In the field of optical fiber sensors, one of the most versatile structures is the Fabry-Perot interferometer. This thesis will present a novel sensor based on an Intrisnic Fabry-Perot Inferferometer (IFPI) cavity to measure axial acceleration, refractive index, and temperature. The sensor structure is based on previous work done by R. Wang at the Center for Photonics Technology. This work suggests its flexibility in many different roles with a sensitivity to axial acceleration of 70 pm/unit of acceleration, to refractive index of 60 nm/Refractive Index Unit, and to temperature of 7.8 pm/°C. Future work is also discussed in measuring tangential acceleration with direction using a PM fiber as the lead-in and observing the reflections on the slow and fast axes. / Master of Science

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Organic and inorganic pollutants are two broad classes of pollutants in the environment with their main sources from waste waters that are indiscriminately dumped from chemical related industries. Among the organic pollutants are dyes that come as effluents from the textile industries. Toxic metals are the main inorganic pollutants with their sources from industries such as mining, electroplating, batteries etc. The presence of both classes of pollutants in the aquatic environment poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms and humans who depend on these waters for domestic purpose. Therefore, this research focused on the fabrication of materials and designing of methods for removal of both classes of pollutants from their aqueous solutions.

This thesis aims at investigating the feasibility of realizing antireflection (AR) and high-reflection (HR) to the semiconductor waveguide end facet using monolithically integratable deep-etching technology to replace the conventional thin film dielectric coating counterpart. Conventional AR coating and HR coatings are the building blocks of semiconductor optical amplifier and semiconductor lasers. In this thesis, the AR coating and HR coating are first studied systematically and comprehensively using two computational electromagnetics approaches: plane wave transmission matrix method (TMM) and finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The comparison of the results from the two approaches are made and discussed. A few concepts are clarified based on the different treatment between the AR coatings for bulk optics and those for semiconductor waveguide laser structure. The second part uses the same two numerical tools and more importantly, the knowledge gained from the first part to analyze and design deep-etched waveguide gratings for the advantage of ease of monolithic integration. A variational correction to the TMM is provided in order to consider effect of the finite etching depth also in the plane wave model. Specially, a new idea of achieving AR using deep-etched waveguide gratings is proposed and analyzed comprehensively. A preliminary design is obtained by TMM optimization and FDTD verifications, which provides a minimum power reflectivity in the order of 10-5 and a bandwidth of 45nm for the power reflectivity less than 10-3. In order to eliminate the nonphysical reflections from the boundary, the perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing condition is employed and pre-tested for antireflection analysis. The effects of etching depth and number of etching grooves are specifically analyzed for the performance of proposed structures. Numerical results obtained by FDTD method indicate a promising potential for this alternative technologies. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

Ces travaux de thèse s'inscrivent dans le cadre d'un vaste projet qui vise à construire des membranes hybrides constituée d'un support solide nanoporeux et de protéines canal-ionique biologiques. Nous nous intéressons ici à un film polymère nanoporeux en polycarbonate et à la Gramicidine-A. La membrane ainsi réalisée est étudiée par des mesures expérimentales. Ce travail peut être divisé en deux parties. Dans la première, nous rapportons l'étude du confinement de la protéine canal ionique, au sein des nanopores du film « track-etched » en polycarbonate. Après imprégnation de gA, la membrane est étudiée par Spectroscopie de Fluorescence Confocale. Les premiers résultats expérimentaux particulièrement encourageants montrent que la gA est localisée dans les nanopores et non pas à la surface de la membrane. Dans la deuxième, les propriétés de transport ionique de la membrane hybride sont caractérisées par le biais de deux grandeurs : d'une part les coefficients de diffusion mesurés à partir d'une cellule et d'autre part les conductivités via la Spectroscopie d'Impédance Complexe (S.I.C). Les électrolytes aqueux étudiées sont : XCl(2) où X=Na, K, Mg et Ca à des concentrations comprises entre 5.10-3 à 1M. Une étude statistique approfondie des données obtenues par la méthode de la variance permet de déterminer les effets relatifs des différentes variables : nature et concentration du sel, présence de la Gramicidine A et traitement à l'éthanol de la membrane. Cette analyse révèle clairement que la présence de Gramicidine A au sein des nanopores de 15nm modifie de façon positive le transport ionique. Il est, par contre, difficile de conclure sur la nature sélective du transport ionique en présence de cette protéine. Ce travail de thèse ouvre un champ de recherche très prometteur dans le domaine de la nanofiltration. / This project of thesis is to build of a bio-inspired hybrid membrane made of a thin nanoporous polymer film in which a biological ionic channel is confined. Thus, this work may be divided in two parts. First, we report the confinement of the biological ionic channel, i.e. Gramicidin A, inside the nanopore of nanoporous thin film, i.e. a track etched polycarbonate film (Whatman NucleoporeTM). After impregnation with Gramicidine-A, the membrane is studied by means of confocal fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show the ionic channel is well located into the nanopores and not at the surface of the membrane. Secondly, ionic transport properties are measured by means of two experiments: on the one hand, ionic diffusion coefficients are measured using a cell and on the other hand, ionic dc conductivity is measured via Complex Impedance Spectroscopy (SIC). Various aqueous electrolytes (XCl(2) where X=Na,K, Mg et Ca) at different concentrations ranging from 5.10-3 à 1M are carried out. A statistical analysis of the data so-obtained allows to determine the relative effects of the different parameters: the nature and concentration of the electrolytes, the presence of Gramicidine A and the membrane pre-treatment with ethanol treatment. It is thus clearly pointed out that the presence of Gramicidine A inside the 15nm nanopores improves ion permeability. However, it is difficult to conclude about ionic selectivity of the hybrid membrane. Nevertheless, this work which is the first attempt ever to build such a bio-inspired system opens an extremely promising field of research in the domain of nanofiltration.

