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Reflections is a dance I choreographed and performed on February 25, 2022 in studio 205 Campus Center Building at East Tennessee State University. The dance explores the relationship between a dancer’s mind and body and uses mirrors and repetition to express the dancers’ perception of their flaws and insecurities. The following thesis, Reflections: Battling Body Image as a Dancer, analyzes the artistic elements of the choreographic process, my experiences as a dance student at ETSU from 2018-2022, as well as my training in my youth. My research for this thesis involves exploring the history and craft of choreography including the fundamentals of Laban Movement Analysis. In addition, my research includes a survey concerning body dysmorphia in dancers. In theory and practice, I accepted the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone to create an emotional and physical dance composition that serves to demonstrate a dancer fighting a battle with body image.

L’observation d’échantillons biologiques à une échelle nanométrique est actuellement un thème majeur pour la biologie. En particulier, la microscopie à rayons X dans la fenêtre de l’eau (entre les seuils d’absorption K-alpha de l’oxygène et du carbone, soit entre 2,4 et 4,4 nm de longueur d’onde) présente un intérêt remarquable car elle permet à la fois l’observation d’échantillons biologiques avec un fort contraste d’absorption naturel, mais également une haute résolution grâce à la courte longueur d’onde d’utilisation. Plusieurs microscopes basés sur des composants diffractifs ont d’ores et déjà été développés et ont montré une résolution allant jusqu’à 12 nm. Dans ce contexte, nous développons au Laboratoire Charles Fabry un microscope X plein champ à miroirs en incidence proche de la normale. Le schéma optique du microscope a dans un premier temps été étudié et optimisé. Il est basé sur un objectif de Schwarzschild, et dispose donc d’une longue distance de travail ce qui permettra de faciliter l’installation de l’échantillon à observer. Les miroirs doivent être traités avec un revêtement multicouche à très faible période à base de chrome et de scandium. Plusieurs systèmes multicouches à couches sub nanométrique ont été étudiés pour maximiser la réflectivité des revêtements à une longueur d’onde proche de 3,14 nm, parmi lesquels : Cr/Sc, Cr/B4C/Sc, CrN/Sc et CrN/B4C/Sc. Une réflectivité pic de plus de 23% a été mesurée pour un revêtement multicouche CrN/B4C/Sc à un angle d’incidence inférieur à 5°. / The observation of biological samples at a nanometer scale is currently a major topic for biology. In particular, X-ray microscopy in the water-window (between Oxygen and Carbon K-alpha edges, corresponding to a wavelength between 2.4 and 4.4 nm) is off remarkable interest since it enables the visualization of biological samples with a natural high absorption contrast and a high resolution thanks to the short working wavelength. Several such x-ray microscopes have already been developed and showed resolutions down to 12 nm. In this context, we develop at Laboratoire Charles Fabry a full field, near normal incidence mirror based X-ray microscope. The optical design of the microscope was studied and optimized in a first place. It is based on a Schwarzschild objective, with a rather long working distance so that the installation of the sample will be facilitated. The mirrors are to be coated with very short period multilayer coatings containing chromium and scandium. Several multilayer systems with sub-nanometer thick layers ere studied in order to obtain the highest reflectance possible near normal incidence at a wavelength near 3.14 nm. Those systems were Cr/Sc, Cr/B4C/Sc, CrN/Sc and CrN/B4C/Sc. A peak reflectance of 23% has been measured for CrN/B4C/Sc at an incidence angle lower than 5°.

Absorption plays a critical role in a variety of optical applications – sometimes it is desirable to minimize it as in optical fibers and waveguides, or to enhance it as in solar cells and photodetectors. We describe here a new optical scheme that controllably produces high optical absorption over a broad wavelength range (hundreds of nm) in systems that have low intrinsic absorption over the same range. This effect, 'coherent perfect absorption' or CPA, arises from a subtle interplay between interference and absorption of two beams incident on a weakly absorbing medium. In the first part of this study, we present an analytical model that captures the relevant physics of CPA in one-dimensional photonic structures. This model elucidates an absorption-mediated interference effect that underlies CPA – an effect that is normally forbidden in Hermitian systems, but is allowed when conservation of energy is violated due to the inclusion of loss. As a concrete example, we consider a Fabry-Pérot resonator containing a lossy dielectric and confirm this model through a computational study of a 1-micron-thick silicon layer in a cavity formed of dispersive mirrors with aperiodic multilayer design. We confirm that one may achieve 100% absorption in this thin silicon layer (whose intrinsic absorption is only ~ 3%) in the near-infrared. We then design two device models using few-micron-thick aperiodic planar dielectric mirrors and demonstrate (computationally, as well as experimentally) spectrally flat, coherently enhanced absorption at the theoretical limit in a 2-micron-thick film of polycrystalline silicon embedded in symmetric and asymmetric cavities. This coherent effect is observed over an octave-spanning wavelength range of ~800 – 1600 nm utilizing incoherent light in the near-infrared, exploiting mirrors that have wavelength-dependent reflectivity devised to counterbalance the decline in silicon's intrinsic absorption at long wavelengths. We anticipate that the design principles established here may be extended to other materials, broader spectral ranges, and large surface areas. Finally, we study the effect of the angle of incidence on CPA in planar structures. The results of this study point to a path for realizing CPA in such systems continuously over large bandwidths.

