Optical devices based on planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology have the advantages of small size, high reliability, possibility for large scale production, and potential integration with electronics. These devices are widely employed in optical telecommunications, sensing, data storage, imaging, and signal processing. This thesis focuses on some selected PLC based devices, such as power splitters, demultiplexers, triplexers and polarization beam splitters. First, the basic principle of the waveguides and the simulation methods for PLC devices are discussed. A novel effective index method is introduced to reduce a two-dimensional structure to a one-dimensional one, and can be implemented for arbitrarily shaped waveguides. Numerical methods, such as finite-difference mode solver, beam propagation method, finite-difference time-domain method are introduced to analysis the mode profile of the waveguides, and the propagation properties of light in PLC devices. Multimode interference (MMI) couplers are widely used in many PLCs, such as power splitters, ring lasers, optical switches, and wavelength division multiplexers/demultiplexers. In this work, concepts for improving the self-imaging quality of MMI couplers are analyzed and new designs are proposed. A significant improvement in performance together with compact sizes were obtained with taper sections at the input/output of MMI couplers based on SOI, and deeply etched ridges in MMI couplers based on SiO2. A polarization insensitive dual wavelength demultiplexer based on sandwiched MMI waveguides was presented. Novel devices including triplexers and polarization beam splitters were realized by using photonic crystal (PhC) structures. Two stages of directional couplers based on PhC waveguides are cascaded to form an ultracompact triplexer. The special decoupling property of the PhC waveguide based directional coupler was utilized in the design. A novel polarization beam splitter was realized by combining a MMI coupler and a PhC which works as a polarization sensitive reflector. Finally, fabrication and optical characterization of an ultra-compact directional coupler and PhC structures in InP are presented. In a single etching step, by using the lag-effect in inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching, a compact directional coupler (55 μm) is demonstrated. Carrier life times in PhC structures etched by chemically assisted ion beam etching were investigated, for emitter and switching applications. / QC 20100909

<p>The present thesis concerns aspects of the interaction ofmatter in gas, liquid and solid phases, with electromagneticradiation, ranging from the optical to the X-ray region. Overthe last decade the availability of ultrashort strong laserpulses as well as of high power synchrotron sources of tunableX-ray radiation has stimulated a rapid development of newexperimental techniques which makes it possible to analysedifferent physical, chemical and biological processes inunprecedented detail. All of this urges a concomitantdevelopment of adequate theoretical language and methodscombined with simulation techniques.</p><p>The first part of the thesis addresses nonlinear propagationof strong optical pulses. This study is motivated by thebreakthrough in synthesis of novel organic materials possessingprespecified nonlinear optical properties and which has led toa multitude of potential applications such as, for example, 3Dimaging and data storage, optical limiting and photodynamiccancer therapy. In order to clarify the underlying physics, astrict solution has been derived of the density matrixequations of a material aiming at an explicit treatment of itsnonlinear polarization without addressing a conventional Taylorexpansion over field amplitudes. Such a formalism is developedfor many-level molecules, allowing to solve the coupledMaxwell's and density matrix equations for the propagation of afew interacting laser pulses through a nonlinear molecularmedium. The theory presented is capable to account formulti-photon processes of an arbitrary order and for differentsaturation effects. The theory is applied to simulations oftwo- and three-photon absorption as well as to upconvertedstimulated emission of organic molecules in solvents.</p><p>The second part of the thesis is devoted to resonant X-rayRaman scattering from free molecules, solutions and polymerfilms. The temporal analysis of the spectral profiles isperformed using the technique of scattering duration whichallows to select physical processes with different time scales.The slowing-down/speeding-up of the scattering by frequencydetuning provides insight in the formation of the differentparts of the scattering profile like atomic and molecularbands, resonant and vertical scattering channels, anomalousenhancement of the Stokes doubling effect. The lifetimevibrational interference (LVI), playing a crucial role inresonant scattering, is found to strongly influence thedispersion of the Auger resonances of polymers in agreementwith experiment. An almost complete quenching of the scatteringcross section by LVI is observed for the N₂molecule. It is found that the interferenceelimination of the scattering amplitude gives valuableinformation on molecular geometry. The electron Doppler effectis minutely studied making use of a wave packet technique. Thesimulations show an "interference burning" of a narrow hole onthe top of the Doppler broadened profile of the Auger spectraof molecular oxygen. For the SF₆molecule the Auger Doppler effect is found to besensitive to the detuning due to the scattering anisotropy. Inall of these studies the temporal language was foundconstructive and enormously helpful for understanding theunderlying physical processes. Most theoretical predictionsmade have been verified by experiments.</p>

