This thesis is concerned with (a) the development of full-field, multi-axis and phase contrast wavelength scanning interferometer, using an electronically tuned CW Ti:Sa laser for the study of depth resolved measurements in composite materials such as GFRPs and (b) the development of temporal phase unwrapping algorithms for depth re-solved measurements. Item (a) was part of the ultimate goal of successfully extracting the 3-D, depth-resolved, constituent parameters (Young s modulus E, Poisson s ratio v etc.) that define the mechanical behaviour of composite materials like GFRPs. Considering the success of OCT as an imaging modality, a wavelength scanning interferometer (WSI) capable of imaging the intensity AND the phase of the interference signal was proposed as the preferred technique to provide the volumetric displacement/strain fields (Note that displacement/strain fields are analogous to phase fields and thus a phase-contrast interferometer is of particular interest in this case). These would then be passed to the VFM and yield the sought parameters provided the loading scheme is known. As a result, a number of key opto-mechanical hardware was developed. First, a multiple channel (x6) tomographic interferometer realised in a Mach-Zehnder arrangement was built. Each of the three channels would provide the necessary information to extract the three orthogonal displacement/strain components while the other three are complementary and were included in the design in order to maximize the penetration depth (sample illuminated from both sides). Second, a miniature uniaxial (tensile and/or compression) loading machine was designed and built for the introduction of controlled and low magnitude displacements. Last, a rotation stage for the experimental determination of the sensitivity vectors and the re-registration of the volumetric data from the six channels was also designed and built. Unfortunately, due to the critical failure of the Ti:Sa laser data collection using the last two items was not possible. However, preliminary results at a single wavelength suggested that the above items work as expected. Item (b) involved the development of an optical sensor for the dynamic monitoring of wavenumber changes during a full 100 nm scan. The sensor is comprised of a set of four wedges in a Fizeau interferometer setup that became part of the multi-axis interferometer (7th channel). Its development became relevant due to the large amount of mode-hops present during a full scan of the Ti:Sa source. These are associated to the physics of the laser and have the undesirable effect of randomising the signal and thus preventing successful depth reconstructions. The multi-wedge sensor was designed so that it provides simultaneously high wavenumber change resolution and immunity to the large wavenumber jumps from the Ti:Sa. The analysis algorithms for the extraction of the sought wavenumber changes were based on 2-D Fourier transform method followed by temporal phase unwrapping. At first, the performance of the sensor was tested against that of a high-end commercial wavemeter for a limited scan of 1nm. A root mean square (rms) difference in measured wavenumber shift between the two of ~4 m-1 has been achieved, equivalent to an rms wavelength shift error of ~0.4 pm. Second, by resampling the interference signal and the wavenumber-change axis onto a uniformly sampled k-space, depth resolutions that are close to the theoretical limits were achieved for scans of up to 37 nm. Access of the full 100 nm range that is characterised by wavelength steps down to picometers level was achieved by introducing a number of improvements to the original temporal phase unwrapping algorithm reported in ref [1] tailored to depth resolved measurements. These involved the estimation and suppression of intensity background artefacts, improvements on the 2-D Fourier transform phase detection based on a previously developed algorithm in ref [2] and finally the introduction of two modifications to the original TPU. Both approaches are adaptive and involve signal re-referencing at regular intervals throughout the scan. Their purpose is to compensate for systematic and non-systematic errors owing to a small error in the value of R (a scaling factor applied to the lower sensitivity wedge phase-change signal used to unwrap the higher sensitivity one), or small changes in R with wavelength due to the possibility of a mismatch in the refractive dispersion curves of the wedges and/or a mismatch in the wedge angles. A hybrid approach combining both methods was proposed and used to analyse the data from each of the four wedges. It was found to give the most robust results of all the techniques considered, with a clear Fourier peak at the expected frequency, with significantly reduced spectral artefacts and identical depth resolutions for all four wedges of 2.2 μm measured at FWHM. The ability of the phase unwrapping strategy in resolving the aforementioned issues was demonstrated by successfully measuring the absolute thickness of four fused silica glasses using real experimental data. The results were compared with independent micrometer measurements and showed excellent agreement. Finally, due to the lack of additional experimental data and in an attempt to justify the validity of the proposed temporal phase unwrapping strategy termed as the hybrid approach, a set of simulations that closely matched the parameters characterising the real experimental data set analysed were produced and were subsequently analysed. The results of this final test justify that the various fixes included in the hybrid approach have not evolved to solve the problems of a particular data set but are rather of general nature thereby, highlighting its importance for PC-WSI applications concerning the processing and analysis of large scans.

