The dissertation focuses on the analysis and design for the new fiber-optic passive components based on the photonic-crystal-fiber (PCF). The vector boundary element method (VBEM) and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method are employed to the propagation characteristics of PCF components. A novel octagonal microstructured fiber (OMF) with eight air-holes in the first ring has been proposed. The OMF has significantly wider wavelength range for single-mode operation, more circular-like field distribution, and less confinement loss. In addition, a novel compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on the twin-elliptical-core PCF (TEC-PCF) has also been proposed. It behaves with high extinction ration and broad bandwidth with significantly short splitter length. The design concept and the coupling mechanism are presented in this dissertation based on the normal-mode coupling theory and VBEM.

This thesis devotes to develop a wafer-level packaging technique of the planar AgCl-based micro reference electrode and to investigate its various electrochemical characteristics (including the potential stability and offset voltage, AC impedance, cyclic-voltammetry analysis, electrochemical noise and reproducibility). The miniaturized all-solid-state reference electrode can integrated with many biomedical or biochemical sensors for substantially reduce the dimension of the whole sensing system and improve the commercial capability of portable detecting products. This study reports firstly a smallest module of the micro reference electrode with dimension only about 9 mm (L) ¡Ñ 6 mm (W) ¡Ñ 1 mm (H) in the worldwide using the silicon bulk-micromachining technology, thin film deposition and chloridation techniques. The packaged reference electrode module is constructed by two bonded wafers with different functions. One wafer of this module is defined as ¡§electrode chip¡¨ and it has a Ti/Pd/Ag/AgCl planar quasi-reference electrode deposited on its surface. Another wafer is called as ¡§packaging chip¡¨ and it has two bulk-micromachined silicon cavities for the filling/sealing of 1.33 ~ 6.40 £gL KCl-gel (as the salt-bridge of electrode) and electrical connection. Many electrochemical characteristics of the encapsulated solid-state micro reference electrode are tested and improved for the commercial applications. Including a very stable cell potential (<4 mV in 30000 sec.), an approximately zero offset-voltage, a low AC impedance (1~20 K£[), and high reproducibility (drift less than 3~8 mV in 30000 sec. and the range of offset voltage is -6 ~ 3 mV) of the packaged micro reference electrode are demonstrated. Furthermore, stable CV curve of the packaged Ti/Pd/Ag/AgCl/KCl-gel reference electrode were proved by cyclic-voltammetry analysis and its low electrochemical noise spectrum was investigated and discussed in this work. Compared with the commercial reference electrode, the planar miniaturized AgCl reference electrode module developed in this thesis has displayed its many excellent characteristics and with a dimension only 250 times smaller than the conventional reference electrode.

The primary focus of the present work is to model the entire casting process from filling stage to complete solidification. The model takes into consideration any phase change taking place during the filling process. An implicit volume of fluid (VOF) based algorithm has been employed for simulating free surface flows during the filling process and the model for solidification is based on a fixed-grid enthalpy-based control volume approach. Solidification modelling is coupled with VOF through User Defined Functions (UDF) developed in commercial fluid dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT 6.3.26. The developed model is applied for the simultaneous filling and solidification of pure metals and binary alloy systems to study the effects of filling process on the solidification characteristics, evolution of mushy zone and the final macrosegregation pattern in the casting. The numerical results of the present analysis are compared with the conventional analysis assuming the initial conditions to be a completely filled mould cavity with uniform temperature, solute concentration and quiescent melt inside the cavity. The effects of process parameters, namely the degree of superheat, cooling temperature and filling velocity etc. are also investigated. Results show significant differences on the evolution of mushy zone and macrosegregation between the present analysis and the conventional analysis. The application of present model to simulate three dimensional sand casting is also demonstrated. The three dimensional competetive effect of filling generated residual flow and the buoyancy-induced convective flow pattern cause significant difference in macrosegregation pattern in casting.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2002. / AH26 is a registered trademark. Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 55 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes a video file in the AVI format. Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 48-53).

