Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study involves the analysis of crystallization and melting behavior of polymers in solution, using Solution crystallization by laser light scattering (Scalls) as analytical tool. Various other techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used for further characterization of the polymer materials. For the first time the solution behavior (crystallization and dissolution kinetics) of two biopolymers namely, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), was monitored by Scalls. Non-isothermal solution crystallization and dissolution behavior of both enantiomers (D and L) PLA and their blends were studied. It was found that addition of the D- enantiomer (PDLA) to the L- enantiomer (PLLA) in solution resulted in the formation of stereocomplex crystals (SC) and the nucleation-effect of the crystals were intensified with an increase in PDLA content leading to an earlier onset of crystallization and increased crystallization peak area. DSC analysis confirmed the formation of SC during solution crystallization. Overall, results obtained by Scalls provided promising information regarding PLA crystallization kinetics which significantly influences practical applications of this biopolymer. Binary blends consisting of PLLA and PBS were prepared in various blend ratios. Scalls was used to investigate the non-isothermal crystallization and melting behavior of these PLLA/PBS blends from dilute solutions. Addition of PBS up to 30 wt% increased crystallization temperatures of PLLA through a nucleation effect in the molten PBS state. Results indicated that the crystallization rate of PLLA can be improved by additions of small amounts of PBS, and this is of significant interest for practical applications due to the low crystallization rate that PLLA is known to exhibit. DSC thermograms showed an increase in PLLA crystallization exotherm at PBS loadings below 50 wt%, providing further evidence of the enhancement in PLLA crystallization kinetics. A series of linear polyethylene samples with varying molecular weights were studied by Scalls. The effect of molecular weight (Mw) on the solution crystallization temperature (Tc) were monitored and compared to literature where the conventional Crystaf technique was used. Experimental Scalls data correlated well with reported theoretical models. Dissolution studies were also done to study the effect of Mw on the solution melting temperature (Tm) and for the first time, an equation was generated to model solution melting temperatures of linear polyethylenes in Scalls. The solution behavior of a PE-1-octene linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) copolymer in a range of solvents including trichlorobenzene (TCB), ortho-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB), decalin and xylene were successfully studied. Scalls allowed for rapid analysis of crystallization and dissolution during a single experiment and offered clearer insight into crystallization kinetics when using different solvents for fractionation. Peak temperatures for analyses in TCB and o-DCB were almost identical but remarkably different to those observed when decalin and xylene was used. The study revealed that solvent type plays an important role in the solution behavior of polymers as well as ultimately the interpretation of these results. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie behels die ontleding van kristallisasie en smelt gedrag van polimere in oplossing, met behulp van Oplossing kristallisasie deur laser lig verstrooiing (Scalls) as analitiese instrument. Verskeie ander tegnieke soos differensiële skandeer kalorimetrie (DSC), fourier-tranform infrarooi spektroskopie (FTIR) en dinamiese lig verstrooiing (DLS) was gebruik word vir verdere Karakterisering van die polimeer materiaal. Vir die eerste keer is die oplossingsgedrag (kristallisasie en smelting kinetika) van twee biopolimere naamlik, poli(melksuur) (PLA) en poli(butileen suksinaat) (PBS), deur Scalls gemonitor. Nie-isotermiese oplossing kristallisasie en smelt gedrag van beide enantiomere (D en L) van PLA en hul mengsels was ge-analiseer. Daar is gevind dat byvoeging van die D-enantiomeer (PDLA) tot die L-enantiomeer (PLLA) in oplossing gelei het tot die vorming van stereokompleks kristalle (SC) en die nukleasie-effek van die kristalle is versterk met 'n toename in PDLA inhoud wat gelei het tot 'n vroeër aanvang van kristallisasie en toename in kristallisasie piek-area. DSC analise het die vorming van SC gedurende oplossing kristallisasie bevestig. Algeheel, die resultate wat verkry was deur Scalls het belowende inligting oor PLA kristallisasie kinetika verskaf wat aansienlik praktiese toepassing van hierdie biopolimeer beïnvloed. Binêre mengsels bestaande uit PLLA en PBS was voorberei in verskillende mengsel verhoudings. Scalls was gebruik om die nie-isotermiese kristallisasie en smelt gedrag van hierdie PLLA/PBS mengsels, vir die eerste keer, in verdunde oplossings te ondersoek. Byvoeging van PBS tot 30 wt% het ‘n toename in kristallisasie temperature van PLLA veroorsaak deur 'n nukleasie-effek in die gesmelte PBS toestand. Resultate dui aan dat die tempo van PLLA kristallisasie versnel kan word deur byvoegings van PBS in klein hoeveelhede, en dit is van beduidende belang vir praktiese toepassings weens die lae kristallisasie-tempo waarvoor PLLA bekend is. DSC termogramme het 'n toename in PLLA kristallisasie eksoterm aangedui by PBS inhoud onder 50 wt%, wat 'n verdere bewys is van die verbetering in PLLA kristallisasie kinetika. 'n Reeks lineêre poliëtileen monsters met wisselende molekulêre massas was met Scalls geanaliseer. Die effek van molekulêre massa (Mw) op die oplossing kristallisasie temperatuur (Tc) was gemonitor en vergelyk met literatuur waar die konvensionele Crystaf tegniek gebruik is. Eksperimentele Scalls data het goed gekorreleer met gerapporteerde teoretiese modelle. Smelting studies is ook gedoen om die effek van Mw op die oplossing smelt temperatuur (Tm) te bestudeer en vir die eerste keer, is 'n vergelyking ge-genereer vir die modellering van oplossing smelt temperature van lineêre poliëtileen met behulp van Scalls. Die oplossing-gedrag van ‘n PE-1-okteen lineêre lae-digtheid poliëtileen (LLDPE) kopolimeer was suksesvol bestudeer in 'n verskeidenheid oplosmiddels, insluitend trichlorobenseen (TCB), ortodichlorobenseen (o-DCB) , decalin en xileen. Scalls het toegelaat vir vinnige analise van die kristallisasie en smelting in 'n enkele eksperiment en het dieper insig gegee oor die kristallisasie kinetika tydens fraksionering met die gebruik van verksillend oplosmiddels. Piek temperature vir analises in TCB en o-DCB was byna identies, maar merkwaardig verskillend van dié wat waargeneem was in die geval waar decalin en xileen gebruik was. Hierdie studie het getoon dat die tipe oplosmiddel 'n belangrike rol speel in die oplossing-gedrag van polimere en uiteindelik asook die interpretasie van hierdie resultate. Verder blyk Scalls na ‘n nuttige metode vir die ontleding van polimere in oplossing te wees.

