the degree of alignment and on the packing fraction of the system. In specific applications such as long range target identification, it is important to know what type of polarization is better preserved during propagation. The experimental results demonstrate that for spherical particles smaller than the wavelength of light, linear polarization is better preserved than circular polarization when light propagates through turbulent media. For large particles, the situation is reversed; circular polarization is better preserved. It is also demonstrated here that this is not necessarily true for polyhedral or cylindrical particles, which behave differently. Optical activity manifests as either circular birefringence or circular dichroism. In this dissertation, a study is presented where both the effect of optical activity and that of multiple scattering are considered. This situation is relevant for medical applications and remote sensing of biological material. It is demonstrated here that the output state of polarization strongly depends on the optical density of the scattering medium, the optical rotatory power and the amount of circular dichroism associated to the scattering medium. This study shows that in the circular birefringence case, scattering and optical activity work together in depolarizing light, while in the dichroic case the two effects compete with each other and the result is a preservation of the degree of polarization. To characterize highly diffusive media, a very simple model is developed, in which the scattering is analyzed using the Mueller matrix formalism in terms of surface and volume contributions.