The applicability of an isotopically labelled assay system to determine the lipase production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated. Supernatant from cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown in a medium containing olive oil was incubated with a substrate containing labelled trioleate. Fatty acids were isolated by means of a liquid-liquid partition system. Enzyme activity was determined by measuring the amounts of free fatty acid by liquid scintillation counting. Findings indicate that the isotopicallylabelled, liquid-liquid partitioning assay is reliable, sensitive and adaptable to rapid assay conditions. It was also determined that different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce varying amounts of lipase. Partial purification of supernatant by gel filtration produced two protein peaks showing enzymatic activity.

No presente trabalho, foram padronizados os radionuclídeos emissores beta puros 32P e 90Sr 90Y. O primeiro foi medido nos sistemas comerciais de cintilação líquida TRICARB 2100 e HIDEX 300SL, que utilizam, respectivamente, dois e três tubos fotomultiplicadores. A análise dos dados adquiridos pelo primeiro e segundo sistemas foi realizada pela aplicação dos métodos CIEMAT/NIST e TDCR, respectivamente. Para padronização da solução de 32P, foi também utilizado o sistema 4πβ empregando-se a técnica de autoabsorção. A solução de 90Sr 90Y foi padronizada no sistema de cintilação líquida, HIDEX 300SL, pelo método TDCR, e pela técnica do traçador, no sistema de coincidência 4πβ-γ o qual é composto por um contador proporcional à gás fluente, acoplado a dois cristais cintiladores de NaI(Tl). A taxa de desintegração foi determinada pela técnica de extrapolação, por meio de absorvedores externos. Para aplicação da técnica do traçador, foi utilizada uma solução de 60Co, emissor beta-gama previamente padronizado no sistema de coincidências. Foi realizada, também, uma simulação dos processos de detecção neste sistema por meio do programa ESQUEMA, que, pela simulação de Monte Carlo, prediz a curva de extrapolação da eficiência. Os resultados obtidos para o 32P nos sistemas utilizados apresentaram um bom acordo, dentro das incertezas experimentais, bem como os obtidos para o 90Sr 90Y, em sistema de cintilação e sistema de coincidência, apresentando bom acordo, dentro das incertezas experimentais. O resultado obtido pela técnica de Monte Carlo apresentou boa concordância com o valor obtido com o sistema de coincidência. Os resultados indicam a qualidade e boa precisão dos sistemas de detecção utilizados neste trabalho, quando empregados para fins metrológicos. / In the present work, pure beta emitters radionuclides 32P and 90Sr - 90Y were standardized. The first one was measured in commercial liquid scintillation systems TRICARB 2100 and HIDEX 300SL, which use, respectively, two and three photomultiplier tubes. The analysis of the data acquired by the first and second systems was performed using the CIEMAT / NIST and TDCR methods, respectively. For standardization of the 32P solution, the 4πβ system was also used, using the self-absorption technique. The 90Sr - 90Y solution was standardized in the liquid scintillation system, HIDEX 300SL, by the TDCR method, and by the tracer technique, in the coincidence system 4πβ-γ which is composed by a proportional counter to the flowing gas, coupled to two NaI(Tl) scintillation crystals. The rate of disintegration was determined by the extrapolation technique, by means of external absorbers. For the application of the tracer technique, a 60Co solution, a beta-gamma emitter previously standardized in the coincidence system, was used. It was also performed a simulation of the detection processes in this system through the program ESQUEMA, which, by Monte Carlo simulation, predicts the efficiency extrapolation curve. The results obtained for the 32P in the systems used presented a good agreement, within the experimental uncertainties, as well as those obtained for the 90Sr - 90Y, in scintillation system and coincidence system, showing good agreement, within the experimental uncertainties. The result obtained by the Monte Carlo technique showed good agreement with the value obtained with the coincidence system. The results indicate the quality and good accuracy of the detection systems used in this work, when used for metrological purposes.