O conhecimento do comportamento mecânico do material é vital para a previsão da durabilidade e atendimento aos requisitos iniciais de projeto. Por meio de ensaios experimentais é possível mensurar esse comportamento e utilizar como parâmetro de entrada em simulações numéricas. Nesse ponto a temperatura altera significativamente as propriedades mecânicas estáticas e dinâmicas do material. Testes de fadiga devem ser considerados na caracterização do material mesmo que um alto custo e tempo sejam necessários. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o comportamento termo-mecânico do policloropreno em tração e fadiga. Este estudo se fez necessário para prever a durabilidade em diversas temperaturas em mancais de rolamento de cardans que exigem rigidez e durabilidade. A abordagem proposta consiste em formular equações constitutivas que considerem as constantes dependentes da temperatura para a situação estática (ensaio de tração) e dinâmica (ensaio de fadiga). Foram estudados 4 modelos constitutivos já consagrados na literatura. Corpos de prova normatizados foram utilizados para a avaliação experimental do material tanto em tração quanto em fadiga. Pode-se concluir que esta abordagem conseguiu modelar adequadamente o comportamento mecânico em ambas as situações estudadas. / Mechanical behavior of materials is vital for predicting durability and compliance with initial requirements of the project. Through experimental tests can measure this behavior and use as an input parameter in numerical simulations. At this point temperature significantly changes static and dynamic mechanical properties of the material. Fatigue tests should be considered in material characterization even if a high-cost and time are required. So the aim of this study is evaluate the thermo-mechanical behavior of polychloroprene in tension and fatigue. This study was necessary to predict durability in various temperatures in driveshafts of rolling bearings that requires rigidity and durability. The proposed approach is formulating constitutive equations to consider the dependent constant temperature for static situation (tensile test) and dynamic (fatigue test). Four constitutive models already established in literature were studied. Standardized test specimens were used for the experimental evaluation of the material both in tension and in fatigue. It can be concluded that this approach could adequately model the mechanical behavior in both cases studied.

O conhecimento do comportamento mecânico do material é vital para a previsão da durabilidade e atendimento aos requisitos iniciais de projeto. Por meio de ensaios experimentais é possível mensurar esse comportamento e utilizar como parâmetro de entrada em simulações numéricas. Nesse ponto a temperatura altera significativamente as propriedades mecânicas estáticas e dinâmicas do material. Testes de fadiga devem ser considerados na caracterização do material mesmo que um alto custo e tempo sejam necessários. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o comportamento termo-mecânico do policloropreno em tração e fadiga. Este estudo se fez necessário para prever a durabilidade em diversas temperaturas em mancais de rolamento de cardans que exigem rigidez e durabilidade. A abordagem proposta consiste em formular equações constitutivas que considerem as constantes dependentes da temperatura para a situação estática (ensaio de tração) e dinâmica (ensaio de fadiga). Foram estudados 4 modelos constitutivos já consagrados na literatura. Corpos de prova normatizados foram utilizados para a avaliação experimental do material tanto em tração quanto em fadiga. Pode-se concluir que esta abordagem conseguiu modelar adequadamente o comportamento mecânico em ambas as situações estudadas. / Mechanical behavior of materials is vital for predicting durability and compliance with initial requirements of the project. Through experimental tests can measure this behavior and use as an input parameter in numerical simulations. At this point temperature significantly changes static and dynamic mechanical properties of the material. Fatigue tests should be considered in material characterization even if a high-cost and time are required. So the aim of this study is evaluate the thermo-mechanical behavior of polychloroprene in tension and fatigue. This study was necessary to predict durability in various temperatures in driveshafts of rolling bearings that requires rigidity and durability. The proposed approach is formulating constitutive equations to consider the dependent constant temperature for static situation (tensile test) and dynamic (fatigue test). Four constitutive models already established in literature were studied. Standardized test specimens were used for the experimental evaluation of the material both in tension and in fatigue. It can be concluded that this approach could adequately model the mechanical behavior in both cases studied.