Discrimination occurs against underrepresented and misrepresented cultures in the United States of America. Hate crimes, racism, and stereotyping are not only against adults but also students in the educational system. These actions are causing division within our nation. There is a movement for transforming the classroom into one that is culturally inclusive for everyone. These Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) methods can help to unite our nation by celebrating diversity. One very effective method to achieve this is by using multicultural literature in classrooms as a way for students to see themselves as if looking in mirrors, understand their peers as if looking through windows, and empathize with other cultures as if stepping through a sliding glass door into the other culture (Bishop, 1990). Arab Americans too often are experiencing discrimination at the same or worse levels than other underrepresented and misrepresented cultures. The goal of this study was to find quality books by and about Arab Americans as multicultural literature is an effective means for creating a culturally inclusive classroom. My first step was to locate any and all books I could find that were written by or about Arab Americans. Then using specific parameters, I narrowed my findings to list only the quality literature I found within the last ten years. These findings are listed for teachers to use and access with ease. While reading these books in the classroom, it is important to initiate conversations with and among the students. Therefore, I created a list of general guiding questions that pair with the literature for teachers to use in their classrooms to get their students talking and thinking about the multicultural books they are reading. These discussions can help move classrooms into ones that celebrate individual cultures, embrace diversity, and instill empathy among the students.

Många människor som tillhör äldre generationer har svårt att hänga med i dagens digitaliserade samhälle. Detta kan bero på rädsla, ångest, lågt självförtroende, brist på motivation och intresse. Det kan också bero på att äldre människor inte ser någon nytta med att implementera tekniken i sitt liv. Detta påvisar en negativ inställning mot att använda tekniken. Dålig användbarhet och användarvänlighet är de två faktorer som främst påverkar detta. Upplevelsen av sådant kan i sin tur avgöra deras acceptans mot att använda tekniken. Uppdragsgivaren för denna studie vill underlätta vardagen för äldre människor och arbetar på att ta fram ett hjälpmedel i form av en smartspegel. Definitionen av smartspegel är svår. De gemensamma nämnarna för smartspeglar är framför allt att de består av en digital skärm med en spegel framför, kan visa olika former av information och digitalt material och dessa kan skräddarsys efter användaren(Smart Mirror Guide, 2021). Det finns fler begrepp för denna produkt, t.ex. “magic mirror”.Denna studie bidrar med är att kartlägga vilka önskemål på funktioner och behov målgruppen har gällande gränssnittet i smartspegeln för denna uppdragsgivare. Detta gjordes genom att genomföra en litteraturstudie i form av att ta reda på tidigare forskning inom närliggande områden, ett teoretiskt ramverk som består av användbarhet, användarvänlighet och TAM 2, intervjuer med människor som tillhör målgruppen och skapandet av en prototyp baserad på data från intervjuerna. På prototypen genomfördes sedan användartest och följdfrågor ställdes. Kvalitativ data har samlats in i denna studie, som ledde till en slutsats och en besvarad forskningsfråga. Resultat och slutsats grundas på tidigare forskning, det teoretiska ramverket, intervjuer och användartest. Slutsatsen är att digital teknik kan vara svårt att hantera för den äldre målgruppen och för att förhindra detta består en del av slutsatsen av förslag på lösningar, framför allt för gränssnittet i smartspegeln i denna studie. En syntes togs fram för att uppnå en användbar design för denna målgrupp. Ytterligare förslag är att ge en pedagogisk introduktion till produkten så att användaren förstår nyttan och hur den ska användas. En genomgående enkel utformning av gränssnitt är viktigt för denna målgrupp. Designers bör i så stor mån som möjligt försöka förstå användarnas tidigare erfarenheter och förutfattade meningar. De bör även undvika att få användarna att känna att eventuella fel som uppstår är på grund av dem, låta användarna själva bestämma vilka funktioner som ska vara synliga för att minska risken för förvirring. Studien visar också på att deras upplevelse av användbarhet och användarvänlighet är två stora faktorer som kan öka chansen för acceptans av teknik för denna målgrupp. / Many people who belong to older generations find it difficult to keep up with today's digitalized society. This can be due to fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of motivation and interest. It may also be because older people do not see any benefit in implementing the technology in their lives. This shows a negative attitude towards using the technology. Poor usability and user-friendliness are the two factors that mainly affect this. The experience of such can in turn determine their acceptance of using the technology. The client for this study wants to make everyday life easier for older people and is working on developing an aid in the form of a smart mirror.The definition of a smart mirror is difficult. The common denominators for smart mirrors are above all that they consist of a digital screen with a mirror in front, can display various previous information and digital material and these can be tailored to the user (Smart Mirror Guide, 2021). There are more terms for this product, e.g. "magic mirror".This study helps to identify the wishes and functions of the target group regarding the interface in the smart mirror. This was done by conducting a literature study in the form of finding out previous research in related areas, a theoretical framework consisting of usability, user-friendliness and TAM 2, interviews with people belonging to the target group and the creation of a prototype based on the data from the interviews. User testing was performed on the prototype with follow-up questions. Qualitative data has been collected in this project and it led to a conclusion and two answered research questions. Results and conclusions are based on previous research, the theoretical framework, interviews and user tests. The conclusion is that digital technology can be difficult to handle for the older target group and to prevent this, part of the conclusion consists of suggestions for solutions, especially for the interface in the smart mirror that this study focuses on. A synthesis was developed to achieve a useful design for this target group. Further suggestions are to provide an educational introduction to the product so that the user understands the benefits and how this should be used. A consistently simple design of interfaces is important for this target group. Designers should, as far as possible, try to understand users' past experiences and preconceived notions. They should also avoid making users feel that any errors that occur are due to them, let users decide for themselves which features should be visible to reduce the risk of confusion. The study also shows that their experience of usability and user-friendliness are two major factors that can increase the chance of technology acceptance for this target group.

