Two types of rotary gate microvalves are developed for flow modulation in a microfluidic system that operates at high flow rate and/or uses particulate flow. This research work encompasses design, microfabrication, and experimental evaluation of these microvalves in three distinct areas compliant micromechanism, microfluidics, and electromagnetic actuation. The microvalve consists of a suspended gate that rotates in the plane of the chip to regulate flow through the orifices. The gate is suspended by a novel fully-compliant in-plane rotary bistable micromechanism (IPRBM) that advantageously constraints the gate in all other degrees of freedom. Multiple inlet/outlet orifices provide flexibility of operating the microvalve in three different flow/port configurations. The suspended gate is made of a soft magnetic material and is electromagnetically actuated like a rotor in a variable-reluctance stepper motor. Therefore, an external electromagnetic (EM) actuation at the integrated set of posts (stator) causes the gate mass to switch from its default angular position to a second angular position. The microvalve chip is fabricated by electroplating a soft magnetic material, Permalloy (Ni80Fe20) in a sacrificial photoresist mold on a Silicon substrate. The inlet/outlet orifices are then etched into the Silicon substrate from the back-side using deep-reactive ion etch process. Finally, the gate structure is released by stripping the PR and seed layers. This research work presents the realization of a new microvalve design that is distinct from traditional diaphragm-type microvalves. The test results are encouraging and show the potential of these microvalves in effectively modulating flow in microfluidic systems that may not require a tight seal. The microvalve uses a novel in-plane rotary bistable micromechanism that may have other applications such as optical shutters, micro-locks, and passive check valves.

This dissertation is a contribution toward developing all-optical binary delta sigma modulator (BDSM) [‎27] by changing its bistability to proteretic bistability in order to increase the modulator bandwidth frequency. An innovative delta sigma modulator called proteretic binary delta sigma modulator (PBDSM), which is optically compatible, is investigated theoretically and by modeling and simulation and its bandwidth superiority is proven. The time interval of PBDSM Δt calculation is driven and dynamic performance measure of PBDSM comparing to previous related work is computed, modeled and simulated. Modeling and simulations are based on Matlab-Simulink for ideal environment testing. The basic components of BDSM are the leaky integrator and the bi-stable device. Thus, the focus was on improving the bi-stable device to overcome the bandwidth limitation toward THz modulation frequency in optical domain. Consequently, proteresis bistability was investigated in semi-practical domain, using Matlab-Simulink function, for clear realization of its input-output characteristics and compared with the corresponding hysteresis bistability. The contribution in this research, regarding proteresis bi-stable device design, can be implemented in current technologies, both optical and electrical, of continuous-time delta sigma modulation. Furthermore, the new design showed capability and more flexibility in manipulating its output form and it showed more control on the way of conducting delta sigma modulator error correction.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:45:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 4122687 bytes, checksum: 9aed02ae94295a63dd1fa23aba738ef5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The present work proposes to present a description of the theory on the basins of attraction of hyperbolic equilibrium points of continuous dynamical systems, to develop a method for the numerical determination of these basins and to examine the results of applying the theory and method in models of population dynamics. The determination of the basins of attraction allows the study of control strategies on the parameters, in order to increase or decrease such regions, as interest. From the biological phenomena viewpoint, these predictions are very important, because if an equilibrium point represents the extinction of a species that must be preserved, then one seeks to guarantee that the natural initial conditions do not are in the basin of attraction of that point. This is made by studying control strategies on the parameters, for that the point basin decreases suficiently. From the viewpoint of stability analysis of equilibrium points of dynamical systems, the theory of basins of attraction brings topological consequences to the phase space which allow, indirectly, conduct a global analysis in the parameters space, allowing wider results of which are generally obtained without this theory. / O presente trabalho propõe-se a apresentar uma descrição da teoria sobre as bacias de atração de pontos de equilíbrio hiperbólicos de sistemas dinâmicos em tempo contínuo, a desenvolver um método para a determinação numérica dessas bacias e a examinar os resultados da aplicação da teoria e do método em modelos de dinâmica de populações. A determinação das bacias de atração permite o estudo de estratégias de controle sobre os parâmetros, de modo a aumentar ou diminuir tais regiões, conforme o interesse. Do ponto de vista de fenômenos biológicos, estas previsões são importantes, pois, se um ponto de equilíbrio representa a extinção de uma espécie que deve ser preservada, então procura-se garantir que as condições iniciais naturais não estejam na bacia de atração do mesmo, estudando-se estratégias de controle sobre os parâmetros para que a bacia do ponto diminua suficientemente. Do ponto de vista da análise de estabilidade dos pontos de equilíbrio de um sistema, a teoria de bacias de atração traz consequências topológicas ao espaço de fase que permitem, de forma indireta, realizar uma análise global, no espaço de parâmetros, da estabilidade dos pontos de equilíbrio, garantindo resultados mais amplos dos que se obtêm geralmente, quando não se faz uso desta teoria.