Neste trabalho é realizada a otimização de antena de microfita banda larga de formato E utilizando o método de Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Um programa desenvolvido em C é usado para analisar e aperfeiçoar a antena em projeto, tamanho, largura de banda e polarização. Inicialmente é feita a introdução sobre o assunto, abordando aspectos de comunicações e de antenas de microfita, além de se fazer revisão bibliográfica e resumir o estado da arte sobre o tema do trabalho. O próximo item, visando a sistematizar o projeto da antena, é a caracterização da antena de formato E, obtida ao variar seus parâmetros e verificar o desempenho por meio da análise do comportamento das freqüências que compõem a largura de banda. O trabalho prossegue com simulações numéricas e medidas da largura de banda, do ganho, dos níveis de polarização e da eficiência da antena. A tese é concluída com observações sobre o analisado e sugestões para prosseguimento e aperfeiçoamento das investigações técnicas realizadas. / The optimization of wideband E-format microstrip antenna employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This developed software is used to optimize different design parameters and characteristics of the antenna, such the dimensions, the bandwidth, the input impedance and the polarization. Firstly, an introduction considering the main issues related to wireless communications and antennas is done. Then, a review of the wideband antennas theory and conventional methods to the antenna analysis, with emphasis on the FDTD method, are described. The following topic is a parametric study, where the antenna parameters are being changed and performance variations are considered. Next, simulations using the FDTD method and measurements are compared and the relevant characteristics are optimized, e.g., in terms of dimensions, bandwidth, input impedance, gain, efficiency and polarization. Finally, the main contributions and conclusion of this thesis are described and some suggestions for further works are presented.

Este trabalho tem como propósito, investigar a validade da lei de Hess-Murray, através da experimentação numérica, aplicando o método do Design Construtal associado ao método de otimização da busca exaustiva, no escoamento interno em estruturas em forma de T com seção circular. Variação do número de Reynolds, escoamento de fluidos newtonianos e não newtonianos, estrutura em forma de T com paredes impermeáveis e permeáveis, foram as principais características avaliadas para confrontar a lei de Hess-Murray. O estudo proposto assume escoamento tridimensional, laminar, incompressível, regime permanente e propriedades fluidodinâmicas constantes, sendo o regime de escoamento governado pelo número de Reynolds (Re). O objetivo principal consiste em determinar as configurações ótimas que facilitem o escoamento de fluido ou minimizem as resistências ao escoamento, quando a área ocupada pelos dutos (A) e o volume ocupado pelos dutos (V) são mantidos constantes, variando-se as razões de diâmetros (aD) e comprimentos (aL). As equações de conservação de massa e quantidade de movimento, foram resolvidas através do método de volumes finitos. A geometria foi discretizada através de uma malha tridimensional composta por aproximadamente 1.950.000 elementos. Como resultados, obteve-se as geometrias ótimas que apresentaram resistências ao escoamento até 30 vezes menor do que as demais configurações. Além disso, foi possível verificar que a lei de Hess-Murray nem sempre é válida, visto que o sistema adapta sua geometria ótima para cada condição de escoamento, a fim de proporcionar a melhor arquitetura de escoamento para atender ao objetivo de minimizar as resistências ao escoamento em acordo com a Lei Construtal. Esta dissertação avançou no presente estado da arte, pois desenvolveu um modelo tridimensional sem simplificações, aplicado ao sistema de escoamento de fluidos em estrutura em forma de T utilizando o método do Design Construtal, validando os resultados analíticos apresentados na bibliografia e apresentando novas referências que permitem ampliar a complexidade dos sistemas de escoamento bem como a implementação de métodos de otimização mais avançados. / This work investigates, through the numerical experimentation together with the Construtal Design method, the Hess-Murray Law in the internal flow in T-shaped structures with a circular section for the laminar flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids with impermeable and permeable walls, determining the optimal configurations that facilitate fluid flow or minimize flow resistance. The geometric global constants, the volume occupied by the ducts (V) and the area occupied by the ducts (A), delimit the space occupied by the T-shaped structure and the degrees of freedom, the ratio between the diameter of the parent duct and daughter (aD) and the ratio between parent duct length and daughter (aL), are the main geometric parameters to be evaluated. The proposed study is assumed three-dimensional, laminar, incompressible, permanent and constant fluidodynamic properties being the flow regime governed by Reynolds number (Re). Construtal Design method, associated with the exhaustive search, was used to determine the global geometric constants, degrees of freedom and objective function in the geometric evaluation of the system. The numerical solution of the mass conservation and momentum equations is solved based on the finite volume method. The geometries and mesh of the computational domain was discretized through a three-dimensional composed of approximately 1,950,000 elements. The results show that the optimal geometries that presented resistance to the flow up to 30 times smaller than the other configurations. In addition, it was possible to verify that the Hess-Murray Law is not always valid, since the system adapts its optimal geometry to each flow condition, in order to provide a better flow architecture to meet the objective of minimizing resistance to flow in agreement with the Constructal Law. This work advanced in the present state of the art, since it developed a three-dimensional model without simplifications, applied to the fluid flow system in T-shaped structure using the Construtal Design method, validating the analytical results presented in the bibliography and presenting new references that allow increase the complexity of flow systems as well as the implementation of more advanced optimization methods.

