Purpose: 1) To estimate the threshold dose and the time evolution for cataract induction by near infrared radiation (IRR) in seconds exposure time domain; 2) to determine the ocular temperature development during the threshold exposure; 3) to investigate if near IRR induces cumulative lens damage considering irradiance exposure time reciprocity; 4) to experimentally estimate the temperature in the lens indirectly from the measurement of temperature-induced light scattering increase. Methods: Before exposure, 6-weeks-old albino rats were anesthetized and the pupils of both eyes were dilated. Then the animals were unilaterally exposed to 1090 nm IRR within the pupil area. Temperature was recorded with thermocouples placed in the selected positions of the eye. At the planned post-exposure time, the animal was sacrificed and the lenses were extracted for measurements of forward light scattering and macroscopic imaging (Paper I-III). In Paper IV, the lens was extracted from six-weeks-old albino Sprague-Dawley female rats and put into a temperature-controlled cuvette filled with balanced salt solution. Altogether, 80 lenses were equally divided on four temperature groups, 37, 40, 43 and 46 ºC. Each lens was exposed for 5 minutes to temperature depending on group belonging while the intensity of forward light scattering was recorded. Results: The in vivo exposure to 197 W/cm2 1090 nm IRR required a minimum 8 s for cataract induction. There was approximately 16 h delay between exposure and light scattering development in the lens. The same radiant exposure was found to cause a temperature increase of 10 °C at the limbus and 26 °C close to the retina. The in vivo exposure to 96 W/cm2 1090 nm IRR with exposure time up to 1 h resulted in an average temperature elevation of 7 °C at the limbus with the cornea humidified and no significant light scattering was induced one week after exposure. Arrhenius equation implies that the natural logarithm of the inclination coefficient for light scattering increase is linearly dependent on the inverse of the temperature. The proportionality constant and the intercept, estimated as CI(0.95)s, were 9.6±2.4 x103 K and 22.8±7.7. Further, it implies that if averaging 20 measurements of inclination coefficients in a new experiment at constant heat load, the confidence limits for prediction of temperature correspond to ±1.9 °C. Conclusions: It is indicated that IRR at 1090 nm produces thermal but not cumulatively photochemical cataract, probably by indirect heat conduction from absorption in tissues surrounding the lens. Applying the Arrhenius equation the in vivo temperature in the lens can be determined retrospectively with sufficient resolution.

Aus der Einleitung: "Das selektive Elektronenstrahlschmelzen (engl. Electron Beam Melting (EBM®)) ist ein pulverbettbasiertes additives Fertigungsverfahren, mit dessen Hilfe metallische Bauteile schichtweise hergestellt werden können. Der schematische Aufbau einer entsprechenden Anlage ist in Abbildung 4 dargestellt. Dabei erfolgt die Strahlerzeugung im Bereich 1 (die Kathode besteht entweder aus Wolfram oder bei den neuesten Systemen aus einkristallinem LaB6). Die Strahlablenkung durch ein elektromagnetisches Linsensystem erfolgt im Bereich 2. Der Bereich 3 ist die eigentliche Baukammer, in der sich unter anderem die Vorratsbehälter für das Pulver, das Rakelsystem sowie die Komponenten des Bauraums (Käfig mit Hitzeschild, Bauplattform mit Startplatte) befinden. ..."