The conductivity of acid-etched fractures highly depends on spaces along the fracture created by uneven etching of the fracture walls remaining open after fracture closure. Formation heterogeneities such as variations of mineralogy and permeability result in channels that contribute significantly to the fracture conductivity. Current numerical simulators or empirical correlations do not account for this channeling characteristic because of the scale limitations. The purpose of this study is to develop new correlations for conductivity of acid-etched fracturing at the intermediate scale. The new correlations close the gap between laboratory scale measurements and macro scale acid fracture models. Beginning with acid-etched fracture width profiles and conductivity at zero closure stress obtained by the previous work, I modeled the deformation of the fracture surfaces as closure stress is applied to the fracture. At any cross-section along the fracture, I approximated the fracture shape as being a series of elliptical openings. With the assumption of elastic behavior for the rock, the numerical simulation presents how many elliptical openings remain open and their sizes as a function of the applied stress. The sections of the fracture that are closed are assigned a conductivity because of small-scale roughness features using a correlation obtained from laboratory measurements of acid fracture conductivity as a function of closure stress. The overall conductivity of the fracture is then obtained by numerically modeling the flow through this heterogeneous system. The statistical parameters of permeability distribution and the mineralogy distribution, and Young’s modulus are the primary aspects that affect the overall conductivity in acid-etched fracturing. A large number of deep, narrow channels through the entire fracture leads to high conductivity when the rock is strong enough to resist closure stress effectively. Based on extensive numerical experiments, I developed the new correlations in three categories to predict the fracture conductivity after closure. Essentially, they are the exponential functions that incorporate the influential parameters. Combined with the correlations for conductivity at zero closure stress from previous work, the new correlations are applicable to a wide range of situations.

Titanium has been widely used for dental implants, and in particular, roughened titanium surfaces have provided a means for increasing bone apposition and strengthening the implant-to-bone interface. Finding a way to further increase osseointegration is important because there is a significant clinical benefit to patients if a stable anchor can be established instead of anchoring orthodontic hardware to the molars. In this study, the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the ability of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to osseointegrate was investigated. The temporary anchorage devices (TADs) used in this study were manufactured from commercially pure titanium and divided into 2 types of treatments: (1) sandblasted and acid-etched (i.e. the control) and (2) sandblasted and acid-etched treated with Medtronic INFUSE® Bone Graft (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 placed on an absorbable collagen sponge). The implants were placed on the cranial bones of 10 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were euthanized by carbon dioxide asphyxiation 6 weeks following surgery for histological examination and biomechanical testing. The results from visual inspection and biomechanical testing showed that the sandblasted and acid-etched TADs treated with rhBMP-2 promoted better osseointegration than TADs that were only sandblasted and acid-etched. Specifically, surface modified TADs treated with rhBMP-2 on bottom showed an increased surface coverage by bone and an increase in the adhesion strength at the TAD-to-bone interface.

