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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
1

High oxidation state group VI imido metallasiloxanes

King, Lawrence January 2001 (has links)
No description available.
2

On the Effect of Thin Film Growth Mechanisms on the Specular Reflectance of Aluminium Thin Films Deposited via Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc

Rincón-Llorente, G., Heras, I., Guillén Rodríguez, E., Schumann, E., Krause, M., Escobar-Galindo, R. 07 May 2019 (has links)
The optimisation of the specular reflectance of solar collectors is a key parameter to increase the global yield of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. In this work, the influence of filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition parameters, particularly working pressure and deposition time, on the specular and diffuse reflectance of aluminium thin films, was studied. Changes in specular reflectance, measured by ultraviolet–visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (UV-vis-NIR) spectrophotometry, were directly correlated with thin film elemental concentration depth profiles, obtained by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), and surface and cross-sectional morphologies as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry. Finally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) provided information on the roughness and growth mechanism of the films. The two contributions to the total reflectance of the films, namely diffuse and specular reflectance, were found to be deeply influenced by deposition conditions. It was proven that working pressure and deposition time directly determine the predominant factor. Specular reflectance varied from 12 to 99.8% of the total reflectance for films grown at the same working pressure of 0.1 Pa and with different deposition times. This transformation could not be attributed to an oxidation of the films as stated by RBS, but was correlated with a progressive modification of the roughness, surface, and bulk morphology of the samples over the deposition time. Hence, the evolution in the final optical properties of the films is driven by different growth mechanisms and the resulting microstructures. In addition to the originally addressed CSP applications the potential of the developed aluminium films for other application rather than CSP, such as, for example, reference material for spectroscopic diffuse reflectance measurements, is also discussed.
3

Structural characterisation and in vitro behaviour of apatite coatings and powders.

Etok , S E 17 November 2009 (has links)
Hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings are used in orthopaedic surgery for bone regeneration. Current methods of phase quantification of HAP coatings suffer from drawbacks. A novel methodology of quantitative phase analysis of HAP coatings has been devised and validated. This method, based on whole pattern fitting with a fundamental parameters approach, incorporates amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and apatite phases into structural refinements. A comparison of the structural and chemical properties of plasma sprayed (PS) and novel electrodeposited (ED) HAP coatings has been conducted. ED coatings contained less ACP and more preferred orientation than the PS coatings, although the stoichiometry was similar. In vitro investigations of PS and ED coatings in simulated body fluid and foetal calf serum revealed that both are bioactive. A carbonated apatite layer produced on the ED coatings was -0.7μm thick with a stoichiometry and chemical constituents similar to that of natural bone apatite. PS coatings produced a nanocrystalline carbonated apatite layer (-4μm). For the first time it has been possible to model crystalline HAP and nanocrystalline apatite as independent phases and obtain accurate lattice parameters for each. A positive linear correlation has been made between microstrain and the solubility of HAP and carbonated apatites. Dissolution studies have shown that the behaviour of HAP and carbonated apatite is dominated by crystallite size at low undersaturation and by crystallite size and microstrain at high undersaturation for crystallites between -30OA- 1000A. Metastable equilibrium occurred for crystallites <_400A at low undersaturation. Carbonate content did not affect the solubility or dissolution behaviour. A novel technology for coating polymeric tape with HAP for potential use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been devised. Mechanical tests have demonstrated that no adverse properties are induced by the coating technology. Cell culture studies have shown that the HAP layer is capable of enhanced attachment, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells compared to uncoated tape.
4

Structural Characterization of III-V Bismide Materials Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