QC 351 A7 no. 07 / The Meinel Reducing Camera for the U. S. Naval Observatory's 60-inch telescope, Flagstaff, Arizona, comprises an f /10 collimator designed by Meinel and Wilkerson, and a Leica 50-mm f/2 Summicron camera lens. The collimator consists of a thick, 5-inch field lens located close to the focal plane of the telescope, plus four additional elements extending toward the camera. The collimator has an efl of 10 inches, yielding a 1-inch exit pupil that coincides with the camera's entrance pupil, 1.558 inches beyond the final surface of the collimator. There is room between the facing lenses of the collimator and camera to place filters and a grating. The collimated light here is the best possible situation for interference filters. Problems of the collimator design work included astigmatism due to the stop's being so far outside the collimator, and field curvature. Two computer programs were used in development of the collimator design. Initial work, begun in 1964, was with the University of Rochester's ORDEALS program (this was the first time the authors had used such a program) and was continued through July, 1965. Development subsequently was continued and completed on the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory's program, LASL. The final design, completed January 24, 1966, was evaluated with ORDEALS. This project gave a good opportunity to compare ORDEALS, an "aberration" program, with LASL, a "ray deviation" program. It was felt that LASL was the superior program in this case, and some experimental runs beginning with flat slabs of glass indicated that it could have been used for the entire development of the collimator. Calculated optical performance of the design indicated that the reducing camera should be "seeing limited" for most work. Some astigmatism was apparent, but the amount did not turn out to be harmful in actual astronomical use. After the final design was arrived at, minor changes were made to accommodate actual glass indices of the final melt, and later to accommodate slight changes of radii and thicknesses of the elements as fabricated. An additional small change in spacing between two of the elements was made at the observatory after the reducing camera had been in use for a short time. The fabricated camera is working according to expectations. Some photographs are included in the report to illustrate its performance and utility.

QC 351 A7 no. 16 / This document has been prepared to form the basis for the operational specifications for the Cassegrain instrumentation for the 90-inch telescope of the Steward Observatory. The publication of this document is for the purpose of providing guidance to other astronomical groups who may have use for the considerations recorded herein.