The aim of this work was to verify the assumption of random fish orientation in the lacustrine zone of the ``canyon-shaped{\crqq} Rimov reservoir and to compare distributions of fish orientation in the lacustrine and tributary zone. The study confirmed that most fish were oriented randomly in the lacustrine zone of the reservoir, whereas in the tributary fish moved predominantly in parallel with the longitudinal axis of reservoir.

This thesis deals with the detection of magnetic field perception of cavefishes the Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus). The experiments were carried out in a plus-shaped maze where the direction preference in the individual arms of this maze was studied both in the natural Earth´s magnetic field and in the modified one by using magnets and turning the north-south axis by 90°. The reactions of the specimen on placing a strong magnet close behind the end of the western and later also the eastern arm of the plus-shaped maze were also monitored. It was conclusively found that the Mexican tetra prefer north-south axis. However, after turning the magnetic field by 90° there was no preference of the specimen for the new north-south axis as we expected. Although some of the tests performed here show the perceptiveness of magnetic field of the Mexican tetra and their preference for the noth-south axis, other tests disprove the formulated hypothesis. That is why other new hypotheses about the perceptiveness of the magnetic field should be created so that they could not be disproved in either case. This thesis has served as a stepping stone for further research in the field of magnetoreception of cavefishes.

Neste trabalho é realizada a otimização de antena de microfita banda larga de formato E utilizando o método de Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Um programa desenvolvido em C é usado para analisar e aperfeiçoar a antena em projeto, tamanho, largura de banda e polarização. Inicialmente é feita a introdução sobre o assunto, abordando aspectos de comunicações e de antenas de microfita, além de se fazer revisão bibliográfica e resumir o estado da arte sobre o tema do trabalho. O próximo item, visando a sistematizar o projeto da antena, é a caracterização da antena de formato E, obtida ao variar seus parâmetros e verificar o desempenho por meio da análise do comportamento das freqüências que compõem a largura de banda. O trabalho prossegue com simulações numéricas e medidas da largura de banda, do ganho, dos níveis de polarização e da eficiência da antena. A tese é concluída com observações sobre o analisado e sugestões para prosseguimento e aperfeiçoamento das investigações técnicas realizadas. / The optimization of wideband E-format microstrip antenna employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This developed software is used to optimize different design parameters and characteristics of the antenna, such the dimensions, the bandwidth, the input impedance and the polarization. Firstly, an introduction considering the main issues related to wireless communications and antennas is done. Then, a review of the wideband antennas theory and conventional methods to the antenna analysis, with emphasis on the FDTD method, are described. The following topic is a parametric study, where the antenna parameters are being changed and performance variations are considered. Next, simulations using the FDTD method and measurements are compared and the relevant characteristics are optimized, e.g., in terms of dimensions, bandwidth, input impedance, gain, efficiency and polarization. Finally, the main contributions and conclusion of this thesis are described and some suggestions for further works are presented.

Dual Organization in the Andes. The Problem and Research Methodology at San Luis Site, ZañaThis paper presents the preliminary results of archaeological research at San Luis Site, Zaña Valley, in the Peruvian north coast. The concept of dualism in the Central Andes is analyzed in the context of the associations and material distributions like ceramics, lithics and burned zones. This work will help to determine ritual activities in the study of analogous phenomena in other sites satisfactorily not yet defined. / Este trabajo presenta los resultados preliminares de investigaciones arqueológicas en el sitio monumental de San Luis, en el valle de Zaña. Basándose en las asociaciones y distribuciones de material, se analiza el concepto de dualismo manejado en los Andes Centrales. A partir del análisis de la distribución de cerámica, líticos y otros materiales así como zonas quemadas, este enfoque permite la interpretación de actividades rituales y ayudará en el estudio de fenómenos comparables que aún faltan en su precisión debida.