January 2020 (has links)
abstract: III-V-bismide semiconductor alloys are a class of materials with applications in the mid and long wave infrared spectrum. The quaternary alloy InAsSbBi is attractive because it can be grown lattice-matched to commercially available GaSb substrates, and the adjustment of the Bi and Sb mole fractions enables both lattice constant and bandgap to be tuned independently. This dissertation provides a comprehensive study of the surface morphology and the structural and chemical properties of InAsSbBi alloys grown by molecular beam epitaxy. 210 nm thick InAsSbBi layers grown at temperatures from 280 °C to 430 °C on (100) on-axis, (100) offcut 1° to (011), and (100) offcut 4° to (111)A GaSb substrates are investigated using Rutherford back scattering, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Nomarski optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that the layers are coherently strained and contain dilute Bi mole fractions. Large surface droplets with diameters and densities on the order of 3 µm and 106 cm-2 are observed when the growth is performed with As overpressures around 1%. Preferential orientation of the droplets occurs along the [011 ̅] step edges offcut (100) 1° to (011) substrate. The surface droplets are not observed when the As overpressure is increased to 4%. Small crystalline droplets with diameters and densities on the order of 70 nm and 1010 cm-2 are observed between the large droplets for the growth at 430°C. Analysis of one of the small droplets indicates a misoriented zinc blende structure composed of In, Sb, and Bi, with a 6.543 ± 0.038 Å lattice constant. Lateral variation in the Bi mole fraction is observed in InAsSbBi grown at high temperature (400 °C, 420 °C) on (100) on-axis and (100) offcut 4° to (111)A substrates, but is not observed for growth at 280 °C or on (100) substrates that are offcut 1° to (011). Improved crystal and optical quality is observed in the high temperature grown InAsSbBi and CuPtB type atomic ordering on the {111}B planes is observed in the low temperature grown InAsSbBi. Strain induced tilt is observed in coherently strained InAsSbBi grown on offcut substrates. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Materials Science and Engineering 2020
5

Structural characterisation and in vitro behaviour of apatite coatings and powders

Etok, Susan Essien January 2005 (has links)
Hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings are used in orthopaedic surgery for bone regeneration. Current methods of phase quantification of HAP coatings suffer from drawbacks. A novel methodology of quantitative phase analysis of HAP coatings has been devised and validated. This method, based on whole pattern fitting with a fundamental parameters approach, incorporates amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and apatite phases into structural refinements. A comparison of the structural and chemical properties of plasma sprayed (PS) and novel electrodeposited (ED) HAP coatings has been conducted. ED coatings contained less ACP and more preferred orientation than the PS coatings, although the stoichiometry was similar. In vitro investigations of PS and ED coatings in simulated body fluid and foetal calf serum revealed that both are bioactive. A carbonated apatite layer produced on the ED coatings was -0.7μm thick with a stoichiometry and chemical constituents similar to that of natural bone apatite. PS coatings produced a nanocrystalline carbonated apatite layer (-4μm). For the first time it has been possible to model crystalline HAP and nanocrystalline apatite as independent phases and obtain accurate lattice parameters for each. A positive linear correlation has been made between microstrain and the solubility of HAP and carbonated apatites. Dissolution studies have shown that the behaviour of HAP and carbonated apatite is dominated by crystallite size at low undersaturation and by crystallite size and microstrain at high undersaturation for crystallites between -30OA- 1000A. Metastable equilibrium occurred for crystallites <_400A at low undersaturation. Carbonate content did not affect the solubility or dissolution behaviour. A novel technology for coating polymeric tape with HAP for potential use in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been devised. Mechanical tests have demonstrated that no adverse properties are induced by the coating technology. Cell culture studies have shown that the HAP layer is capable of enhanced attachment, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast cells compared to uncoated tape.
6

Etude des premiers instants du dépôt chimique par flux alternés (ALD) de films ZnO ultra minces sur In0,53Ga0,47As, dans le but d'optimiser la résistance de contact d'une structure MIS / Visualising the incipient Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO ultra-thin film on In0,53Ga0,47As, for tailoring contact resistivity