Objetivos: Avaliar a composição corporal através da medida das dobras cutâneas (DC) intra e inter observador em mulheres na fase reprodutiva. Estimar a confiabilidade de dois protocolos de medidas de dobras cutâneas com o método Absorciometria Radiológica de Dupla Energia (DEXA). Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 90 mulheres com faixa etária de 18 a 37 anos, com Índice de Massa Corporal entre 18 e <= 39,9 Kg/m². A reprodutibilidade dos métodos foram avaliados pelos coeficientes de correlação de concordância (CCC) e coeficiente de Saint Laurent e pelos limites de concordância e gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: A comparação intra observador foi excelente (CCC = 0,99) para os valores das medidas de DC tricipital, supraíliaca, coxa, soma das dobras e percentual de gordura. O mesmo ocorreu na comparação inter observador (CCC = 0,99). As medidas das DC tricipital foram as que apresentaram maior CCC (0,98), seguido da medida da coxa (0,90), e a medida da DC da suprailíaca foi a menor (0,89). A soma das DC e o percentual de gordura tiveram valores de 0,95. Já os protocolos de medidas de DC comparados entre si e com o padrão ouro DEXA, obtiveram valores de concordância baixa (0,35). Conclusões: Nossos achados mostraram que a comparação intra e inter observador foi satisfatória, contribuindo para a reprodutibilidade das medidas de DC. Os protocolos de avaliação das DC não tiveram concordância quando comparados com a DEXA / Objectives: Assessing body composition by measuring the intra and inter observer skin folds in women in the reproductive phase and estimate the reliability of two protocols skinfold measures with radiographic absorptiometry method of dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods: The sample consisted of 170 women aged 18-37 years with body mass index between 18 and <= 39.9 kg / m². The reproducibility of methods and skinfold thickness were evaluated by the coefficient of concordance correlation (CCC) and coefficient of Saint Laurent and the limits of agreement and Bland-Altman. Results: Comparison intra observer was excellent with the same values of the CCC (0.99) for the measurements of skinfold thickness of the triceps, suprailiac, thigh and fat percentage. The same occurred in the comparison inter observer (CCC = 0.99). The measures of skinfold thickness of the triceps showed the greatest CCC (0.98), followed by thigh (0.90), and the suprailiac was the lowest (0.89). The sum of the measurements of skinfold thickness and the percentage of fat had CCC values of 0.95. Already the reliability of two protocols skinfold thickness measures compared with the gold standard DEXA method was low (CCC = 0.35). Conclusions: Our findings showed that compared intra and inter observer was satisfactory, contributing to the reproducibility of skin folds. Assessment protocols skinfold did not have agreement when compared with DEXA

Objetivos: Avaliar a composição corporal através da medida das dobras cutâneas (DC) intra e inter observador em mulheres na fase reprodutiva. Estimar a confiabilidade de dois protocolos de medidas de dobras cutâneas com o método Absorciometria Radiológica de Dupla Energia (DEXA). Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 90 mulheres com faixa etária de 18 a 37 anos, com Índice de Massa Corporal entre 18 e <= 39,9 Kg/m². A reprodutibilidade dos métodos foram avaliados pelos coeficientes de correlação de concordância (CCC) e coeficiente de Saint Laurent e pelos limites de concordância e gráficos de Bland-Altman. Resultados: A comparação intra observador foi excelente (CCC = 0,99) para os valores das medidas de DC tricipital, supraíliaca, coxa, soma das dobras e percentual de gordura. O mesmo ocorreu na comparação inter observador (CCC = 0,99). As medidas das DC tricipital foram as que apresentaram maior CCC (0,98), seguido da medida da coxa (0,90), e a medida da DC da suprailíaca foi a menor (0,89). A soma das DC e o percentual de gordura tiveram valores de 0,95. Já os protocolos de medidas de DC comparados entre si e com o padrão ouro DEXA, obtiveram valores de concordância baixa (0,35). Conclusões: Nossos achados mostraram que a comparação intra e inter observador foi satisfatória, contribuindo para a reprodutibilidade das medidas de DC. Os protocolos de avaliação das DC não tiveram concordância quando comparados com a DEXA / Objectives: Assessing body composition by measuring the intra and inter observer skin folds in women in the reproductive phase and estimate the reliability of two protocols skinfold measures with radiographic absorptiometry method of dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA). Methods: The sample consisted of 170 women aged 18-37 years with body mass index between 18 and <= 39.9 kg / m². The reproducibility of methods and skinfold thickness were evaluated by the coefficient of concordance correlation (CCC) and coefficient of Saint Laurent and the limits of agreement and Bland-Altman. Results: Comparison intra observer was excellent with the same values of the CCC (0.99) for the measurements of skinfold thickness of the triceps, suprailiac, thigh and fat percentage. The same occurred in the comparison inter observer (CCC = 0.99). The measures of skinfold thickness of the triceps showed the greatest CCC (0.98), followed by thigh (0.90), and the suprailiac was the lowest (0.89). The sum of the measurements of skinfold thickness and the percentage of fat had CCC values of 0.95. Already the reliability of two protocols skinfold thickness measures compared with the gold standard DEXA method was low (CCC = 0.35). Conclusions: Our findings showed that compared intra and inter observer was satisfactory, contributing to the reproducibility of skin folds. Assessment protocols skinfold did not have agreement when compared with DEXA