Neste trabalho é realizada a otimização de antena de microfita banda larga de formato E utilizando o método de Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). Um programa desenvolvido em C é usado para analisar e aperfeiçoar a antena em projeto, tamanho, largura de banda e polarização. Inicialmente é feita a introdução sobre o assunto, abordando aspectos de comunicações e de antenas de microfita, além de se fazer revisão bibliográfica e resumir o estado da arte sobre o tema do trabalho. O próximo item, visando a sistematizar o projeto da antena, é a caracterização da antena de formato E, obtida ao variar seus parâmetros e verificar o desempenho por meio da análise do comportamento das freqüências que compõem a largura de banda. O trabalho prossegue com simulações numéricas e medidas da largura de banda, do ganho, dos níveis de polarização e da eficiência da antena. A tese é concluída com observações sobre o analisado e sugestões para prosseguimento e aperfeiçoamento das investigações técnicas realizadas. / The optimization of wideband E-format microstrip antenna employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This developed software is used to optimize different design parameters and characteristics of the antenna, such the dimensions, the bandwidth, the input impedance and the polarization. Firstly, an introduction considering the main issues related to wireless communications and antennas is done. Then, a review of the wideband antennas theory and conventional methods to the antenna analysis, with emphasis on the FDTD method, are described. The following topic is a parametric study, where the antenna parameters are being changed and performance variations are considered. Next, simulations using the FDTD method and measurements are compared and the relevant characteristics are optimized, e.g., in terms of dimensions, bandwidth, input impedance, gain, efficiency and polarization. Finally, the main contributions and conclusion of this thesis are described and some suggestions for further works are presented.

Orientador: Newton Cesário Frateschi / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Fisica Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T03:39:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SilvaFilho_Adenirda_D.pdf: 7071967 bytes, checksum: 323c5d4f6939473d571146b5d6531fda (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Este trabalho apresenta o uso de cavidades ressonantes baseadas em geometrias de bilhares caóticos construídas em meios semicondutores opticamente ativos, visando seu aproveitamento ao sensoriamento. Apesar do comportamento clássico caótico do estádio, a descrição quântica, no limite semiclássico, mostra inesperados acúmulos de densidade de probabilidade sobre muitas trajetórias periódicas fechadas, chamadas cicatrizes. A literatura mostra que o espaço físico das trajetórias relacionadas a cada cicatriz pode ser obtido pela soma da densidade de probabilidade de auto-estados na vizinhança de cada cicatriz. Classicamente, as trajetórias ligadas a cada auto-estado possuem órbitas muito próximas devido a sua instabilidade, e quando misturadas, definem uma órbita de largura não nula. No domínio óptico, isomórfico ao problema quântico descrito acima, as trajetórias vêm de um tratamento de traçado de raios e os auto-estados são os modos eletromagnéticos estacionários. Particularmente, no caso da cavidade dielétrica, o sistema é aberto, uma vez que a luz pode ser transmitida para fora do ressonador. Desta forma, há grande mistura dos modos e uma seleção maior daqueles que podem sobreviver por terem trajetórias com ângulos internos de incidência maiores que o ângulo crítico para reflexão total interna. Em uma trajetória fechada e curta, modos estacionários são definidos e essas trajetórias têm maior probabilidade de serem observadas, em relação a outras possíveis. Quando o ressonador é constituído por um meio ativo opticamente, este confinamento realiza a realimentação óptica do sistema, cujo ganho óptico permite o estabelecimento estável e coerente de tais trajetórias. Estes resultados inspiraram a realização deste trabalho, cuja grande motivação foi investigar o processo de seleção modal e aplicá-lo em dispositivos práticos para sensoriamento em pequenos volumes. Experimentalmente foi desenvolvida uma técnica híbrida de fabricação utilizando um sistema de íons focalizados (FIB) juntamente com técnicas de microfabricação convencionais para a produção de cavidades estádio com meio ativo de poços quânticos de InGaAsP. Finalmente, foram obtidos resultados da emissão espectral com grande concordância com a previsão teórica baseada numa abordagem matemática simples de soma incoerente de cicatrizes. A seleção modal foi demonstrada com a alteração da excentricidade e com a inserção de furos sobre as trajetórias. A aplicação ao sensoriamento foi explorada tanto pela