X-ray densitometry was used to investigate some environmental and genetic influences on wood formation in young Douglas-fir trees growing in the Pacific Northwest. Sampling methods were determined from sectional analyses of even-aged stems and eleven growth-ring width and density variables were measured in several trials to elucidate' some of the causes of variation. Breast height increment core samples were shown to giveve a good representation of stand properties and juvenile-mature correlations for a 40-year-old crop confirmed the validity of determining intra-ring density parameters on young material. Increment core samples from the Co-operative Douglas-fir Provenance Test (5 locations; 5 provenances/location) were used for both gravimetric and densi-tometric analyses. The major components of variation were found to be stand location and the individual tree effect. Provenances consistently accounted for less than 5% of the total variation. Genotype-environment interaction was shown to be small for all properties measured with the exception of the intra-ring density range. Between sites, earlywood widths were more variable than latewood widths, but latewood density properties (mean latewood and ring maximum densities) were more variable than those for earlywood (mean earlywood and ring minimum densities). Earlywood and latewood parameters varied independently of one another. It was suggested that genetic control was weak at the provenance level but strong for individual trees. Regression analyses using growth-ring components and monthly weather data for the outer five rings at each site uncovered some highly significant effects which helped to explain the observed year-to-year variation. Density variables were less affected by weather conditions than earlywood and latewood widths. An examination of eight ramets from each of ten 13-year-old clones revealed highly significant differences in all eleven intra-ring parameters. Heritability estimates for individual growth rings showed a regular increase with tree age, and latewood properties (width, density and ring maximum density) were found to be under strong genetic control. On a clone-mean basis, density was not related significantly to growth rate, so that vigour and density properties could be selected for independently. Crown phenology (flushing and shoot growth characteristics) was not strongly correlated with growth-ring parameters, although there was an indication that early flushing may be associated with higher latewood density. A study of four parent trees and their control-pollinated progeny proved unsatisfactory due to lack of adequate replication and atypical stand conditions, but nevertheless provided a vehicle for discussion of problems involved in assessing plus-tree wood quality and narrow-sense heritabilities. The combined results were discussed in terms of the genecology of Douglas fir and the implications for forest management and utilization. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

No description available.

A new instrument, the liquid crystal point diffraction interferometer (LCPDI), has been developed for the measurement of phase objects. This instrument maintains the compact, robust design of Linnik's point diffiaction interferometer (PDI) and adds to it phase stepping capability for quantitative interferogram analysis. The result is a compact, simple to align, environmentally insensitive interferometer capable of accurately measuring optical wavefronts with very high data density and with automated data reduction. This dissertation describes the theory of both the PDI and liquid crystal phase control. The design considerations for the LCPDI are presented, including manufacturing considerations. The operation and performance of the LCPDI are discussed, including sections regarding alignment, calibration, and amplitude modulation effects. The LCPDI is then demonstrated using two phase objects: a defocus difference wavefront, and a temperature distribution across a heated chamber filled with silicone oil. The measured results are compared to theoretical or independently measured results and show excellent agreement. A computer simulation of the LCPDI was performed to verify the source of observed periodic phase measurement error. The error stems from intensity variations caused by dye molecules rotating within the liquid crystal layer. Methods are discussed for reducing this error. Algorithms are presented which reduce this error; they are also useful for any phase-stepping interferometer that has unwanted intensity fluctuations, such as those caused by unregulated lasers. It is expected that this instrument will have application in the fluid sciences as a diagnostic tool, particularly in space based applications where autonomy, robustness, and compactness are desirable qualities. It should also be useful for the testing of optical elements, provided a master is available for comparison.

Direct measurement of optical phase is used in a high-density optical disk reader. The increased density is achieved by introducing multiple pit depths to replace the single pit depths of a traditional compact disk. Having four independent pit depths can double the storage capacity of a disk. The multi-level pits are read by direct measurement of the phase difference between two laser spots focused onto the disk surface. Extraction of phase information utilizes the equations of phase shifting interferometry with four shifted fringe patterns created simultaneously by a compact optical head. The system speed is therefore limited by the readout electronics instead of by slow mechanical phase shifters. The resulting system can identify four independent levels as well as the direction of transition from one level to another. The system also has low sensitivity to vibrations and to changes in the fringe contrast and beam intensity.

Precisely positioned optical lenses are currently required for many highly repetitive mechanics and applications. Thus the need for micron-scale repetition between opto-mechanical units is evident, especially in industrial manufacturing and medical breakthroughs. In this thesis, a novel optical metrology system is proposed, designed, and built whose purpose is to precisely locate the center of a mechanical fixture and then to assemble a plano-convex optical lens into the located position of the fixture. Center location specifications up to ±3 µm decenter and ±0.001° tilting accuracy are required. Nine precisely positioned lenses and fixtures were built with eight units passing the requirements with a repetitive standard deviation of ±0.15 µm or less. The assembled units show satisfactory results.

Thesis (M.S.) in Forest Resources--University of Maine, 2009. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 143-148).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 207-212).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-204).

Thesis (M.App.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 109-113). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2009. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed August 14, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 16-17).