Peng Shufu. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

by Woo Ka Fai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-63). / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgment --- p.ii / Contents --- p.iii / Abbreviations --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.ix / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Theoretical background / Chapter 2.1 --- Static light scattering for homopolymer --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- Static light scattering for copolymer --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3 --- Dynamic light scattering --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4 --- Modified method for copolymer --- p.28 / Chapter 3. --- Experimental / Chapter 3.1 --- Preparation of PET-PCL --- p.31 / Chapter 3.2 --- Preparation of solution for LLS --- p.31 / Chapter 3.3 --- Refractive index increment measurement --- p.32 / Chapter 3.4 --- Laser light scattering instrumentation --- p.35 / Chapter 4. --- Results and Discussion --- p.36 / Chapter 5. --- Conclusion --- p.60 / Chapter 6. --- References --- p.61

by Shui-Qin Zhou. / Publication date from spine. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 152-157). / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Contents --- p.vi / Abbreviation --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.xi / List of Tables --- p.xvi / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1. --- Project's Significance --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Research background.....................................: --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1. --- Linear PNIPAM chains in aqueous solution --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.1.1. --- Origins of the LCST --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.1.2. --- Experimental studies --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2. --- PNIPAM gels --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.2.1. --- Origins of the volume phase transition --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.2.2. --- Experimental studies --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.3. --- Surfactant effects --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3. --- The objective of the project --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4. --- Experimental difficulties --- p.17 / Chapter 2. --- Basic Theory --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1. --- Laser light scattering (LLS) --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2. --- Polymer chains in solution --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3. --- Swollen polymer gels --- p.27 / Chapter 3. --- Results and Discussion --- p.32 / Chapter 3.1. --- Linear PNIPAM chains --- p.32 / Chapter 3.1.1. --- D = kDM-αD for PNIPAM in THF and water --- p.32 / Chapter 3.1.2. --- Coil-to-globule transition of single PNIPAM chains in water --- p.46 / Chapter 3.1.3. --- Additional chain-conformation broadening of the line-width distribution in dynamic LLS --- p.64 / Chapter 3.1.4. --- Internal motions of long linear PNIPAM chains --- p.72 / Chapter 3.1.5. --- Structural model of spherical water/AOT/n-hexane microemulsion --- p.80 / Chapter 3.2. --- Spherical PNIPAM microgels --- p.94 / Chapter 3.2.1. --- Volume phase transition of PNIPAM microgels --- p.94 / Chapter 3.2.2. --- Internal motions of short PNIPAM subchains inside the gel networks --- p.107 / Chapter 3.2.3. --- Surfactant effects on the volume phase transition --- p.113 / Chapter 3.2.4. --- Swelling and drying kinetics of a very thin PNIPAM gel film --- p.129 / Chapter 4. --- Conclusions --- p.141 / Chapter 5. --- Experimental --- p.145 / Chapter 5.1 --- Sample preparation --- p.145 / Chapter 5.2 --- Physical measurement --- p.149 / Chapter 6. --- References --- p.152