A la frontière entre l'atmosphère neutre et l'espace, le plasma ionosphérique est le siège de réactions d'ionisation complexes. Le champ magnétique terrestre et les champs électriques induits causent des fluctuations spatiales et temporelles de la concentration électronique. Ces irrégularités ionosphériques entrainent des variations rapides de l'amplitude et de la phase des signaux radioélectriques les traversant, notamment aux hautes latitudes. Ce phénomène est appelé scintillation ionosphérique et il est particulièrement craint par la communauté utilisatrice d'applications GNSS qui nécessite une disponibilité et une intégrité optimales des signaux. Le travail présenté dans cette thèse propose une modélisation complète, à 3 axes d'anisotropie, de la scintillation ionosphérique. Ce modèle est basé sur une approche numérique 3D et 2D, de type écrans de phase, et sur la résolution analytique des équations de propagation, en 3D et en 2D. Ces dérivations originales des variances et des spectres de log-amplitude et de phase ont mis en relief les limites de validité d'un modèle numérique 2D. L'étude de sensibilité menée sur les variances et les spectres ouvre également des perspectives d'inversion des données GNSS pour remonter aux caractéristiques du milieu ionosphérique. / The ionospheric plasma is located at the border between neutral atmosphere and outer space and many complex ionization reactions occur inside this turbulent medium. The Earth magnetic field and induced electric fields cause rapid fluctuations of electron density, both spatially and temporarily. When crossing this turbulent layer, RF signals show fast variations of amplitude and phase, especially at high latitudes. This phenomenon is called ionospheric scintillation and it is particularly feared by air navigation using GNSS services, since it degrades the availability and the integrity of signals. This PhD dissertation presents a complete modeling of the effects of ionospheric scintillation, with 3 anisotropy axes. It is based on a numerical approach using the multiple phase screens technique, both in 3D and 2D schemes, and on the analytical resolution of electromagnetic propagation equation, also both in 3D and 2D configurations. The limits of use of a 2D numerical scheme have been outlined by these original formulations of phase and log-amplitude variances and spectra. This complete modeling associated with a sensitivity study on these variances and spectra opens up interesting perspectives on data inversion, in order to better estimate the physical characteristics of the ionospheric medium.

No presente trabalho, foram padronizados os radionuclídeos emissores beta puros 32P e 90Sr 90Y. O primeiro foi medido nos sistemas comerciais de cintilação líquida TRICARB 2100 e HIDEX 300SL, que utilizam, respectivamente, dois e três tubos fotomultiplicadores. A análise dos dados adquiridos pelo primeiro e segundo sistemas foi realizada pela aplicação dos métodos CIEMAT/NIST e TDCR, respectivamente. Para padronização da solução de 32P, foi também utilizado o sistema 4πβ empregando-se a técnica de autoabsorção. A solução de 90Sr 90Y foi padronizada no sistema de cintilação líquida, HIDEX 300SL, pelo método TDCR, e pela técnica do traçador, no sistema de coincidência 4πβ-γ o qual é composto por um contador proporcional à gás fluente, acoplado a dois cristais cintiladores de NaI(Tl). A taxa de desintegração foi determinada pela técnica de extrapolação, por meio de absorvedores externos. Para aplicação da técnica do traçador, foi utilizada uma solução de 60Co, emissor beta-gama previamente padronizado no sistema de coincidências. Foi realizada, também, uma simulação dos processos de detecção neste sistema por meio do programa ESQUEMA, que, pela simulação de Monte Carlo, prediz a curva de extrapolação da eficiência. Os resultados obtidos para o 32P nos sistemas utilizados apresentaram um bom acordo, dentro das incertezas experimentais, bem como os obtidos para o 90Sr 90Y, em sistema de cintilação e sistema de coincidência, apresentando bom acordo, dentro das incertezas experimentais. O resultado obtido pela técnica de Monte Carlo apresentou boa concordância com o valor obtido com o sistema de coincidência. Os resultados indicam a qualidade e boa precisão dos sistemas de detecção utilizados neste trabalho, quando empregados para fins metrológicos. / In the present work, pure beta emitters radionuclides 32P and 90Sr - 90Y were standardized. The first one was measured in commercial liquid scintillation systems TRICARB 2100 and HIDEX 300SL, which use, respectively, two and three photomultiplier tubes. The analysis of the data acquired by the first and second systems was performed using the CIEMAT / NIST and TDCR methods, respectively. For standardization of the 32P solution, the 4πβ system was also used, using the self-absorption technique. The 90Sr - 90Y solution was standardized in the liquid scintillation system, HIDEX 300SL, by the TDCR method, and by the tracer technique, in the coincidence system 4πβ-γ which is composed by a proportional counter to the flowing gas, coupled to two NaI(Tl) scintillation crystals. The rate of disintegration was determined by the extrapolation technique, by means of external absorbers. For the application of the tracer technique, a 60Co solution, a beta-gamma emitter previously standardized in the coincidence system, was used. It was also performed a simulation of the detection processes in this system through the program ESQUEMA, which, by Monte Carlo simulation, predicts the efficiency extrapolation curve. The results obtained for the 32P in the systems used presented a good agreement, within the experimental uncertainties, as well as those obtained for the 90Sr - 90Y, in scintillation system and coincidence system, showing good agreement, within the experimental uncertainties. The result obtained by the Monte Carlo technique showed good agreement with the value obtained with the coincidence system. The results indicate the quality and good accuracy of the detection systems used in this work, when used for metrological purposes.

