The Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research (IIM) is one of the six institutes of what was called Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (FZD) until the end of 2010, but since this year 2011 is called “Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)”. This change reflects a significant transition for us: it means that the research center is now member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HGF), i.e., a real government research laboratory, with the mission to perform research to solve fundamental societal problems. Often to date those are called the “Grand Challenges” and comprise issues such as energy supply and resources, health in relation to aging population, future mobility, or the information society. This Annual Report already bears the new corporate design, adequate for the time of its issueing, but reports results from the year 2010, when we were still member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). Our research is still mainly in the fields of semiconductor physics and materials science using ion beams. The institute operates a national and international Ion Beam Center, which, in addition to its own scientific activities, makes available fast ion technologies to universities, other research institutes, and industry. Parts of its activities are also dedicated to exploit the infrared/THz freeelectron laser at the 40 MeV superconducting electron accelerator ELBE for condensed matter research. For both facilities the institute holds EU grants for funding access of external users.

Nonlinear finite element models of functionally graded beams with power-law variation of material, accounting for the von-Karman geometric nonlinearity and temperature dependent material properties as well as microstructure dependent length scale have been developed using the Euler-Bernoulli as well as the first-order and third- order beam theories. To capture the size effect, a modified couple stress theory with one length scale parameter is used. Such theories play crucial role in predicting accurate deflections of micro- and nano-beam structures. A general third order beam theory for microstructure dependent beam has been developed for functionally graded beams for the first time using a modified couple stress theory with the von Karman nonlinear strain. Finite element models of the three beam theories have been developed. The thermo-mechanical coupling as well as the bending-stretching coupling play significant role in the deflection response. Numerical results are presented to show the effect of nonlinearity, power-law index, microstructural length scale, and boundary conditions on the bending response of beams under thermo-mechanical loads. In general, the effect of microstructural parameter is to stiffen the beam, while shear deformation has the effect of modeling more realistically as a flexible beam.

Beams of polarized protons play an important part in the study of the spin dependence of the nuclear force by measuring the analyzing power in nuclear reactions. The source at iThemba LABS produces a beam of polarized protons that is pre-accelerated by an injector cyclotron (SPC2) to a energy of 8 MeV before acceleration by the main separated-sector cyclotron to 200 MeV for physics research. The polarized ion source is one of the two external ion sources of SPC2. Inside the ion source hydrogen molecules are dissociated into atoms in the dissociator and cooled to a temperature of approximately 30 K in the nozzle. The atoms are polarized by a pair of sextupole magnets and the nucleus is polarized by RF transitions between hyperfine levels in hydrogen atoms. The atoms are then ionized by electrons in the ionizer. The source has various sensitive devices, which influence beam intensity and polarization. Nitrogen gas is used to prevent recombination of atoms after dissociation. The amount of nitrogen and the temperature at which it is used plays a very important role in optimizing the beam current. The number of electrons released in the ionizer is influenced by the size and shape of the filament. Optimization of the source will ensure that beams of better quality (a better current and stability) are produced.