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:14:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 parte1.pdf: 1564749 bytes, checksum: f636c3379c524ad8d77d3be5f44c4c36 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-06-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / We analyze the dynamics of semiconductor lasers radiation frequency when these lasers are subject to different conditions of optical feedback, and we demonstrate how it is possible to control the emission frequency using the different configurations explored. In the first system studied a semiconductor laser is fed back with light which polarization is orthogonal to the output polarization, spectrally filtered by a cesium atomic vapor. This system, besides presenting an effective technique to stabilize the laser frequency and reduce the laser linewidth, was the first to exhibit frequency bistable and multistable optical regimes with amplitude practically constant. This unique feature opens the way for applications in all-optical FM logical devices. The bistable and multistable regimes are interpreted through a phenomenological model, and, for the bistable regime, we discuss a rate equation model, built taking in account thermal effects and gain saturation. We also present an all-optical frequency switch, the first of his kind. The second system is used to investigate the behavior of the emission frequency of a semiconductor laser with an external cavity, inside which is placed an atomic filter. For different values of the injection current we observe the laser frequency locking in the atomic line, bistability and reproducible frequency instabilities. / Estudamos a dinâmica em frequência da radiação emitida por lasers semicondutores submetidos a diferentes condições de realimentação ótica e demonstramos como é possível o controle da frequência de emissão pelo uso das diferentes configurações exploradas. No primeiro sistema estudado, um laser semicondutor é realimentado por luz com polarização ortogonal á de saída, filtrada espectralmente por vapor atômico de césio. Além de apresentar uma técnica efetiva para estabilização da frequência laser e redução de largura de linha, esse foi o primeiro sistema a exibir regimes de biestabilidade e multiestabilidade ótica exclusivamente em sua frequência, ou seja, com amplitude constante. Essa característica única abre caminho para aplicações desta técnica em dispositivos lógicos FM do tipo tudo ótico . O aparecimento desses regimes é analizado através de um modelo fenomenológico e, para o caso biestável, construímos também um modelo de equações de taxa, onde levamos em conta efeitos térmicos e de saturação de ganho no laser semicondutor. Como aplicação dessa técnica apresentamos o funcionamento de uma chave em frequência do tipo tudo-ótico , a primeira deste gênero. O segundo sistema experimentalmente investigado foi concebido para produzir um comportamento dinâmico da frequência de um laser semicondutor com cavidade estendida quando um filtro atômico é posicionado dentro dessa cavidade. Para diferentes valores da corrente de injeção observamos o travamento da frequência laser na linha atômica, biestabilidade e instabilidades não aleatórias.

Cette thèse présente la réalisation d’un piège optique dans une configuration originale, le piston optique, où le contrôle sur la phase de l’interférence d’un faisceau incident avec sa réflexion sur un miroir permet de réaliser différents types d’expériences. Nous avons d’abord étudié les propriétés thermodynamiques d’une compression progressive du piston qui fait passer la dynamique de la particule piégée d’une région de stabilité vers une région de bistabilité mécanique. Dans le contexte de la résonance stochastique où une force extérieure périodique est appliquée sur cette dynamique bistable, une approche exploitant le facteur de Mandel ainsi qu’une analyse des délais entre les transitions d’états métastables se révèle efficace pour interpréter nos mesures dans différents régimes de forçage. Nous montrons également comment des nanoparticules métalliques peuvent être piégées aisément dans un tel piston optique et nous exploitons notre configuration pour mesurer de faibles effets de forces optiques. Enfin, nous piégeons des nano-objets chiraux uniques et nous montrons comment la configuration de notre piston permet de réaliser des expériences de reconnaissance chirale par polarimétrie différentielle. / This thesis describes the experimental realization of an original optical trap, the optical piston, where controlling the phase of the interference of an incident beam with its reflection on a mirror allows achieving various experiments. We have first looked into the thermodynamics associated with a progressive compression of the piston leading the dynamics of a trapped particle from a region of stability to a region of mechanical bistability. In the context of stochastic resonance where a periodic external force is applied on this bistable dynamics, an approach exploiting the Mandel factor and a time-delay analysis on the hopping events between metastable states have proven efficient in interpreting the different results acquired in different regimes of drive. We have also shown how metallic nanoparticles can be trapped fairly easily in this kind of optical piston and we exploit our configuration to measure weak optical forces. Finally, we trap unique chiral nano-objects and we show how the configuration of our piston allows the realization of chiral recognition experiments by differential polarimetry.

