Theoretical and experimental studies of real-time interrogation of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors based on chirped pulse compression with increased interrogation resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are presented. Two interrogation systems are proposed in this thesis. In the first interrogation system, a linearly chirped FBG (LCFBG) is employed as the sensing element. By incorporating the LCFBG in an optical interferometer as the sensor encoding system, employing wavelength-to-time mapping and chirped pulse compression technique, the correlation of output microwave waveform with a chirped reference waveform would provide an interrogation result with high speed and high resolution. The proposed system can provide an interrogation resolution as high as 0.25 μ at a speed of 48.6 MHz. The second interrogation system is designed to achieve simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature. In this system, a high-birefringence LCFBG (Hi-Bi LCFBG) is employed as a sensing element.

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is one of most widely used computational electromagnetics (CEM) methods to solve the Maxwell's equations for modern engineering problems. In biomedical applications, like the microwave imaging for early disease detection and treatment, the human tissues are considered as lossy and dispersive materials. The most popular model to describe the material properties of human body is the Debye model. In order to simulate the computational domain as an open region for biomedical applications, the complex-frequency-shifted perfectly matched layers (CFS-PML) are applied to absorb the outgoing waves. The CFS-PML is highly efficient at absorbing the evanescent or very low frequency waves. This thesis investigates the stability of the CFS-PML and presents some conditions to determine the parameters for the one dimensional and two dimensional CFS-PML.The advantages of the FDTD method are the simplicity of implementation and the capability for various applications. However the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition limits the temporal size for stable FDTD computations. Due to the CFL condition, the computational efficiency of the FDTD method is constrained by the fine spatial-temporal sampling, especially in the simulations with the electrically small objects or dispersive materials. Instead of modifying the explicit time updating equations and the leapfrog integration of the conventional FDTD method, the spatial filtered FDTD method extends the CFL limit by filtering out the unstable components in the spatial frequency domain. This thesis implements filtered FDTD method with CFS-PML and one-pole Debye medium, then introduces a guidance to optimize the spatial filter for improving the computational speed with desired accuracy.

The observation of graphene’s extraordinary electrical properties has stirred great interest in two dimensional (2D) materials. The rapid pace of discovery for low dimensional materials with exciting properties continue with graphene allotropes, multiple polymorphs of borophene, germanene, and many others. The future of 2D materials goes beyond synthesis and characterization of free standing materials and on to the construction of heterostructures or sophisticated multilayer devices. Knowledge about the resulting local structure and composition of such systems will be key to understanding and optimizing their performance characteristics. 2D materials do not have a repeating crystal structure which can be easily characterized using bulk methods and therefore a localized high resolution method is needed. Electron microscopy is well suited for characterizing 2D materials as a repeating coherent structure is not necessary to produce a measureable signal as may be the case for diffraction methods. A unique opportunity for fine local scale measurements in low dimensional systems exists with a specific class of materials known as ferecrystals, the rotationally disordered relative of misfit layer compounds. Ferecrystals provide an excellent test system to observe effects at heterostructure interfaces as the whole film is composed of interdigitated two dimensional layers. Therefore bulk methods can be used to corroborate local scale measurements. From the qualitative interpretation of high resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images to the quantitative application of STEM energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), this thesis uses numerous methods electron microscopy. The culmination of this work is seen at the end of the thesis where atomically resolved STEM-EDX hyperspectral maps could be used to measure element specific atomic distances and the atomically resolved fractional occupancies of a low dimensional alloy. These local scale measurements are corroborated by additional experimental data. The input of multiple techniques leads to improved certainty in local scale measurements and the applicability of these methods to non-ferecrystal low dimensional systems.

No description available.

