Thulium (Tm)-doped ultrafast fiber lasers with emission wavelengths around 2 μm are desirable sources for scientific, industrial, medical, and environmental applications and flexible testbeds for investigating nonlinear pulse dynamics. Although exceptional research attention has been drawn by Tm-doped ultrafast fiber lasers in recent years, their designs and dynamics are significantly less explored compared to other fiber laser systems. Despite the broad emission spectrum of Tm-doped fibers, power scaling of Tm-doped ultrafast fiber lasers has been limited at shorter wavelengths of their emission spectrum (<1920 nm) due to challenges including signal re-absorption. However, compact, high-energy ultrafast sources at these less-exploited wavelengths can enable various applications including nonlinear microscopy. Further, due to the challenges of implementing real-time characterization around 2 μm, transient nonlinear pulse dynamics have rarely been reported from Tm-doped ultrafast fiber lasers. Resolving these dynamics can not only provide insights into new laser designs but also guide the generation of novel pulse profiles which can benefit a wide range of applications depending on their parameters. This dissertation focuses on developing various novel Tm-doped ultrafast fiber laser systems with unprecedented performance: High-energy operation is demonstrated at less-exploited wavelengths and unique waveforms are generated with their nonlinear dynamics investigated in real-time. First, a high-energy (394-nJ) Tm-doped chirped-pulse-amplification fiber laser system is designed and optimized for operation at the wavelength of 1900 nm and supports the generation of 950-nm ultrashort (390-fs) pulses via frequency-doubling. The system represents the highest pulse-energy (138 nJ) in the femtosecond regime for any fiber-based systems around this wavelength to date, which can be highly attractive for two-photon microscopy with spatiotemporal-multiplexing. To gain deeper insights into the operation of ultrafast Tm-doped fiber lasers, various new nonlinear dynamics are investigated by a home-built real-time characterization setup based on dispersive Fourier transform for 2 μm pulses: A new mode-locking regime is demonstrated which can deliver both up-chirped and close-to-chirp-free dissipative pulses with a 10-fold difference in their pulse energies/durations, providing a versatile source that can switch between different pulse profiles. Following that, soliton molecules with unique partial spectral modulation patterns are synthesized based on two dissimilar pulses from the same cavity, which represent an interesting analogy to ‘heteronuclear’ chemical molecules and hold great potential for optical information processing. Further, mode-locking evolution between dissimilar coherent pulses are studied in Tm-doped ultrafast fiber lasers. Finally, combining both high-energy operation and novel waveform-generation, we present a Tm-doped fiber laser source delivering amplified (~ 200 nJ) noise-like pulses without requiring any feedback mechanism. / 2025-09-10T00:00:00Z

Signal generation at high frequency has become increasingly important in numerous wireline and wireless applications. In many gigahertz and millimeter-wave frequency ranges, conventional frequency generation techniques have encountered several design challenges in terms of frequency tuning range, phase noise, and power consumption. Recently, injection locking has been a popular technique to solve these design challenges for frequency generation. However, the narrow locking range of the injection locking techniques limits their use. Furthermore, they suffer from significant reference spur issues. This dissertation presents novel frequency generation techniques based on envelope detection for low-phase-noise signal generation using injection-locked frequency multipliers (ILFMs). Several calibration techniques using envelope detection are introduced to solve conventional problems in injection locking. The proposed topologies are demonstrated with 0.13um CMOS technology for the following injection-locked frequency generators. First, a mixed-mode injection-frequency locked loop (IFLL) is presented for