In this thesis, the behavior of pearlitic steel was characterized under controlled wear conditions in the laboratory and service conditions in two ore mining stages, comminution and transportation. The thesis consists in three experimental chapters, divided according to the tribosystems analyzed. On all the chapters Electro Microscopy techniques for the microstructural analysis were employed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used. The first experimental chapter shows the analysis of the pearlite under abrasive wear with loose abrasive particles in multi-events conditions. The sample was taken from Semi-Autogenous Grinding mills (SAG) and experimental simulation was carried out in laboratory using the Dry Sand Rubber Wheel Abrasion Test (DSRW). The results show a polycrystalline layer formation in both cases, characterized by ultra-fine grains of ferrite in the layer closer to the surface. It was also concluded that the DSRW can simulate the wear produced on field (superficial and microstructural features) in conditions of higher normal load than recommended by the ASTM Standard G65. The second experimental chapter explores the characterization of the microstructure after the indenter pass in scratch test using two conditions of normal load applied and five sequences of scratch. The microstructural analysis shows the formation of two subsuperficial layers identified by the level of the microstructural alterations. In the subsuperficial layer (close to the surface), the formation of new ultra-fine grains of ferrite was observed. A second layer was observed deeper in the sample and denominated as layer of the microstructure transition, characterized by the combination of deformed (reduction of the interlamellar spacing) and pearlite colonies not affected plastically by the mechanical loading. On this layer, the crystallographic texture in RD // in samples tested at 4 N (normal load) and one-pass scratch was determined. Later, on this chapter, the microstructure in a ground rail (industrial procedure characterized as a multi-event scratch test) was analyzed. Two grinding conditions were used for the analysis with variation of the grinding linear speed and load on the grinding stones (discs). The combination of low grinding speed and high load promotes a higher deformed layer formation beneath the patch zone and low randomized orientation of the pearlite colonies. Finally, in the third experimental chapter, the pearlitic characterization was concluded with the study of samples of railway wheel and rail under wear in service and Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) in laboratory. The laboratorial simulation was carried out using the twin-disc rolling contact tribometer with a variation of number of cycles. The characterization of railway wheel shows that the WEL is characterized by levels of breaking and aligned cementite and zones with dissolution of the carbon atom in the ferrite to form the supersaturated carbon ferrite. The polycrystalline ferrite formation (ultra-fine grains) in the sub-superficial layer and it was identified a preferential orientation of RD // in the layer of microstructural transition. The results of the laboratory test show surface crack nucleation and propagation at low angle in the more severe deformed layer. The microstructure of the layer consists in polycrystalline ferrite and the cementite dissolution. / Nesta tese foi caracterizado o comportamento do aço perlítico em condições controladas de desgaste em laboratório e em serviço em dois estágios do processo de mineração de minério, cominução e transporte ferroviário. A tese consiste em três capítulos experimentais divididos segundo o tribosistema analisado. Em todos os capítulos do trabalho foi utilizada a técnica de microscopia eletrônica para análise microestrutural. Foi utilizado Microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), Focused Ion Beam (FIB-SEM), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) e Microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). O primeiro capítulo experimental mostra a análise da perlita in condições de desgaste abrasivo com partículas soltas em eventos múltiplos. As amostras foram tiradas de um moinho semi-autógeno (SAG) e realizada uma simulação experimental do desgaste em condições controladas usando o tribômetro de roda de borracha (RWAT). Os resultados mostraram a formação de camada branca em ambas as condições de análise, consistindo em uma camada poli cristalina caracterizada pela formação de grãos ultrafinos na camada mais próxima da superfície de desgaste. Também foi concluído que a roda de borracha pode simular o desgaste produzido nos moinhos SAG tanto nas características superficiais quanto microestruturais em condições de maior severidade as comumente utilizadas na norma ASTM G65 (procedimento B). O Segundo capítulo experimental explora a caracterização da microestrutura depois da passagem do endentador no ensaio de riscamento (scratch test) utilizando duas condições de carga normal aplicada e 5 sequências de riscamento. A análise microestrutural mostrou a formação de duas camadas subsuperficiais identificadas pelo nível de alteração microestrutural. Na camada mais próxima da superfície de desgaste foi observada a formação de grãos ultrafinos de ferrita. A segunda camada identificada mais profundamente na amostra, denominada como camada de transição, é caracterizada pela combinação de colônias deformadas (redução do espaçamento interlamelar) e camadas não afetadas pelos esforços produzidos no contato. Nesta camada foi determinada a texturização em direção RD // nas amostras testadas a 4 N (carga normal aplicada) e uma passada. Posteriormente à análise de riscamento foi caracterizada a microestrutura de uma amostra tirada de um trilho esmerilhado (processo industrial que pode ser considerado como aplicação do ensaio de riscamento). Foram consideradas duas condições de esmerilhamento com variação de velocidade de esmerilhamento (deslocamento linear do veículo esmerilhador) e potência dos motores dos rebolos usada no procedimento. A combinação de baixa velocidade de esmerilhamento e alta potência nos motores controladores dos rebolos promoveu uma grande deformação nas camadas subsuperficiais na região de contato e uma baixa aleatoriedade das orientações cristalográficas das colônias de perlita. Finalmente, no capítulo três, a caracterização da microestrutura perlitica foi finalizada com o estudo de amostras de roda e trilho em condições de desgaste em campo e de Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) em ensaios de laboratório. A simulação experimental foi realizada utilizando o tribômetro twin-disc rolling (configuração disco-disco) com variação do número de ciclos. A caracterização da roda ferroviária mostrou a formação da camada branca caracterizada por níveis de cementita fraturada e alinhada em direção do movimento de rolamento/deslizamento com áreas de dissolução do átomo de carbono na ferrita formando uma ferrita supersaturada. Foi identificado a formação de policristais de ferrita (grãos ultrafinos) na camada mais superficial e uma orientação preferencial RD // na camada de transição. Os resultados dos ensaios de laboratório mostraram a nucleação de trincas superficiais se propagando a baixo ângulo na camada branca. A transformação microestrutural dessa camada após ensaios de laboratório consiste em policristais de ferrita e dissolução da cementita.