by Gao Yibing. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

In Chapter 1, theories cited background of these studies as well as chemical synthesis methods used are introduced. / In Chapter 2, theories of static and dynamic light scattering (LLS) as well as details of the LLS instrumentation are introduced, especially the application of LLS to polymer solutions. / In Chapter 3, we present the study of the self-assembly of oligo( p-phenyteneethynylene)-based coil-rod-coil and rod-coil-rod triblock copolymers in the solvent mixture of toluene and hexane by using a combination of static and dynamic laser light scattering. UV-vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results reveal that the aggregation in the solvent mixture is strongly influenced by the triblock copolymer structure. For the coil-rod-coil (PS-OPE-PS) triblock copolymer, small well-defined aggregates are formed in the solvent mixture with different toluene/hexane ratios. The coiled PS blocks entangle with the OPE block to restrict possible pi-pi stacking and make the OPE chain backbone more planar. The red-shift in the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra indicates the formation of 3-type aggregates. The rod-coil-rod (OPE-PS-OPE) triblock copolymer chains form large "disk-like" micelles with an ordered OPE core and a collapsed PS shell. The blue-shift in the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra shows the formation of H-type aggregates; namely, the OPE block in the core are parallel to each other so that there is stronger interchain pi-pi interaction. / In Chapter 4, we present the study of the aggregation of C60-PEO-C 60 chains in the chloronaphthalene/benzene solvent mixture with different ratios by using a combination of static and dynamic laser light scattering. Chloronaphthalene is a good solvent for C60 but a poor solvent for the PEO chain. On the other hand, benzene is a good solvent for the PEO chain but a poor solvent for Co. Individual polymer chains or small micelles coexist with large aggregates in solvent mixture. Our results show that the structures of the aggregates strongly depend on the composition of the solvent mixtures, which reflects in different ratios of <Rg>/<R h>, where <Rg> and <Rh> are z-average root-mean-square radius of gyration and hydrodynamic radius, respectively. / In Chapter 5, we present a study of reversible formation and decomposition of star polymer clusters. First, we synthesized 4-aim bromide-end star polystyrene chains by using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and then modified the end group from bromide to thiol since it can be slowly oxidized in air to induce the clustering among 4-arm star polystyrene chains. The clustering is reversible under a reduction condition. Such formation and fragmentation (decomposition) of the polymer clusters in toluene was followed by LLS. To induce the reduction, DTT was added. Our results reveal that in the clustering, the fast mode is attributed to the cooperative diffusion of individual 4-arm star polystyrene chains (unimers), while the slow mode is related to the diffusion of large clusters. In the fragmentation, the slow mode becomes fast and its intensity contribution decreases as the reduction time increases, reflecting the decreases of the size and the number of large polymer clusters. Our results suggest that the clusters fragmentation induced by thiol-functionalized 4-PS chains in toluene dilute solution follows the universal RLCA regime, but in a reversed fashion. / In this thesis, we did the following studies: (1) The association of two rod-coil triblock copolymers: polystyrene-oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)-polystyrene (PS-OPE-PS) and oligo(p-phenyleneethynylene)-polystyrene-oligo( p-phenyleneethynylene) (OPE-PS-OPE) in a toluene/hexane mixture as well as of C60-Poly(ethylene oxide)-C60 in a chloronaphthalene/benzene mixture. (2) The formation and fragmentation of 4-arm-PS-SH cluster in toluene via the oxidization in air to form disulfide crosslink as well as the decomposition of the resultant cross-linked 4-arm star polystyrene clusters with reversible disulfide groups in toluene via reduction to thiol group by 2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-butanethiol (DTT). / Huo, Hong. / "August 2007." / Adviser: Chi Wu. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: B, page: 1037. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