O comportamento da condutividade induzida por radiação-X (RIC) em copolímeros P(VDF/TrFE) de razões molares 60/40 e 70/30 em suas fases ferroelétrica (temperatura ambiente) e paraelétrica (acima de 110°C), foi estudado para diferentes condições ambientais. Foi observado que a RIC depende fortemente sobre a conformação molecular do polímero. Variaram-se parâmetros experimentais como campo elétrico aplicado, taxa de dose, atmosfera ambiente e, principalmente a temperatura. Medidas auxiliares como correntes termoestimuladas, calorimetria diferencial, espectroscopias infravermelho, ressonância eletrônica paramagnética, difração de raios-X, etc..., deram contribuições no sentido de entender modificações estruturais e morfológicas do material devido à radiação. Para análise dos resultados da condutividade induzida (RIC), foi usado o modelo de transporte em meios dispersivos desenvolvido por Arkhipov e colaboradores. Por meio de ajustes teórico-experimentais obtivemos parâmetros importantes do material como, a mobilidade dos portadores gerados, o coeficiente de recombinação, o parâmetro dispersivo, bem como a energia de geração de pares. / The behavior of the radiation induced conductivity (RIC) by X-rays in P(VDF/TrFE) copolymers of 70:30 and 60:40 molar ratios, in their ferro and paraelectric phases, were studied in different environments. It was observed that the RIC depends strongly on the molecular conformation of the polymer. For the experiments several parameters were varied as the external applied field, the dose rate, the atmosphere and mainly the temperature. Auxiliar measurements as thermal stimulated currents, differential scanning calorimetry, EPR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, etc..., were used in the sense to supply additional information about morphological and structural variations of the material due to the irradiation. For a complete analysis of the radiation induced conductivity results a dispersive transport model developed by Arkhipov et al was used. From the theoretical experimental fitting we obtained important parameters of the material: carrier mobility, recombination coefficient, dispersive parameter Q, as well as the pair-generation energy.

O contínuo Tempo Randon Walk desenvolvido por Scher e Montroll é generalizado a fim de incluir as transições de taxas de espaço e o tempo. Tomando o limite contínuo, no passeio de equações aleatórias, uma equação geral de uma carga espacial transportada é obtida. A equivalência entre hopping e transporte através de estados expandidos com armadilhas é mostrado para realizar no espaço uma carga caso. Uma análise dos transportes um processo com dois processos simultâneos condução, por um armadilhagem e alargado a outros estados e por hopping através de armadilhas, é realizada. O Método Substituição Funcional (EFM) é introduzida a fim de obter resultados semi-markofian de Markofian soluções. Soluções específicas são obtidas em campo caso o alto e aproximadas queridos no espaço cobrar caso. Uma aproximação analítica de solução para o potencial superficial de decadência de uma sólida com armadilhas cobrado pela Corona é dada pela utilização do FSM. / The continuous Time Randon Walk developed by Scher and Montroll is generalized in order t o include space and time transitions rates. Taking the continuum limit in the random walk equations a general equation for space charge transport is obtained. The equivalence between hopping and transport via extended states with traps is shown to hold in the space charge case. An analysis of a transport process with two simultaneous conduction process, one by trapping and extended states and the other by hopping via traps, is carried out. The Functional Substitution Method (FSM) is introduced in order to get semi-markofian results from Markofian solutions. Specific exact solutions are obtained in the high field case and approximated ones in the space charge case. An approximated analytical solution for the superficial potential decay of a solid with traps charged by Corona is given by use of FSM.