A trend in polarization as predicted by theoretical models was validated, and atmospheric dust grain sizes and projected rotational velocities for these objects were estimated. Comprehensive studies of UDs are proving to be crucial not only in our understanding of UDs but also for star and planet formation as brown dwarfs represent their lower and upper mass boundaries, respectively. Brown dwarfs (BD) were mere theoretical astrophysical objects for more than three decades (Kumar (1962)) till their first observational detection in 1995 (Rebolo et al. (1995), Nakajima et al. (1995)). These objects are intermediate in mass between stars and planets. Since their observational discovery these objects have been studied thoroughly and holistically.Various methods for searching and characterizing these objects in different regions of the sky have been put forward and tested with great success. Theoretical models describing their physical, atmospheric and chemical processes and properties have been proposed and have been validated with a large number of observational results. The work presented in this dissertation is a compilation of synoptic studies of ultracool dwarfs(UDs)¹. [Footnote 1:]. [bullet] A search for wide binaries around solar type stars in upper scorpio OB association (Upper Sco) do indicate (the survey is not yet complete) a deficit of BD binaries at these large separations ([less than] 5AU). [bullet] Twenty six new UDs were discovered at low galactic latitudes in our survey from archival data and a novel technique using reduced proper motion. [bullet] Six field UDs were discovered by spectroscopic follow-up of the candidates selected from a deep survey. [bullet] Optical interferometry was used to independently determine the orbit of the companion of HD33636 which was initially determined using Hubble Space Telescope(HST)astrometry and radial velocity found. Some inconsistency in the HST determined orbit and mass. [bullet] Optical linear polarization in UDs was used to investigate the dust propertied in their atmospheres. Footnote 1: We use the term "ultracool dwarfs" as the mass of most of the objects mentioned is unknown, which is required to classify an object as a brown dwarf. We define objects later than M7 as ultra cool dwarfs.

Orientador: Cláudio Kitano / Banca: Ricardo Tokio Higuti / Banca: Luiz Antonio Perezi Marçal / Resumo: Neste trabalho estuda-se a interferometria laser, a qual constitui uma técnica adequada para determinar grandezas físicas com sensibilidade extremamente elevada. Basicamente, no interferômetro óptico, a informação a respeito do dispositivo sob teste é inserida na fase da luz. Utilizando-se o fotodiodo, promove-se a transferência de informação, do domínio óptico para o elétrico, no qual pode ser demodulada usando-se as várias técnicas disponíveis na literatura para detectar sinais modulados em fase. Ênfase é dada a um novo método de demodulação de fase óptica auto-consistente e de grande sensibilidade. Neste método, utiliza- se a modulação dada por uma forma de onda triangular e é baseado na análise do espectro do sinal fotodetectado, sendo capaz de estender a faixa dinâmica de demodulação a valores tão elevados quanto às dos métodos clássicos. Simulações dinâmicas computacionais de interferômetros ópticos são executadas em Simulink juntamente com este método, levando-se em consideração tensões de ruído eletrônico do tipo ruído branco, evidenciando a eficiência do método quando comparados com dados teóricos obtidos em Matlab. A validação experimental do método é realizada com o auxílio de um modulador eletro-óptico de amplitudes, cujas características de fase podem ser previstas analiticamente. Trata-se de um sensor polarimétrico baseado em cristal de Niobato de Lítio, em que a diferença de fase óptica induzida pela tensão elétrica aplicada pode ser determinada através de análise espectral, tal como o novo método descrito neste trabalho. Um interferômetro de Michelson homódino de baixo custo é implementado e a eficiência do novo método de demodulação de fase óptica é avaliada através de testes com atuadores e manipuladores piezoelétricos flextensionais, cujas características de linearidade são conhecidas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In this work, has been done a study the laser interferometer, which is a technique for determining physical quantities with extremely high sensitivity. Basically, in the optical interferometer, information about the device under test modulates the phase of light. Using a photodiode, promotes the transfer of information from the optical domain for the electric, which can be demodulated using the various techniques available in literature to detect modulated signals in phase. Emphasis is given to a new method of phase demodulation of optical self-consistent and high sensitivity. The method employs a linear modulation given by a triangular waveform, and is based on analysis of the spectrum of the photodetected signal, being able to extend the dynamic range of the demodulation values as high as the classical methods. Dynamic computational simulations of optical interferometers are implemented in Simulink with this method, taking into account strains of electronic noise like white noise, indicating the efficiency of the method compared with theoretical data obtained in Matlab workspace. The experimental validation of the method is performed with the aid of an electro- optic amplitude modulator, whose phase characteristics can be analytically predicted. This is a polarimetric sensor based on lithium niobate crystal, in which the optical phase difference induced by electric voltage can be determined by spectral analysis, using new method described in this work. A low cost homodyne Michelson interferometer is implemented and the efficiency of the new method of optical phase demodulation is evaluated by testing with piezoelectric flextensional actuators whose characteristics of linearity are well known.The experimental results agree with theoretical analysis and reveal this method is more efficient than the classical methods / Mestre