observação do espectro de emissão quanto pela detecção de fotocorrente por estádios emissor e detector integrados. Variações de até 80% de fotocorrente e alterações significativas do espectro foram observadas para detecção de isopropanol e água. Estes resultados mostram possibilidades de sensoriamento prático utilizando os estádios / Abstract: This work presents the development of resonant cavities based on chaotic billiard geometries built with semiconductor active optical medium for sensing applications. In spite of the classically chaotic behavior of the stadium, the quantum description of the problem in the semi-classical limit shows unexpected accumulations of the density of probability on closed periodic paths called scars. The literature shows that the physical space of the paths related to a given scar can be obtained by adding several eigen-states neighboring each scar. Classically, the paths connected to each eigen-state have very close orbits due to their instability which, when mixed, define a non-zero width orbit. In the optical domain, isomorphic to the quantum problem described above, the paths are a result of the ray treatment and the eigen-modes are the stationary electromagnetic modes. Particularly, in the case of a dielectric cavity, the system is open for light can escape the resonator. Therefore, there is a great mixture of modes and a strong selection of modes with paths with incidence angle below the critical angle. In a closed and short path, stationary modes are defined and those paths have larger probability of observation. When the resonator has an optically active medium, the confinement provides optical feedback to the system which with optical gain allows the establishment of coherent and stable scars. These results inspired this work where the process of modal selection was investigated and applied for sensing in small volumes. Experimentally, a hybrid fabrication approach based on Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and conventional micro-fabrication techniques was used to produce stadium optical cavities with InGaAsP quantum well active region. Finally, we obtained the spectral emission of the devices with good agreement with our simulation based on a simple mathematical approach employing the incoherent summation of the scars. The modal selection with the modification of the eccentricity of the cavity and with the insertion of holes along the scars was demonstrated. The application to sensing was explored by the observation of the emission spectrum as well as by measured photo-current on detection between stadia emitter and detector integrated. Photo-current variations of up to 80% and significant changes of the emission spectrum were observed for isopropanol and water detection. These results show possibilities of practical sensing by stadiums / Doutorado / Física / Doutor em Ciências

Cette thèse présente la conception, la synthèse et l'étude photophysique de divers dérivés d'azophénine comme modèles structurels mono-bloc pour l'éméraledine qui est une forme de polyaniline à valence mixte. L'azophénine est une molécule conjuguée en forme d'étoile contenant à la fois des résidus de quinone diimine et de phénylamine tous deux contenus dans l'émeraldine. Cependant l'azophénine et l'émeraldine sont tout deux reconnus pour ne pas être émissifs. Le défi était alors de donner des propriétés d’émissions à l'azophénine à température ambiante avant toute investigation photophysique. L'objectif à long terme étant de rendre la polyaniline, connu pour être peu dispendieuse, attractive en tant que matériau donneur efficace dans une cellule solaire de type « bulk-heterojunction ». En raison des problèmes de faible solubilité des polymères, l'utilisation de modèles beaucoup plus soluble est une nécessité. Les modifications structurelles considérées comprennent l'ancrage des fonctions pontées d'éthynyle en position para- des quatre groupes phényls d'azophénine. Ces fonctions sont des groupes aromatiques encombrés de type truxène, des composés organométalliques trans-bis(trialkylphosphine) platine(II), des colorants de porphyrines de zinc(II) et de Bodipy. Elles présentent toutes une fluorescence ou une phosphorescence, signal pouvant être utilisé pour mesurer les interactions électroniques entre ces groupements et le noyau central. Leurs propriétés photophysiques sont étudiées en détail en utilisant la spectroscopie d'absorption et d'émission UV-Visible stationnaire et ultra-rapide résolue dans le temps. La DFT et la TDDFT sont également utilisés pour les optimisations des géométries (DFT) et pour déterminer la nature et les positions de l'absorption de la bande de transfert de charge (TDDFT). Le chapitre 2 présente la synthèse et la caractérisation d'un dérivé en étoile d'azophénine autour d’un noyeau truxène appelé TertTruQ. Le couplage de résidus encombrés de truxène avec de l'azophénine