Despite nuclear fission prominence in nuclear physics, there are still several fundamental open questions about this process. One uncertainty is the energy distribution of neutrons emitted immediately after fission. In particular the relative energy distribution of neutrons above 8~MeV has been difficult to measure. This experiment measured the prompt neutron energy spectrum of n+235U from 3-10~MeV. The measurement took place at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and used a double time-of-flight technique to measure both the beam and fission neutron kinetic energies. Fission event timing was measured with a parallel plate avalanche counter. The fission neutron time-of-flight was measured with 2~m long plastic scintillation detectors. By combining the time-of-flight information with a known flight path the kinetic energy spectrum of neutrons was measured. To eliminate backgrounds various time-of-flight and energy cuts were imposed and an accidental coincidence background was subtracted. An MCNP simulation, including the 2~m neutron detector geometry, was done using the Madland and Nix model as the input energy distribution for the simulated neutrons. Finally, the measured energy spectrum was compared with the MCNP simulated n+235U fission neutron energy spectrum.

L'ion ytterbium trivalent présente la particularité de pouvoir donner lieu à deux émissions aux propriétés spectroscopiques différentes : l'une, de durée de vie courte, dans l'ultraviolet (émission de transfert de charge) employée au sein de détecteurs tels que les scintillateurs, et l'autre, de durée de vie longue, dans l'infrarouge (émission de type 4f x 4f) pour des applications de type laser.La relation étroite qui existe entre structure et propriétés de la matière est illustrée au travers de l'étude de la luminescence de l'ytterbium, dans l'ultraviolet et l'infrarouge, inséré dans le borate Li6Y(BO3)3 ainsi que deux oxyborates : LiY6O5(BO3)3 et Y17,33B8O38. Pour la première fois dans des oxyborates une émission de transfert de charge de l'ytterbium a été observée. Une approche théorique a permis le calcul des courbes à une seule coordonnée de configuration des niveaux d'énergie de la liaison ytterbium - oxygène, ainsi que la simulation de l'extinction thermique de cette émission. L'étude de la spectroscopie infrarouge de l'ytterbium dans ces composés a été réalisée et une attribution des niveaux d'énergie est proposée dans le cas du borate Li6Y(BO3)3 : Yb3+. Une approche originale est également introduite avec l'étude des états de transfert de charge pour les trois composés via l'émission dans l¤infrarouge. Les premiers tests portant sur les performances lasers dans trois régimes de fonctionnement (continu, déclenché et blocage de modes) d¤un cristal de Li6Y(BO3)3 : Yb3+ (Yb-LYB) sont reportés.