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O praziquantel (PZQ) à um medicamento anti-helmÃntico de alto espectro utilizado no tratamento de todos os tipos de esquistossomose. No Brasil a mistura racÃmica à utilizada na fabricaÃÃo do medicamento. Sabe-se que a espÃcie enantiomÃrica R-PZQ à a que possui efeito anti-helmÃntico e que esta espÃcie possui sabor menos amargo. Sendo assim formulaÃÃes baseadas no R-PZQ somente teriam metade da dose necessÃria da formulaÃÃo sÃlida da mistura racÃmica e as formulaÃÃes lÃquidas teriam sabor menos amargo. Para obtenÃÃo de enantiÃmeros puros a cromatografia quiral à uma tÃcnica promissora por produzir enantiÃmeros com grau de pureza bastante elevada. Neste trabalho a separaÃÃo dos enantiÃmeros do fÃrmaco praziquantel foi realizada em uma fase estacionÃria quiral (FEQ) celulose tris(3-cloro-4- metilfenilcarbamato), comercialmente conhecida como Lux Celulose-2, por cromatografia lÃquida de alta eficiÃncia (CLAE). Ensaios em soluÃÃo diluÃda (1 g/L) e soluÃÃes concentradas (5, 10, 15 e 20 g/L) foram realizados em laboratÃrio. Em todos estes experimentos foram estudados os efeitos da variaÃÃo da vazÃo da fase fluida (0,5, 1 e 2 mL/min) e do volume de injeÃÃo (20, 60 e 100ÂL). Nestes foram alcanÃadas separaÃÃes por linha de base indicando alta eficiÃncia da coluna para a separaÃÃo requerida. Experimentos com soluÃÃo de PZQ de 40 g/L e com vazÃo de fase fluida de 1 mL/min foram realizados objetivando encontrar as condiÃÃes em que ocorreria sobreposiÃÃo dos picos. Os enantiÃmeros foram separados satisfatoriamente nos volumes de injeÃÃo testados (100, 140 e 180 ÂL), com indicaÃÃo de sobreposiÃÃo no volume injetado de 250 ÂL obtendo-se uma produÃÃo de 533 mg/dia no limite de separaÃÃo por linha de base. Pelos resultados obtidos pode-se prever um comportamento nÃo linear da isoterma de equilÃbrio de adsorÃÃo. Foram estimados parÃmetros da isoterma de Langmuir competitivo a partir dos experimentos nas concentraÃÃes de 5 g/L a 20 g/L por um mÃtodo hÃbrido entre o mÃtodo dos tempos de retenÃÃo e o mÃtodo inverso a partir de uma soluÃÃo analÃtica do modelo ideal. Esses parÃmetros foram utilizados em um programa computacional desenvolvido no Fortran objetivando a simulaÃÃo para prediÃÃo dos perfis cromatogrÃficos pelo modelo do equilÃbrio dispersivo. Os perfis obtidos na simulaÃÃo representaram bem os dados experimentais quando comparados os tempos de retenÃÃo da frente de massa de ambos os enantiÃmeros. Os parÃmetros estimados tambÃm foram utilizados na prediÃÃo dos perfis cromatogrÃficos para as condiÃÃes de 40 g/L e apresentaram resultados satisfatÃrios quando os erros de prediÃÃo foram levados em consideraÃÃo. / Praziquantel is a high spectrum anthelmintic drug used in the treatment of all types of schistosomiasis. In Brazil, the racemic mixture is used on the drug manufacture. It is known that the R-PZQ enantiomeric species is the one which has the anthelmintic effect and a less bitter taste. Thus, the solid formulations based on R-PZQ only, would have half of the dosage and the liquid formulations would have a less bitter taste. To obtain pure enantiomers chiral chromatography is a promising technique which produces high purity enantiomers. In this work the praziquantel enantiomers separation was obtained on a cellulose tris(3-chlorine-4-methyl-phenyl-carbamate) chiral stationary phase (CSP), commercially known as Lux Cellulose-2, by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Experiments with diluted solution (1 g/L) and concentrated solutions (5, 10, 15 and 20 g/L) were carried out. On these experiments the effects of the mobile phase flow rate variation (0,5, 1 e 2 mL/min) and the injection volume (20, 60 e 100ÂL) have been studied. On these baseline separations were achieved indicating high column efficiency for the required separation. Experiments with 40 g/L PZQ solution and a mobile phase flow rate of 1 mL/min were performed aiming to find conditions on which overlapping peaks occur. The enantiomers were well separated on the tested injection volumes (100, 140 and 180 ÂL), indicating an overlapping on the injection volume of 250 ÂL yielding a production of 533 mg per day at the limit of baseline separation. From the results one can predict a nonlinear adsorption equilibrium isotherm behavior. Parameters of the competitive Langmuir isotherm were estimated from experiments in the concentration range 5g/L to 20 g/L by a hybrid method between the retention time method and the inverse method by an analytical solution of the ideal model. These parameters were used on a computer program developed in Fortran aiming at the prediction of the chromatographic profiles by the Equilibrium Dispersive Model. The profiles obtained from the simulation represent well the experimental data when comparing the front mass retention times of both enantiomers. The estimated parameters were also used on the prediction of the chromatographic profiles obtained for 40 g/L conditions and showed satisfactory results when prediction errors were taken into account.

