De nombreuses propriétés étonnantes ont été récemment découvertes à l’interface de deux perovskites isolantes l’une polaire l’autre non polaire. La discontinuité de charge à l’interface LaAlO3/SrTiO3 engendre un gas d’électron quasi-bidimensionnel qui confère un caractère métallique à cette interface. Les mécanismes locaux et la quantification des propriétés ne font pas consensus car l’interdépendance de facteurs structuraux, chimiques et électroniques complexifie la résolution du problème posé. Une catastrophe polaire, des distorsions structurales, des lacunes d’oxygène, une interdiffusion cationique et une non stœchiométrie du film ont été séparément avancées pour expliquer cette conduction. Dans le cadre d’un programme international, nous avons reçu des héterointerfaces conductrices et isolantes élaborées par ablation laser pulsé (PLD). L’origine des porteurs de charge a été recherchée par une approche globale liant procédé, structure et propriétés électriques (mesurées dans le consortium). Nous avons systématiquement analysé les interfaces en combinant imagerie à haute résolution (STEM-HAADF) et spectroscopies électroniques (EELS) et ioniques (MEIS). Une non planéité des couches atomiques, une interdiffusion cationique et un transfert d’électrons permettent de réduire la divergence de potentiel, la catastrophe polaire n’a donc pas lieu. La formation de défauts donneurs à la surface du film devient favorable au-delà d’une épaisseur critique. Les électrons sont transférés à l’interface dans la bande de conduction du STO. Nous avons mis en évidence un mécanisme de compensation concurrentiel de la charge interfaciale par des lacunes de strontium chargées négativement, qui mettent le substrat en compression plane et s’opposent au confinement 2D électrons. La variation des paramètres procédés, tels que la durée du dépôt, la pression partielle en oxygène, la température et la stœchiométrie de la plume déplace l’équilibre des différents mécanismes mis en évidence. Ce travail démontre la relation complexe liant procédé, propriétés électriques et distribution des défauts autour de ces interfaces singulières. / Novel behavior at the interface between two insulating polar/non polar perovskites has been recently discovered. The polarization discontinuity at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 drives the formation of quasi two dimensional electron gas. Both the local mechanism and quantification of such behavior remain unclear due to interplay of structural, chemical and electronic factors. Several mechanisms have been proposed, such as the polar catastrophe, structural distortions, oxygen vacancies, cationic intermixing at the interface and film non-stoichiometry. In the frame of an international project conductive and insulating heterostrucutres have been synthetized by Pulsed-Laser Deposition. In this thesis, we have developed a comprehensive approach to investigate the origin of the charge carriers. The interfaces have been systematically analyzed by combining high resolution imaging (STEM-HAADF) to atomic resolved electron (EELS) and ion (MEIS) spectroscopies. The observed and quantified parameters have been related to the electrical properties of the interfaces measured in the consortium. Buckling of the atomic layers, intermixing and electron transfer reduce the polar divergence. This rules out the polar catastrophe scenario. The formation of donor defects at the film surface is favored above a critical film thickness. Electrons are transferred to interface in the STO conduction band. A competing compensation mechanism of the positive interfacial charge by negatively charged strontium vacancies has been demonstrated that generates an in plane compression of the STO, unfavorable for a strict 2D confinement of the charges. Varying the process parameters such as growth duration, oxygen partial pressure, temperature, and plume stoichiometry shift the equilibrium of the different mechanisms highlighted. This thesis emphasizes the complex relations between the process and the properties through the defects distribution around these singular interfaces.

Les plasmons de surface (SP) sont des excitations mêlant électrons et photons localisées aux surfaceset interfaces métalliques. On peut les voir classiquement comme les modes électromagnétiquespropres d’un ensemble constitué d’un métal et d’un diélectrique. Cette thèse se base sur la capacitéofferte par les techniques de spectroscopie utilisant des électrons rapides disponibles dans un microscopeélectronique à balayage en transmission (STEM), de cartographier, dans une large gammespectrale et avec une résolution spatiale nanométrique, les modes propres SP. Une telle capacitéa été démontrée séparément, durant ces dernières années, par des expériences de spectroscopie depertes d’énergie d’électrons (EELS), qui mesurent l’énergie perdue par des électrons rapides intéragissantavec un échantillon, et de cathodoluminescence (CL), qui mesurent l’énergie réémisepar l’échantillon par l’intermédiaire de photons, toutes deux résolues spatialement. Dans le cas del’EELS, ces résultats expérimentaux sont aujourd’hui interprétables à l’aide d’analyses théoriquesconvaincantes tendant à prouver que la quantité mesurée dans une telle expérience peut être interprétéede façon sûre en terme de modes propres de surface de l’échantillon. Afin d’élargir une telleinterprétation aux techniques de spectroscopies utilisant des électrons rapides en général, j’ai effectuédes expériences combinées d’EELS et de CL résolues spatialement sur une nanoparticle uniquesimple (un nanoprisme d’or). J’ai montré que les résultats offerts par ces deux techniques présententde fortes similitudes mais également de légères différences, ce qui est confirmé par des simulationsnumériques. J’ai étendu l’analyse théorique du signal EELS au signal CL, et ai montré que la CLcartographie, tout comme l’EELS, les modes de surface radiatifs du sytème, mais avec des propriétésspectrales légèrement différentes. Ce travail constitue une preuve de principe clarifiant les quantitésmesurées en EELS et CL sur des systèmes métal-dielectriques. Ces dernières sont démontrées êtrerespectivement des équivalents nanométriques des spectroscopies d’extinction et de diffusion de lalumière. Basé