Das Ziel der hier durchgeführten Studie war es, die Möglichkeiten der zerstörungsfreien Untersuchungsmethode, 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie, bei der Bewertung von Wurzelkanalfüllungen anhand der modifizierten lateralen Kondensation, der lateralen Kondensation und bei Thermafil zu untersuchen. Es sollte gezeigt werden, dass die einzelnen Bestandteile der Wurzelkanalfüllung zu differenzieren und im Anschluss auch zu quantifizieren sind. Die ersten 21 mit dieser zerstörungsfreien Methode untersuchten Proben wurden im Anschluss nochmals mit einer klassischen Untersuchungsmethode, der Lichtmikroskopie, beurteilt. Die hier erzielten Ergebnisse wurden bei einem Methodenvergleich mit den Ergebnissen der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie verglichen und auf eine mögliche Korrelation überprüft. Ziel war es zu überprüfen, ob verschiedene Methoden zur Qualitätsprüfung von Wurzelkanalfüllungen als gleichwertig angenommen werden können. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung wurde eine neue modifizierte laterale Kondensation eingeführt, die hinsichtlich ihrer Qualität anhand der bereits genannten Parameter mit zwei bereits eingeführten Wurzelkanalfüllmethoden verglichen werden sollte. Die 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie ermöglichte eine selektive Darstellung der einzelnen Komponenten in 400 bis 750 Ebenen, welche ebenfalls quantifizierbar waren. Es wurden Füllgrade zwischen 71 % und 92 % erzielt. Das Thermafil-System schien den auf lateraler Kondensation basierenden Systemen bezüglich der bestimmten Volumen vereinzelt signifikant überlegen. Bei der lichtmikroskopischen Auswertung ergaben sich diesbezüglich ähnliche Ergebnisse. Die Farbstoffpenetrationstiefen zeigten weder tendenzielle noch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Fülltechniken. Beim Vergleich der Methoden zur Bewertung der Obturation bezüglich der erhobenen Volumen konnte keine Korrelation nachgewiesen werden. Auch beim Vergleich der Farbstoffpenetrationstiefen und der bestimmten Volumen bei der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie konnten keine Korrelationen ermittelt werden. Unter Berücksichtigung der Grenzen dieser Untersuchung lässt sich festhalten, dass die Methode der 3-D-Röntgenmikrotomographie zur Bewertung und zum Vergleich von Wurzelkanalfüllungen geeignet ist. Die Ergebnisse korrelieren jedoch nicht mit denen der Lichtmikroskopie.

The considerable interest in nanomaterials and nanotechnology over the last decade is attributed to Industry's desire for lower cost, more sophisticated devices and the opportunity that nanotechnology presents for scientists to explore the fundamental properties of nature at near atomic levels. In pursuit of these goals, researchers around the world have worked to both perfect existing technologies and also develop new nano-fabrication methods; however, no technique exists that is capable of producing complex, 2D and 3D nano-sized features of arbitrary shape, with smooth walls, and at low cost. This in part is due to two important limitations of current nanofabrication methods. First, 3D geometry is difficult if not impossible to fabricate, often requiring multiple lithography steps that are both expensive and do not scale well to industrial level fabrication requirements. Second, as feature sizes shrink into the nano-domain, it becomes increasingly difficult to accurately maintain those features over large depths and heights. The ability to produce these structures affordably and with high precision is critically important to a number of existing and emerging technologies such as metamaterials, nano-fluidics, nano-imprint lithography, and more. Summary To overcome these limitations, this study developed a novel and efficient method to etch complex 2D and 3D geometry in silicon with controllable sub-micron to nano-sized features with aspect ratios in excess of 500:1. This study utilized Metal-assisted Chemical Etching (MaCE) of silicon in conjunction with shape-controlled catalysts to fabricate structures such as 3D cycloids, spirals, sloping channels, and out-of-plane rotational structures. This study focused on taking MaCE from a method to fabricate small pores and silicon nanowires using metal catalyst nanoparticles and discontinuous thin films, to a powerful etching technology that utilizes shaped catalysts to fabricate complex, 3D geometry using a single lithography/etch cycle. The effect of catalyst geometry, etchant composition, and external pinning structures was examined to establish how etching path can be controlled through catalyst shape. The ability to control the rotation angle for out-of-plane rotational structures was established to show a linear dependence on catalyst arm length and an inverse relationship with arm width. A plastic deformation model of these structures established a minimum pressure gradient across the catalyst of 0.4 - 0.6 MPa. To establish the cause of catalyst motion in MaCE, the pressure gradient data was combined with force-displacement curves and results from specialized EBL patterns to show that DVLO encompassed forces are the most likely cause of catalyst motion. Lastly, MaCE fabricated templates were combined with electroless deposition of Pd to demonstrate the bottom-up filling of MaCE with sub-20 nm feature resolution. These structures were also used to establish the relationship between rotation angle of spiraling star-shaped catalysts and their center core diameter. Summary In summary, a new method to fabricate 3D nanostructures by top-down etching and bottom-up filling was established along with control over etching path, rotation angle, and etch depth. Out-of-plane rotational catalysts were designed and a new model for catalyst motion proposed. This research is expected to further the advancement of MaCE as platform for 3D nanofabrication with potential applications in thru-silicon-vias, photonics, nano-imprint lithography, and more.