calibrating locking range and phase noise of an injection-locked oscillator (ILO). The IFLL autonomously tracks the injection frequency by processing the AM modulated envelope signal bearing a frequency difference between injection frequency and ILO free-running frequency in digital feedback. Second, a quadrature injection-locked frequency tripler using third-harmonic phase shifters is proposed. Two capacitively-degenerated differential pairs are utilized for quadrature injection signals, thereby increasing injection-locking range and reducing phase error. Next, an injection-locked clock multiplier using an envelope-based frequency tracking loop is presented for a low phase noise signal and low reference spur. In the proposed technique, an envelope detector constantly monitors the VCO's output waveform distortion caused by frequency difference between the VCO frequency and reference frequency. Therefore, the proposed techniques can compensate for frequency variation of the VCO due to PVT variations. Finally, this dissertation presents a subharmonically injection-locked PLL (SILPLL), which is cascaded with a quadrature ILO. The proposed SILPLL adopts an envelope-detection based injection-timing calibration for synchronous reference pulse injection into a VCO. With one of the largest frequency division ratios (N=80) reported so far, the SILPLL can achieve low RMS jitter and reference spur. / Ph. D. / Signal generation at high frequency has become increasingly important in numerous wireline and wireless applications. In many gigahertz and millimeter-wave frequency ranges, conventional frequency generation techniques have encountered several design challenges in terms of frequency tuning range, phase noise, and power consumption. Recently, injection locking which synchronizes a signal frequency has been a popular technique to solve these design challenges for frequency generation. However, narrow operation ranges of the injection locking techniques limit their use. Furthermore, they suffer from significant noise degradation. This dissertation presents studies of frequency generation techniques based on envelope detection (amplitude modulation) for low-phase-noise signal generation using injection-locked frequency multipliers. Several calibration techniques using envelope detection are introduced to solve conventional problems in injection locking. First, a mixed-mode injection-frequency locked loop is presented for calibrating locking range and phase noise of an injection-locked oscillator. Second, a quadrature injection-locked frequency tripler using third-harmonic phase shifters is proposed to increase injection-locking range and reduce phase error. Third, an injection-locked frequency multiplier using an envelope-based frequency tracking loop is presented for a low phase noise signal and low noise degradation. Finally, this dissertation presents a subharmonically injection-locked PLL with a novel injection-timing calibration circuit, which is connected to a quadrature frequency multiplier. The proposed designs are demonstrated with 0.13µm CMOS technology.

In dieser Arbeit werden einige Probleme im Zusammenhang mit der Erzeugung ultrakurzer Pulse in modengekoppelten Lasern unter Verwendung analytischer und numerischer Methoden theoretisch untersucht. Weiterhin werden einige Resultate über die Strahlung resonanter Medien, welche durch einen ultrakurzen Überlichtgeschwindigkeits-Lichtpuls angeregt werden, dargestellt. / In this thesis current problems related to the generation of short optical pulses in mode-locked lasers are considered in a theoretical context. We use numerical and analytical methods to study these problems. Additionally, the problem of resonant medium radiation excited by ultrashort light pulse propagating at superluminal velocity is investigated.