Certains composés moléculaires présentent des propriétés électroniques modulables par des stimuli (T, P, B, h?). Différents états électroniques peuvent alors être stabilisés sous certaines conditions extérieures et le passage d’un état à l’autre s’effectue de façon réversible. Cette propriété de bistabilité ouvre ainsi la voie à des applications dans le domaine du stockage de l’information. Ce travail présente l’influence d’une irradiation lumineuse sur les propriétés magnétiques de composés de coordination construits à partir d’une brique cyanométallate et d’ions métalliques Co. Nous étudions en détail, à l’aide des techniques magnétiques et de réflectivité optique, les états métastables photo-induits dans des composés hexa-, tri- et octa-cyanométallates. La stabilité en température, mais aussi dans le temps, de ces états métastables sont présentées et analysées. L’étude des propriétés photomagnétiques corrélées aux données structurales permet d’ouvrir la discussion sur le rôle important joué par les interactions à courte portée dans la conservation des états métastables dans ces réseaux. Le résultat le plus marquant de ce travail est l’obtention d’une température limite de stockage de l’information T(LIESST) = 183 K dans un cluster moléculaire, ouvrant la voie à une nouvelle famille de matériaux moléculaires présentant des états photo-induits possédant de longues durées de vie. / Some molecular compounds exhibit switchable electronic properties induced by stimuli (T, P, B, h?). Different electronic states can be stabilised under external conditions and the transformations between the two states are reversible. This property opens a new field for applications in information storage. This work deals with the influence of a light irradiation on magnetic proprerties in coordination networks built with cyanometallate precursors and metallic ion Co. We study in details, by magnetometry and optical refelectivity, photo-induced metastable states in hexa-, tri- et octa-cyanometallate compounds. The stability vs. temperatures, and also vs. time, of these states are showed. The studies of photomagnetic properties linked to structural ones allow to open discussion on the main role played by short interactions for the maintenance of metastable states. The most significant result of this work is the determination of T(LIESST) = 183 K in a molecular cluster, leading towards a new family of molecular materials exhibiting wide thermal bistability domain.

Nous étudions deux phénomènes de transport actif dans la cellule. Cette activité est induite par des moteurs moléculaires. Leur fonctionnement général est compris, mais leurs interactions et fonctions spécifiques font émerger de nouveaux comportements.En première partie nous étudions l'extraction de tubes membranaires par la myosine 1b sur un faisceau d'actine. Ce moteur est non processif, renforcé par la force. Il est impliqué dans une voie de transport membranaire au niveau de l'appareil de Golgi. Nous modélisons ce phénomène. Nous montrons que le renforcement par la force induit l'apparition d'un régime d'extraction par fluctuation géante, et abaisse le nombre de moteurs requis pour l'extraction. Les tubes extraits par des moteurs non processifs ne présentent pas de régime oscillatoire. La croissance du tube peut s'accompagner d'une déplétion avec des moteurs non processifs. Nos prédictions sont en bon accord avec les observations expérimentales.En deuxième partie, nous étudions l'écoulement cytoplasmique dans l'embryon de C.elegans. Sa fonction supposée est le mélange du cytoplasme. Son orientation se renverse aléatoirement. Son mouvement est supporté par des microtubules et des kinésines entrainant le reticulum endoplasmique au niveau cortical. Nous modélisons ce phénomène et montrons que la transition vers l'écoulement est une brisure spontanée de symétrie. Nos prédictions sont en bon accord avec les observations expérimentales. Le point de fonctionnement du système optimise les fluctuations, ce pourrait être le mécanisme du mélange. Nos prédictions sont en bon accord avec les observations expérimentales. / We study two intracellular transport phenomena. They are powered by molecular motors. Motors general mechanisms are understood, but their interactions leads to emerging properties, and some of them have specialised functions.In the first part, we study the extraction of membrane tubes by myosin 1b supported by actin bundles. Myosin 1b is a non processive motor with catch bond property. It is implied in membrane trafficking at the Golgi apparatus level. We model this phenomenon in the frame of a collaboration with experimentalists. We show that catch bond effect induces a regime where tube extraction requires a giant length fluctuation, and the minimal number of motors allowing extraction is decreased. Tubes extracted by non processive motors do not show oscillatory regime. During tube growth motors can deplete with non processive motors. Our predictions are in good agreement with experimental observations.In the second part we study in collaboration with experimentalists the cytoplasmic streaming in C.elegans. Its function is supposed to be the mixing the cytoplasm. Its orientation reverses stochastically. Its movement is supported by microtubules and kinesins, that drive the endoplasmic reticulum at the cortical level. We model this phenomenon and show that the transition toward streaming is a spontaneous spatial symetry breaking. Our predictions are in good agreement with the experimental observations. The parameters values of the system optimize flow fluctuations, this could be the mechanism driving the mixing. Our predictions are in good agreement with experimental observations.

