<p> It is believed that Sr2RuO4 is a triplet superconductor that breaks time reversal symmetry, and it is expected to have spontaneous magnetization both at the sample edge, as well as at domain walls. Recent magnetic microscopy results place upper limits on the magnetic fields differing from previous theoretical calculations by 2 orders of magnitude. Using a Ginzburg-Landau formalism we investigate the effects of a rough surface as well as parameter choices which differ from the typical weak coupling parameters on the magnitudes of the spontaneous supercurrents and magnetic fields. The dependance on surface roughness is found to be small resulting in only a 20% reduction for the weak coupling parameters. Changing the parameters from weak coupling in addition to pair breaking surface effects is also found to affect the magnitudes of the spontaneous fields weakly, except in certain unphysical parameter regimes. The effects of the surface stabilizing another non-magnetic order parameter are considered, and give rise to field distributions with similar features to those present at domain walls.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Since the micro-electro mechanical system microphone, MEMS microphone, has the advantages of superior sound quality, low power consumption, higher temperature resistance and anti-noise ability in used. The researchers therefore have studied the functions of MEMS microphone since 1980s. The MEMS microphones is applied as the part of 3G mobile phone in the market. Though the functions of microphone are improved by manufacturing process technique and new material designed, this study tends to provide a new, low-cost and rapid design idea to gain the performance in chamber of microphone. Taguchi method and BEASY software, which is boundary element method, are combined to evaluate the results of the design in sound field. Taguchi method is a famous method in industrial design to find out relations between system parameters and chamber size. BEASY is a tool for sound field analysis in the research. The result from Taguchi method appears the sound pressure level gain about 2.2 dB to 2.4 dB due to the change of microphone chamber size only. It is also interested in studying the optimization design for position of microphone. It is displayed that the location of port is closer to the boundary of chip will also increase about 0.3 dB to 0.6dB sound pressure level in sound field. The higher frequency of sound source will also create larger sound pressure level at two corners on the port.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Sound field distribution is becoming increasingly known as a method to overcome problems associated with noise, distance, and reverberation in classrooms. No robust research on this intervention has been conducted in the New Zealand context. Changing pedagogies in the education of New Zealand children and young people have been observed particularly since the 1970’s, resulting in noisier classrooms (Wilson, 2000). Acoustic standards for New Zealand classrooms that were adopted in 2003 apply only to new or renovated classrooms, and not to the majority of existing classrooms (Ministry of Education, 2003a). This study investigated: (a) the efficacy of sound field distribution in 30 New Zealand classrooms from five schools and compared outcome measures with a representative control group; (b) the variations of benefit for groups from specific populations, in particular children from five different socio-economic backgrounds and those with histories of middle ear dysfunction; and (c) the effects on teachers who use this equipment. Data were collected from standardized objective measurement tools and from the teachers and students who were participating in the study. Results revealed that sound field distribution, with the equipment configuration of boom microphones and four speakers, can enhance the listening and learning environment resulting in significant positive benefits in raising the achievement levels of children and young people. These results were observed in listening comprehension, which has a flow-on effect on the overall scholastic achievement of all students. Evidence of improved outcomes in areas with a strong link to mastery of literacy were significant, in particular in the areas of phonologic skills, reading comprehension, and reading vocabulary. Results of the study strongly support the use of sound field distribution in all mainstream school settings irrespective of whether the children and young people belong to a particular ethnic group, have had a history of middle ear dysfunction, or attend schools of a particular socio-economic status. Classroom sound field distribution seemingly benefits all children and young people. As a result of the positive results of this study and given the stated goals for education by the New Zealand Ministry of Education (Ministry of Education, 2003b), sound field distribution needs to be considered at a policy level as an intervention to assist in reducing disparity and to improve learning outcomes for all young New Zealanders in mainstream school settings.

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Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2017-07-11T12:20:54Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Diego_Lopes_Dissertacao.pdf: 4018850 bytes, checksum: a5aa0e7bd17e5fbdc23ed085f38eca0c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-11T12:20:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Diego_Lopes_Dissertacao.pdf: 4018850 bytes, checksum: a5aa0e7bd17e5fbdc23ed085f38eca0c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-07-19 / CAPES / A presente dissertação aplica um modelo computacional para mapeamento da distribuição de potencial e campo elétrico ao longo de dispositivos isolantes na presença de uma camada condutiva em sua superfície. Na natureza, a formação dessa camada se dá através da deposição de poluição juntamente com a umidade ambiental. A pesquisa teve como base outros estudos presentes na literatura que abordam a mesma temática. A avaliação do comportamento da distribuição de potencial e campo elétrico em peças isolantes é de fundamental importância na determinação de possíveis regiões, as quais esses dispositivos apresentem maior estresse elétrico, tais regiões podem levar a descargas parciais e possíveis desgastes dos acessórios levando assim à sua falha. O modelo aplicado foi implementado utilizando o MEF (Método dos Elementos Finitos) através da construção do ambiente nosoftwareCOMSOLMultiphysicse da representação gráfica do acessório noAutoCAD. O estudo foi realizado em isoladores de vidro e polimérico, bem como em espaçadores, sob diferentes níveis de poluição. Os resultados obtidos são coerentes e apresentam consonância com a teoria envolvida neste estudo. / This dissertation applies a computational model to map the voltage distribution and electric field along dielectric devices in presence of a thin conductive layer on its surface. In the nature this thin layer may appear due to pollution deposition with environmental humidity. The base of this research are another studies found in literature with the same theme. The behavior of voltage distribution and electric field in dielectric devices has significant importance helping to determine possible regions where this devices present higher stress levels, causing partial discharges and possible damage to the accessories leading them to a failure condition. The applied model was implemented using FEM (finite element method) building an environment in COMSOL Multiphysics software and graphically representing each accessory through using AutoCAD. The present study was done in insulators made of glass and polymer, as well as spacers, under several pollution levels. The obtained results are consistent and show consonance with the whole theory involved in this research.