by Kwan Chi Man Simon. / Abstract also in Chinese. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgment --- p.iv / Contents --- p.v / Abbreviations --- p.viii / List of Figures --- p.xiv / List of Tables --- p.xvii / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 2. --- Theoretical background --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Static laser light scattering --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- Dynamic laser light scattering --- p.5 / Chapter 2.3 --- Gel Permeation Chromatography --- p.6 / Chapter 2.4 --- Chain Flexibility --- p.9 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Flexible chains --- p.9 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Stiff chains --- p.12 / Chapter 2.5 --- Calibration between translational diffusion coefficient D and molar mass M --- p.14 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Conversion between line-Width and molar Mass distributions --- p.14 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Using a set of Narrowly Distributed Standards --- p.15 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Using Two or More Broadly Distributed Samples --- p.16 / Chapter 2.6 --- "Calibration by off-line GPC, Static and Dynamic LLS" --- p.16 / Chapter 2.7 --- References --- p.19 / Chapter 3. --- Experimental --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1 --- Laser Light Scattering Instrumentation --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2 --- Refractive index increment measurement --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3 --- Gel permeation chromatography --- p.24 / Chapter 3.4 --- References --- p.25 / Chapter 4. --- Laser Light Scattering Studies of Soluble High Performance Fluorine- containing Polyimides --- p.26 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.26 / Chapter 4.2 --- Sample Preparation --- p.28 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.28 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.40 / Chapter 4.5 --- References --- p.42 / Chapter 5. --- Characterization of novel optically active conjugated polyarylenes and poly(aryleneethynylene)s by a combination of Laser Light Scattering and Gel Permeation Chromatography --- p.45 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.45 / Chapter 5.2 --- Sample Preparation --- p.48 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.48 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusion --- p.56 / Chapter 5.5 --- References --- p.61 / Appendix --- p.62 / Chapter A.1 --- Static laser light scattering --- p.62 / Chapter A.1.1 --- Scattering from a small particle --- p.62 / Chapter A. 1.2 --- Scattering from a large particle --- p.62 / Chapter A. 1.3 --- Scattering by macroscopic systems and Theory of Fluctuations --- p.65 / Chapter A.1.3.1 --- Scattering by gases and liquids --- p.67 / Chapter A. 1.4 --- Scattering by solutions of small molecules --- p.68 / Chapter A. 1.4.1 --- Scattering from polymer solution --- p.70 / Chapter A.2 --- Dynamic laser light scattering --- p.71 / Chapter A.2.1 --- Line-width measurement --- p.75 / Chapter A.2.2 --- Data analysis --- p.77

The design, processing, and sequential testing of a novel cylindrical diffusing optical fiber tip for ultraviolet light delivery is described. This device has been shown to uniformly(+/- 15%) illuminate angioplasty balloons, 20 mm in length, that are used in an experimental photochemotherapeutic treatment of swine intimal hyperplasia. Our experiments show that uniform diffusing tips of < 400 micron diameter can be reliably constructed for this and other interstitial applications. Modeling results indicate that this design is scalable to smaller diameters. The diffusing tips are made by stripping the protective buffer and etching away the cladding over a length of 20 mm from the fiber tip and replacing it with a thin layer of optical epoxy mixed with A/203 powder. To improve the uniformity and ease of fabrication, we have evaluated a new device configuration where the tip is etched into a modified conical shape, and the distal end face is polished and then coated with an optically opaque epoxy. This is shown to uniformly scatter - 70% of the light launched into the fiber without forward transmission. To our knowledge, we are the first to use this device configuration, and we have achieved a uniform cylindrical pattern of laser energy with uniformity < ± 15% of the average value. A simple computational model suitable for the interpretation of laser energy irradiance along the bare core surface of multimode optical fiber tips is proposed and experimentally verified. The model used is based on geometrical optics and Gaussian approximation. Good agreement is obtained between the calculation and experiment. We have measured the optical properties of the tips through all the sequences of the fabrication. The performances of the diffusing tips for illuminating angioplasty balloons are then evaluated by Ultraviolet Light at 365 nm. A Ti:Sapphire Ring Laser System with a doubling crystal pumped by an argon ion laser is used to generate the wavelength in this study.