Nous tentons dans cette thèse d?interpréter les Extreme Scattering Events (ESE?s) par la turbulence naturelle du milieu interstellaire (MIS) ionisé. Il est bien connu que les inhomogénéités du MIS ionisé suivent un spectre de puissance de Kolmogorov. Dans l?approximation de l?écran mince, on montre d?abord en optique géométrique qu?on peut produire le phénomène d?ESE. On effectue ensuite le calcul dans le cadre de la diffraction de Fresnel. On obtient des ?pseudo?-ESEs qui ne sont pas très profonds et n?apparaissent pas au même moment aux trois fréquences simulées comme dans le cas des observations du pulsar B1937+21 au radiotélescope de Nançay. On montre par contre que les paramètres obtenus de la scintillation simulée sont en très bon accord avec les observations et la théorie. Cette étude conduite sur un ?ALPHA server? est une première étape nécessaire et importante dans l?étude de la scintillation interstellaire.

Ce travail de thèse concerne l'étude des mécanismes de scintillation de monocristaux de LYSO:Ce et de céramiques denses de Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce et de LuGdO3:Eu pour pouvoir cibler leur optimisation. Les spécificités pour une application en imagerie médicale incluent un fort pouvoir d'arrêt des rayonnements  et X, un rendement lumineux élevé, un temps de réponse rapide et, pour la tomographie CT, un afterglow le plus faible possible. Un important travail de compréhension des mécanismes mis en jeu a permis de mettre en évidence le rôle dommageable joué par les défauts ponctuels sur les propriétés de scintillation de ces composés (lacunes anioniques pour LYSO:Ce et Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce, et oxygènes interstitiels pour LuGdO3:Eu). Deux voies d'optimisation de ces scintillateurs ont été approfondies : le codopage et les recuits sous atmosphère contrôlée. Le codopage de monocristaux de LYSO:Ce par Ca2+ et Mg2+ permet d'améliorer significativement le rendement lumineux et l'afterglow, tout en stabilisant une partie importante de Ce4+ par un mécanisme de compensation de charges. Ces améliorations sont complémentaires avec celles d'un recuit oxydant. L'afterglow de LuGdO3:Eu a également été sensiblement optimisé, cette fois en utilisant des codopants trivalents (Ce3+, Pr3+ et Tb3+). Enfin, nous avons mis en avant qu'appliquer un recuit sous atmosphère soufrée est un moyen efficace de réduire l'afterglow des céramiques de Gd2O2S:Pr sans en dégrader le rendement lumineux.

The purpose of this research was to develop and test a radiation detector to perform beta dosimetry and spectroscopy. The detector utilizes plastic scintillator volumes to produce scintillation light in proportion to the amount of energy deposited in them, and a large-area avalanche photodiode to convert the light to electrical signals. Pulse processing electronics transform the electrical signals into a format useful for analysis, and various software programs are used to analyze the resulting data. The detector proved capable of measuring dose, as compared to Monte Carlo n-Particle simulations, to within about 50% or better, depending on geometry and source type. Spectroscopy results, in conjunction with MCNP-based spectral enhancement methods, proved the detector capable of recording beta spectra with endpoint energies greater than about 250 keV. The detector shows promise for further development as a portable beta detector for field use in beta-contaminated areas. / Graduation date: 2005

For efficient beta detection in a mixed beta gamma field, Monte Carlo simulation models have been built to optimize the thickness of a plastic scintillator, used in whole body monitor. The simulation has been performed using MCNP/X code and different thicknesses of plastic scintillators ranging from 150 to 600 um have been used. The relationship between the thickness of the scintillator and the efficiency of the detector has been analyzed. For 150 m thickness, an experimental investigation has been conducted with different beta sources at different positions on the scintillator and the counting efficiency of the unit has been measured. Evaluated data along with experimental ones have been discussed. A thickness of 300 um to 500 um has been found to be an optimum thickness for better beta detection efficiency in the presence of low energy gamma ray. / UOIT