Le cancer du sein, l'une des principales causes de mortalité féminine dans le monde, peut être traité avec plus d’efficacité s'il est détecté à un stade précoce. L'imagerie micro-ondes (MWI), technique émergente, apparait comme prometteuse pour compléter les méthodes de diagnostics actuelles. Elle est non-ionisante et potentiellement peu coûteuse, possédant ainsi des caractéristiques clés pour être un bon candidat pour la détection de masse et pour un dépistage fréquent. Cette thèse résume les résultats d'une recherche novatrice menée sur un système micro-onde visant au dépistage dans les tissus mammaires. Une première technique de détection fréquentielle directe est proposée en utilisant une antenne compacte HFA mise en cavité spécifiquement conçue pour une utilisation en contact direct avec le sein. Les résultats de simulations sont analysés et comparés à des mesures faites au CHRU à Brest, ce qui a permis de valider un modèle fantôme dispersif du sein mais aussi de mettre en évidence les limites de cette 1ère technique. Une 2ème approche ULB est proposée dans laquelle une étude de la distribution du champ électrique à l’intérieur du modèle est menée pour deux types d’antennes ULB dédiée à une utilisation en contact direct de la peau, un monopole et une Vivaldi directive, toutes deux insérées dans une cavité. Cette étude comparative a mis en évidence l'intérêt d’utiliser une antenne directive pour cette application. Finalement, une étude élaborée dans le domaine temporel est menée en utilisant deux configurations d’antennes, une configuration mono-statique et une autre bi-statique afin d’étudier la possibilité de la détection tumorale et de la reconstruction d’image. Cette étude permet de justifier la mise au point d’un système antennaire dont l’objectif est de focaliser le maximum d’énergie dans le sein, notamment en concevant les antennes pour une utilisation en contact direct avec la peau pour augmenter la probabilité de la détection des tumeurs cancéreuses. / Breast cancer, one of the primary causes of women mortality worldwide, can be effectively treated if detected at its early stage. Microwave Imaging (MWI), an emerging technique, promises to complement the currently used diagnostic modalities.It is safe, non-ionizing and potentially inexpensive, thus possessing key features to make it a good candidate for frequent and mass screenings.This thesis summarizes the results of an innovative research conducted on a microwave system for breast tissue screening.A first direct frequency detection technique is proposed using a compact HFA antenna inside cavity specifically designed for use in direct contact with the breast. The simulations results are analyzed and compared to measurements made at CHRU of Brest, which validated a dispersive breast phantom model and demonstrated the limits of this first technique.A second UWB approach is proposed in which a study of the electric field distribution inside the model is conducted for two types of UWB antennas dedicated to use in direct skin contact, a monopole and a directive Vivaldi, all two inserted into a cavity.This comparative study has highlighted the interest of using a directional antenna for this application.Finally, the thesis focuses on time domain study using two configurations of antennas, a single-static configuration and another bi-static to study the possibility of tumor detection and image reconstruction and justifying the development of an antenna system whose objective is to focus the maximum energy in the breast to increase the probability of detection.