sur cette interprétation, j’ai utilisé l’EELS pour dévoiler les modes propres SP demilieux métalliques aléatoires (dans notre cas, des films semicontinus métalliques avant le seuil depercolation). Ces modes propres constituent une problématique de longue date dans le domainede la nanooptique. J’ai directement identifié ces modes par des mesures et le traitement de leursrésultats. J’ai complètement caractérisé ces modes propres via les variations spatiales de l’intensitéliée à leur champ électrique, une énergie propre et un taux de relaxation. Ce faisant, j’ai montré quela géométrie fractale du milieu, dont la prédominance croit au fur et à mesure que l’on s’approchede la percolation, est responsable de l’existence de modes propres de type aléatoire à basse énergie. / Surface Plasmons (SP) are elementary excitations mixing electrons and photons at metal surfaces,which can be seen in a classical electrodynamics framework as electromagnetic surface eigenmodesof a metal-dielectric system. The present work bases on the ability of mapping SP eigenmodes withnanometric spatial resolution over a broad spectral range using spatially resolved fast electron basedspectroscopies in a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM). Such an ability has beenseparately demonstrated during the last few years by many spatially resolved experiments of ElectronEnergy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), which measures the energy lost by fast electrons interactingwith the sample, and CathodoLuminescence (CL), which measures the energy released by subsequentlyemitted photons. In the case of EELS, the experimental results are today well accountedfor by strong theory elements which tend to show that the quantity measured in an experiment canbe safely interpreted in terms of the surface eigenmodes of the sample. In order to broaden thisinterpretation to fast electron based spectroscopies in general, I have performed combined spatiallyresolved EELS and CL experiments on a simple single nanoparticle (a gold nanoprism). I have shownthat EELS and CL results bear strong similarities but also slight differences, which is confirmed bynumerical simulations. I have extended the theoretical analysis of EELS to CL to show that CLmaps equally well than EELS the radiative surface eigenmodes, yet with slightly different spectralfeatures. This work is a proof of principle clarifiying the quantities measured in EELS and CL,which are shown to be respectively some nanometric equivalent of extinction and scattering spectroscopieswhen applied to metal-dielectric systems. Based on this interpretation, I have applied EELSto reveal the SP eigenmodes of random metallic media (in our case, semicontinuous metal films beforethe percolation threshold). These SP eigenmodes constitute a long standing issue in nanooptics.I have directly identified the eigenmodes from measurements and data processing. I havefully characterized these eigenmodes experimentally through an electric field intensity pattern, aneigenenergy and a relaxation rate. Doing so, I have shown that the fractal geometry of the medium,which grows towards the percolation, induces random-like eigenmodes in the system at low energies.Keywords: Surface plasmons, fast electron based spectroscopies, scanning transmission electronmicroscopy, disordered media

[pt] Os tópicos mais importantes a ser tratados nesta tese de doutorado são os vários problemas envolvidos na síntese de nanotubos contendo nitrogênio. Isto é principalmente motivado pelas possíveis aplicações que podem ser dadas a este tipo de estruturas. A motivação central está relacionada ao fato da possibilidade de fazer dopagens tipo -p e -n em nanotubos de carbono, incorporando átomos como boro ou nitrogênio. Isto está muito longe de ser uma trivialidade devido a que devemos levar em conta que se os nanotubos de carbono forem pensados como bases estruturais para nanocompósitos e dispositivos nanoeletronicos, é necessário controlar cuidadosamente a reatividade das paredes, sua dureza mecânica e o gap eletrônico por meio de um controle da quantidade de átomos inseridos nas paredes ou entre elas. Portanto, do ponto de vista de diferentes aplicações, é importante ter a possibilidade de dopar controladamente os nanotubos. Neste trabalho apresentam-se o quadro descritivo da dependência dos parâmetros de síntese, assim como uma investigação detalhada da formação de outras estruturas co-produto do processo de formação de nanotubos. Como uma idéia pioneira proposta neste trabalho, é enfatizado o uso de fontes puras de C/N em processos de síntese baseados em deposição química na fase de vapor. Desta maneira foi possivel determinar os efeitos da atmosfera de reação e o pretratamento do catalizador como agentes favoráveis ou desfavoráveis para a síntese efetiva de nanotubos de carbono. / [en] The main topic of this thesis is the study of various issues related to the synthesis of nitrogen containing nanotubes. This is mainly inspired in the possible applications such structures can have. The practical background lies in the fact that defined n- and p-doping of carbon nanotubes can be achieved by substituting carbon atoms from the tube walls by heteroatoms such as boron or nitrogen (N). This is far from been a triviality because we must keep in mind that if carbon nanotubes are to be used as future building blocks in nanocomposites and nanoelectronic devices, it is imperative to fine tune their wall reactivity, mechanical strength and electronic band gap by controlling the amount of foreign atoms inserted into the tube lattices. Therefore, from an applications standpoint, it is important to be able to carefully control the insertion of different dopants into nanotubes. In this work, a complete picture of the dependence on the combined synthesis parameters is established and a fundamental insight into the formation of N doped nanotubes and other structures (co- products) is provided. As a pioneering idea of this whole work, the use of pure C/N feedstocks in chemical vapor deposition methods is emphasized. With this, it was possible to determine the effects of the reaction atmosphere and the catalyst pretreatment as either favoring or disfavoring agents towards the synthesis of N-doped nanotubes.