This doctorial thesis deals with the derivation of a mechanical model for the simulation of the load-bearing behavior of a strengthening layer made of textile reinforced concrete to strengthen a shell structure. The main focus lies on both the geometrical and physical non-linear three-dimensional shell formulation and on its transfer into an efficient finite element. The distinctive feature of the presented shell formulation is its surface-orientation. This enables the analysis of a strengthening layer applied on one of the outer surfaces of a structure in a very natural way, since a problem-oriented mechanical modeling is achieved. Hereby, in contrast to classical shell theories the three-dimensionality of the material behavior's description can completely maintained. This is necessary, since a more accurate modeling of the material behavior of textile reinforced concrete can only be done three-dimensional. Within the scope of this thesis an anisotropic hyper elastic constitutive relation is given in order to obtain a first approximation of textile reinforced concrete's material behavior against the background of material theory. Furthermore a specification of the hyper elastic constitutive relation is obtained upon the basis of the principle of material symmetry and is prepared for the application in the shell formulation. The numerical solution of the field problem necessitates the transfer of the surface-related shell formulation into a two-dimensional variational formulation in order to obtain a sound mathematical starting point for the conversion into an efficient volume shell element. For the realization of a numerical efficient finite element an element formulation using a low-order ansatz should be favored. Because of reducing the number of degrees of freedom and therewith of possible deformation modes, artificial stiffening effects will appear. A way out is given by a special extention of the assumed natural strain and the assumed strain method for the utilization in the presented surface-related shell formulation. This leads to a slightly higher numerical effort, but allows a reliable and efficient finite element formulation finally verified in distinct meaningful non-linear simulations. / Die Herleitung eines mechanischen Modells zur numerischen Simulation des Tragverhaltens einer Verstärkungsschicht für Flächentragwerke aus textilbewehrtem Feinbeton ist Gegenstand dieser Arbeit. Hierbei liegt das Hauptaugenmerk auf einer sowohl geometrisch als auch physikalisch nichtlinearen dreidimensionalen Schalenformulierung und deren Umsetzung in ein effizientes finites Element. Die Besonderheit der hier vorgestellten Schalenformulierung ist deren Oberflächenbezug, der es auf natürliche Weise ermöglicht, eine auf die Struktur aufgebrachte Verstärkungsschicht zu berechnen. Diese Verfahrensweise ist als eine der Problemstellung angepaßte mechanische Modellbildung anzusehen. Hierbei kann im Gegensatz zu klassischen Schalentheorien die Dreidimensionalität der Materialbeschreibung vollständig aufrecht erhalten und damit die verfeinerte Erfassung des Materialverhaltens von Textilbeton ermöglicht werden, die nur dreidimensional erfolgen kann. Eine materialtheoretische Herleitung von anisotropen hyper-elastischen konstitutiven Beziehungen als erste Approximation zur Erfassung des Materialverhaltens von textilbewehrtem Feinbeton wird vorgestellt und deren Spezifizierung auf der Basis des Prinzips der materiellen Symmetrie durchgeführt sowie zur Anwendung in der Schalenformulierung aufbereitet. Die numerische Lösung des Feldproblems erfordert die Umsetzung der oberflächenorientierten Schalenformulierung in eine zweidimensionale Variationsformulierung mit dem Ziel, einen mathematisch fundierten Ausgangspunkt für die Entwicklung eines leistungsfähigen Volumen&quot;=Schalen&quot;=Elementes zu erhalten. Zur Realisierung eines numerisch effizienten finiten Elementes ist eine Elementformulierung mit möglichst geringer Ansatzordnung verwendet worden. Da hierdurch die Freiheitsgrade des Elementes und damit die möglichen Verformungsmodi in ihrer Anzahl eingeschränkt werden, sind künstliche Versteifungseffekte zu erwarten. Einen Ausweg bieten hier spezielle Erweiterungen der Assumed Natural Strain und der Enhanced Assumed Strain Methode für die hier vorliegende oberflächenorientierte Schalenformulierung. Dies erhöht den numerischen Aufwand unwesentlich, ermöglicht jedoch insgesamt eine zuverlässige und effiziente Elementformulierung, deren Brauchbarkeit abschließend in verschiedenen aussagekräftigen nichtlinearen Simulationen nachgewiesen wird.