O chumbo é um metal muito tóxico e que tem ampla distribuição pela sua grande utilidade. Mesmo a exposição a baixos níveis (que não causam sintomas de intoxicação aguda) de chumbo é associada a desordens cognitivas e neurológicas. O osso é considerado o melhor marcador de exposição a chumbo. No tecido ósseo, vários elementos estão presentes, e alguns deles poderiam ter sua concentração modificada pela exposição a chumbo. Testou-se a hipótese de que haja variações nos elementos Zn e Mg nas tíbias de animais expostos a chumbo (por técnica de química analítica convencional). Testou-se também se variações em microelementos poderiam ser detectadas por técnicas semiquantitativas nas tíbias de controles e animais expostos a chumbo. O objetivo deste projeto foi caracterizar em animais expostos ao chumbo desde a gestação e controles as concentrações deste elemento no osso (tíbia) de animais de 28 e 60 dias. Além do chumbo, investigamos também a concentração de 2 outros microelementos no osso: zinco e magnésio. As medidas quantitativas de chumbo foram feitas no sangue total coletado ao final dos períodos. As medidas quantitativas de chumbo, cálcio, zinco e magnésio foram realizadas a partir de soluções ácidas obtidas pela dissolução total do osso, sendo estas utilizadas para quantificar por Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica no modo chama ou com Forno e Grafite. Mandíbulas foram análisadas em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura e utilizando os acessórios Eletron Dispersive Spectroscopy para os elementos mais abundantes e Wavelenght dispersive Spectroscopy para investigar por análise semiquantitativa os mais abundantes elementos inorgânicos no osso destes animais, como forma de verificar se há variações nestes microelementos nos animais expostos a chumbo em comparação com controles. Como o chumbo se concentra na superfície do esmalte, também analisou-se o esmalte de primeiros molares inferiores, a fim de verificar se era visto o sinal do elemento chumbo nestes dentes. Foram usados ratos Wistar machos de 28 e 60 dias divididos em 2 grupos: C 28D (n=5) e Pb 28D (n=5) e, C 60D (n=12) e Pb 60D (n=17). Em todas as medidas de chumbo dos grupos controle as concentrações obtidas foram próximas ao limite de detecção, e houve sempre diferença estatisticamente significante (P<0.0001) quando os controles foram comparados aos grupos expostos a chumbo. As concentrações de chumbo obtidas no sangue de animais do grupo Pb 28D foi de 8,0 ug/dl (± 1.1) e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 7,2 ug/dl (± 0.89). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as massas das tíbias (aferidas em balança e também a partir da quantidade de cálcio dissolvida em solução) do grupo C 60D (0,86 g ± 0,13) e Pb 60D (0,61 g ±0,11)(p=0.0004). As concentrações de chumbo detectadas nos ossos do grupo Pb 28D foi 8,02 (± 1,12) e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 43,3ug/g (± 13,26). Concentração de zinco no osso do grupo C 60D foi 0,22 mg/g e no grupo Pb 60D foi 0,22 mg/g (p>0.05). A concentração de magnésio no osso do grupo C 60D foi de 4,89 mg/g ± 0,74 e no grupo Pb 60D foi de 4,98mg/g ±0,79 (p>0.05). Os microelementos mais abundantes detectados nas tíbias contralaterais por Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura por EDS/WDS foram cálcio, fósforo, carbono, oxigênio, magnésio, sódio e potássio, não tendo sido detectadas variações nestes elementos entre os grupos controle e expostos a chumbo de 60 dias. O chumbo foi detectado apenas na região cervical dos dentes molares por MEV-EDS, e, nesta posição, apenas na forma de óxido de chumbo (deposição extrínseca) que pode ser útil para fins forenses ou de determinação de contaminação desconhecida. As conclusões deste estudo são: Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as massas de osso do grupo Pb 60D e C 60D. Mesmo não havendo diferença entre as concentrações de chumbo no sangue total de animais de 28 e 60 dias, houve quantidade de chumbo 5 vezes maior nos animais Pb 60D. Não houve diferenças nas concentrações de zinco e magnésio entre controles e animais expostos a chumbo. Os microelementos mais abundantes detectados nas tibias contralaterais por Microscopia Eletrônica de varredura por EDS/WDS foram cálcio, fósforo, carbono, oxigênio, magnésio, sódio e potássio, não tendo sido detectadas variações semi-quantitativas nestes elementos. O chumbo não foi detectado nem nos grupos controle ou expostos por MEV, e nos molares só foi detectada no grupo exposto como uma deposição extrínseca. / Lead is a highly toxic metal that is ubiquitous do to its great usefulness. Exposure to even low levels of lead (which do not cause symptoms of acute poisoning) is associated with cognitive and neurological disorders. Bone is considered the best marker of exposure to lead. Several chemical elements are found in bone, and some of them may have a different concentration or distribution due to exposure to lead. We tested the hypothesis that there are variations in the elements zinc and magnesium in the tibia of animals exposed to lead (being those elements determined by a conventional analytic chemistry technique). It was also tested whether variations in microelements could be detected by semiquantitative microanalysis in tibias of controls and animals exposed to lead. The objective of this project was to determine the concentration of lead in bone (tibia) of animals exposed to lead from pregnancy to day 28 and day 60. Besides lead, zinc and magnesium were also determined. Lead was also determined in whole blood collected at the end of the 2 time points. Quantitative measurements of lead, calcium, zinc and magnesium have been made in solutions obtained by dissolution of the bone by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using flame or Graphite Furnace. Tibias were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy using the accessories Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy and Wavelength dispersive Spectroscopy for semiquantitative analysis of inorganic elements in the bone and molars of these animals. Lower molars were also analyzed by these means. Male