Skopin, Evgenii 15 June 2018 (has links)
Ce travail porte sur l'étude des étapes initiales du dépôt de couches atomiques de ZnO (ALD) sur une surface (100) de In0,57Ga0,43As, par l'utilisation de techniques de caractérisation in situ (rayonnement synchrotron). En raison de la grande mobilité des électrons, le semi-conducteur III-V InGaAs est un matériau potentiel pour remplacer le canal de Silicium dans les transistors à effet de champ (MOSFET). Afin de diminuer la hauteur de la barrière Schottky et la résistance de contact, une couche ultra-mince (tunnel) de ZnO peut être insérée entre le métal et le semiconducteur InGaAs. Au cours de ces dernières années, la technique ALD, compatible avec les spécifications de l'industrie et basée sur des réactions chimiques de surface auto-limitantes, est utilisée pour la fabrication de films minces conformes et homogènes avec un contrôle sub-nanométrique de l’épaisseur. Cependant, le comportement au cours de la croissance diffère fortement en fonction de la surface du substrat. Ainsi, l'étude des premières étapes ALD est particulièrement intéressante afin d’améliorer la compréhension des mécanismes de croissance en vue de la création de films ultra-minces.Pour ce faire, nous avons développé et mis à niveau un réacteur thermique ALD (MOON) dédié. Il peut être installé sur des lignes de lumière synchrotron afin d’étudier la croissance des matériaux in situ avec des techniques telles que la fluorescence X, l’absorption X, la spectroscopie des rayons X ainsi que la diffraction X en incidence rasante. De plus, des techniques optiques de caractérisation in situ peuvent être utilisées en laboratoire ou couplées en milieu synchrotron. Les expériences au synchrotron ont été réalisées sur les lignes de lumière SIRIUS (SOLEIL, Saint-Aubin (France)) et ID3 (ESRF, Grenoble (France)).Nous montrons que dans sa phase initiale, la croissance ALD de ZnO est inhibée par le substrat (100) InGaAs, ce qui conduit à un régime transitoire avant le régime de croissance ALD stable. La première phase du régime transitoire conduit à la formation d’une couche d’oxyde de Zinc, ultra-mince (~1 nm d'épaisseur), fabriquée avec un taux de croissance très faible. L'absorption X et la diffusion X en incidence rasante montrent qu’à ce stade le matériau ZnO est désordonné (non cristallisé) et présente un ordre à courte distance caractérisé par une structure wurtzite embryonnaire. Ensuite, le régime transitoire entre dans une deuxième phase (croissance 3D), le taux de croissance par cycle (GPC) augmente, atteint un maximum puis diminue jusqu'à une valeur constante (croissance ALD stable). Afin de mieux comprendre le mode de croissance 3D nous avons développé un modèle géométrique qui schématise la croissance d’îlots hémisphériques par ALD. Ce modèle permet d'obtenir des paramètres quantitatifs de croissance.En modifiant le débit d’eau (H2O) utilisée comme réactif pendant le processus ALD, il est possible de contrôler le délai (ou le nombre de cycles) avant le début de la croissance 3D. Cet effet est très probablement lié à la variation de la densité des groupes hydroxyle à la surface de l'InGaAs. Par ailleurs, nous avons caractérisé la croissance ALD de ZnO pour différentes températures du substrat InGaAs (dans et hors fenêtre ALD). Les cartes de diffusion des RX réalisées en cours de dépôt, montrent l’apparition d’une phase cristallisée à longue distance en lien avec le démarrage de la croissance 3D. À température élevée, hors de la fenêtre ALD, nous observons une texturation de la couche ZnO lorsque son épaisseur augmente. Aucune relation d’épitaxie n’est observée.Enfin, nous rendons compte de l'utilisation de couches ZnO ultraminces sur InGaAs pour les contacts électriques. La résistance de contact des échantillons de métal/ZnO/InGaAs a été mesurée à l'aide de la méthode Transfert Length Method (TLM). Nous montrons que la résistivité de contact spécifique des tampons Al/p-InGaAs est réduite par l’insertion d’une couche tunnel ZnO entre