a amélioré l'activité photophysique du premier niveau singulet de ce dérivé à 77 K. Les hypothèses étant que le taux de désactivation non radiatif a diminué les rotations autour des axes des liaisons C-N en raison de la taille du truxène. De plus, cette nouvelle azophénine substituée s'est révélée être fluorescente à l'état solide à température ambiante. En raison de ces nouvelles observations, les propriétés d'émission des dérivés de l’éméraldine sont réexaminées. Une fluorescence faible à ~ 780 nm à 77 K, confirmée par le spectre d'excitation, a démontré la présence d'une faible émission de type fluorescence CT dans le proche-IR pour TertTruQ. Nous pouvons en conclure que l'azophénine fournit un modèle utile pour identifier quelle modification structurelle simple peut être effectuée pour rendre l’éméraldine émissive, si possible à température ambiante. De plus, lorsqu'une espèce non luminescente devient émissive, ce changement s'accompagne d'une augmentation de sa durée de vie à l’état excitée, propriétés recherchées pour des applications dans le domaine des cellules solaires. Ce travail a été publié dans Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2017, 19, 21532-21539. Le chapitre 3 décrit la synthèse et la caractérisation des azophénines contenant du trans-bis(trialkylphosphine)diéthynyl-platine(II) formant les dérivés di- et tétra-substitués DiTruPtQ et TertTruPtQ. Les deux complexes présentent une fluorescence et une phosphorescence des "bras" organométalliques à 298 K en solution. En outre, l'effet d'atome lourd du platine permet d'explorer les propriétés de l’état triplet de l'azophénine. Cependant, la phosphorescence recherchée de l'état triplet CT n'a pas été considérée probablement en raison des processus rapides non radiatifs. Ce travail a été publié dans Organometallics, 2017, 36(3), 572-581. Le chapitre 4 présente l'effet du remplacement des ions H+ labiles sur le fragment HN^N par des fragments BF2+ pour former des cycles, fournissant ainsi un cadre plus rigide pour l'azophénine. En effet, la fluorescence CT proche-IR a été observée à 298 et 77 K. Cependant, malgré la présence de Pt dans les groupes pendants, aucune phosphorescence n'a été détectée. Les calculs de DFT ont suggéré que l'état triplet de plus faible énergie était très faible (0,975 eV (BQ) et 0,84 eV (TertPtBQ)) induisant une plus grande probabilité de processus non radiatifs, depeuplant ainsi efficacement l'état triplet. Ce travail a été accepté à Inorganic Chemistry, 2017. Le chapitre 5 présente les colorants fluorescents de porphyrine de zinc(II) et BODIPY bien connus, qui ont été liés à l'azophénine pour former DiBodipyQ, TertBodipyQ et PorBodipyQ. Le spectre d'absorption des BODIPY se situe dans une gamme où la porphyrine n'absorbe pas beaucoup. Ainsi, la combinaison de ces deux chromophores avec la formation d'une bande de CT faible permet d'améliorer la collecte du rayonnement solaire. Par conséquent, il était important de vérifier que l'énergie collectée pourrait facilement être transférée d'un chromophore à l'autre. En effet, on a observé 1BODIPY * → 1porphyrine zinc(II) et 1BODIPY * → 1CT (azophénine) avec une désactivation efficace de 1porphyrine zinc(II) ~~> 1CT (azophénine). Ce travail a été soumis à Chemistry: A European Journal. / Abstract: This thesis presents the design, synthesis and photophysical investigation of various azophenine derivatives as “one unit” structural models for emeraldine, a mixed-valence form of polyaniline. Azophenine is a star-shaped cross-conjugated molecule containing both quinone diimine and phenyl amine residues included in emeraldine but both, azophenine and emeraldine, are reported notoriously non-emissive. The challenge was to render azophenine emissive at room temperature prior any photophysical investigation. The long-term objective is to render polyaniline, in one form or the other, useful in bulk heterojunction solar cell in the active layer as it is not expensive. Because of solubility issues, the use of models becomes very appealing. The considered structural modifications include the anchoring of ethynyl-bridged functions at the para-position of the four phenyl groups of azophenine. These functions are the bulky truxene aromatic, the organometallic trans-bis(trialkylphosphine)platinum(II) pendent groups, and zinc(II)porphyrin and BODIPY dyes. All these functions exhibit fluorescence or phosphorescence, signal that can be used to monitor any electronic interaction between these pendent groups and the central core. Their photophysical properties were investigated in detail using steady-state and ultrafast time-resolved UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. DFT and TDDFT were also employed for geometry optimizations (DFT) and nature and positions of the CT absorption (TDDFT). Chapter 2 introduces the synthesis and characterization of a truxene-based star-shaped