The interaction of laser light with a parcel of air with a known density structure can result in one of three reactions. The simplest of these reactions is reflection. Depending on the nature of the density profile, that part of the light that is not reflected can be refracted or scattered. The extent of the refraction and scattering is determined by the density of the particles found in the air. This thesis investigates two concepts that use the above mentioned interactions. The first, the colliding shock lens (CSL) was proposed by Buccellato, Lisi and Michaelis (1993). This device uses the graded index (GRIN) lens formed by the collision of symmetrically arranged shock waves to focus a laser beam. Unfortunately, the first reported colliding shock lenses had optical apertures of the order of millimeters. This is hardly useful in realistic laser systems whose beams typically have a diameter of 10mm. The major part of this thesis involves the scaling up of the optical aperture of the CSL while simultaneously maintaining a fairly short focal length. We show how the behaviour of the CSL varies with factors such as input energy, electrical diameter, geometry and various other factors. By optimising the physical parameters a 1.5cm diameter lens is obtained having a focal length of 1.5m. We develop a simple scaling theory and run a simulation based on the fluid in cell (FLIC) method, and find good correlation in both cases between the experimentally obtained results and the theoretically predicted ones. As a further development of the work on colliding shock lenses we introduce a cylindrical colliding shock lens. This device is shown to be able to line focus a laser beam of 1cm in diameter. At this stage the focus quality is still poor and suggestions are made for further improvements. Lidar is an acronym for light detection and ranging. Such systems are based on the scattering of laser light incident on a parcel of air. We discuss the results of a campaign conducted during the period of June to November 1994 to study aerosol concentrations over Durban. Particular attention is paid to low level aerosols due to sugar cane burning over the Natal coast. These aerosols are known to influence local climate and since vertical profile studies have never been carried out, this investigation gives some useful insight into the atmospheric dynamics. We find that in June (the begining of the burning campaign) the aerosol loading in the lower atmosphere is low. However, there are very stable aerosol layers at 3km and 5km. The density of the aerosols in these layers are decoupled. In September, the turbulent atmosphere over Durban is found to destroy structure in the aerosol layers. Nevertheless, the aerosol loading is high. Scattering ratios and extinction coefficients are calculated to show the long and short term evolution of the aerosols. A new coefficient (the low altitude aerosol coefficent - LAAC) is defined as an indicator for aerosol loading in the lower atmosphere. This coefficient is compared with total column ozone values over Durban. An anti-correlatory behaviour is noticed. We also report the detection of an extremely high aerosol layer (60km) over Durban. This layer is believed to be sodium. The profiles are compared to satellite data to verify the first ever detection of a constituent at these altitudes in Southern Africa. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, 1996.

This thesis begins with an introduction to the interaction and refraction of light in continuous media. It is shown how these properties can be exploited to achieve focusing of parallel light rays in such a medium. Past work on Gas Lenses is reviewed, highlighting the progress in design of gas lenses, leading to a justification for the research described in the rest of the chapter. Original work by the author on the subject of continuous gas lenses at low and high pressure is then presented. Experiments show that gas lenses at low pressure have stable foci, but long focal lengths, while at high pressure two foci are produced, both of unstable character. These results are explained by a simple theory, and future applications of such lensing properties are presented. Chapter two introduces the concept of the Colliding Shock Lens (CSL), and presents shallow water wave simulations, conducted by the author, as a useful analogy to the interaction of shocks in the CSL. All the properties of the CSL lensing action are reproduced in the water simulations, yielding useful insight, by means of a simple experiment, into the physics of interacting shock waves. Chapter three presents original work by the author on the subject of multiple pulse thermal lensing. A theory is developed which predicts the behaviour of thermal lenses seen in an industrial laser chain. Experiments on thermallensing, as well as some solutions, are presented and discussed. Chapter four revises the theory of Zernike Polynomials and their application to the study of aberrations. Thermal aberrations are studied, including the aberrations introduced by thermal lensing and thermal blooming. The relationship between aberrations and subsequent beam quality and beam propagation is explored. Chapter five looks at the use of adaptive mirrors for mode matching. Although the theory of adaptive systems is well known, no-one has as yet tackled the problem of correcting for mode matching changes. A new way of thinking about mode matching is proposed, and the merits of this system, called characterisation space, are explained. Chapter six comprises the theory and design of a novel vacuum chamber which has applications in gas lens designs. All the gas lenses used in pressure experiments were housed in compressional vacuum chambers. The idea of a Tensional Vacuum Vessel (TVV) is introduced, and experiments show that such chambers are very successful low vacuum chambers. The advantages and applications of TVVs are discussed, specifically those relating to gas lens applications. At the end of this thesis it was apparent that more questions had been generated than answers. This is probably true of any study. Chapter seven therefore outlines some as yet unanswered questions, and gives some suggestions for starting points. Some of this work is presently being undertaken by the author. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, 1997.