Sharp wave-ripple Komplexe (SWRs) sind kurze Ereignisse von kohärenter Netzwerkaktivität im Hippocampus. SWRs spielen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Konsolidierung von expliziten Gedächtnisinhalten, die Mechanismen sind aber bis heute ungeklärt. Pyramidenzellen (PYR) und Parvalbumin-positive Korbzellen (PV+BCs) feuern während SWRs besonders häufig, wohingegen sie außerhalb beinahe inaktiv sind. SWRs treten spontan auf, und können durch Stimulation von PYR und PV+ Zellen hervorgerufen werden. Um die Rolle von PV+ Zellen in SWR Generierung zu klären, untersuche ich wie das Zusammenspiel von exzitatorischen Neuronen (PYR) und zwei Klassen von Interneuronen (PV+BCs und derzeit unbekannte Anti-SWR-Zellen) die Entstehung und die Häufigkeit von SWRs beeinflusst. Erstens entwickle ich ein Netzwerk aus feuernden Neuronen, das spontane Übergänge vom Anti-SWR-Zustand zum SWR-Zustand zeigt. Die Aktivität von PV+BCs, die die Aktivität von PYR disinhibieren, dominiert den SWR-Zustand. SWRs können hervorgerufen werden durch Stimulation von PYR oder PV+BCs, und durch Inaktivierung von Anti-SWR-Zellen. Durch Kurzzeitdepression der synaptischen Verbindung von PV+BCs zu Anti-SWR-Zellen wird die Dauer der SWRs reguliert. Die Koexistenz von Anti-SWR- und SWR-Zuständen bei konstanten Stärken der synaptischen Depression erlaubt die Untersuchung der Bistabilität des Netzwerks. Durch eine Mean-field-Näherung können Voraussetzungen für bistabile Netzwerkaktivität analytisch hergeleitet werden. Das Modell prognostiziert die Existenz von Anti-SWR-Zellen. Im letzten Teil dieser Arbeit zeige ich erste experimentelle Ergebnisse, die die Existenz von CA3-Interneuronen belegen, die anti-moduliert sind bezüglich SWRs. Durch die Untersuchung der Rolle von Interneuronen hinsichtlich der Generierung von SWRs trägt diese Arbeit zu einem tieferen Verständnis der neuronalen Schaltkreise im Hippocampus bei, die essentiell für den Erwerb und die Konsolidierung expliziter Gedächtnisinhalte sind. / Sharp wave-ripple complexes (SWRs) are events of coordinated network activity originating in the hippocampus. SWRs are thought to mediate the consolidation of explicit memories, but the mechanisms underlying their occurrence remain obscure. Pyramidal cells (PYR) and parvalbumin-positive basket cells (PV+BCs) preferentially fire during SWRs and are almost silent outside. SWRs emerge spontaneously or by activating PYR or PV+ cells. To understand how the activation of PV+ interneurons can result in an increase of PYR firing, I explore how the interaction of excitatory neurons (PYR) and two groups of interneurons (PV+BCs and a class of anti-SWR cells) contributes to the initiation, termination, and incidence of SWRs. First, I show that a biophysically constrained network of spiking neurons can exhibit spontaneous transitions from a non-SWR state to a SWR state, in which active PV+BCs disinhibit PYR by suppressing anti-SWR cells. SWR events can be triggered by activating PYR or PV+BCs, or inactivating anti-SWR cells. Short-term synaptic depression at the PV+BCs-to-anti-SWR cells connections regulates the termination of SWR events. The coexistence of states for intermediate values of the depression allows to study the network behavior in terms of bistability. To this end, I consider a mean-field approximation of the spiking network, where conditions for the emergence of a bistable configuration are derived analytically. This allows to unveil the mechanisms regulating the existence of bistable disinhibitory networks. The model predicts the existence of a class of anti-SWR cells. In the last part of this work, I show the first experimental evidence for CA3 interneurons anti-modulated with respect to SWRs, and discuss their involvement in the SWR generation process. Overall, the results of this thesis elucidate the role of interneurons in SWR generation and broaden our understanding of the microcircuits supporting the dynamics of memory-related networks.

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