This dissertation presents the investigation of biologically inspired direction finding (DF) and localization systems, 3D printing solution for RF components and systems, and fundamental aspects of antennas regarding bandwidth and power efficiency. Biologically inspired direction finding and localization systems are explored first. Inspired by the human binaural auditory system, an improved direction of arrival (DoA) estimation technique using two antennas with a lossy scatterer in between them to achieve additional magnitude cues is proposed. By exploiting the incident-angle- dependent magnitude and phase differences between the two antennas with specially designed scatterer, the DoA of an incident signal from two-dimensional (2-D) / three- dimensional (3-D) space can be estimated. Besides, compact DF systems with enhanced directional sensitivity using a scatterer of high permittivity in between adjacent closely spaced electrically-small antennas are examined. Inspired by the human monaural auditory system, a novel single-antenna DF technique is also proposed by exploiting the incident-angle-dependent spectra for a broadband RF signal only. In addition, a wideband superior DF system utilizing Luneburg lens and uniformly placed detectors on the equator of the lens is evaluated. The DoA is estimated using the amplitude distribution of the received signals at the detectors. Moreover, A portable inventory localization system utilizing hybrid RF (for direction, using previously introduced DF techniques) and ultrasound (for distance) signals is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Next, a multilayer phased array system is designed and individual parts are printed to demonstrate the applicability of hybrid thermal wire-mesh embedding (for conductors) and thermoplastic extrusion (for dielectrics) techniques for additively manufacturing RF17integrated systems. Finally, fundamental aspects of antennas in terms of bandwidth limit for reactive matching and power efficiency for non-Foster matching are analyzed.

Many advances have occurred in the field of optical design during the past decade. Some of the newer topics and concepts associated with the design and use of optical systems are complex and require comprehensive understanding of theory, expertise in state-of-the-art technology, and extensive computer simulations. This dissertation focuses on development of practical methods and tools for successful lens design and evaluation of state-of-the-art imaging and illumination systems. The dissertation addresses several current topics in modern optical engineering and utilizes approaches to provide insights into the inner workings of optical systems. Examples of modern mobile camera lenses are provided to show how specific methods can help to better understand these lens designs and to expand the imaging capabilities of miniature camera systems. Two simple but effective real ray tracing methods for correcting chromatic aberrations in imaging systems are described. The proposed methods separate monochromatic and chromatic aberration correction into two independent problems. This two-step approach provides effective alternatives in correcting chromatic aberrations. A number of unique calculations have been performed and some novel and interesting theoretical results, including the fourth-order theory of irradiance changes in axially symmetric optical systems, are reported. The specific relationships between the irradiance distribution and wavefront aberration coefficients to fourth order are derived for the first time. The practical case of relative illumination at the image plane of an optical system is also discussed in some detail.

Master of Science / Department of Clinical Sciences / Amy Rankin / Objective- To evaluate the use of a topical ophthalmic steroid (1% prednisolone acetate) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (0.1% diclofenac) on blood glucose concentrations, serum fructosamine concentrations, and clinical scores in diabetic dogs with cataracts using descriptive analysis. Animals- Twelve client-owned dogs with naturally-occurring, controlled (per history and physical examination), insulin-treated diabetes mellitus and cataract. A total of 40 dogs will be enrolled in the study, as determined by power analysis. Procedures- This was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, experimental study with 2 phases of data collection. Dogs were enrolled from October 2011 to March 2014 and were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (Drug Red or Drug Blue) using blocked randomization; dogs received either 1% prednisolone acetate suspension or 0.1% diclofenac solution. Patient history, physical, and ophthalmic examinations were performed and a clinical score assigned at enrollment (Phase 1 [day 0]) and upon return (Phase 2 [day 32]). At these times, a complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and serum fructosamine concentration were performed prior to hospitalization for up to 72 hours for continuous glucose monitoring. For 4 weeks (day 3 to 31), dogs returned home, and owners administered the dispensed ophthalmic medication 4 times daily to both eyes. Descriptive analysis of data was performed; statistical analysis will follow enrollment of 40 dogs. Results- Twelve dogs have completed the study, with 6 dogs assigned to each treatment group. Dogs received 4.44 or 0.44 mg/day of prednisolone acetate or diclofenac, respectively. Dogs assigned to Drug Red more commonly exhibited elevations in serum liver enzyme activity. Drug Red group showed a greater percent increase in fructosamine concentrations over time. Based on glucose curves alone (22 curves analyzed), an insulin dose increase was recommended for 12 curves. An insulin dose decrease and no dose change were recommended for 5 curves each. During treatment, 1 dog reportedly developed polyuria and polydipsia. Conclusions- Descriptive analysis revealed differences in some outcomes of interest among dogs treated with 2 different ophthalmic anti-inflammatory medications. Data collection is ongoing to determine if statistically significant differences exists for outcomes per group.