azophenine derivative called TertTruQ. The coupling of bulky truxene residues with azophenine improved the photophysical activity of the lowest energy singlet excited state (i.e. CT state) of this derivative at 77 K. Speculations are that the rate for non-radiative deactivation, namely internal conversion, decreased upon slowing down the rotations around the N-C bonds due to the size of truxene. Moreover, this new substituted azophenine turned out to be fluorescent in the solid state at room temperature. Because of these interesting new observations, the emission properties of emeraldine base form were re-examined. A weak fluorescence at ~780 nm at 77 K, confirmed by the excitation spectrum, demonstrated the presence a CT near-IR fluorescence for TertTruQ. Thus, azophenine provides a useful model to identify what simple structural modification that can be performed to render emeraline emissive, if possible at room temperature. Again, when a non-luminescent species becomes emissive, this change is accompanied by an increase of its excited state lifetime. Longer excited state lifetimes are more prone to solar cell applications. This work has been published in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2017. Chapter 3 describes the synthesis and characterization of trans-bis(trialkylphosphine)diethynyl-platinum(II)-containing azophenines forming the di- and tetra-substituted derivatives DiTruPtQ and TertTruPtQ. Both complexes exhibit fluorescence and phosphorescence of the organometallic “arms” at 298 K in fluid solution. Moreover, the heavy atom effect of platinum gave the possibility of exploring the triplet state properties of azophenine. However, the sought phosphorescence from the triplet CT state was not seen most presumably due to the fast non-radiative processes. This work has been published in Organometallics, 2017, 36(3), 572-581. Chapter 4 presents the effect of the replacement of the labile H+ ions on the HN^N moiety by BF2+ fragments to form cycles thus providing a more rigid framework for azophenine. Indeed, the CT near-IR fluorescence was observed both at 298 and 77 K. However, despite the presence of Pt in the pendent groups, no phosphorescence was detected. DFT computations suggested that the low-lying triplet state was very low (0.975 (BQ) and 0.84 eV) inducing a higher probability of non-radiative processes thus efficiently depleting the triplet state. This work has been submitted to Inorganice Chemistry. Chapter 5 introduces the well-known BODIPY and zinc(II)porphyrin fluorescent dyes, which were linked to azophenine to form DiBodipyQ, TertBodipyQ and PorBodipyQ. The absorption spectrum of Bodipy lies in a range where porphyrin does not absorb very much. So, the combination of these two chromophores along with the formation of a low-lying CT band improves the light collection of the solar radiation. Consequently, it was important to verify that the collected energy could easily transferred from one chromophore to another. Indeed, the 1Bodipy* → 1zinc(II)porphyrin and 1Bodipy* → 1CT(azophenine) were observed along with an efficient deactivation from 1zinc(II)porphyrin ~~> 1CT(azophenine).

The ‘missing wedge’ is a long-standing problem in electron tomography, caused by the use of slab-like flat specimens, which increase in thickness when tilted to high angles. Attempts have been made to reduce the undesirable effects caused by the missing wedge, but the problem remains, particularly for the radiation-sensitive frozen-hydrated specimens used for high resolution imaging. Specimens with cylindrical symmetry offer a way to overcome this problem, since the thickness remains constant at all viewing angles. However, while this has been suggested before, it has never been demonstrated for frozen-hydrated specimens. In this work, I present a way to make cylindrical specimens for electron cryo-tomography, using thin-walled carbon tubes as specimen holders. The tubes are made in a multi-step process, involving carbon deposition on glass micropipette templates and subsequent removal of the glass. Tube diameters are typically a few hundred nanometres, with a wall thickness of 10–20 nm. To make frozen-hydrated specimens, the tubes are filled with an aqueous sample and then plunge-frozen in liquid ethane. Electron images acquired from the tubes have equal quality at all viewing angles, with a tilt range restricted only by the physical limits of the microscope. Tomograms from specimens such as gold particles and liposomes show that the effects of the missing wedge are substantially reduced, with much improved resolution along the electron beam axis. Structural features oriented in all directions are visible in the reconstructions, in marked contrast to tomograms acquired over a more restricted angular range. These results are promising, however some technical challenges remain before this method can be used routinely.