Orientador: Cláudio Kitano / Banca: Aparecido Augusto de Carvalho / Banca: Demartonne Ramos França / Resumo: Atuadores piezoelétricos convertem energia elétrica em energia mecânica, sendo amplamente utilizados como transdutores de deslocamento micrométricos ou sub-micrométricos de elevada precisão. Neste trabalho, atuadores piezoelétricos flextensionais (APFs), projetados pelo método de otimização topológica, são caracterizados em termos de linearidade entre a tensão de excitação e o deslocamento gerado, bem como em termos de resposta em frequência, utilizando-se um interferômetro de Michelson homódino e em malha aberta. Interferômetros homódinos não realimentados têm seu desempenho prejudicado pelo fenômeno de desvanecimento, causado por perturbações ambientais espúrias que incidem aleatoriamente entre seus braços. Nesta dissertação, enfatizam-se métodos de demodulação de fase óptica baseados em relações envolvendo as componentes espectrais do sinal de saída do interferômetro que são imunes ao problema do desvanescimento. Dentre estes, destacam-se métodos clássicos como J1... J4, J1... J4 modificado, J1... J6 neg e J1... J6 pos. Estes métodos permitem a medição direta de deslocamentos microscópicos, sem a necessidade de qualquer procedimento de calibração. Além disso, não são afetados por instabilidades da fonte óptica, da responsividade do fotodiodo e da visibilidade das franjas de interferência. Contudo, apresentam reduzidas faixas dinâmicas de demodulação de fase. A fim de superar esta deficiência, investiga-se um método adicional de detecção direta, baseado na análise do espectro do sinal fotodetectado, exibindo todas as vantagens dos demais métodos, mas que é capaz de estender a faixa dinâmica de demodulação a valores tão elevados quanto 100 rad. Simulações computacionais são executadas com este método, levando-se em consideração o efeito do desvanecimento e tensões de ruído eletrônico do tipo 1/f, evidenciando... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, being widely used as micrometric or sub-micrometric displacement transducer of high accuracy. In this work, piezoelectric flextensional actuators (PFA's), designed by the topology optimization method, are characterized in terms of linearity between the drive voltage and the corresponding displacement, as well as in terms of frequency response, using a homodyne, open-loop, Michelson interferometer. Homodyne interferometers without feedback have their performance spoiled by signal fading, caused by spurious environmental disturbances that occur randomly between their arms. This thesis emphasizes methods of optical phase demodulation, based on relations involving the spectral components of the interferometer output signal, which are immune to signal fading. Among these methods, it is detailed here the classical ones, such as J1... J4, modified J1... J4, J1... J6 neg e J1... J6 pos. These methods allow direct measurements of microscopic displacements, free of calibration procedures. Besides, they are not affected by optical source oscillations, photodiode responsivity and interferometric fringe visibility. However, they have reduced dynamic range for phase demodulation. In order to overcome this, this work investigates an additional method for direct detection, based on spectral analysis drawback of the photodetected signal. The method has all the advantages of the others, but it is able to span its demodulation dynamic range to values as high as 100 rad. Numerical simulations are done using this method (considering the signal fading and the 1/f electronic noise voltage), showing its viability to characterize PFA's. Experiments are performed in laboratory, involving tests with different PFA's. The method validation is carried out with the aid of an electrooptic intensity modulator, whose phase characteristics can... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The aim of this diploma thesis is to describe mechanisms involved in a lubricant film formation in textured conformal contacts. For exploring of the lubricant film formation, the method of optical interferometry is implemented on a pin-on-disc tribometer. That allows to study an influence of a texture on lubricant film thickness and coefficient of friction of textured samples. These samples have different parameters of a texture. On the basis of these effects and the visual image of the contact, the flow of lubricant in the contact area is described. Shallow dimples lead to larger film thickness in elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication regime. They act like a lubricant reservoir. Deep dimples positively affect film thickness in hydrodynamic lubrication regime, where the effect of shallow dimples descend. During experiments, the formation of a cavitation is observed. The cavitation causes a starvation of dimples in many cases. This leads to reducing of the lubricant film thickness. This effect can be eliminated by appropriate parameters of texture in operational conditions of elements.