Ce manuscrit de thèse traite de l’étude de verres ophtalmiques microstructurés et plus particulièrement pixellisés, ces derniers pouvant présenter un intérêt particulier en optique active pour la correction de la presbytie. Une étude théorique est proposée, permettant d’analyser les performances optiques d’une lentille pixellisée en termes de transport d’image et d’identifier les paramètres qui ont un impact direct sur ces performances. Après validation expérimentale des résultats obtenus, nous constatons puis expliquons l’effet sur l’observation d’une scène de l’excentrement de l’œil par rapport à la fonction de phase du verre. Nous étudions l’effet du repliement de phase inhérent aux limites des technologies de fabrication, qui vient ajouter un chromatisme axial aux défauts visuels engendrés par la pixellisation. Nous nous intéressons ensuite aux applications possibles de la pixellisation en optique passive. Nous prouvons que pour une application visée, des lentilles binaires non pixellisées, dont nous optimisons la qualité optique, conduisent à de meilleurs résultats que les lentilles pixellisées. L’impact sur l’acuité visuelle des phénomènes diffractifs parasites induits par la pixellisation est évalué au moyen d’un banc de mesure utilisant la simulation de certaines images telles qu’elles seraient vues au travers de verres ophtalmiques pixellisés. Enfin, nous menons une étude de l’aspect esthétique d’un verre pixellisé vu par un observateur externe, à partir de modèles de calcul hybrides mêlant optique géométrique et optique de Fourier. / This thesis investigates microstructured and more particularly pixelated ophthalmic glasses, the latter raising some hope for the active correction of presbyopia. A theoretical study is developed for the analysis of the optical performances of a pixelated lens in terms of image transport and leads to the identification of the parameters which have an impact on these performances. After experimental validation of the results obtained, we note and then explain the effect on the observation of a scene of eye displacement with respect to the optical function of the eyeglass. We study the effect of phase wrapping, which is inherent in the limits of the technologies implied in the manufacturing process and adds an axial chromatism effect to the visual defects generated by pixelation. We are also interested in the potential applications of pixelation in the field of passive optics. We prove that for a given application, non pixelated binary lenses, the optical quality of which we optimize, lead to better results than pixelated lenses. The impact on visual acuity of the parasitic diffractive phenomena induced by pixelation is evaluated with an optical bench using the simulation of test images seen through pixelated lenses. Finally, we study the aesthetic aspect of a pixelated component as seen by an external observer, using hybrid calculation models based on both geometrical and Fourier optics.

A remoção cirúrgica da catarata é uma intervenção cada vez mais praticada na medicina veterinária e, com ela, diversos estudos têm sido realizados com o intuito de reduzir as possíveis complicações de seu pós-operatório, tal como a opacidade da cápsula posterior, alteração ocasionada principalmente pela diferenciação e migração das células do epitélio lenticular para a cápsula posterior da lente. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a morfologia da cápsula anterior e seu epitélio pela coloração de rotina com hematoxilina-eosina; a composição molecular da cápsula pelas técnicas histoquímicas de PAS (avaliação de proteoglicanos) e picrosirius red (avaliação de colágeno IV); além da expressão de morte celular nas células epiteliais pelas técnicas de imunofluorescência com Beclina 1 (autofagia) e Caspase 3 (apoptose), em cães idosos com catarata diabética e não diabética do tipo hipermadura, submetidos ao uso ou não de azul de tripano a 0,1 % durante a cirurgia de remoção da catarata por facoemulsificação. Para o estudo, foram estudadas as células epiteliais e cápsula anterior da lente de 27 cães, sendo 21 fêmeas e 6 machos, de 8 a 12 anos de idade (média = 9,6 anos), de diversas raças, que foram primeiramente divididos em 2 grupos: GC (catarata hipermadura) e GCD (catarata diabética) e, depois, subdivididos em outros 4 grupos: os que utilizaram o corante: GAND (catarata hipermadura com azul de tripano) e GAD (catarata diabética com azul de tripano); e os que não foram submetidos ao uso do corante: GND (catarata hipermadura sem azul de tripano) e GD (catarata diabética sem azul de tripano). Os resultados das análises realizadas observaram que ambas as amostras, tanto as provenientes das cataratas hipermaduras, quanto as diabéticas, sofrem alterações em igual intensidade apesar do diferente processo de formação, ou seja, observou-se que houve positividade na expressão de morte celular do epitélio por apoptose e autofagia em igual intensidade e independente da utilização de azul de tripano a 0,1 % em todos os grupos; que a composição molecular da cápsula quanto à quantidade