Destacam-se as semelhanças entre os nutrientes boro (B) e cálcio (Ca) quanto às formas e as funções que eles exercem nos vegetais. Partindo do princípio que a interação Ca - B afeta os atributos morfológicos, ultraestruturais e bioquímicos, bem como a nodulação nas plantas leguminosas, objetivou-se com esse estudo determinar a relação Ca:B mais adequada para a produção de grãos e matéria seca de soja, bem como avaliar os efeitos da interação B e Ca na fixação biológica de N2 (atividade da nitrogenase -N-ase [EC 1.18.6.1]), na morfologia de raízes (comprimento e superfície total), anatomia de raízes (nódulos) e de folhas, assim como as avaliações ultraestruturais dos mesófilos foliares, rendimento do teor de óleo nos grãos das plantas de soja (cultivar BRS 284), crescidas em solução nutritiva. Foram avaliadas ainda a produção de massa seca das plantas, as concentrações e os acúmulos de Ca, B, Mg, K e N na parte aérea e raízes. Foi empregado um esquema fatorial 5² incompleto, perfazendo treze combinações de doses de Ca (mmol L-1) e B (µmol L-1), as quais foram distribuídas segundo o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. As maiores atividades da N-ase foram obtidas com as maiores doses de Ca e B (7,25 mmol L-1 de Ca e 50 µmol L-1 de B). A menor dose de Ca resultou na inibição da N-ase em cerca de 90%. Os maiores comprimentos e superfícies totais de raízes foram obtidos na combinação de doses de 7,25Ca e 12,5B, enquanto que para a combinação das menores doses de Ca e B observou-se uma redução de cerca de 70% e 60% para comprimento e superficial de raízes, respectivamente. A maior produção de biomassa seca das plantas e de grãos, os maiores acúmulos de Ca, B, N, K e Mg nas folhas e o maior rendimento de óleo foram obtidos com o fornecimento de 4,25 mmol L-1 de Ca e 12,5 µmol L-1 de B, observando-se relação Ca:B na solução nutritiva próxima de 350:1 e nas folhas de 700:1. O teor de óleo nos grãos incrementou cerca de 20% com o aumento das doses de B de 3,125 para 50 µmol L 1. O número de camadas de células do córtex dos nódulos aumentou com o incremento das concentrações de Ca e B na solução. Observou-se ruptura da membrana dos cloroplastos no mesófilo foliar e elevado número de bactérias fixadoras de N2 penetrando o interior dos tecidos nodulares quando as plantas foram submetidas ao menor suprimento de Ca e maior de B. A combinação da menor dose de B junto a maior dose de Ca provocou ruptura da parede celular e o espessamento da lamela média das folhas. O aumento no fornecimento de Ca ameniza os efeitos negativos do baixo suprimento de B na produção de biomassa das plantas e de grãos, no comprimento e superfície de raízes e na atividade da nitrogenase. A relação Ca:B, tanto na solução, quanto no tecido vegetal, não pode ser entendida como parâmetro exclusivo de equilíbrio nutricional / Regarding mineral nutrition of plants, we highlight the similarities between nutrients boron (B) and calcium (Ca) in relation to similar functions they play in plant physiology. However, the mechanisms involved in the interaction between these nutrients are not very well known. Assuming that the interaction Ca - B affects the morphological, ultrastructural and biochemical attributes, as well as the nodulation in leguminous plants, the objective with this study was to determine the optimum Ca:B ratio, in the solution and plan tissue as well for dry matter yield of grain and dry matter of soybean, and to evaluate the effects of B - Ca interaction in the biological N2 fixation (nitrogenase activity - N-ase [EC 1.18.6.1]), root morphology (total root length and total root surface area), root anatomy (nodules), as well as in the ultrastructural evaluation of foliar mesophilic, and yield of oil content of soybean (cultivar BRS 284), grown in nutrient solution. Dry matter yield of plants, Ca-concentrations and amounts of Ca, B, Mg, K and N in shoots and roots were also evaluated. The experimental arrange used was an incomplete 5² factorial, making thirteen combinations of Ca (mmol L-1) and B (µmol L-1) rates, which were set in a randomized block design, with four replications. The highest N-ase activity was obtained with the highest doses of Ca and B (7,25 mmol L-1 of Ca and 50 µmol L-1 of B). The lowest Ca rate resulted in approximately 90% inhibition of N-ase. The highest total root length and total root surface area were obtained with combination of 7,25Ca and 12,5B rates, whereas the combination of the lowest Ca and B rates caused reduction of approximately 70% and 60% on root length and area, respectively. The highest dry matter and grain yield, highest accumulations of Ca, B, N, K and Mg on the leaves and the highest oil content in grains were obtained when 4,25 mmol L-1 of Ca and 12,5 µmol L-1 of B were supplied, resulting in a Ca:B ratio of approximately 350:1 on nutrient solution and 700:1 on leaves. The oil content in grains raised about 20% increasing B rates from 3,125 to 50 µmol L-1. The number of cell layers of nodule cortex raised with increasing Ca and B levels in the solution. It was observed membrane rupture of chloroplasts in leaf mesophyll and high number of N2-fixing bacteria entering the interior of nodular tissues when plants were supplied with the lowest Ca rate (1,75Ca) and the highest B (50B). The combination of the lowest B rate (3,125B) and the highest Ca rate (7,25) caused cell wall rupture and thickening of the middle lamella on the leaves. The increase of Ca levels on the solution mitigates the negative effects of the low B supply in plant biomass and grain yield, in root length and root surface area and in N-ase activity. The Ca:B ratio either in the solution or plant tissue, cannot be understood as an exclusive parameter of nutritional status