l'Al et l'InGaAs dopé p. / This work focuses on the study of the initial stages of ZnO atomic layer deposition (ALD) on atomically flat (100) In0.57Ga0.43As surface, notably by using in situ synchrotron techniques. Due to high electron mobility, III-V InGaAs semiconductor has been recognized as a promising material to replace Silicon channel in the metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors (MOSFET). Ultrathin ZnO layer on InGaAs can be used as a passivation layer at the interface with the gate transistor dielectric, as well as tunneling layer inserted in between metal/InGaAs contact to decrease the Schottky barrier height and the contact resistance. In the recent years, ALD technique based on self-limiting surface chemical reactions has received world-wide attention for manufacturing highly conformal and homogeneous thin films with sub-nanometer thickness control at low temperatures compatible with industry specifications. However, the growth behavior strongly differs depending on the substrate surfaces. Thus for the creation of few monolayers thick films, the study of ALD in the initial stages of growth is of particular interest for improving the understanding of the growth mechanisms.For that purpose, we have developed and upgraded a thermal ALD reactor (MOON:MOCVD/ALD growth of Oxide Nanostructures) dedicated to monitor the growth of materials by in situ characterization techniques. The MOON reactor can be moved to synchrotron centers for monitoring material growth in situ by using X-ray based techniques, notably X-ray fluorescence, X-ray absorption, XRR, and grazing incidence diffraction. Also, optical in situ techniques can be used in the laboratory. In this work, we show the results of experiments obtained at two synchrotron beamlines, i.e. SIRIUS (SOLEIL, Saint-Aubin (France)) and ID3 (ESRF, Grenoble (France)).We show that ZnO growth in the initial stages is inhibited by the (100) InGaAs substrate, leading to a transient regime prior to the steady ALD is achieved. We report a detailed investigation of this transient regime and find that an ultra-thin (~1-nm-thick) 2D layer is indeed fabricated but with a growth rate so low that one may believe that nothing has been deposited on the surface. We identify the structural and chemical properties of that ultra-thin layer. Only afterward does the substrate inhibited of type 2 growth mode begins: as the cycle number increases, the growth per cycle (GPC) increases, then reaches a maximum and level down to a constant value (steady growth). For a better understanding of the 3D growth mode by reproducing the experimental growth per cycle curves we have developed a geometric model that schematizes the growth of hemispheroid islands by ALD. We show that this model allows obtaining quantitative growth parameters.When water is used as a reactant, we showed that by changing the water flow during the ALD process, it is possible to control the time delay (or cycle number) prior to 3D growth begins. It is very likely that the water flow controls the density of hydroxyl groups on the InGaAs surface. We also demonstrated ZnO ALD for different InGaAs substrate temperatures. By combining in situ X-ray absorption and grazing incidence scattering techniques, we identified a short-range-order atomic structure of the ZnO material, with an embryonic ZnO wurtzite, prior to 3D growth, then a long-range-order structure is detected both by X-ray absorption and X-ray diffraction, together with the appearance of a microstructure. At higher growth temperature, outside of the ALD window, we observed the well-known ZnO texturing when the layer thickness increases.At last, we report on the use of ultrathin ZnO layers on InGaAs in the electrical contact structure. The contact resistance of metal/ZnO/InGaAs samples was measured using Transfer Length Method (TLM). We show that specific contact resistivity of Al/p-InGaAs pads is reduced by inserting a ZnO tunnel layer in between Al and p-doped InGaAs.
7