The aim of this diploma thesis is to experimentally elucidate the connection between the friction of the specimen with the textured surface and the optical observation of the sliding contact surface. The thesis focuses on the configuration of the journal bearing. This configuration is achieved by replacing the block with a circular sapphire section on a block-on-ring tribometer. For exploring of the lubricant film formation, the method of optical interferometry and fluorescence is implemented on the block-on-ring tribometer. These adjustments allow examination of the effect of the textured surface on the friction coefficient and the thickness of the lubricant film. In a mixed mode, the textures cause a significant increase in friction values and reduce the thickness of the lubricant film. The negative influence of dimples increases with the increasing radial load size. In the hydrodynamic mode, the textures have a lower negative effect on the resulting values than in the mixed mode. The changes are dependent on the size of the radial load and the viscosity of the lubricant. In the hydrodynamic mode, cavitation was not observed, and the effect of the textured surface does not correspond to theoretical prerequisites, which is reflected by lower lubricant thickness and higher friction.

This thesis deals with the experimental study of lubrication of hip joint replacements. The influence of the synovial fluid composition and the head material to the lubricating film thickness were asssesed by using a pendulum hip joint simulator. Both of these effects were assesed under static and dynamic loading conditions. The experimental results showed that the movement of the head against the cup is unnecessary for the separation of the rubbing surfaces by a layer of adsorbed proteins. Composition of the synovial fluid then significantly influences the thickness of the lubricating film. Two opposite extremes have been observed during tests with two model synovial fluids. The first fluid formed a very strong lubricating film. The second sample almost prevent adsorption of proteins and consequently formed only very thin lubricating film. The influence of the material is noticeable when comparing the results obtained with a metal head and ceramic heads. Metal head formes under the same conditions thicker lubricating film. This evidence may be partly influenced by different diametrical clearances, which were in the case of ceramic heads higher.

Dizertační práce se zabývá mechanismy mazání v náhradách kyčelního kloubu. Byla provedena systematická studie formování proteinového filmu při zahrnutí různých materiálů a provozních podmínek. Hlavní pozornost je přitom věnována roli jednotlivých proteinů obsažených v synoviální kapalině při současné přítomnosti dalších proteinů. Jelikož metody aplikované v předchozích studiích neumožňovaly separovat jednotlivé složky maziva, byla vyvinuta optická měřící metoda na principu fluorescenční mikroskopie. Z důvodu verifikace metody byly provedeny dvě nezávislé studie zaměřené na měření tloušťky mazacího filmu a dělení maziva na výstupu mazaného kontaktu. Z důvodu určitých limitací fluorescenční mikroskopie byla dále využita i metoda optické interferometrie, jejíž využití je ilustrováno ve studii zabývající se formováním mazacího filmu v náhradách kyčelního klubu při uvažování reálné konformity třecích povrchů. Závěrečná část práce představuje nový metodologický přístup založený na in situ pozorování kontaktní oblasti umožňující popsat roli jednotlivých proteinů ve vztahu k vývoji tloušťky mazacího filmu. Práce obsahuje originální výsledky, které přináší nové poznání v oblasti biotribologie náhrad kyčelního kloubu vedoucí k dalšímu vývoji implantátů při snaze zabránit jejich selhání v důsledku omezené životnosti.