de proteoglicanos e colágeno IV também é semelhante e que, apesar da cápsula apresentar-se mais espessada do que o normal, ainda preserva sua relação anatômica com o epitélio. Conclui-se, portanto, que as lesões ocasionadas pela formação da catarata diabética e hipermadura no epitélio e em sua membrana basal (cápsula) são semelhantes apesar da diferente fisiopatologia de formação, mas que o epitélio e a cápsula ainda preservam sua relação anatômica e morfologia. Com os resultados, também se pode sugerir que cães que apresentem cataratas destes tipos, devam apresentar menor risco de ocorrência de opacidade na cápsula posterior no pós cirúrgico da catarata / Nowadays, surgical removal of cataracts in dogs is being considered a common intervention. Along with that, many studies have been realized aiming to reduce its post operatory complications, such as the posterior lens capsule opacity, which occurs due to epithelium cells differentiation and migration to the posterior pole. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by morphometry (hematoxilin-eosin), histochemistry (PAS and picrosirius red) and immunofluorescence (Caspase 3 and Beclin 1) analysis: the morphological alterations of the lens anterior capsule and its epithelium; the molecular components of the extracellular matrix; and the expression of lens epithelium cellular death (by autophagy and apoptosis), in elderly diabetic and non diabetic dogs with cataracts, after phacoemulsification surgery utilizing or not 0,1 % trypan blue. Twenty seven dogs, including 21 female and 6 male dogs, with ages varying from 8 to 12 years old (mean = 9.6 yo), of different breeds were studied. Animals were first divided into 2 groups: GC (hypermature cataracts) and GCD (diabetic cataracts); then, subdivided in 4 different groups: GAND (non diabetic dogs with trypan blue), GAD (diabetic dogs with trypan blue), GND (non diabetic dogs without trypan blue) and finally, GD (diabetic dogs without trypan blue). Results showed that both types of studied samples (diabetic and hypermature ones), are equally altered besides its different pathophysiology, since no statistical significant differences were observed in both capsule and epithelium thickness, type IV collagen and proteoglycans concentration and also, in the epithelium cells autophagy and apoptosis, observed by Caspase 3 and Beclin 1 expression in every studied group. In addition, 0,1 % trypan blue was not capable to demonstrate its toxicity rate, as cells were already under the referred death processes. In conclusion, our findings suggests that, besides the differences in both, hypermature and diabetic cataracts, pathophysiologies of formation, serious and similar alterations are observed with the same intensity in the anterior lens capsule and its epithelium in dogs, what must probably reduce posterior lens capsule opacity post phacoemulsification surgery

Neste trabalho foi desenvolvido um novo método voltado para a caracterização de lentes térmicas em materiais fotônicos, utilizados como meios ativos no desenvolvimento de lasers. Este método baseia-se em interferometria por padrão de speckle eletrônico (ESPI), utilizando dois lasers de diodo multímodo sintonizados a diferentes freqüências. Com o ajuste desta diferença, foi possível escolher uma resolução apropriada para medirmos as variações geradas no raio de curvatura da frente de onda, relacionados ao efeito térmico. Para os nossos experimentos escolhemos uma amostra vítrea de aluminato de cálcio dopado com 4% de érbio; e potências de bombeio incidentes de até 1,76 mW do laser de bombeio. Os lasers de diodo foram sintonizados para ter um intervalo de contorno por volta de 120 m. Com o aumento da potência absorvida pela amostra, observamos a diminuição da curvatura da frente de onda incidente na CCD, devido ao aumento da potência da lente térmica gerada. Através de uma análise paraxial dos feixes, foi feita uma aproximação para obtermos os valores das lentes para cada configuração, apresentando comprimentos focais de 131,39 mm a 42,76 mm. / In this work we will develop a new method focused on the caracterization of thermal lenses effect in photonic materials used as active media in lasers design. This method is based on electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) using two multimode diode lasers tuned to different frequencies. Adjusting this difference we can achieve an appropriate resolution to measure the variability generated within the curvature radius of the wavefront due to thermal lens effect. For our experiments we chose a vitreous sample of calcium aluminate doped with 4% erbium and incident pump powers ranging to 1.76mW. The diode lasers were tuned to have a contour interval of around 120m. With addition in power absorbed by the sample, we observed a decrease in the curvature radius incident on the camera due to increased power of the thermal lens generated. Through a paraxial of the wavefront, an approach was made to obtain the values of the lenses for each configuration, with focal lengths ranging from 131.39 mm to 42.76 mm.