Due to the demand for low-cost, small-form factor and large-scale integration of system-on-chip wireless transceivers, the image-reject, zero-IF and low-IF receiver architectures have become the main topologies used in mainstream wireless communication systems. Consequently, signal sources with quadrature phase outputs [quadrature oscillators (QOs)] are therefore essential, and their phase noise, driving capability, tuning range, oscillation frequency, and power consumption have a major impact on the overall receiver performance. Additionally, it is required that the QO synthesize precise I/Q waveforms across the signal bandwidth over process, voltage, and temperature variations for adequate image-rejection and signal modulation/demodulation. While the use of symmetrical layout and large inter-digitated devices minimize both systematic and random mismatches, this solution alone may not succeed in achieving the stringent performance requirements dictated by modern wireless standards particularly as the technology scales into the sub-100nm regime, necessitating both phase and gain calibration of the mismatched I/Q channels post-fabrication. Given the necessity for precise RF quadrature signal synthesis, the goal of this work is to investigate low-power low-phase-noise quadrature oscillator (QVCO) topologies with an integrated phase calibration feature. The first part of this work focuses on the analysis and modeling of cross-coupled LC QVCOs. The analysis focuses on understanding the oscillator basic performance characteristics, design trade-offs, phase-noise performance, effect of including phase shift in the coupling paths, and on examining the quadrature accuracy in presence of process variations. New design parameters and circuit insight are developed and a generalized first order linear model and a one-port model are proposed. Particularly, we introduce the concept of an effective core and coupling transconductances to explain various oscillator properties. Additionally, a new incremental circuit element — the quadrature resistance — is introduced to evaluate the effect of coupling on the open-loop quality factor and hence on the oscillator phase noise performance. Mechanisms affecting the mode selectivity are identified and modeled. A qualitative and quantitative study of the effect of mismatch on the phase imbalance and amplitude error is presented. Particularly, closed-form intuitive expressions of the phase imbalance and amplitude error are derived and verified via circuit simulation. Based on our understanding of the various mechanisms affecting the quadrature accuracy, the second part of this work introduces a very efficient quadrature phase calibration technique based on the disconnected-source parallel-coupled LC QVCO topology. The phase-tunable LC QVCO (PT-QVCO) achieves an ultra-wide I/Q phase tuning range without affecting the relative amplitude error or consuming additional power or chip area. Additionally, in restoring the phase balance, it is observed that the proposed method restores the phase noise performance to its optimal value which presents a potential advantage over classical calibration techniques. Time domain measurements performed on a 5 GHz prototype show that I/Q signals with phase error up to ~±30°, beyond which the VCO cores are unlocked, can be driven to perfect quadrature phase. The PT-QVCO can be tuned from 3.87-4.45 GHz at the negative mode and 4.4-5.4 GHz at the positive mode, a total of ~1.5 GHz. The fabricated circuit including pad structures occupies an area of 1.1x0.7 mm² and drains 18mW (excluding buffer circuits) from a 1.8 V supply voltage. The third part of this work introduces a new low-power, low-phase-noise super harmonic injection-coupled LC QVCO (IC-QVCO) topology. Analysis of the waveform accuracy reveals an inverse dependence of the quadrature error on the tank quality factor thus allowing circuit optimization for both low phase noise and precise quadrature synthesis. Additionally, a tunable tail filter (TTF) is incorporated to calibrate the residual quadrature imbalance in presence of a 3-σ variation in the device parameters. An X-band IC-QVCO prototype with a TTF implemented in a 0.18μm RF CMOS process, achieves a measured phase noise figure-of-merit ranging from 177.3 to 182.6 dBc/Hz along the 9.0 to 9.6 GHz frequency tuning range while dissipating only 9mW from the 1.8V supply. The TTF reduces both the 1/f² and 1/f³ phase noise and calibrates the residual phase error within ±11° post-fabrication without affecting the relative amplitude error or the phase noise performance. The circuit performance compares favorably with recently published work. In the fourth part of this work, we explore the implementation of LC QVCOs as potential I/Q sources at millimeter-wave (MMW) frequencies. Among the several design challenges that emerge as the oscillator frequency is scaled into the MMW band, precise quadrature synthesis and adequate frequency tuning range are among the hardest to achieve. After describing the limitation of using an MOS varactor and a digitally controlled switch capacitor array for frequency tuning, we propose an alternative frequency tuning technique based on the fundamental operation of LC QVCOs. The off-resonance operation, which is defined by the coupling network, suggests varying the coupling current to achieve frequency tuning. In essence, by modifying the bias current of the coupling transistors (G_Mc-tuning), a wide and linear frequency tuning range can be achieved. Extensive simulation results of a 60 GHz prototype, implemented in a 90 nm commercial RF CMOS process, demonstrates a 5 GHz of frequency tuning range (57.5 GHz → 62.5 GHz), a tuning sensitivity of 1GHz/mA, and a 4dB improvement in the phase noise compared to a varactor solution. Finally, the Appendix includes recent research work on the analysis and design of g<sbu>m</sub>-boosted common-gate low-noise amplifiers (CG-LNAs). While this topic seems to diverge from the main theme of the dissertation, we believe that the comprehensive analysis and the originality of the circuit design introduced in this work are worth acknowledging. / Ph.D. / While resting in bed due to illness, the Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens keenly observed that the pendulums of two clocks hanging on the wall moved synchronously when the clocks were hung close to each other. He concluded that these two oscillatory systems were forced to move in unison by virtue of mechanical coupling through the wall. In essence, each pendulum injected mechanical vibrations into the wall that was strong enough to lock the adjacent pendulum into synchronous motion. Injection locking of oscillatory systems plays a critical role in communication systems ranging from frequency division, to generating clocks (oscillators) with finer phase separation, to the synthesis of orthogonal (quadrature) clocks. All communication systems have the same basic form. Firstly, there will some type of an information or data source which can be a keyboard or a microphone in a smartphone. The source is connected to a receiver by some sort of a channel. In wireless systems, the channel is the air medium. Moreover, to comply with the FCC and 3GPP requirements, data can only be transmitted wirelessly within a predefined set of frequencies and with stringent emission requirements to avoid interference with other wireless systems. These frequencies are generated by high fidelity clock sources, also known as oscillators. Consider a group of people sharing the same room and hence the same channel want to share information. Without regulating the “loudness” of each communicating ensemble, the quality of communication can be severely impaired. Moreover, it is to be expected that information can be shared more efficiently if each pair is allocated non-overlapping timeslots – speak when others are quiet. Called time orthogonality, all wireless systems require precise orthogonal (quadrature) clock sources to improve the communication efficiency. The precision of quadrature clocks is determined by the amplitude and phase accuracy. This dissertation takes a deep dive into the analysis and implementation of high accuracy quadrature (I/Q) clock sources using the concept of injection locking. These I/Q clocks or oscillators, also known as quadrature voltage controlled oscillators (QVCOs), have gained enormous popularity in the last decade. The first part of this work focuses on the analysis and modeling of QVCOs. The analysis focuses on understanding the oscillator basic performance characteristics, and on examining the quadrature accuracy in presence of process variations. New design parameters and circuit insight are developed and a generalized first order linear model and a one-port model are proposed. A qualitative and quantitative study of the effect of mismatch on the phase imbalance and amplitude error is presented. Particularly, closed-form intuitive expressions of the phase imbalance and amplitude error are derived and verified via circuit simulation. Based on our understanding of the various mechanisms affecting the quadrature accuracy, the second part of this work introduces a very efficient quadrature phase calibration technique based The phase-tunable QVCO (PT-QVCO) achieves an ultra-wide I/Q phase tuning range without affecting the oscillator other performance metrics. The proposed topology was successfully verified in silicon using a 5GHz prototype. The third part of this work introduces a new low-power, low-phase-noise injection coupled QVCO (IC-QVCO) topology. An X-band IC-QVCO prototype was successfully verified in a 0.18m RF CMOS process. In the fourth part of this work, we explore the implementation of QVCOs as potential I/Q sources at millimeter-wave (MMW) frequencies. Among the several design challenges that emerge as the oscillator frequency is scaled into the MMW band, precise quadrature synthesis and adequate frequency tuning range are among the hardest to achieve. After describing the limitation of using an conventional frequency tuning techniques, we propose an alternative approach based on the fundamental operation of QVCOs that outperforms existing solutions.

Les oscillateurs sont présents dans tous les systèmes de communications que nous utilisons. Ils nous permettent de faire la synchronisation entre l’émetteur et le récepteur d’un message. La qualité de cette synchronisation dépend de la stabilité de l’oscillateur. Afin de caractériser cette stabilité dans le domaine fréquentiel, le bruit de phase est utilisé comme paramètre de référence. Un oscillateur qui délivre un signal avec une faible valeur de bruit de phase est un oscillateur de grande pureté spectrale. Les oscillateurs électroniques ont une bonne performance à basse fréquence. En mesure de la demande des systèmes de très haut débit, les oscillateurs électroniques ne sont pas capables de produire signaux qu’avec l’utilisation de multiplicateurs de fréquence qui ajoutent plusieurs éléments à la chaine de communication. Les systèmes hybrides permettent de prendre d’avantage la bonne performance de composants optiques en haute fréquence afin de les intégrer dans les systèmes électroniques et surmonter de cette façon-là les limitations fréquentielles des systèmes électroniques. Ce travail vise l’utilisation de la technique de verrouillage optique par injection du faisceau d’un laser maître vers la cavité d’un VCSEL sous modulation directe dans la boucle d’oscillation. La technique du verrouillage optique du VCSEL permets d’élargir la bande passante de modulation directe du VCSEL et réduire son bruit d’intensité (Relative Intensity Noise - RIN). La réduction du RIN a comme effet secondaire la réduction de la contribution du bruit additif dans l’oscillateur et, en conséquence, la réduction du bruit de phase de l’oscillateur. / Oscillators are present in all telecommunication systems. They synchronize the emitter and receiver of a message. The quality of the synchronization depends on the oscillator stability. To characterize the frequency domain oscillator stability, the phase noise of the carrier is used as figure of merit. An oscillator delivering a low phase noise carrier is a high spectral purity oscillator. Electronic oscillators are high performing at low frequencies. As communications systems require high data rate transmission, the electronic oscillators uses frequency multipliers that degrades the spectral purity of the carrier. The hybrid systems take advantage of the good performance of optical components at high frequency with the goal to be integrated in the electronic systems to overcome frequency limitation issues. This work use the optical injection locking technique by injecting the laser beam of a master laser inside the cavity of a VCSEL under direct modulation. The optical injection locking technique enlarges the direct modulation bandwidth of the VCSEL and reduces the Relative Intensity noise of the laser (RIN). The RIN reduction has as side effect the reduction of the additive noise inside the oscillator and, in consequence, reducing the oscillator phase noise.

This project consists of the design of a concept for a portable assistive seat in collaboration with IKEA. The aim of the project is to create a solution that fits within the Omtänksam family of products and shares the company’s values of what is so-called Democratic Design: Form - Quality - Low Price - Function – Sustainability The Omtänksam Family is focused on products that can help the elderly to have a more comfortable life while blending with the home environment. A portable assistive Lifting Seat is a real need for many people that require some extra help when standing up or sitting down. The main goal of this project is to design a cheap, safe, simple and light product that can assist people for reducing the effort that is required from them. The product must be comfortable, easy to transport and friendly to interact with. Considering a mass manufacturing perspective is very important to meet the previously formulated requirements. The force that the assistive seat releases must keep performing efficiently during the product service life. A locking system must be provided for avoiding the lifting force to act when the user is sitting, assisting only when it is demanded. This Thesis describes the process of designing a concept for a Portable AssistiveLifting Seat involving different areas such as ergonomics, semantics, manufacturing, mechanical engineering and materials science. The design approach in this case is driven by the Democratic Design Principles combining the human-centered design with a market perspective. The result takes advantage of form and material for avoiding the need for any extra lifting mechanism. This solution is way simpler than any other one existing in the market and it integrates the solution for many different problems in one single piece. This simplification of the problem allows reducing the production cost and helps to meet the intended requirements creating an innovative product for the market.