As elevadas perdas existentes no setor elétrico tem causado preocupação nas empresas de distribuição, aliadas ainda a necessidade crescente de um desenvolvimento econômico sustentável. Neste cenário a calibração periódica dos instrumentos destinados a medição (entre eles os transformadores de instrumentos) tornam-se essenciais e tais procedimentos encontram-se previstos no novo modelo de operação do setor elétrico. Porém, as dificuldades logísticas e operacionais de transporte a laboratórios metrológicos credenciados dificultam a execução de tais serviços. As técnicas e métodos desenvolvidos nesse trabalho visam a implementação de uma unidade eletrônica capaz de aquisitar e processar dados provenientes de transformadores de instrumentos, de natureza indutiva (denominado de convencional) e ópticos, bem como seus subsistemas de apoio, como ferramentas de medição e calibração portátil, móvel, para execução dos serviços metrológicos in situ nos ambientes das subestações e cabines primárias. Estes serviços, apesar de estarem em estágio incipiente, são de extremo interesse para empresas de energia elétrica. Este projeto está baseado no estado da arte de componentes da eletrônica analógica e digital, onde destacam-se conversores analógico/digital (A/D), microprocessadores, osciladores, FPGA e técnicas computacionais para processamento digital de sinais. São apresentadas as formas de implementação tanto em hardware como em software para esta unidade eletrônica de forma a atender aos requisitos funcionais especificados e às normas do INMETRO e normas internacionais equivalentes para aplicações metrológicas. A validação é baseada em testes comparativos dos fasores na frequência fundamental dos sinais obtidos, analisando os valores de amplitude (para cálculo de erro de relação) e de fase ( para cálculo de erro de fase) entre transformadores ópticos e convencionais, sendo que estes últimos podem ser de referência ou não. / The high losses in the electricity sector have caused concern in distribution companies, together with the growing need for sustainable economic development. In this scenario the periodic calibration of instruments intended for measurement (including instrument transformers) become essential and such procedures are provided for in the new model of operation of the electric sector. However, the logistical and operational difficulties of transportation to accredited metrological laboratories make it difficult to perform such services. The techniques and methods developed in this work are aimed at the implementation of an electronic unit capable of acquiring and processing data from instrument transformers of an inductive (conventional) and optical nature, as well as its supporting subsystems, such as portable and mobile measuring and calibration tools for the execution of on-site metrological services in the substations and primary cabins. These services, although in an incipient stage, are of extreme interest to electric energy companies. This project is based on the state-of-the-art components of analog and digital electronics, including analog/digital (A/D) converters, microprocessors, oscillators, FPGA and computational techniques for digital signal processing. The forms of implementation in both hardware and software for this electronic unit are presented in order to meet the functional requirements specified and the standards of the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia (INMETRO) and equivalent international standards for metrological applications. The validation is based on comparative tests of the phasors at the fundamental frequency of the obtained signals, analyzing the amplitude (for ratio error calculation) and phase (for phase error calculation) between optical and conventional transformers, the last one can be reference or not.

As elevadas perdas existentes no setor elétrico tem causado preocupação nas empresas de distribuição, aliadas ainda a necessidade crescente de um desenvolvimento econômico sustentável. Neste cenário a calibração periódica dos instrumentos destinados a medição (entre eles os transformadores de instrumentos) tornam-se essenciais e tais procedimentos encontram-se previstos no novo modelo de operação do setor elétrico. Porém, as dificuldades logísticas e operacionais de transporte a laboratórios metrológicos credenciados dificultam a execução de tais serviços. As técnicas e métodos desenvolvidos nesse trabalho visam a implementação de uma unidade eletrônica capaz de aquisitar e processar dados provenientes de transformadores de instrumentos, de natureza indutiva (denominado de convencional) e ópticos, bem como seus subsistemas de apoio, como ferramentas de medição e calibração portátil, móvel, para execução dos serviços metrológicos in situ nos ambientes das subestações e cabines primárias. Estes serviços, apesar de estarem em estágio incipiente, são de extremo interesse para empresas de energia elétrica. Este projeto está baseado no estado da arte de componentes da eletrônica analógica e digital, onde destacam-se conversores analógico/digital (A/D), microprocessadores, osciladores, FPGA e técnicas computacionais para processamento digital de sinais. São apresentadas as formas de implementação tanto em hardware como em software para esta unidade eletrônica de forma a atender aos requisitos funcionais especificados e às normas do INMETRO e normas