O tratamento da catarata em cães têm passado por algumas mudanças. A facoemulsificação reduziu o tempo cirúrgico e a necessidade de incisão extensa; o implante de lentes intra-oculares (LIOs) permitiu restabelecer a emetropia após a remoção do cristalino. O processo inflamatório induzido pelas cirurgias intra-oculares leva a um estado de estresse oxidativo, com efeitos deletérios às estruturas oculares. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar comparativamente o estresse oxidativo após facoemulsificação experimental em cães, com e sem implante de LIO. Doze cães (três machos e nove fêmeas), sem raça definida, com peso médio de 15,8kg, foram submetidos à facoemulsificação bilateral, sendo doze olhos sem implante de LIO (Grupo 1) e doze olhos com implante de LIO de polimetilmetacrilato no saco capsular (Grupo 2). Os animais foram medicados nos períodos pré-operatório e pós-operatório com antiinflamatórios, antibióticos e midriáticos. As amostras de humor aquoso (HA) foram obtidas por paracentese de câmara anterior, sob anestesia geral, nos períodos pré-operatório (T0) e pós-operatório com 1 dia (T1), 2 dias (T2), 3 dias (T3), 7 dias (T7) e 14 dias (T14). O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado por meio da determinação quantitativa de proteínas no HA (método de Lowry), avaliação da atividade antioxidante total do HA utilizando o AAPH, cloreto de 2,2'azobis (2-metilamidinopropano) e avaliação da concentração de ácido ascórbico no HA e no plasma (cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística, utilizando-se o teste t de Student, quando as variáveis apresentaram distribuição normal, e pelo teste de Wilcoxon, quando não houve distribuição normal. Os níveis de proteína total no HA aumentaram nos dois grupos, sendo de forma mais acentuada no Grupo 2 em todos os tempos pós-operatórios: T1 (p= 0,004), T2 (p= 0,002), T3 (p= 0,004), T7 (p= 0,003) e T14 (p= 0,009). A atividade antioxidante total do HA apresentou uma diminuição nos dois grupos, mais acentuada, entretanto, no Grupo 2, com diferença estatisticamente significante nos tempos T1 (p= 0,013), T2 (p= 0,016), T3 (p= 0,002) e T14 (p= 0,033). No tempo T7 (p= 0,155) essa diferença não foi observada. A concentração de ácido ascórbico no HA apresentou uma diminuição marcante no primeiro dia do pós-operatório, seguida por uma recuperação progressiva nos dois grupos. O Grupo 2 mostrou resultados mais baixos, com diferença estatisticamente significante nos tempos T1 (p= 0,003), T3 (p= 0,015), T7 (p= 0,004) e T14 (p= 0,007), exceto em T2 (p= 0,051), quando não houve diferença. A concentração de ácido ascórbico no plasma não variou em função dos procedimentos. A comparação entre os procedimentos sugere que o implante de LIO contribui para a condição de estresse oxidativo. / The cataract treatment in dogs has undergone some changes. Phacoemulsification has reduced the surgical time of cataract extraction and the need of large incision. Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has allowed emetropic vision recovery. The inflammatory process induced by intraocular surgery leads to an oxidative stress, with ocular structures damage. The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the oxidative stress following phacoemulsification in dogs with and without IOL implantation. Twelve dogs, three male and nine female, mixed breed, with an average weight of 15.8kg were submitted to bilateral phacoemulsification, being twelve eyes without IOL implantation (Group 1) and twelve eyes with polymethylmethacrylate IOL in the capsular bag (Group 2). In the pre-operative and post-operative periods, the medication consisted of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and mydriatics. Aqueous humor (AH) samples were taken by anterior chamber paracentesis, under general anesthesia in the pre-operative (T0) and post-operative periods after 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 7 (T7) and 14 (T14) days of the surgery. The oxidative stress was evaluated by quantitative protein levels in the AH (Lowry’s method), total antioxidant activity in the AH using 2,2’ azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and ascorbic acid concentration in the AH and plasma (high performance liquid chromatography). Results were submitted to statistical analysis using the t-student test when the variables had a normal distribution and Wilcoxon test when they did not. Aqueous humor total protein levels increased in both groups, more intensively in Group 2 in all post-operative periods: T1 (p= 0.004), T2 (p= 0.002), T3 (p= 0.004), T7 (p= 0.003) and T14 (p= 0.009). Total antioxidant activity in the AH decreased in both groups; however, it was more impressive in Group 2, with statistical significant difference in T1 (p= 0.013), T2 (p= 0.016), T3 (p= 0.002) e T14 (p= 0.033). In T7 (p= 0.155), this difference was not observed. Ascorbic acid concentration in the AH presented a remarkably decrease in the first post-operative day, then started to recover progressively in the two groups. Group 2 showed lower results with statistically significant differences in T1 (p= 0.003); T3 (p= 0.015); T7 (p= 0.004) and T14 (p= 0.007), except in T2 (p= 0.051) when there was no difference. Ascorbic acid concentration in plasma did not vary as a result of the procedures. The comparison between procedures suggests that IOL implantation contributes to an oxidative stress condition.

A técnica de varredura-z tem sido bastante utilizada para a determinação do índice de refração não-linear (n2) em meios transparentes. Apresentamos neste trabalho uma análise teórica e resultados da técnica de varredura-z por reflexão, visando o estudo de efeitos térmicos em amostras que possuem coeficientes de absorção muito grandes. Extensões à técnica, tais como: a varredura-z resolvida no tempo e varredura-z resolvidas em freqüência puderam ser aplicadas para medir efeitos térmicos, pois estes são relativamente lentos nos materiais que medimos (água, polímero e vidro). Das componentes linear e quadrática da evolução temporal da transmitância, ou, da segunda componente de Fourier de curvas obtidas em duas freqüências, pode-se extrair parâmetros térmicos como: a capacidade térmica por unidade de massa e a difusividade térmica. Propriedades térmicas são de grande interesse na usinagem de peças, e em estudos sobre tensões estruturais e novos materiais. Pela teoria aqui desenvolvida, dada as constantes térmicas, é possível distinguir os efeitos térmicos e eletrônicos nas amostras que apresentam os dois. / The Z-Scan technique is the most popular one for the determination of the nonlinear index of refraction (n2) of transparent media. In this work we present a theoretical analysis and results of the reflection z-scan technique, aiming the research of thermal effects in highly absorbing materials. Extensions of the technique, such as the time resolved z-scan and the frequency resolved z-scan could be applied to measure thermal effects because they are relatively slow in the materials that we have measured (water, polystyrene and glass). From the linear and quadratic terms of the transmittance time evolution, or, from the second Fourier component of curves obtained in two frequencies, one can extract thermal parameters like: the heat capacity per unit mass and the thermal diffusion coefficient. Thermal properties are of great interest in the manufacture of pieces, and in the study of structure strains and new materials. By the theory presented here, if thermal constants are given, one can distinguish between thermal and electronic effects in samples that present both.