Cette thèse a pour objectif ultime d'améliorer notre compréhension de la réflexion de la lumière sur des surfaces micro-courbes, en particulier lorsque les dimensions physiques des surfaces (rayons de courbure de l'ordre de 50-300 μm) sont comparables aux paramètres dimensionnels d'un faisceau optique Gaussien, typique des faisceaux issus d'une fibre optique ou d'un microlaser. A cet effet, une étude théorique et des simulations numériques ont été menées ; elles ont été confrontées à une étude expérimentale. Pour ce faire, la réalisation des micro-miroirs à concavité contrôlée n'étant pas chose aisée, un premier jalon de cette thèse a consisté à atteindre les avancées technologiques nécessaires à la réalisation de tels micro-miroirs(par procédé de gravure plasma de type DRIE) en vue de leur caractérisation expérimentale. Une motivation importante du choix de ce sujet est son potentiel applicatif à la réalisation de micro-bancs optiques sur puce silicium, de sorte à augmenter les capacités de couplage et de manipulation de lumière de façon intégrée dans un espace ultra-compact. A titre d'illustration des possibilités de la nouvelle micro-instrumentation optique que nous proposons, nous avons conçu et réalisé un microsystème de balayage spatial à grand angle (110°) d'un faisceau laser dont le spot optique ne se déforme pas tout au long de l'opération de balayage, ce qui en fait, entre autres, la pièce maîtresse de systèmes portables d'imagerie médicale par tomographie à cohérence optique / The ultimate objective of this thesis is to improve our understanding of light reflection on micro-curved surfaces, especially when the physical dimensions of the surfaces (radii of curvature in the order of 50-300 microns) are comparable to typical dimensional parameters of a Gaussian optical beam, such as those coming from an optical fiber or from a micro-laser. To this end, a theoretical study and numerical simulations were conducted; they were confronted with an experimental study. To do this, the realization of micro-mirrors controlled concavity being not easy, a first step of this thesis was to achieve the technological advances necessary for the realization of such micro-mirrors (by plasma etching method of DRIE type) for their subsequent experimental characterization. An important motivation for choosing this topic is its potential application in the production of micro-optical benches on a silicon chip, so as to increase the coupling efficiencies and capabilities of manipulation of light, in an integrated way and in an ultra compact space. As an illustration of the new micro-optical instrumentation which is attainable, we have designed and implemented a micro-device able of wide-angle (110 °) spatial scanning of a laser beam, the optical spot being not deformed during the scanning operation, which makes this device, the centerpiece of portable medical imaging systems by optical coherence tomography, among others

La durabilité des miroirs solaires est un point clé pour le développement des centrales solaires à concentration, du fait de l’investissement important, des 30 ans d’opération visés et des zones d’implantations aux climats agressifs. Ces travaux de recherche portent ainsi sur l’étude des modes de dégradation et de la durabilité de miroirs solaires en verre monolithiques ou laminés. Cette thèse a permis d’appliquer avec succès au CSP une méthodologie de prédiction de la durée de vie développée dans des domaines plus matures. Les corrélations entre les vieillissements accélérés et les expositions extérieures réalisées sur trois sites ont mis en avant le rôle prédominant de l’eau et de l’irradiance dans la dégradation des peintures de protection des miroirs monolithiques. Les essais en chaleur humide ont quant à eux été jugés trop agressifs pour les miroirs, considérant de plus les conditions climatiques des sites d’application potentiels. Les résultats expérimentaux des essais de vieillissements accélérés ont conduit à la détermination des paramètres cinétiques des miroirs inclus dans les relations mathématiques modélisant les principaux facteurs de stress identifiés précédemment. Les facteurs d’accélération ont ainsi été calculés pour des essais standards par rapport à des sites comportant des centrales CSP opérationnelles. Ce travail a permis au final d’estimer des durées de vie des miroirs sur les sites choisis, en considérant que seuls les facteurs de stress étudiés intervenaient dans la dégradation. / Durability of solar mirrors is a key point for the development of concentrating solar power plants, because of the large investment, the goal of 30 years lifetime and of the implantations areas with hostile climates. This research work concerns the study of degradation modes and of monolithic or laminated glass solar mirrors durability. This thesis allows to successfully apply to CSP a lifetime prediction method already developed in more mature fields. Correlations between accelerated ageing tests and natural outdoor exposures performed on three sites evidence the predominant role of water and irradiance in protection paints of monolithic mirrors degradation. Damp heat tests were evaluated too aggressive for mirrors, considering thus the climatic conditions of potential application sites. Experimental results of accelerated ageing tests lead to the determination of kinetic parameters included in mathematical relationships modelling the main stress factors previously identified. Acceleration factors were then calculated for standard tests compared to sites with operational CSP plants. This work finally allows to estimate lifetimes of mirrors on specific sites, assuming that only the studied stress factors take part in degradation.