Among various planar lightwave circuits for multiplexing/demultiplexing in an optical communication system, etched diffraction gratings (EDGs) have shown great potential due to their compactness and high spectral finesse. Conventional numerical methods for grating simulation cannot be used to simulate an EDG demultiplexer of large size (in terms of the wavelength). In the present thesis, the polarization-dependent characteristics of an EDG demultiplexer are analyzed with a boundary element method (BEM) for both an echelle grating coated with a metal and a dielectric grating with total internal reflection (TIR) facets. For EDGs with metal-coated facets, we use a more effective method, namely, method of moments (MoM). Futhermore, a fast simulation method for EDGs with TIR facets is presented based on the Kirchhoff–Huygens principle and the Goos-Hänchen shift. This simple method has a good agreement with a BEM over a wide range of practical parameters of the device. Several novel designs are presented in order to improve the performances of EDGs. (1) By making some appropriate roughness on the surface of the shaded facets, the PDL of the demultiplexer can be effectively reduced over a large bandwith. (2) For EDGs based on Si nanowire structures, we compensate the polarization-dependent wavelength dispersion (PDλ) in the whole operational spectrum by introducing a polarization compensation area in its free propagation region. (3) An EDG demultiplexer with suppressed sidelobe is designed. The designed EDG demultiplexer can give a crosstalk as small as 50 dB in theory. (4) By chirping the diffraction order for each facet, we minimize the envelope intensity for the other adjacent diffraction orders to achieve a negligible return loss in a large spectral width. (5) A design for EDG demultiplexers is presented to obtain both large grating facets and a larger free spectral range (FSR) using the optimal chirped diffraction orders for different facets. The influences of the fabrication errors (e.g., rounded effect, surface roughness and point defect in the waveguide) on the performance (such as the insertion loss, the polarization dependent loss and the chromatic dispersion) of an EDG demultiplexer are also analyzed in detail. Silicon nanowire waveguides and related EDGs are studied. An EDG demultiplexer with 10 nm spacing is finally fabricated and characterized. / QC 20100910

To study transport properties in single InAs nanowires (NW) with etched constrictions, a bunch of back-gated single InAs NW devices were made. The standard device contained a NW section with an etched constriction, placed between two pre-patterned side-gates. For comparison, devices either without etched constriction or without side-gates were also fabricated. Transport measurement results of three devices were presented and discussed. The device without side-gates exhibited Coulomb blockade due to electron tunneling through double quantum dots (QDs). The device without the etched constriction displayed conductance quantization. The standard device showed both Coulomb blockade (due to electron tunneling through either multiple QDs or single QD) and Fabry-Perot conductance oscillation at different gate bias regime. A 3-D electrostatic and 2-D eigenvalue coupled simulation was conducted to explain the observed conductance quantization. This model suggests that the nonuniform potential distribution in a thick NW dramatically modifies the confinement energies in the NW.

To study transport properties in single InAs nanowires (NW) with etched constrictions, a bunch of back-gated single InAs NW devices were made. The standard device contained a NW section with an etched constriction, placed between two pre-patterned side-gates. For comparison, devices either without etched constriction or without side-gates were also fabricated. Transport measurement results of three devices were presented and discussed. The device without side-gates exhibited Coulomb blockade due to electron tunneling through double quantum dots (QDs). The device without the etched constriction displayed conductance quantization. The standard device showed both Coulomb blockade (due to electron tunneling through either multiple QDs or single QD) and Fabry-Perot conductance oscillation at different gate bias regime. A 3-D electrostatic and 2-D eigenvalue coupled simulation was conducted to explain the observed conductance quantization. This model suggests that the nonuniform potential distribution in a thick NW dramatically modifies the confinement energies in the NW.