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Nesta pesquisa utilizou-se um equipamento experimental que utiliza o método do eco-impacto produzido no Laboratório de Ensaios Físicos do Instituto Politécnico do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ/IPRJ), para estimar a espessuras de placas de concreto através da propagação de ondas de tensão geradas por um impacto. Para determinação dessa espessura, foram investigados vários mecanismos de estruturação do protótipo do equipamento com objetivo de se obter a melhor leitura possível, por meio das literaturas existentes. Entre parâmetros avaliados no estudo, estava o modelo de sensor a ser utilizado, o tipo de impactor, a precisão relacionada à aquisição de dados e o tratamento do mesmo, a distância entre o ponto de impacto e o transdutor (sensor), e o local de teste. Os resultados experimentais concordam com as previsões teóricas e revelam que este método é eficiente para análise de estrutura de concreto. A análise da espessura e resposta em frequência de um novo protótipo desenvolvido e os testes realizados possibilitou um erro médio de espessura real para amostras sem agregados de 0,39% e para as amostras com agregados com de 0,64%. Esses resultados apontam que o equipamento produzido tem potencial e que o mesmo pode ser utilizado para avaliação de estrutura de concreto. / In this research we used an experimental device that uses the method of impact-echo on Physical Testing Laboratory of the Polytechnic Institute of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ/IPRJ), to estimate the thickness of concrete slabs through the propagation of stress waves generated by an impact. To determine this thickness, several mechanisms for structuring the prototype equipment in order to obtain the best possible reading by means of existing literatures were investigated. Among the parameters evaluated in the study was the model of sensor being used, the type of impact, the precision related to the data acquisition and processing thereof, the distance between the impact point and the transducer (sensor), and test site. The experimental results agree with the theoretical predictions and show that this method is effective for analyzing concrete structure. The thickness analysis and frequency response of a new prototype and testing allowed an average error of actual thickness for samples without aggregates and 0.39 % for samples with aggregates with 0.64 %. These results indicate that the product produced has potential and that it can be used for evaluation of concrete structure.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Nesta pesquisa utilizou-se um equipamento experimental que utiliza o método do eco-impacto produzido no Laboratório de Ensaios Físicos do Instituto Politécnico do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ/IPRJ), para estimar a espessuras de placas de concreto através da propagação de ondas de tensão geradas por um impacto. Para determinação dessa espessura, foram investigados vários mecanismos de estruturação do protótipo do equipamento com objetivo de se obter a melhor leitura possível, por meio das literaturas existentes. Entre parâmetros avaliados no estudo, estava o modelo de sensor a ser utilizado, o tipo de impactor, a precisão relacionada à aquisição de dados e o tratamento do mesmo, a distância entre o ponto de impacto e o transdutor (sensor), e o local de teste. Os resultados experimentais concordam com as previsões teóricas e revelam que este método é eficiente para análise de estrutura de concreto. A análise da espessura e resposta em frequência de um novo protótipo desenvolvido e os testes realizados possibilitou um erro médio de espessura real para amostras sem agregados de 0,39% e para as amostras com agregados com de 0,64%. Esses resultados apontam que o equipamento produzido tem potencial e que o mesmo pode ser utilizado para avaliação de estrutura de concreto. / In this research we used an experimental device that uses the method of impact-echo on Physical Testing Laboratory of the Polytechnic Institute of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ/IPRJ), to estimate the thickness of concrete slabs through the propagation of stress waves generated by an impact. To determine this thickness, several mechanisms for structuring the prototype equipment in order to obtain the best possible reading by means of existing literatures were investigated. Among the parameters evaluated in the study was the model of sensor being used, the type of impact, the precision related to the data acquisition and processing thereof, the distance between the impact point and the transducer (sensor), and test site. The experimental results agree with the theoretical predictions and show that this method is effective for analyzing concrete structure. The thickness analysis and frequency response of a new prototype and testing allowed an average error of actual thickness for samples without aggregates and 0.39 % for samples with aggregates with 0.64 %. These results indicate that the product produced has potential and that it can be used for evaluation of concrete structure.

A spin-cast silicone membrane has been successfully bonded between two injection-molded microstructured plastic discs. This sandwich structure creates a useful platform for mass production of microfluidic systems, provided that the bonds are leakproof. The bonds were achieved by a silicon dioxide coating deposited on the plastic discs by evaporation. This investigation is concerned with the process and the result only, no theory is discussed.