O conhecimento do comportamento mecânico do material é vital para a previsão da durabilidade e atendimento aos requisitos iniciais de projeto. Por meio de ensaios experimentais é possível mensurar esse comportamento e utilizar como parâmetro de entrada em simulações numéricas. Nesse ponto a temperatura altera significativamente as propriedades mecânicas estáticas e dinâmicas do material. Testes de fadiga devem ser considerados na caracterização do material mesmo que um alto custo e tempo sejam necessários. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o comportamento termo-mecânico do policloropreno em tração e fadiga. Este estudo se fez necessário para prever a durabilidade em diversas temperaturas em mancais de rolamento de cardans que exigem rigidez e durabilidade. A abordagem proposta consiste em formular equações constitutivas que considerem as constantes dependentes da temperatura para a situação estática (ensaio de tração) e dinâmica (ensaio de fadiga). Foram estudados 4 modelos constitutivos já consagrados na literatura. Corpos de prova normatizados foram utilizados para a avaliação experimental do material tanto em tração quanto em fadiga. Pode-se concluir que esta abordagem conseguiu modelar adequadamente o comportamento mecânico em ambas as situações estudadas. / Mechanical behavior of materials is vital for predicting durability and compliance with initial requirements of the project. Through experimental tests can measure this behavior and use as an input parameter in numerical simulations. At this point temperature significantly changes static and dynamic mechanical properties of the material. Fatigue tests should be considered in material characterization even if a high-cost and time are required. So the aim of this study is evaluate the thermo-mechanical behavior of polychloroprene in tension and fatigue. This study was necessary to predict durability in various temperatures in driveshafts of rolling bearings that requires rigidity and durability. The proposed approach is formulating constitutive equations to consider the dependent constant temperature for static situation (tensile test) and dynamic (fatigue test). Four constitutive models already established in literature were studied. Standardized test specimens were used for the experimental evaluation of the material both in tension and in fatigue. It can be concluded that this approach could adequately model the mechanical behavior in both cases studied.

Les résines époxy/amine obtenues grâce au mélange d’un prépolymère époxy et d’un durcisseur amine, sont utilisées dans divers domaines d’applications : peinture, potting de composés électroniques... L’objectif de cette thèse est la prédiction de la durée de vie de trois résines : DGEBA ou DGEBU/cycloalipahtique diamine, DGEBA/aliphatique diamine, soumises à un vieillissement thermo-oxydant. Pour cela, une étude multi échelle de l’oxydation est réalisée à différentes conditions de température (de 110°C à 200°C) et de pression d’oxygène (0,2 bars et 50 bars). A l’échelle moléculaire, la spectroscopie IRTF a montré la formation d’amides et de carbonyles. A l’échelle macromoléculaire, les coupures de chaînes semblent prédominantes lorsque le durcisseur est une diamine cycloaliphatique. En revanche, lorsque le système contient des séquences méthylènes portées par des segments flexibles, elles peuvent induire un mécanisme de réticulation qui peut prédominer. Ces résultats gouvernent l’évolution des propriétés fonctionnelles : la fragilisation mécanique et la dégradation des propriétés diélectriques de DGEBA/cycloaliphatique diamine se produit pour des temps d’exposition inférieurs à ceux observés pour DGEBA/aliphatique diamine. L’extrapolation des durées de vie est réalisée grâce à une modélisation cinétique basée sur un schéma mécanistique de l’oxydation des trois résines. La résolution de ce schéma cinétique permet la modélisation de l’ensemble des résultats expérimentaux (concentration en produits d’oxydation, coupures de chaînes et réticulation) pour une oxydation homogène ou bien sur des échantillons épais présentant un gradient d’oxydation. Les contraintes mécaniques engendrées lors de l’oxydation d’un échantillon épais (3 mm) de DGEBA/cycloaliphatique diamine ont été simulées afin de prédire la fissuration spontanée. / Epoxy/amine resins are thermoset materials made of epoxy prepolymer and amine hardener. Those materials are used in several industrial applications, such as paint or to encapsulate electronics. The main goal of this work is to predict lifetime of three resins: DGEBA or DGEBU/cycloaliphatic diamine, DGEBA/aliphatic diamine, in thermo-oxidative environment. In order to achieve this, a multi scale study of the oxidation is done, at several temperatures (from 110°C to 200°C) and oxygen partial pressures (0,2 bars et 50 bars). At molecular scale, the formation of amides and carbonyls has been noticed. At macromolecular scale, chain scission has been observed in epoxy/cycloaliphatic diamine but in DGEBA/aliphatic diamine cross linking seems to be predominant. Those properties are directly related to functional properties: mechanical and dielectric break down appear later in DGEBA/aliphatic diamine than in epoxy/cycloaliphatic diamine. The extrapolation of life is possible thank to kinetic modelling, based on chemical mechanistic scheme. The resolution of this kinetic scheme allowed us to model all experimental data (concentration of oxidation products, chain scission and cross linking), either in homogenous oxidation and in thick samples (3 mm). Stresses induced by oxidation in a thick sample of DGEBA/cycloaliphatic diamine have been simulated thanks to Matlab ® and finite elements by Abaqus ®.