O presente trabalho analisou as condições de texturização de amostras de Ag/Bi2212 (Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ) na forma de pastilhas e de fitas, verificando-se a influência do tratamento térmico, atmosfera, adição de prata e adição de zircônia ou zirconato de cálcio. As adições de zircônia ou de zirconato de cálcio, com partículas de dimensões submicrométricas ou nanométricas (abaixo de 200nm), foram analisadas como possíveis geradores de centros de aprisionamento de fluxo magnético, assim como foi feita a análise de seus comportamentos nas propriedades intrínsecas da matriz supercondutora. A influência da atmosfera de tratamento térmico foi analisada de modo a alterar a concentração de oxigênio na fase supercondutora visando melhores resultados de temperatura crítica, sem depreciação das densidades de corrente crítica e dos campos de irreversibilidade, Birr. Foram analisadas as influências dos parâmetros de tratamento térmico, tais como temperatura máxima de reação, tempo nesta temperatura máxima, taxa de resfriamento do estado líquido ao estado sólido, e temperatura e tempo de recozimento após solidificação. Verificou-se a influência do resfriamento do forno sobre a texturização e a temperatura crítica. Quanto à dopagem com prata, foi verificada sua influência na texturização e interação com a zircônia. Foram realizadas caracterizações supercondutoras e microestruturais das amostras. / The present work analyzed the texturing conditions of Ag/Bi2212 samples (Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ) in the form of bulks and of tapes, verifying the influence of heat treatment, atmosphere, silver addition and addition of zirconia or calcium zirconate. The additions of zirconia or calcium zirconate, with particles of submicron or nanometric (below 200nm) dimensions, were analyzed as possible generators of magnetic flux pinning centers, as well as it was analyzed their behaviors on the intrinsic properties of the superconducting matrix. The influence of the heat treatment atmosphere was analyzed in order to change the oxygen concentration in the superconducting phase aiming better results of critical temperature, without depreciation of the critical current densities and of the irreversibility fields, Birr. The influences of the heat treatment parameters were analyzed, such as the reaction maximum temperature, soaking time at this maximum temperature, cooling rate from the liquid to the solid states, and annealing temperature and time after solidification. It was verified the influence of the furnace cooling rate on the texturing and critical temperatures. Concerning to the silver addition, it was verified its influence on the texturing and its interaction with the zirconia. Superconducting and microstructural characterizations of the samples were performed.

A junção miotendínea (JMT) é a principal área de transmissão de força e de lesões do sistema muscular esquelético, atuando no posicionamento e estabilização articular. O estudo morfológico das estruturas e ultraestruturas da JMT do músculo esternomastóideo (EM) demonstrará as características desde o nascimento, ao revelar os esboços iniciais do desenvolvimento, sua completa formação na fase adulta e possíveis alterações e comprometimentos morfofuncionais em decorrência do processo fisiológico do envelhecimento. O objetivo do presente estudo consiste em descrever as características estruturais e ultraestruturais da JMT do músculo EM de ratos Wistar recém-nascidos, adultos e idosos empregando os métodos de microscopia de luz, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Foram utilizados 45 ratos Wistar, em três grupos (n=15): Grupo Recém-nascido: animais com 5 dias de vida; Grupo Adulto: animais com 4 meses de idade; Grupo Idoso: animais com 24 meses de idade. Os animais, após anestesia, foram dissecados os músculos EM e as JMT destes foram processadas de acordo com os métodos empregados. As características morfológicas da JMT do Grupo Recém-nascido revelaram o seu esboço durante o desenvolvimento, através da interação das células musculares e elementos da matriz extracelular, destacando delgadas dobras no sarcolema e elevada atividade celular através de inúmeras tenoblastos e mitocôndrias ovais aglomeradas. No Grupo Adulto revelaram características clássicas da JMT em destaque às dobras do sarcolema formando longas projeções denominadas de evaginações e invaginações sarcoplasmáticas. No Grupo Idoso foram observadas alterações na JMT, com espessamento em ambos os níveis das invaginações sarcoplasmáticas e nas comunicações centrais com as junções laterais, além de espessamento de feixes de fibras colágenas e redução celular nesta área. Conclui-se que a JMT desde os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento ao envelhecimento apresentam intenso processo de formação, remodelamento e alterações em decorrência do processo fisiológico do envelhecimento. / The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the main area of power transmission and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, working on positioning and joint stabilization. The morphological study of the structures and ultrastructures of JMT muscle esternomastóideo (EM) demonstrated characteristics from birth, to reveal initial development, its complete training in adulthood and possible changes and compromises morphofunctional due to the physiological process of aging. The aim of this study is to describe the structural and ultrastructural features of JMT muscle EM Wistar rat newborns, adults and the elderly employing the methods of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We used 45 Wistar rats into three groups (n = 15): Newborn Group: animals with 5 days of life; Adult Group: animals with 4 months of age; Group Aged: animals 24 months of age. The animals, after anesthesia, the muscles were dissected and the MTJ these were processed in accordance with the methods employed. The morphological characteristics of the JMT Group Newborn revealed his sketch during development, through the interaction of muscle cells and extracellular matrix elements, highlighting the slender folds sarcolemma and high cellular activity through numerous mitochondria oval crowded and tenoblastos. In Adult Group revealed classic features of JMT with highlight the folds of the sarcolemma forming long projections denominated evaginations and invaginations of the sarcoplasmic membrane. In Aged Group changes were observed in the MTJ with thickening at both levels of sarcoplasmic invaginations and in communications with the central lateral junctions, and thickening of collagen fibers and reduced cell in this area. We conclude that the JMT since the early stages of development to aging have intense training process, remodeling and changes due to the physiological process of aging.