Pathological processes in the alveolar and facial bones can lead to bone loss that may not heal with complete regeneration. Biomaterials can be used to facilitate the healing process and/or as a bone substitute, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Persistent leakage of bacteria/bacterial toxins, after root canal treatment, may lead to a residual bone defect. The healing is dependent on a placed dental biomaterial providing a tight seal. The composition of the filling material may also influence the healing process. The general aim of this study is to investigate surface properties and biological interactions of biomaterials used in dento-alveolar surgery. A dental biomaterial, a bonded compomer (DAP) containing a corroding glass filler, was used as a root end filling material, promoting a new operation technique. The healing (assessed according to Molven´s x-ray criteria) demonstrates a significant improvement in healing results for the compomer group, compared to a commonly used technique. The surface properties and biological interactions of DAP were analyzed. ICP-OES of DAP cell culture medium extract demonstrated a significant release of Sr, Si and F from the dental biomaterial. Human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells grew on and around DAP specimens without any sign of toxic reactions. DAP extract stimulated proliferation of PDL cells, but caused an inhibition of osteoblastic gene expression in mouse bone marrow cells. The surface properties of the glass containing compomer may contribute to improved healing of the periapical lesions. A bovine inorganic bone graft substitute (BO) is commonly used as a treatment option in dento-alveolar surgery with new bone formation in immediate close contact with BO material. ICP-OES dissolution analysis of cell culture media, after incubation with BO particles, demonstrated a dosedependent release of Si and a decrease of Ca and P. An uptake of Ca from the medium to the BO particle was demonstrated with calcium-45 labeling. The Si dissolution varied between different batches, possibly reflecting a variation in food intake in the animals. Stimulated osteogenic response was seen in close contact to the BO particles in cell cultures. Furthermore, it was clearly demonstrated that the study design is a critical factor for correctly understanding biomaterials’ biological interactions. The surface properties of three bone graft substitutes reported to have good results in dento-alveolar surgery were investigated, in order to establish whether or not dissolution-precipitation reactions could contribute to the bone healing. Dissolution-precipitation extracts of BO, bioactive glass 45S5 (BG) and a marine algae hydroxyl apatite (AP) in cell culture media were analyzed. Dissolution of Si at significant levels was detected for BO and 45S5 over time. Significant uptake levels of Ca and P from the culture were seen for both 45S5, BO and AP but at different times. Surface analysis of the biomaterials with SEM/EDAX, before and after immersion in cell culture media, revealed a smoothing of the surface morphology for 45S5 over time. No obvious alterations for BO and AP were detected. Ca/P ratio decreased significantly for 45S5, but no major changes were detected by XPS for BO or AP. XPS further demonstrated a surface charge for BO, changing from negatively to positively charged when exposed to serum. 45S5 and AP had positive surface charges, both in the absence and the presence of serum. These demonstrated surface changes in biomaterials could contribute to adherence of cells and subsequently affect bone healing. Conclusion: Biomaterials used in dento-alveolar surgery interact with biological surroundings through surface and dissolution-precipitation reactions which may have implications for bone healing.

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 38 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 27-30).

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 47 p. : ill. (some col.). Vita. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 35-38).