Identification of variability in sub-Arctic sea ice conditions during the Younger Dryas and Holocene

Cabedo Sanz, Patricia January 2013 (has links)
The presence of the sea ice diatom biomarker IP25 in Arctic marine sediments has been used in previous studies as a proxy for past spring sea ice occurrence and as an indicator of wider palaeoenvironmental conditions for different regions of the Arctic over various timescales. The current study describes a number of analytical and palaeoceanographic developments of the IP25 sea ice biomarker. First, IP25 was extracted and purified from Arctic marine sediments. This enabled the structure of IP25 to be confirmed and enabled instrumental (GC-MS) calibrations to be carried out so that quantitative measurements could be performed with greater accuracy. Second, palaeo sea ice reconstructions based on IP25 and other biomarkers were carried out for a suite of sub-Arctic areas within the Greenland, Norwegian and Barents Seas, each of which represent contrasting oceanographic and environmental settings. Further, an evaluation of some combined biomarker approaches (e.g. the PIP25 and DIP25 indices) for quantifying and/or refining definitions of sea ice conditions was carried out. Temporally, particular emphasis was placed on the characterisation of sea ice conditions during the Younger Dryas and the Holocene. Some comparisons with other proxies (e.g. foraminifera, IRD) were also made. A study of a sediment core from Andfjorden (69.16˚N, 16.25˚E), northern Norway, provided unequivocal evidence for the occurrence of seasonal sea ice conditions during the Younger Dryas. The onset (ca. 12.9 cal. kyr BP) and end (ca. 11.5 cal. kyr BP) of this stadial were especially clear in this location, while in a study from the Kveithola Trough (74.52˚N, 16.29˚E), western Barents Sea, these transitions were less apparent. This was attributed to the presence of colder surface waters and the occurrence of seasonal sea ice both before and after this stadial at higher latitudes. Some regional differences regarding the severity of the sea ice conditions were also observed, although an overall general picture was proposed, with more severe sea ice conditions during the early-mid Younger Dryas and less sea ice observed during the late Younger Dryas. A shift in the climate towards ice-free conditions was recorded in northern Norway during the early Holocene (ca. 11.5 – 7.2 cal. kyr BP). Milder conditions were also observed during the Holocene in the western Barents Sea, with three main climate periods observed. During the early Holocene (ca. 11.7 – 9.5 cal. kyr BP), the position of the spring ice edge was close to the study area which resulted in high productivity during summers. During the mid-late Holocene (ca. 9.5 – 1.6 cal. kyr BP), sea ice was mainly absent due to an increased influence of Atlantic waters and northward movement of the Polar Front. During the last ca. 1.6 cal. kyr BP, sea ice conditions were similar to those of the present day. In addition to the outcomes obtained from the Norwegian-Barents Sea region, comparison of biomarker and other proxy data from 3 short cores from Kangerdlugssuaq Trough (Denmark Strait/SE Greenland) with historical climate observations allowed the development of a model of sea ice conditions which was then tested for longer time-scales. It is suggested that the IP25 in sediments from this region is likely derived from drift ice carried from the Arctic Ocean via the East Greenland Current and that two main sea surface scenarios have existed over the last ca. 150 yr. From ca. AD 1850 – 1910, near perennial sea ice conditions resulted in very low primary productivity, while from ca. AD 1910 – 1986, local sea ice conditions were less severe with increased drift ice and enhanced primary productivity. This two-component model was subsequently developed to accommodate different sea surface conditions that existed during the retreat of the Greenland Ice Sheet during the deglaciation (ca. 16.3 – 10.9 cal. kyr BP).
8

Desenvolvimento de uma metodologia experimental para obtenção e caracterização de formulações de compostos de borracha EPDM / Development of experimental method for obtaining and characterization of EPDM rubber compound formulations