Les travaux de recherche, rapportés dans ce manuscrit, portent sur l’étude d’un laser à fibre en forme de huit et le développement de sources à 1.6 µm. En premier temps, nous avons étudié la dynamique impulsionnelle d’un laser à fibre micro-structurée en forme de huit. L’objectif est de montrer l’impact des propriétés de la fibre micro-structurée sur le comportement impulsionnel du laser. Nous avons également étudié le phénomène d’hystérésis dans cette cavité. Nos résultats numériques ont permis de démontrer l’universalité de ce phénomène dans les cavités lasers. Autrement, il est indépendant de la technique de verrouillage de modes. En second lieu, nous avons développé une source laser émettant à 1.6 µm à partir d’un amplificateur fonctionnant dans la bande C. La méthode que nous avons explorée est basée sur la gestion des pertes linéaires. L’émission, en continu et en verrouillage de modes, a été démontrée dans deux configurations différentes. Enfin et en se basant sur ce concept, nous avons rapporté des sources accordables sur une large fenêtre spectrale. Nous avons également étudié différentes formes des régimes harmoniques autour de 1.6 µm. / During our research, we are interested in studying of the figure of eight fiber laser based on the microstructured optical fiber and developing a 1.61 µm mode locked fiber laser from a C-band double-clad Er : Yb doped fiber amplifier. In the first step and based on a theoretical model, we have investigated the multi-pulse emission of a microstructured figure-of eight fiber laser operating in passive mode-locking. The proposed laser is mode locked by the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM). We further study the hysteresis dependence and the number of pulses in steady state as a function of both the small signal gain and the nonlinear coefficient of microstructured fiber. Our results demonstrate that the nonlinear coefficient of microstructured fiber plays a key role in the formation of multi-soliton. In the second step and based on the control of the linear losses of the cavity, we demonstrate the possibility to achieve filter less laser emission above 1.6 μm, from a C-band double-clad Er: Yb doped fiber amplifier, using a figure-of-eight geometry and a unidirectional ring cavity. We also reported a widely tunable mode locked fiber laser and harmonic mode locking of twin and third pulse around 1.61 µm.

Two methods for overcoming locking phenomena in isogeometric beams are presented. The first method blends the rotation of a Timoshenko beam with the rotation of a Bernoulli beam to produce realistic displacements in straight beams. The second method uses mixed variational principles, specifically the Hu-Washizu Principle, to produce realistic displacements as well as realistic strains without post-processing.

The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is unusually close to the Middle America Trench (MAT), such that interface locking along the megathrust is observable under land. Here, rapid convergence between the downgoing Cocos and the over-riding Caribbean plates at ~85mm/yr allows for observable high strain rates, frequent large earthquakes and ongoing micro-seismicity. By taking advantage of this ideal location, a network of 20 on-land broadband seismometers was established in cooperation between UC Santa Cruz, Georgia Tech, and OVSICORI, with most stations operating since 2008. To evaluate what seismicity tells us about the ongoing state of coupling along the interface, we must consistently evaluate the location and magnitude of ongoing micro- seismicity. Because of large levels of anthropogenic, biologic, and coastal noise, automatic detection of earthquakes remains problematic in this region. Thus, we resorted to detailed manual investigation of earthquake phases. So far, we have detected nearly 7,000 earthquakes below or near Nicoya between February and August 2009. From these events we evaluate the fine-scale frequency-magnitude distribution (FMD) along the subduction megathrust. The results from this b-value mapping‟ are compared with an earlier study of the seismicity 9 years prior. In addition, we evaluate them relative to the latest geodetically derived locking. Preliminary comparisons of spatial and temporal variations of the b-values will be reported here. Because ongoing manual detection of earthquakes is extremely laborious and some events might be easily neglected, we are implementing a match-filter detection algorithm to search for new events from the continuous seismic data. This new approach has been previously successful in identifying aftershocks of the 2004 Parkfield earthquake. To do so, we use the waveforms of 858 analyst-detected events as templates to search for similarly repeating events during the same periods that have been manually detected. Preliminary results on the effectiveness of this technique are reported. The overall goal of this research is to evaluate the evolution of stress along the megathrust that may indicate the location and magnitude of potentially large future earthquakes. To do so, I make the comparison between the FMD and the interface locking. Only positive correlations are observed in the Nicoya region. The result is different from the one derived from the seismic data set that was recorded 9 years before our data. Therefore, to substantiate the causes for the different relationships between the b-value and the coupling degree, we need additional data with more reliable magnitudes.