Les questions de mobilité et de logement sont aujourd’hui au centre des enjeux du développement urbain. La hausse du taux de motorisation, de la pression sur le marché du logement, poussent à une déstructuration des liens de proximité et génèrent aujourd’hui une saturation du système de transport. De cette difficulté à se déplacer naissent des tensions (augmentation du temps de trajet, risque de retard, etc.). L’objectif de cette thèse est alors d’étudier le poids de ces tensions dans la décision de déménager. Une enquête a été réalisée auprès de 500 résidants actifs luxembourgeois ayant déménagé sans changer de lieu de travail. Les résultats montrent que certains individus se sont bien rapprochés de leur lieu de travail dans le but de réduire ces tensions. Cette recherche a donc permis de mettre en évidence des liens de conjonction entre la mobilité quotidienne et résidentielle et d’aboutir à une meilleure compréhension du système de la mobilité spatiale locale des individus. / Mobility and housing are today at the centre of the urban development issues. Indeed, the raise of the motorization rate, combined with the increasing property market pressure, are leading to a disruption of proximity links and tend to generate transportation system saturation. Those difficulties affecting mobility gives tensions (increased travel time, risk of delay, etc.). The objective of this thesis was to study the weight of those tensions in the residential mobility process. A survey was conducted among 500 active’s Luxemburg residents. Those people have recently changed housing without having changed their workplace. Results show that some people get now closer to their workplace in order to reduce their daily mobility tensions. This research helped highlighting links between daily mobility and residential mobility conjunction and lead to a better understanding of the local spatial mobility system of individuals.

This master’s thesis deals with the operating production cost in machining process and further optimalization. Individual costs items which are related to machining process are specified. Attention is paid to the time consumption of individual machining methods. The aim of the thesis is to find an optimal combination of cutting speed and durability in order to meet the minimum cost criteria and maximum productivity. The calculations are used for turning the outer cylindrical surface and the face surfaces at a constant cutting speed. The work is accompanied by tables and calculations in Microsoft Excel.

This work deals with the influence of multistress ageing (electrical and thermal stress) to relaxation effects depending on defined conditions had being labored.

Diploma thesis treat of effect of thermal, electrical and combined (thermal electrical) stress on electrical characteristics of insulation material ISONOM NMN which is used as a slot insulation in electric motors. To monitor the stress is used the method of dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Under examinations are the resultant dielectric spectra which constitute the frequency dependencies of components of complex permitivity. Compared are the effects of particular stresses on dielectric spectra of surveyed insulative material.