Recentemente, os lasers de pulsos ultracurtos têm sido avaliados para o preparo dos tecidos duros dentais devido à sua habilidade de reduzir os efeitos térmicos resultantes da irradiação. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade de união de 3 sistemas adesivos à dentina preparada com o laser de femtossegundos (10-15 s). Para isso, 60 terceiros molares foram preparados com o laser de femtossegundos (1.450 nm; 0,3W; 100.000Hz) ou ponta diamantada, divididos em 3 subgrupos (n=10) restaurados utilizando o adesivo condicione e lave de 3 passos Optibond FL (OFL; Kerr), o autocondicionante de 2 passos Clearfil SE (CSE; Kuraray) ou o autocondicionante de 1 passo G-aenial Bond (GAB; GC). Após 1 semana de armazenamento em água, os dentes foram seccionados (1,0x1,0 mm) e testados imediatamente e após 6 meses de armazenamento. Vinte e quatro amostras adicionais foram preparadas com o laser ou ponta diamantanda conforme descrito acima. Seis amostras foram seccionadas em espécimes menores e aleatoriamente preparados para observação das características morfológicas da superfície (n=3) e subsuperfície (n=3) em Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (MEV) (n=3) e Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (MET) (n=3). As outras 18 amostras foram restauradas com os sistemas adesivos supramencionados, seccionados em espécimes menores e distribuídos para avaliação da interface adesiva em MEV (n=3) e padrão de nanoinfiltração após 1 semana (n=2) e 6 meses (n=2) em MET. O modelo linear de efeitos mistos (=0,05) revelou um efeito significante dos fatores adesivo, armazenagem e a interação preparo x armazenagem na resistência de união. Todos os adesivos apresentaram uma redução significante da resistência de união após 6 meses de armazenamento (p<0,0001) para ambos os tipos de preparo. Com relação ao sistema adesivo, a única diferença verificada foi o maior valor de resistência de união do GAB quando aplicado sobre as superfícies irradiadas (56,71±10,72 MPa) quando comparadas com as preparadas com ponta diamantada (43,14±14,93 MPa) após 1 semana de armazenamento. A análise de fratura revelou fraturas mistas, adesivas e coesivas em dentina para ambos os métodos de preparo com um discreto aumento do número de fraturas mistas após 6 meses de armazenamento exceto para o GAB, que apresentou principalmente fraturas adesivas e mistas. A análise em MEV revelou uma fina camada de debris sobre a superfície da dentina irradiada e a hibridização com todos os sistemas adesivos resultou num íntimo contado da interface adesiva com o substrato. A análise em MET da subsuperfície irradiada revelou fibrilas colágenas preservadas. A análise da interface adesiva revelou um aumento dos depósitos de prata na camada híbrida para todos os adesivos, após 6 meses de armazenamento, independentemente do tipo de preparo. Apenas o GAB apresentou maiores depósitos de prata após 1 semana de armazenamento para as superfícies preparadas com ponta diamantada. A irradiação com o laser de femtossegundos não reduziu a receptividade da dentina aos sistemas adesivos, resultando em valores de resistência de união similares aos obtidos com a ponta diamantada; além de uma ótima interação do substrato com os sistemas adesivos e deposições de prata similares àquelas obtidas com a ponta diamantada. / Recently, the applicability of ultrashort pulsed lasers has been studied for dental hard-tissue irradiation because of its reduced residual thermal damage. The aim of this study was to determine the bonding effectiveness of 3 contemporary adhesive systems to dentin prepared by femtosecond (10-15 sec) laser-irradiation. For this, 60 third molars were prepared either by the femtosecond laser (1450 nm; 0.3W; 100,000Hz) or by bur, randomly divided into 3 subgroups (n=10) and restored with a composite using either the 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive Optibond FL (OFL; Kerr), the 2-step self-etch adhesive Clearfil SE (CSE; Kuraray) or the 1-step self-etch adhesive G-aenial Bond (GAB; GC). After 1-week water storage, the teeth were sectioned (1.0x1.0 mm) and half of the specimens were tested until failure using a micro-tensile bond-strength (TBS) approach. The other half was stored in water and tested after 6 months. Twenty-four additional dentin samples were exposed to the diamond bur and the laser, following the same abovementioned parameters. Three samples of each treatment were sectioned in smaller specimens in order to be characterized for surface (n=3) and cross-sectional morphological analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) (n=3) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) (n=3). The other eighteen samples were hybridized with the abovementioned adhesive systems, sectioned in smaller samples and distributed for evaluation of the interface under SEM (n=3) and nanoleakage distribution for 1 week (n=2) and 6 months (n=2) under TEM. Linear mixed effect model (=0.05) revealed a significant effect of the factors adhesive, storage and the interaction of preparation x storage on the TBS. All adhesives presented a significant reduction of the bond strength after 6-month storage (p<0.0001) for both preparation methods. Regarding the adhesive system, the only difference found was a significantly higher TBS of GAB to laser-irradiated (56.71±10.72 MPa) than to bur-cut dentin (43.14±14.93 MPa) after 1-week water storage. Fracture analysis showed mixed, adhesive and cohesive failures in dentin similarly for both preparation methods with a slightly increase of the mixed failures after 6-months water storage for OFL and CSE, but not for GAB that presented mainly adhesive and mixed failures. SEM disclosed a thin layer of debris on the laser-irradiated dentin surface and the hybridization with all adhesive systems resulted in a very tight interface. TEM analysis of the irradiated subsurface revealed collagen fibrils preserved and for the nanoleakage evaluation an increase of silver deposits at hybrid layer for all adhesives testes after 6-months water storage, irrespective of the preparation methods. Only the GAB presented great silver deposits even after 1-week water storage for the bur-cut preparation method. Femtosecond laser irradiation did not reduce the bonding receptiveness of dentin resulting in similar values obtained with the preparation by bur. Additionally it led to a great interaction with different adhesive systems and silver deposits comparable to those obtained with the bur-cut preparation method.

Die Synthese kolloidaler Nanopartikel ist daher eines der wichtigsten Forschungsthemen der letzten Jahre. Die gepulste Laserablation in Flüssigkeiten stellt eine Alternative zu den nasschemischen Synthesewegen dar. Merkmale der gepulsten Laserablation in Flüssigkeiten ist der geringe experimentelle Aufwand, die Vielseitigkeit und die Möglichkeit stabilisatorfreie kolloidale Nanopartikel herzustellen. Eine Weiterentwicklung ist die Verwendung von Pulversuspensionen als Ausgangsmaterial. Dies führt zu höheren Produktivitäten und neuen Materialien. Die zugrundeliegenden Prozesse sind allerdings komplex. Um diese Mechanismen aufzuklären, wurde ein chemischer Ansatz gewählt. Als Ausgangsmaterial wurden daher verschiedene Kupferverbindungen (Cu2C2, Cu5Si, Cu3N, Cu(N3)2, Cu3P, Cu2O, CuO, Cu2S, CuS und CuI) verwendet. Die hergestellten Nanopartikel wurden mit Hilfe der analytischen Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie charakterisiert. Dadurch konnten nachgewiesen werden, dass zwei Mechanismen an der Nanopartikelbildung beteiligt sind. Die Laserbestrahlung von Ausgangsmaterialien wie CuO und Cu3N führt zur Bildung von metallischen Kupfernanopartikeln. In dem dabei erzeugten Plasma nukleieren die Kupferatome zunächst zu kleinen primären Nanopartikeln. Diese Partikel koaleszieren anschließend und bilden größere sekundäre Partikel. Im Gegensatz zu dieser reduktiven Ablation, resultiert die Laserbestrahlung von CuI in der Fragmentierung des Materials. In diesem Fall wird kein Plasma erzeugt, sondern der induzierte thermische Stress führt zur Fragmentierung des Kristalls unter Beibehaltung der chemischen Zusammensetzung. Die Frage, welcher der beiden Mechanismen für ein bestimmtes Ausgangsmaterial dominiert, ist entscheidend für potentielle Anwendungen der Methode, da hiervon die chemische Zusammensetzung der erhaltenen Nanopartikel abhängt. Dies wird am Beispiel der Synthese von Bi2Te3 Nanopartikeln diskutiert, die in thermoelektrischen Elementen zur Anwendung kommen können. / The synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles has become a major topic in recent years. The pulsed laser ablation in liquids poses an alternative to the common wet-chemical approaches. Key features of the pulsed laser ablation in liquids are its simple setup, its versatility, and the possibility to generate surfactant-free colloidal nanoparticles. A further development of this technique is the use of suspended powders instead of bulk targets. This leads to higher productivities and even new materials. Although the generation of colloids by irradiating a suspension is straight forward, the underlying mechanisms of the size reduction from micrometer to nanometer sized particles appear to be quite complex. In order to reveal the mechanism a chemical approach was chosen. Hence, various copper compounds (Cu2C2, Cu5Si, Cu3N, Cu(N3)2, Cu3P, Cu2O, CuO, Cu2S, CuS and CuI) were used as a model system in order to investigate the impact of the leaving group on the ablation process. The generated nanoparticles were characterized with analytical transmission electron microscopy. These investigations clearly show that there are two distinct mechanisms involved in nanoparticle formation. The laser irradiation of precursors like CuO and Cu3N results in the formation of metallic copper nanoparticles. In the generated plasma copper atoms nucleate and form small primary particles. These particles later coalesce to larger secondary particles. In contrast to this reductive ablation, the irradiation of CuI follows a fragmentation mechanism. Here, the absorbed power of the laser beam does not produce a plasma but introduces thermal stress leading to fragmentation of the crystal while the chemical composition is preserved. The question which mechanism is predominant is of utmost importance as the chemical composition of the nanoparticles depends on the formation process. This is discussed on the example of the synthesis of Bi2Te3 nanoparticles, which can be used in thermoelectric applications.

Este estudo longitudinal in vitro avaliou a ação de diferentes larguras de pulso empregadas no protocolo de preparo cavitário e pré-tratamento dentinário com o laser de Er:YAG sobre a ultramorfologia da dentina, a micromorfologia da interface adesiva e resistência de união. Cento e doze molares humanos foram seccionados, obtendo-se uma dentina de profundidade média e, em seguida, foram distribuídos de acordo com os protocolos de irradiação da superfície dentinária: preparo cavitário (200 mJ/20 Hz) e pré-tratamento (80 mJ/2 Hz). Os fatores em estudo foram a largura de pulso (50 ?s, 300 ?s e 600 ?s) e tempo de armazenamento (24 h e 1 ano). Para cada condição de tratamento de superfície (protocolo de irradiação), foi considerado um grupo controle, sem irradiação. Os espécimes foram avaliados por diferentes métodos, a saber: análise da ultramorfologia por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) (n=3); avaliação da micromorfologia da interface adesiva por meio de microscopia confocal (n=3); avaliação da matriz orgânica e fibrilas colágenas por meio da Segunda Gerão Harmônica (n=3). Foram realizadas também a avaliação da resistência de união por ensaio de microcisalhamento nos espécimes submetidos ao protocolo de pré-tratamento da dentina (?SBS) (n=12) e por ensaio de microtração (?TBS) (n=11) nos espécimes submetidos ao protocolo de irradiação de preparo cavitário. Os experimentos de microscopia confocal e resistência de união foram realizados utilizando um sistema adesivo autocondicionante (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE, EUA) em conjunto a uma resina composta (Z350 XT, 3M ESPE, EUA). Estes espécimes foram analisados após 24 hs e 1 ano de armazenamento em saliva artificial. Os dados quantitativos obtidos nos ensaios de resistência de união foram analisados por meio do teste de ANOVA (dois fatores) e do teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey (? = 0,05). Os dados qualitativos foram comparados e descritos detalhadamente. Os resultados de resistência de união imediato dos grupos irradiados mostraram valores mais baixos quando comparados ao grupo controleo, independente do protocolo empregado assim como da largura de pulso utilizada. Os baixos valores expressos nos ensaios de resistência de união podem ser justificados pelas alterações na ultraestrutura da dentina irradiada com o laser de Er:YAG, que denotam uma clara alteração da matriz orgânica com desnaturação das fibrilas colágenas, como demostrada pelas imagens de SGH e MET. Desta forma, as alterações nas estruturas orgânicas da dentina prejudicaram a formação da uma camada híbrida consistente que levou à degradação das interfaces adesivas e consequente redução dos valores de resistência de união em 24 h. Todos os espécimes ensaiados no teste de microtração apresentaram redução significativa após 1 ano de armazenamento em saliva artificial, independente do tratamento realizado. Entretanto, os espécimes ensaiados no teste de microcisalhamento não apresentaram redução significativa após o mesmo período de armazenamento (1-ano). Embora o protocolo de pré-tratamento tenha alterado os componentes orgânicos da dentina, essas alterações não foram suficientes para reduzir os valores de resistência de união após 1 ano de armazenamento. Sendo assim, o emprego do laser de Er:YAG, em ambos os protocolos investigados, resultaram em modificações permanentes nos componentes orgânicos da dentina, que infleuncirama negativamente os valores de resistência de união a esse substrato. / This longitudinal in vitro study evaluated the action of different pulse widths employed in the protocol of cavity preparation and pre-treatment with the Er: YAG laser on the ultramorphology of dentin, the micromorphology of the adhesive interface and bond strength. One hundred and twelve human molars were sectioned to obtain a medium depth dentin and then distributed according to the dentin surface irradiation protocols: cavity preparation (200 mJ / 20 Hz) and pretreatment (80 mJ / 2 Hz). The factors under study were the pulse width (50 ?s, 300 ?s and 600 ?s) and storage time (24 h and 1 year). For each surface treatment condition (irradiation protocol), it was considered a control group, without irradiation. The specimens were evaluated by different methods, such as: ultramorphology analysis by transmission electron microscopy (MET) (n = 3); analysis of the adhesive-interfaces by confocal microscopy (n = 3); evaluation of the organic matrix and collagen fibrils by Second Harmonic Generation (n = 3). The bond strength was evaluated by micro-shear test in the specimens submitted to the pre-treatment protocol (?SBS) (n = 12) and by microtensile test (?TBS) (n = 11) in specimens submitted to cavity preparation`s protocol. Confocal microscopy and bond strength experiments were performed using a self-etching adhesive system (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE, USA) together with a composite resin (Z350 XT, 3M ESPE, USA). These specimens were analyzed after 24 h and 1 year of storage in artificial saliva. The quantitative data obtained in the bond strength tests were analyzed using the ANOVA test (two factors) and Tukey\'s multiple comparison test (? = 0.05). Qualitative data were compared and described in detail. The results of immediate bond strength of the irradiated groups showed lower values when compared to the control group, regardless of the protocol used as well as the pulse width used. The low values expressed in the bond strength tests can be justified by the changes in the ultrastructure of the dentin irradiated with the Er: YAG laser, which denote a clear alteration of the organic matrix and collagen fibrils, as observed in SGH and MET images. In this way, the changes in the organic structures of dentin impaired the formation of a consistent hybrid layer that lead to the degradation of the adhesive-interfaces and consequent drop of bond strength values at 24 h. All specimens tested in the microtensile test showed a significant reduction of bond strength after 1 year of saliva storage, regardless treatment performed. However, the specimens tested in the micro-shear test did not show significant reduction of bond strength after the same storage period (1-year). Although the pre-treatment protocol altered the organic components of dentin, these changes were not enough to reduce bond strength values after 1 year of storage. Thus, the use of the Er: YAG laser, in both protocols investigated, resulted in permanent modifications in the organic components of the dentin, which negatively influences the bond strength values to this substrate.