Palaoro, Denilso 24 February 2015 (has links)
Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T15:56:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Denilso Palaoro.pdf: 3446834 bytes, checksum: a842ffb16a48a459dc2b2e44efa303af (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The rubber industry has a great role in many areas of the economy, such as automotive, construction, footwear industry, hospital, etc. Rubber products are produced from complex mixtures of different raw materials, both natural and synthetic sources. From an industrial point of view, a major difficulty is to develop a formulation that meets the particular product requirements. This work seeks to develop an experimental methodology to obtain EPDM rubber compounds, using experimental design techniques coupled with computer numerical optimisation. A fractional factorial design was used to design and analyse the experiments, with factors the contents of calcium carbonate, paraffinic oil and vulcanizing accelerator (weight fractions). Twelve properties were measured (six of original samples, three of heat aged and three of processing). Statistical analyses enabled to find regression models for the properties and the cost of the formulation. A computer program was developed to minimise the cost function, subject to constraints on the properties. The results showed that it was possible to obtain formulations of EPDM rubber compounds which can be optimized at low cost, for example, of US$ 2.02/kg a 2.43/kg, for use in hoses and pads at different manufacturing processes such as compression moulding, transfer or injection. Selected compositions were analysed by FTIR, SEM and TGA, regards to their chemical and structural characteristics. Compositions with low vulcanization accelerator contents contribute to form cross-links with many sulphur- sulphur between the carbon chains which can damage mechanical properties in the original cured and aged samples. Using higher accelerator content, better properties are achieved probably due to lower content of the same sulphur- sulphur cross-links between polymer chains. The EPDM compounds studied may be used in cushions, hoses products which can withstand to hot air environments. Thus, the present study provides an experimental and scientific technique that allows developing rubber compounds with increased efficiency and reliability in research and development, taking into account the cost of the material. / A indústria da borracha possui um papel significativo em diversas áreas da economia, tais como: indústria automobilística, construção civil, indústria calçadista, hospitalar, etc. Artefatos de borracha são produzidos a partir de misturas complexas de diversas matérias-primas, naturais e sintéticas. Na indústria, uma grande dificuldade é desenvolver uma formulação que atenda aos requisitos de determinado produto. Assim, neste trabalho, busca se desenvolver uma metodologia experimental para obtenção de compostos de borracha de etileno propileno dieno (EPDM), utilizando-se técnicas de planejamento de experimentos aliado com otimização numérica computacional. Foi utilizado um planejamento fatorial fracionado 33-1 (três níveis e três fatores), sendo os fatores: teor de carbonato de cálcio, teor de óleo parafínico e teor de acelerador de vulcanização. Foram medidas no total, 12 propriedades (seis originais, três envelhecidas e três propriedades de processos). A partir de estudos estatísticos foram obtidos modelos de regressão para as propriedades e para o custo da formulação. Um programa computacional foi desenvolvido para minimizar a função custo, sujeita às restrições nas propriedades. Os resultados mostraram que foi possível obter formulações de compostos de borracha EPDM otimizadas a um custo variando entre US$ 2,02/kg a 2,43/kg, para aplicação em mangueiras e coxins e em processos de transformação diversos, tais como, moldagem por compressão, transferência ou injeção. Composições selecionadas foram escolhidas e analisadas, por meio de FTIR, MEV e TGA, quanto às suas características químicas e estruturais. Composições com baixos teores de acelerador de vulcanização contribuem para formar ligações cruzadas com cerca de 4 a 7 átomos de enxofre entre as cadeias carbônicas, prejudicando as propriedades mecânicas no vulcanizado original e envelhecido. Com um teor maior de acelerador, melhores propriedades são obtidas, tendo em vista que um número elevado de ligações cruzadas com uma quantidade de átomos de enxofre inferior a 4 na cadeia são formadas. Os compostos de EPDM estudados podem ser utilizados em produtos de coxins e mangueiras para aplicações resistentes ao calor. Assim, esta pesquisa apresenta uma metodologia experimental, para a pesquisa e desenvolvimento de compostos de borracha EPDM, levando em conta o custo do material e restrições nas propriedades.
9

Nano-scale approaches for the development and optimization of state-of-the-art semiconductor photovoltaic devices

Garduno Nolasco, Edson January 2014 (has links)
This project is concerned with both the study of different Multiple Quantum Wells (MQWs) structures using the In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As material system lattice matched to InP and a systematic investigation of the properties of InAs QD systems within GaAs with the aim of achieving enhancements of solar cell performance. The key challenge is the growth of QDs solar cell structures which exhibit sufficient absorption (enhanced infrared absorption) to increase short circuit current density (Jsc) but which can still maintains a high open circuit voltage (Voc). The research consists of epitaxial growth using state-of–the-art MBE, optical absorption, photoluminescence and high resolution x-ray diffraction measurements as well as device fabrication and characterization of novel solar cell structures. Optimization was performed on these novel cells to further improve their efficiency by inserting stacks of QD into different regions of the device. The effect of localized doping of such structures was used in an attempt to maintain and enhance the open-circuit voltage which in turn increases the device efficiency. The fabricated devices were characterized using measurements of the dark/light current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and spectral response (50-480 K). Solar cell external quantum efficiencies under standard air mass (AM) 1.5 spectrum were determined and the suitability of these new cells under solar concentration were assessed. Full physical simulations are performed using SILVACO semiconductors modelling software to generate models of multi-junction solar cells that were crucial in informing iterations to growth and fabrication and help to reconcile theory with experiment. One of the key findings, of this thesis, is the fact that Intermediate band photovoltaic devices using material based on InAs/GaAs vertically stacked quantum dot arrays, can be used in applications according to specific configuration criteria such as high temperature operation conditions. The intermediate band cell, including an inter-dot doped configuration, has been found to be a potential candidate as the inter dot doping profile reduces the efficiency degradation below the GaAs values including an enhancement in the open circuit voltage. It has been proved that these devices not only have a good performance at high temperatures but also by changing the vertical stacking QD layer periodicity can enhance the short circuit current density while keeping a large open circuit voltage. It was confirmed in practical device operation that thermal energy is required to enable the intermediate band in InAs/GaAs QD materials. The impact of this works can help in the future improvements of the intermediate band solar cells based on InAs on GaAs QD. The best overall efficiency of 11.6 % obtained in this work is an excellent value for so simple devices configuration. The Si3N4, tested for the first time on InAs/GaAs QD materials, reduces the reflectance on the device surface to a value of 2% and the operational wavelength can be tuned by controlling the layer thickness. A 100 nm Si3N4 antireflective coating proved to be an excellent coating from 700 to 1000 nm. In terms of short circuit current density a 37% enhancement was achieved.
10