Multilayered metallo-dielectric nanoparticles are increasingly considered in various applications to control the spatial and temporal behavior of electromagnetic fields. In particular, the surface mode excitation by photons or electrons in metal nanorings finds significant applications because of the implied field distribution and electromagnetic energy confinement. However, most solid nanorings that are multilayered and/or embedded in a medium have non-simply connected geometry resulting in surface modes which are not linearly independent. That is, unlike particle plasmon eigenmodes in other geometries, the amplitudes of the eigenmodes of tori exhibit a distinct forward and backward coupling. We investigate the surface modes of such toroidal nano-structures and obtain the canonical plasmon dispersion relations and resonance modes for arbitrarily layered nanorings. When seeking the nonretarded surface modes for a stratified solid torus, we obtain a three-term difference equation which plays an important role in obtaining the needed dispersion relations. The obtained dispersion relations are investigated in depth in terms of the involved matrix continued fractions and their convergence properties including their determinant forms for computing the plasmon eigenmodes. The numerical solutions of the dispersion relations in case of a solid ring are presented for comparison and the resonance frequencies for the first few dominant modes of a ring composed of plasmon supporting materials such as gold, silver, and aluminum are provided and compared to those for a silicon ring. The mode complementarity and hybridization in multilayered toroidal structures is discussed and different ring configurations are simulated in the quasistatic limit by selecting number of layers modeled by their local dielectric functions. A generalized Green’s function with derivation intricacies addressed for multilayer tori is obtained from which one may calculate and study the scattering behavior of any of the modes that may exist in the many layer system. In particular, the electric potential distribution corresponding to individual poloidal and toroidal modes in response to an arbitrarily polarized external field and the field of electrons is obtained. The results are applied to obtain the local density of states and decay rate of a dipole near the center of the torus. Finally, two new types of toroidal particles in the form of janus nanorings are introduced.

A bipolar charge transport (BCT) model is used to simulate charge injection and transportdynamics inside insulation material which are used in a high voltage direct current (HVDC)cable. Gaining knowledge about space charge density and electric field distribution in theinsulation material enables minimising charge injection at the metal-insulator interface andavoiding unnecessary energy loss. Simulation methods using the numerical Finite ElementMethod (FEM) are implemented in COMSOL multiphysics in order to investigate the effect ofchemical structure such as dipoles, physical defects such as interface roughness and impurityconcentration leading to ions, on the potential barrier and charge injection at the interface.Interface dipoles such as surface dipoles or chemical dipoles can increase or decrease thepotential barrier at the interface depending on direction/orientation of the dipole. Moreover,using a field enhancement factor to include the effect of interface roughness at the interfaceyields increased charge injection when higher values of the field enhancement factor wereused. The barrier height becomes therefore locally lower where the degree of roughness ishigher. Including the effect of ions, the electric field was observed to be enhanced near theelectodes, where it was weakened in the middle of the insulation, depending on the amount ofthe impurity concentration inside the insulation. Improvement on the charge injection lows isalso done using a combination of both Richardson-Schottky and Fowler-Nordheim chargeinjection laws to include both a classical and a quantum mechanical description in the BCTmodel. Solving for the transmission coefficient from Schrödinger equation could improve theaccuracy of Fowler-Nordheim as well. Including potentials due to image effect or chemicalcompositions such as water dipoles will affect the charge injection barrier and the transmission coefficient.

The terms &lsquo / ground-probing radar&rsquo / , &lsquo / ground penetrating radar (GPR)&rsquo / , &lsquo / sub-surface radar&rsquo / or &lsquo / surface-penetrating radar (SPR)&rsquo / refer to various techniques for detecting and imaging of subsurface objects. Among those terms GPR is preferred and used more often. In this thesis, the depth and the position of the buried circular cylinder are determined by a GPR system which comprises of an optical fiber sensor (OFS). The system is a combination of OFS, GPR and optical communication link. In order to determine the depth and the position, first of all the electric field distribution at the OFS is obtained by integrating the Green&rsquo / s function over the induced current distribution. Those distributions are observed for different frequency and depth values. The voltages inside the distribution are measured by OFS. By changing the depth of the cylinder and the frequency of the system, various plots showing x axis displacement versus measured voltages are obtained. Those plots are related to interference fringe patterns. The position and the depth of the cylinder are obtained using interference fringe patterns. All of the studies mentioned are performed in MATLAB R2007b program. The noises of the system due to OFS are extracted using OPTIWAVE OPTISYSTEM 7.0 program. By adding those noises to the measured voltage values, the operating frequency of the system is observed.

The photoconductive method is one of the oldest methods for the generation of THz room temperature operated THz electromagnetic waves. The THz photoconductive source has operated at a lower power level in the order of hundreds of nW. In addition, the energy conversion of optical to THz efficiency has remained extremely low. One of the most efficient THz photoconductive sources is a trap-enhanced field (TEF) effect source. The field is measured to contain more than 90% of the total DC bias within the first 5 µm of an 80 µm gap between the electrodes reaching kV/cm with only a modest bias. The overall THz power, however, has remained low, due to its rapid saturation. To date, there has been a limited understanding of the TEF effect. In this thesis, a more detailed experimental investigation of TEF effect current transport and field distribution based on annealing is presented to explain some of the underlining physics of TEF effect. A spatially extended line excitation is introduced to effectively reduce the screening effect while still exploiting the TEF region to maintain high efficiency and reach the µW regime. The record efficiency reached by this method is demonstrated. An experimental demonstration with a numerical analysis of the line excitation is presented. The spectral analysis of both a point and a line excitation demonstrate that the line excitation spectrum is not only comparable to that of the point excitation, but also extends the range of useful lower frequency content. To further improve the THz efficiency, the line excitation THz array is investigated.