internacionais equivalentes para aplicações metrológicas. A validação é baseada em testes comparativos dos fasores na frequência fundamental dos sinais obtidos, analisando os valores de amplitude (para cálculo de erro de relação) e de fase ( para cálculo de erro de fase) entre transformadores ópticos e convencionais, sendo que estes últimos podem ser de referência ou não. / The high losses in the electricity sector have caused concern in distribution companies, together with the growing need for sustainable economic development. In this scenario the periodic calibration of instruments intended for measurement (including instrument transformers) become essential and such procedures are provided for in the new model of operation of the electric sector. However, the logistical and operational difficulties of transportation to accredited metrological laboratories make it difficult to perform such services. The techniques and methods developed in this work are aimed at the implementation of an electronic unit capable of acquiring and processing data from instrument transformers of an inductive (conventional) and optical nature, as well as its supporting subsystems, such as portable and mobile measuring and calibration tools for the execution of on-site metrological services in the substations and primary cabins. These services, although in an incipient stage, are of extreme interest to electric energy companies. This project is based on the state-of-the-art components of analog and digital electronics, including analog/digital (A/D) converters, microprocessors, oscillators, FPGA and computational techniques for digital signal processing. The forms of implementation in both hardware and software for this electronic unit are presented in order to meet the functional requirements specified and the standards of the Instituto Nacional de Metrologia (INMETRO) and equivalent international standards for metrological applications. The validation is based on comparative tests of the phasors at the fundamental frequency of the obtained signals, analyzing the amplitude (for ratio error calculation) and phase (for phase error calculation) between optical and conventional transformers, the last one can be reference or not.

Orientador: Cláudio Kitano / Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta um estudo teórico e experimental de um sistema de controle não linear baseado em estrutura variável e modos deslizantes desenvolvido para interferômetro de dois feixes. O sistema proposto apresenta alta precisão, robustez e, além disso, é simples e de baixo custo, aumentando a capacidade de medição para diferentes aplicações de sensores interferométricos. Comparado a outras técnicas de controle aplicadas a interferometria óptica, esta técnica apresenta importantes vantagens e leva em consideração a característica não linear do interferometro, aumentando seu poder de medição. Consequentemente, um circuito de reset não é necessário, o interferometro pode trabalhar em ambientes com grandes perturbações, a montagem e ajuste dos parâmetros é mais simples (fácil implementação), com simples configuração e custo efetivo, atingindo alta robustez e acurácia. Comparado as técnicas de demodulação baseado no espectro do sinal (J1..J4), o sistema proposto tem faixa dinâmica e resolução maiores, podendo medir atraso no tempo e operar com formas de onda arbitrárias. Além disso, aperfeiçoa os métodos de demodulação temporais aumentando a precisão para sinais de baixa amplitude, mantendo a condição de quadratura (ponto máximo de sensibilidade) e, portanto, elimina o efeito do desvanecimento do sinal, mesmo diante de grandes perturbações ao redor do sistema como, vibrações, variações de temperatura e correntes de ar. A estabilidade do sistema linearizado foi estudada atr... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This work presents the theoretical and experimental study of a nonlinear control system designed for two beam optical interferometry based on variable structure and sliding modes. The proposed system presents high accuracy, robustness and, furthermore, is simple and low cost, increasing the measurement capability for different applications of interferometric sensors. Compared with other control techniques applied in optical interferometry, this control technique presents important features and takes in account the nonlinear characteristic of the interferometer, increasing its measurement capability. Consequently, a reset circuit is not necessary, the interferometer can work in harsh environments, the assembly and adjustment of the parameters is simpler (easy implementation), with simple setup and the effective cost, achieving high robustness and accuracy. Regarding demodulation techniques based on signal spectrum (J1..J4), the proposed system has a higher dynamic range, resolution, can measure time delay and operate with arbitrary signal waveforms. Also, it improves the temporal demodulation methods increasing the accuracy for small amplitude signals, maintaining the quadrature condition (maximum point of sensitivity) and, therefore, eliminates the effect of signal fading, even under strong external disturbances around the interferometer setup such as vibration, temperature variation and air current flow. The stability of the linearized system was studied through the Lyapunov... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor