Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes promise an exciting future for communications due to the infinite number available and their orthogonal nature. However modern implementations of OAM mode communications utilize a multi-element approach to multiplexing. This multi-element approach wastes power and becomes increasingly complex and expensive as the number of modes in the system increases. This makes the multi-approach method not scalable. In this thesis we explore single element OAM multiplexing and de-multiplexing. A system utilizing single element multiplexer and de-multiplexer, was designed built and qualified. We have demonstrated that such a system can easily achieve a BER of less than 1% and is thusly feasible.

Emission nebulae are some of the most beautiful stellar phenomena. The newly formed hot stars inside the nebulae ionize the surrounding gas making it glow in variety of colors. The focus of this work is to find a method for interactive rendering of simulated emission nebulae. A rendering program has been developed to render and generate nebulae. The emission light color is evaluated as a function of the accumulated density between the gas and the ionizing star. The rendering program can render a large variety of nebulae from any viewpoint with interactive performance on PC hardware. The method proposed in this work is visually accurate to real nebulae.

In this work, the technique of designing and optimizing broadband volume transmission holograms using dichromate gelatin (DCG) is summarized for solar spectrum-splitting application. Spectrum splitting photovoltaic system uses a series of single bandgap PV cells that have different spectral conversion efficiency properties to more fully utilize the solar spectrum. In such a system, one or more high performance optical filters are usually required to split the solar spectrum and efficiently send them to the corresponding PV cells. An ideal spectral filter should have a rectangular shape with sharp transition wavelengths. DCG is a near ideal holographic material for solar applications as it can achieve high refractive index modulation, low absorption and scattering properties and long-term stability to solar exposure after sealing. In this research, a methodology of designing and modeling a transmission DCG hologram using coupled wave analysis for different PV bandgap combinations is described. To achieve a broad diffraction bandwidth and sharp cut-off wavelength, a cascaded structure of multiple thick holograms is described. A search algorithm is also developed to optimize both single and two-layer cascaded holographic spectrum splitters for the best bandgap combinations of two- and three-junction SSPV systems illuminated under the AM1.5 solar spectrum. The power conversion efficiencies of the optimized systems under the AM1.5 solar spectrum are then calculated using the detailed balance method, and shows an improvement compared with tandem structure.

This work is an exploration of design possibilities within draping based on a knot. This to show alternative possibilities and expressions through the knot in construction of clothing. The knot serves as a draping tool, has a function in each garment and is also decorative. The result is performed in 7 outfits based on experiments draped on a mannequin or my own body. The experiments are developed mainly through the branching strategy (Jones 1992)achieved with draping sessions in different materials, sizes and placements of the knot. Having the knot as starting point allows alternative expressions in construction of well known garments. It is also suggesting a method of closing a piece of clothing using the garment itself which could be developed further in 2D pattern construction.

Background Right ventricular (RV) diastolic function has been associated with outcomes for patients with pulmonary hypertension; however, the relationship between biomechanics and hemodynamics in the right ventricle has not been studied. Methods and Results Rat models of RV pressure overload were obtained via pulmonary artery banding (PAB; control, n=7; PAB, n=5). At 3 weeks after banding, RV hemodynamics were measured using a conductance catheter. Biaxial mechanical properties of the RV free wall myocardium were obtained to extrapolate longitudinal and circumferential elastic modulus in low and high strain regions (E-1 and E-2, respectively). Hemodynamic analysis revealed significantly increased end-diastolic elastance (E-ed) in PAB (control: 55.1 mm Hg/mL [interquartile range: 44.785.4 mm Hg/mL]; PAB: 146.6 mm Hg/mL [interquartile range: 105.8155.0 mm Hg/mL]; P=0.010). Longitudinal E1 was increased in PAB (control: 7.2 kPa [interquartile range: 6.718.1 kPa]; PAB: 34.2 kPa [interquartile range: 18.144.6 kPa]; P=0.018), whereas there were no significant changes in longitudinal E-2 or circumferential E-1 and E-2. Last, wall stress was calculated from hemodynamic data by modeling the right ventricle as a sphere: (stress = Pressure x radius/2 x thickness Conclusions RV pressure overload in PAB rats resulted in an increase in diastolic myocardial stiffness reflected both hemodynamically, by an increase in E-ed, and biomechanically, by an increase in longitudinal E-1. Modest increases in tissue biomechanical stiffness are associated with large increases in E-ed. Hemodynamic measurements of RV diastolic function can be used to predict biomechanical changes in the myocardium.

I detta examensarbetesprojekt genomfördes en flygkartering över deponiområdet Stomsjö i Värnamo kommun, mha. en drönare, eller den i detta sammanhang mer använda benämningen UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). Värnamo kommuns tekniska avdelning var i behov av beräkning av massor vid deponin, ett område på ca 15 hektar samt modellering av densamma. Den låga kostnaden för inköp av UAV och programvara motiverade kommunen att driva egen verksamhet jämfört med att köpa tjänsterna från konsulter. Projektets syfte är att utveckla en effektiv arbetsmetod för kartering i 2D och 3D med UAV samt att dokumentera arbetsgång och hur den geografiska informationen ska kvalitetssäkras och testas. Flygningen är den första och denna rapport ska utgöra ett underlag för kommande flygningar inom kommunen. Insamling av geografisk information utfördes med quadrokoptern DJI Phantom 4 från fyra olika flyghöjder 50, 75, 100 och 120 meter. Fyra 3D-modeller, ortofoton och digitala höjdmodeller (DEM) har tagits fram i programvaran Agisoft. Sammanlagt mättes 6 markstöd in över området samt en kontrollruta (5x5 punkter) på en hårdgjord asfaltsyta. Utifrån kontrollrutan gjordes en jämförelse mellan inmätta GPS-punkters höjdvärden mot rastervärden från respektive höjdmodell. Vid samtliga flygningar erhålls en upplösning (GSD) på mindre än 3 cm/pix i ortofoto. Upplösningen för samtliga höjdmodeller var mindre än 6 cm/pix. Lantmäteriet har under år 2015 genomfört flygfotografering på 2 500 m höjd över området. En jämförelse mellan Lantmäteriets höjddata mot höjddata genererad från UAV-flygfotograferingen gjordes genom en slumpmässig spridning av punkter på hårdgjorda ytor. Resultaten visar att 100 meters flygningen bäst överensstämmer mot Lantmäteriets data. Volym- och areaberäkning gjordes för den södra deponin. Det avgränsade områdets areal är ca 34 300 m2 och volymen 290 000 m3. / In this project the area Stomsjö in Värnamo municipality was mapped using a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Since 1972 Stomsjö landfill is a part of the municipality. The municipality´s technical department needed a calculation and modelling of mass in a landfill, comprising an area of 15hectares. The purpose of the project is to develop an effective mapping method in 2D and 3D with UAV data, and to document the process to ensure geographical information quality. The flight performed in the study constitutes a basis for further upcoming flights within the municipality. The acquisition of geographical data was made at four different altitudes 50, 75, 100 and 120 meters using a DJI Phantom 4 quadcopter. Four 3D models, orthophotos and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were created with the software Agisoft PhotoScan. A total of 6 Ground Control Points (GCP) and a control surface on asphalt (5x5 points) were used for evaluation of the models accuracy. A comparison between measured GPS points and raster values from each flight were made on a control surface. The resolution for each generated orthophoto was less than 3 cm/pix. The resolution of the DEMs was less than 6 cm/pix. Lantmäteriet (The Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority) conducted aerial photograph acquisition at 2 500 m altitude over the area in 2015. A comparison between altitude data from Lantmäteriet and altitude data from UAV was made through random points generation. The acquisition at 100 meters altitude showed the lowest deviation forms the data derived by Lantmäteriet. Volume and area measurements were performed at the southern part of the landfill. The selected area is about 34 300 m2 in size and the volume amounts to 290 000 m3.

La construction du réseau de failles d'un domaine géologique à l'aide d'un logiciel de géomodélisation peut être longue et fastidieuse pour des géométries et des contacts de failles complexes et peu marqués sur les données de subsurface. En utilisant une représentation implicite de ces surfaces de faille par des champs de potentiel calculés sur un maillage tétraédrique, le processus de création d'un modèle structural a été totalement automatisé. Les contacts de failles sont détectés et des surfaces avec une géométrie cohérente au niveau des contacts sont construites. Les champs de potentiel permettent la modification du réseau de failles tout en préservant la cohérence géologique du modèle. Une technique développée ici permet également de corriger la géométrie d'un maillage tétraédrique à proximité des failles. Ainsi, de nouvelles informations ou interprétations ou des perturbations représentant les incertitudes sur la position des failles sont intégrées au modèle géologique / One of the first steps when a geological study area is modelled in three-dimensional geomodelling software is to build the fault network. This can be tedious and time-consuming when fault geometry and branching are complex and difficult to locate from sub-surface data. The process of creating a three-dimensional structural model from various data types was entirely automated by using an implicit representation of fault surfaces by level sets computed on a tetrahedral mesh. Fault branching is detected automatically and surfaces with coherent contact geometry are built. Using level sets for fault surfaces also enables easy editing of the fault network while maintaining the geological consistency of the model. A further tetrahedral mesh editing technique was developed during this PhD in order to modify mesh geometry close to faults. New information or interpretations or perturbations which represent geometrical uncertainty on faults can thus be integrated to the geological model

Background: In treatment planning for intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), we aim to deliver the prescribed dose to the target yet minimize the dose to adjacent healthy tissue. Mixed-integer programming (MIP) has been applied in radiation therapy to generate treatment plans. However, MIP has not been used effectively for IMPT treatment planning with dose-volume constraints. In this study, we incorporated dose-volume constraints in an MIP model to generate treatment plans for IMPT. Methods: We created a new MIP model for IMPT with dose volume constraints. Two groups of IMPT treatment plans were generated for each of three patients by using MIP models for a total of six plans: one plan was derived with the Limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (L-BFGS) method while the other plan was derived with our MIP model with dose-volume constraints. We then compared these two plans by dose-volume histogram (DVH) indices to evaluate the performance of the new MIP model with dose-volume constraints. In addition, we developed a model to more efficiently find the best balance between tumor coverage and normal tissue protection. Results: The MIP model with dose-volume constraints generates IMPT treatment plans with comparable target dose coverage, target dose homogeneity, and the maximum dose to organs at risk (OARs) compared to treatment plans from the conventional quadratic programming method without any tedious trial-and-error process. Some notable reduction in the mean doses of OARs is observed. Conclusions: The treatment plans from our MIP model with dose-volume constraints can meetall dose-volume constraints for OARs and targets without any tedious trial-and-error process. This model has the potential to automatically generate IMPT plans with consistent plan quality among different treatment planners and across institutions and better protection for important parallel OARs in an effective way.

This dissertation combines three separate studies that measure coastal change using airborne laser data. The initial study develops a method for measuring subaerial and subaqueous volume change incrementally alongshore, and compares those measurements to shoreline change in order to quantify their relationship in Palm Beach County, Florida. A poor correlation (R2 = 0.39) was found between shoreline and volume change before the hurricane season in the northern section of Palm Beach County because of beach nourishment and inlet dynamics. However, a relatively high R2 value of 0.78 in the southern section of Palm Beach County was found due to little disturbance from tidal inlets and coastal engineering projects. The shoreline and volume change caused by the 2004 hurricane season was poorly correlated with R2 values of 0.02 and 0.42 for the north and south sections, respectively. The second study uses airborne laser data to investigate if there is a significant relationship between shoreline migration before and after Hurricane Ivan near Panama City, Florida. In addition, the relationship between shoreline change and subaerial volume was quantified and a new method for quantifying subaqueous sediment change was developed. No significant spatial relationship was found between shoreline migration before and after the hurricane. Utilization of a single coefficient to represent all relationships between shoreline and subaerial volume change was found to be problematic due to the spatial variability in the linear relationship. Differences in bathymetric data show only a small portion of sediment was transported beyond the active zone and most sediment remained within the active zone despite the occurrence of a hurricane. The third study uses airborne laser bathymetry to measure the offshore limit of change, and compares that location with calculated depth of closures and subaqueous geomorphology. There appears to be strong geologic control of the depth of closure in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. North of Hillsboro Inlet, hydrodynamics control the geomorphology which in turn indicates the location of the depth of closure.

Tumor functional volume (FV) and its mean activity concentration (mAC) are the quantities derived from positron emission tomography (PET). These quantities are used for estimating radiation dose for a therapy, evaluating the progression of a disease and also use it as a prognostic indicator for predicting outcome. PET images have low resolution, high noise and affected by partial volume effect (PVE). Manually segmenting each tumor is very cumbersome and very hard to reproduce. To solve the above problem I developed an algorithm, called iterative deconvolution thresholding segmentation (IDTS) algorithm; the algorithm segment the tumor, measures the FV, correct for the PVE and calculates mAC. The algorithm corrects for the PVE without the need to estimate camera’s point spread function (PSF); also does not require optimizing for a specific camera. My algorithm was tested in physical phantom studies, where hollow spheres (0.5-16 ml) were used to represent tumors with a homogeneous activity distribution. It was also tested on irregular shaped tumors with a heterogeneous activity profile which were acquired using physical and simulated phantom. The physical phantom studies were performed with different signal to background ratios (SBR) and with different acquisition times (1-5 min). The algorithm was applied on ten clinical data where the results were compared with manual segmentation and fixed percentage thresholding method called T50 and T60 in which 50% and 60% of the maximum intensity respectively is used as threshold. The average error in FV and mAC calculation was 30% and -35% for 0.5 ml tumor. The average error FV and mAC calculation were ~5% for 16 ml tumor. The overall FV error was ~10% for heterogeneous tumors in physical and simulated phantom data. The FV and mAC error for clinical image compared to manual segmentation was around -17% and 15% respectively. In summary my algorithm has potential to be applied on data acquired from different cameras as its not dependent on knowing the camera’s PSF. The algorithm can also improve dose estimation and treatment planning.