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar in vivo a capacidade de selamento de três materiais obturadores constituídos de cimentos endodônticos resinosos, sendo dois (AH Plus e EndoRez) associados a cones de guta-percha, e um (Real Seal) a cones de Resilon, em pré-molares de cães, expostos ao meio bucal, após o preparo para colocação de pino protético. Objetivou, também, avaliar a correlação entre a situação inflamatória dos tecidos periapicais e a infiltração microbiana. Para tal, foi realizado o preparo químico-mecânico de 80 dentes (160 canais), sendo dez (20 canais) em cada cão. Antes da obturação, os canais foram distribuídos, aleatoriamente, em sete grupos. Nos grupos I – GI (n=32) e controle negativo I – C-I (n=16), os canais foram obturados com cones de guta-percha e AH Plus; nos grupos II – GII (n=32) e controle negativo II – C-II (n=16), com cones de guta-percha e EndoRez; e nos grupos III – GIII (n=32) e controle negativo III – C-III (n=16), com cones de Resilon e Real Seal. Os canais do grupo controle positivo – C+ (n=16) não foram obturados. Imediatamente após a obturação, realizou-se a desobturação parcial dos canais, restando 4 mm de material na região apical. Os dentes foram selados, provisoriamente, com amálgama de prata, durante 72 horas. Após esse período, o selamento coronário de todos os canais, com exceção dos pertencentes aos grupos C-, foi removido, ficando expostos ao meio bucal por 90 dias. Os animais foram mortos, e as mandíbulas e maxilas removidas e seccionadas, separando-se o lado esquerdo do direito. Nos dentes das hemi-arcadas do lado esquerdo, o selamento dos canais dos grupos C- foi removido e o espaço protético irrigado, abundantemente, com água destilada. Após, foram secos e preenchidos com tinta nanquim. Os dentes foram, novamente, selados e, passadas 96 horas, extraídos. A seguir, as raízes foram separadas, armazenadas em tubos de ensaio e diafanizadas. Os espécimes do lado direito foram processados histologicamente, empregando-se as colorações de Hematoxilina e Eosina de Harris (HE) e Brown e Brenn (BB). A infiltração de corante foi medida com auxílio de lupa esteroscópica, com aumento de 10x. A análise dos cortes histológicos foi realizada em microscópio óptico, classificando-se o estado inflamatório dos tecidos periapicais e a infiltração microbiana em escores de 1 a 4. Os resultados da infiltração de corante evidenciaram que todos os grupos apresentaram menor infiltração que o grupo C+ (p<0,001) e que os grupos GI, GII e GIII não diferiram significativamente (P>0,05). O grupo GII apresentou diferenças significativas em relação ao seu grupo controle negativo, mostrando maior infiltração de corante (P<0,001). Na análise histológica, todos os materiais testados apresentaram menor grau de reação inflamatória e de infiltração microbiana, quando comparados com o grupo C+ (P≤0,001). Além disso, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos GI, GII e GIII, bem como destes com seus respectivos controles (P>0,05). O teste de correlação de Spearman mostrou uma forte correlação entre resposta inflamatória e infiltração microbiana (rs= 0,57; P<0,001). A partir do exposto, concluiu-se que os materiais testados não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre si e que a resposta inflamatória periapical apresentou correlação direta com a infiltração coronária microbiana. / The aim of this study was to assess in vivo the sealing ability of three resin-containing endodontic sealers, two associated with gutta-percha points (AH Plus and EndoRez) and one associated with Resilon points (RealSeal). Mongrel dogs had their premolars prepared and filled, then post-prepared, which space became exposed to the oral environment. The correlation between inflammatory condition and level of microbial leakage was also tested. For that purpose, 80 teeth (160 root canals), being 10 (20 root canals), for each dog, were chemo-mechanically prepared and randomly divided into the following groups: GI (n=32) and C-I (negative control; n=16): root filling with gutta-percha and AH-Plus; GII (n=32) and C-II (n=16): root filling with gutta-percha and Endorez; GIII (n=32) and C-III (n=16): root filling with Resilon and RealSeal; C+ (positive control; n=16): no root filling. Immediately following filling procedures, post space preparation was done leaving 4mm of filling material apically. Teeth had their crowns provisionally sealed with amalgam for 72 hours. Then, coronal seal was removed (except for C-) and remained exposed to the oral environment for 90 days. The dogs were sacrificed and their mandible and maxilla were removed and sectioned, separating right and left sides. In the specimens from the left side, the C- teeth had their seal removed, and all teeth had their post space irrigated with distilled water, then filled with India ink. Following 96 hours, the teeth were extracted. Roots were labeled as to the groups and subjected to clearing process in test tubes. The specimens from the right side were histologically processed and stained with Hematoxicilin and Eosin (HE) and Brown and Brenn (BB). The ink leakage was measured three dimensionally under stereoscope microscopy (10x). Histological sections were assessed under light microscopy by a senior observer blinded as to the groups and the inflammatory state was classified using scores varying from 1 to 4 in an ascending severity. The same severity scoring applied to the microbial leakage, being the severity scored as to the depth of microbial penetration within the dentinal tubules. The results showed that all the test groups displayed less leakage than C+ group (P<0,001). GI, GII and GIII did not differ statistically amongst them. Sealing ability of GII differed significantly to its control group – C-II (P<0,001).Histological analysis showed that all test groups displayed lower inflammatory reaction and microbial leakage when compared to C+ group (P≤0,001). No significant differences were found amongst GI, GII and GIII and their respective controls (p>0,05). Spearman correlation test showed a strong correlation between inflammatory response and microbial leakage (rs= 0,57; P<0,001). It could be concluded that the tested materials did not differ amongst themselves and that the periapical tissue response correlated directly with the microbial coronal leakage.