Wistar rats aged 28 and 60 days were used in these study. In both these ages there were animals in the control (C 28D, n = 5 and C 60D, n=12) and lead exposed group (Pb 28D, n = 5 and Pb 60D, n = 17). Lead concentrations found in control groups were close to the detection limit, and there was always statistically significant differences (P <0.0001) when control groups were compared with those exposed to lead. Blood lead of groups Pb 28D and Pb 60D was 8.0 ug/dl (± 1.1) and 7.2 ug/dl (± 0.89), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the masses of the tibia (measured in balance and also from the amount of calcium dissolved in solution): C 60D showing 0.86 g (± 0.13 g) and 0.61 g (± 0, 11) of the Pb 60D group (p = 0.0004). Lead concentrations increased five times when the Pb 28D group was compared with the Pb 60D (8.02 and 43.3 ug/g)(p<0.0001). Zinc concentrations were not different in the C 60D (0.22 mg/g) and in the Pb 60D group (0.22 mg/g)(p>0.05). Magnesium concentrations were 4.89 mg/g in the C 60D and 4.98 mg/g in the Pb 60D (p>0.05). The most abundant trace elements detected in the contralateral tibiae by SEM-EDS/WDS were calcium, phosphorus, carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sodium and potassium and no variations in these elements were detected between the control and lead exposed groups. Lead was detected only in the cervical region of molar teeth of the lead exposed groups by SEM-EDS. This finding revealed lead in the lead oxide (extrinsic deposition) which may be useful for forensic purposes or for determining unknown contaminations. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant difference between the bone masses of the Pb 60D and C 60D groups. While there is no difference between lead concentrations in whole blood of animals 28 and 60 days, the amount of lead was 5 times higher in animals Pb 60D. There were no differences in the concentrations of zinc and magnesium between controls and lead exposed animals. The most abundant trace elements detected in the contralateral tibiae by SEM-EDS/WDS were calcium, phosphorus, carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sodium and potassium, and no semi-quantitative variations in these elements were detected in relation to exposure to lead. Lead was not detected either in control or exposed groups by SEM, and in molars it was only detected in the exposed group as an extrinsic deposition.

Dispersive soils are prevalent in many areas of South Africa and the presence of these soils has not only posed a problem in earth dam construction but has led to problems with a number of road projects. The use of dispersive soils in roadway embankments and structures can lead to serious engineering problems if the soils are not accurately identified before use and appropriate mitigation measures taken. Although the causes and consequences of soil dispersion are well understood, the consistent and positive identification of dispersive soils still remains a problem. Many identification methods have been proposed but none has been completely successful. The current tests used for identification include the pinhole, double hydrometer, crumb and chemical tests, which are generally used in combination to obtain the most reliable outcome. These laboratory tests, however, have not always been entirely consistent, either when used in combination or individually, and it is possible that the reason lies in the actual testing procedures. Recent investigations have shown that in many cases the identification and classification problems appear to be related to inconsistencies in the test methods and testing protocols. This has been highlighted recently at various conferences and presentations in South Africa, with a recommendation that the problem be investigated fully. The main objective of this project was thus to carry out a detailed investigation into the current methods used for the testing and identification of dispersive soils. The test methods were thoroughly analysed and shortcomings identified. The differences in results and interpretation resulting from different test techniques are examined and solutions to overcome the problems proposed. A further objective of this study is the assessment of the interpretation of results obtained from dispersive soil chemical analysis. A pilot study was first carried out, which recognized deficiencies in the identification process resulting from problems with the test methods. The pilot study allowed for the identification of these shortcomings in the test methods and their modification. The modified methods were used in the full study to obtain more consistent and reliable results. The study found the pinhole test as well as the Gerber and Harmse (1987) ESP versus CEC chart to be highly unreliable. The double hydrometer and crumb tests are good indicators of dispersivity if carried out accurately and repeatably using a standard test method. The chemical analysis of the soils should be carried out using the standard methods employed by the Soil Science Society of South Africa. Final rating systems were also found to be unreliable since they put a great deal of weight on the poorly reproducible pinhole test. Emphasis is thus put on the test methods being as simple and unambiguous as possible to promote repeatability and reproducibility of the results. Recommendations are finally made proposing a suite of tests as well as a decision process which should be followed when faced with a potentially dispersive soil. This investigation was aimed solely at the evaluation of test protocols and not the suitability or specification of limits for any rating systems. This should now be assessed using the standard test methods proposed in this thesis. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Geology / unrestricted

We study the Cauchy problem of the derivative nonlinear Schrodinger equation in one space dimension. Using the method of inverse scattering, we prove global well-posedness of the derivative nonlinear Schrodinger equation for initial conditions in a dense and open subset of weighted Sobolev space that can support bright solitons.