Die Polarität ist ein kritisches Thema für das III-Nitrid-Materialsystem, das sich auf die Qualität und Eigenschaften von epitaktischen Schichten, sowie auf die Leistungfähigkeit von auf Nitrid-Materialien basierenden Bauelementen auswirkt. Das Verständnis der elementaren Mechanismen, die für die Ausbildung von Metall- oder Stickstoffpolarität der Schichten bei Abscheidung auf unpolarem Substrat verantwortlich sind, fehlt jedoch. Die bestehenden Konzepte basieren auf empirischen Beobachtungen und sind teilweise widersprüchlich. Einer der Hauptgründe dafür ist der Mangel an präzisen Charakterisierungsmethoden, die eine lokale Bestimmung der Polarität und atomarer Struktur von Schichten erlauben, als die wesentlichen Konzepte der Polaritätskontrolle aufgestellt wurden. In dieser Arbeit entwickeln wir ein Konzept der Polaritätskontrolle in AlN- und GaN-Schichten, welche mittels metallorganische Gasphasenepitaxie (MOVPE) auf Saphirsubstraten gewachsen sind. Die Polarität der Schichten wird mit Hilfe von aberrationskorrigierter Hochauflösungstransmissionselektronenmikroskopie und Z-Kontrastabbildung (Ordnungszahlkontrast) im Rastertransmissionselektronenmikroskop untersucht. Die Auswertung der experimentellen Untersuchungen ergibt Erkenntnisse bezüglich folgender Themen: (i) zum Mechanismus, der die Polaritätsauswahl steuert; (ii) zur Beziehung zwischen Saphir-Oberflächennitridierung und Al-polaren Domänen in ansonsten N-polaren AlN-Schichten; (iii) zur Möglichkeit des kontrollierten Wechsel von N- hin zu Al-polaren Schichten durch ein Sauerstofftempern. Das Verständnis dieser Mechanismen, durch die die Polarität bestimmt wird, eröffnet die Möglichkeit der gezielten Manipulierung der Polarität und Polaritätsabfolge in Nitridschichten und kann einen Hinweis zum Verständnis der Polaritätskontrolle in anderen Materialsystemen (z. B. Oxiden) geben. / Polarity is a critical issue for III-nitrides material system that has an impact on the quality and properties of epitaxial films and the performance of nitride-based devices. But the understanding of the elementary mechanisms that are responsible for establishing metal or nitrogen polarity of the films grown on nonpolar substrate is lacking. The existing concepts are based on empirical observations and contain ambiguous results. One of the main reasons for that is the lack of precise characterization tools, allowing localized determination of polarity and atomic structure of layers, at the time, when main concepts for polarity control were established. In this work we develop a concept of polarity control in AlN and GaN layers grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) on sapphire substrates. The polarity of the layers is studied by aberration corrected HRTEM and high resolution high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) scanning TEM. The analysis of the experimental investigations yields the following principal results about: (i) the mechanism that governs polarity selection; (ii) the relation between sapphire surface nitridation and Al-polar domains in N-polar AlN films; (iii) the possibility of controlled switching the layers polarity from N to Al by oxygen annealing. The understanding of these mechanisms by which polarity is controlled opens up the possibility for polarity engineering in nitride films and can give a clue to understanding polarity control in other material systems (e.g. oxides). / La polarité est une question critique pour le système de matériaux III-nitrures, qui a un impact sur la qualité des films épitaxies et la performance des dispositifs à base de nitrure. Mais la compréhension des mécanismes élémentaires responsables de l'établissement de la polarité N ou métallique des films sur le substrat non-polaire manque. Les concepts existants sont basés sur des observations empiriques et contiennent des résultats ambigus. Une des raisons principales est le manque d'outils analytiques, permettant la détermination localisée de la polarité et de la structure atomique des couches à l'époque, lorsque les concepts de contrôle de la polarité ont été établis. Dans ce travail, nous développons un concept de contrôle de la polarité dans les couches AlN et GaN épitaxies sur substrat de saphir par EPVOM. La polarité des couches est étudiée par microscopie électronique en transmission (MET) haute résolution corrigée des aberrations et par microscope électronique à balayage en transmission en champ sombre (HAADF-STEM). L'analyse des investigations expérimentales donne les principaux résultats suivants : (i) le mécanisme qui régit la sélection de la polarité; (ii) la relation entre la nitruration de la surface et les domaines de polarité Al dans les films d'AlN N-polaire; (iii) possibilité d’inverser la polarité N de films d’AlN de polarité mixte en introduisant un recuit sous oxygène. La compréhension de mécanisme par lequel la polarité est contrôlée ouvre les possibilités d'une ingénierie de polarité dans les films de nitrure et peut donner une idée de la compréhension du contrôle de la polarité dans d'autres systèmes de matériaux (par exemple, les oxydes).