Cordes textiles torsadées à fibres continues : Caractérisation de la structure et modélisation du comportement mécanique en extension / Single and multi-ply continuous filament yarns : Caracterisation of the structure and modelling of the mechanical behavior during extension

Sibellas, Aurélien 08 March 2019 (has links)
Les cordes textiles torsadées à fibres continues sont couramment utilisées en tant que renforts dans une grande variété d'applications industrielles et plus spécifiquement comme renforts dans le caoutchouc des pneumatiques. Les cordes concernées sont fabriquées à partir de fibres de nylon, de polyester ou d’aramide en les torsadant ensemble (de 200 à 1000 fibres de même matériau) pour obtenir ce qu’on appelle un surtors. L’assemblage de deux ou trois surtors en les torsadant ensemble permet de construire un retors qui sera dit hybride si les surtors initiaux sont composés de fibres différentes. L’ensemble des configurations donne une large gamme de propriétés mécaniques possibles impliquant à la fois les effets propres au comportement du matériau, à l’orientation locale des fibres ainsi qu’aux pressions transverses induisant des déséquilibres dans le cas de la présence de différentes natures de fibres. Cette thèse présente une étude structurelle précise des orientations de fibres par microtomographie aux rayons X dans les surtors et les retors ainsi qu’un outil original permettant d’analyser les fréquences spatiales caractéristiques des trajectoires de fibre. Un modèle mécanique de surtors en extension de la littérature est enrichi à partir de ces travaux appuyés d’une étude expérimentale supplémentaire de leur contraction latérale sous traction. L’influence du désordre du paquet de fibres initial sur le comportement mécanique du surtors final est analysée numériquement par la méthode des éléments finis en simulant le processus physique ayant lieu au cours de la prise de torsion. Enfin, un modèle mécanique général est proposé pour prédire le comportement mécanique en extension des retors hybrides constitué de trois surtors pouvant chacun afficher des torsions différentes entre elles. / Twisted continuous filament yarns are commonly used as reinforcements in a wide variety of industrial applications and more specifically as reinforcements in tyre rubber. The yarns concerned are made of nylon, polyester or aramid fibres by twisting them together (from 200 to 1000 fibres of the same material) to obtain what is called a single yarn. The assembly of two or three single yarns by twisting them together makes it possible to build a multiply yarn that will be called hybrid if the initial single yarns are made of different fibres. All configurations give a wide range of possible mechanical properties involving the effects of the material's behaviour, the local orientation of the fibres and the transverse pressures inducing an imbalance in the case of the presence of different types of fibres. This thesis presents a precise structural study of fiber orientations by X-ray microtomography of single and multiply yarns and an original tool to analyze the spatial frequencies characteristic of fiber trajectories. A mechanical model of single yarn in extension from the literature is enriched from this work supported by an additional experimental study of their lateral contraction under extension. The influence of the disorder of the initial fibre bundle on the mechanical behaviour of the final single yarns is analysed numerically by the finite element method by simulating the physical process taking place during twisting. Finally, a general mechanical model is proposed to predict the mechanical behaviour in extension of the hybrid multiply yarns, consisting of three single yarns showing different torsions.

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