Laser cutting is one of the most important applications of laser in manufacturing industry; it is mainly used for sheet metal cutting. In laser cutting, performing real-time evaluation of laser cut quality is very important to the advancement of this process in industry. However, due to the dynamic nature of the laser cutting process specially when cutting ferrous alloys using oxygen as an assist gas, laser cut quality cannot be easily predicted; therefore, the quality inspection of the laser cut is performed by off line inspections of the edges of the metal by skilled operators. This methodology is carried out after the process and thus cannot maintain a good quality if the process performance is out of control. Therefore, the objective of the research project is to qualify and develop a sensor system that ensure fault recognition online and can automatically control the laser metal cutting process to achieve good quality cut. For the realization of this objective the following has been done: - study the relationship between process parameters and cut quality characteristics; - identify the best sensors that can be used to monitor the process; - design and develop an experimental setup to test the proposed sensors; - collect and analyze data from the proposed sensors and correlate them to specific cut quality characteristics (process state variables); - develop direct relationships between the process signals and cut quality; - develop appropriate strategy for process control; - design and develop an integrated monitoring and control system; - test and evaluate the proposed system using simulation. In this study, a new technique for the determination of cut quality of sheet steels under the CO2 laser cutting process has been established. It is based on on-line detection and post-processing analysis of light radiation and acoustic emissions from the cut kerf. Determination of machining quality during cutting is best done through the measurement of surface roughness and kerf widths, as these are the two parameters that vary in successful through cuts. These two quality parameters can further be correlated to the two dominant process parameters of laser power and cutting speed. This study presents an analysis of acoustic emissions and reflected light for CO2 laser cutting of steel plates, and discusses their use for the estimation of cut quality parameters of kerf width and striation frequency for mild steel plates of 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm thicknesses. Airborne acoustic and light signals are acquired with a microphone and a photodiode respectively, and recorded with a PC based data acquisition system in real time. The signals are then analyzed to establish a correlation between the signals obtained and the cut quality achieved. Experimental evidence shows that the energy levels of acoustic emission signals (RMS analysis) can be used to maintain the cutting process under steady state condition. On the other hand, the light intensity signal fluctuates with a frequency that corresponds to the frequency of striations formed on the cut surface; therefore it can be used to regulate cutting speed and laser power to obtain an optimum cutting condition and best cut quality. The validity of the proposed control strategy was tested experimentally by simulating the variations of cutting speed and examining their effect on the signals. So far, the prototype used for experimentation has been successful in providing correct information about cut quality in terms of striation frequency, and also about the state of the process where the microphone signal was successful in determining system failure or improper cutting conditions. A microprocessor based control system utilizing the PID control algorithm is recommended for the implementation of the control strategy. The implementation requirements of the proposed system for industrial use are then discussed. A new setup for the coaxial monitoring of CO2 laser cutting using a photodiode is proposed to enhance the quality of the signal and also to protect the photodiode from the harsh cutting environment. It is also proposed that an open control architecture platform is needed to enhance the integration of the proposed process control functions. Conclusions and future research directions towards the achievement of Autonomous Production Cell (APC) for the laser cutting process are then given.

Laser cutting is one of the most important applications of laser in manufacturing industry; it is mainly used for sheet metal cutting. In laser cutting, performing real-time evaluation of laser cut quality is very important to the advancement of this process in industry. However, due to the dynamic nature of the laser cutting process specially when cutting ferrous alloys using oxygen as an assist gas, laser cut quality cannot be easily predicted; therefore, the quality inspection of the laser cut is performed by off line inspections of the edges of the metal by skilled operators. This methodology is carried out after the process and thus cannot maintain a good quality if the process performance is out of control. Therefore, the objective of the research project is to qualify and develop a sensor system that ensure fault recognition online and can automatically control the laser metal cutting process to achieve good quality cut. For the realization of this objective the following has been done: - study the relationship between process parameters and cut quality characteristics; - identify the best sensors that can be used to monitor the process; - design and develop an experimental setup to test the proposed sensors; - collect and analyze data from the proposed sensors and correlate them to specific cut quality characteristics (process state variables); - develop direct relationships between the process signals and cut quality; - develop appropriate strategy for process control; - design and develop an integrated monitoring and control system; - test and evaluate the proposed system using simulation. In this study, a new technique for the determination of cut quality of sheet steels under the CO2 laser cutting process has been established. It is based on on-line detection and post-processing analysis of light radiation and acoustic emissions from the cut kerf. Determination of machining quality during cutting is best done through the measurement of surface roughness and kerf widths, as these are the two parameters that vary in successful through cuts. These two quality parameters can further be correlated to the two dominant process parameters of laser power and cutting speed. This study presents an analysis of acoustic emissions and reflected light for CO2 laser cutting of steel plates, and discusses their use for the estimation of cut quality parameters of kerf width and striation frequency for mild steel plates of 3mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm thicknesses. Airborne acoustic and light signals are acquired with a microphone and a photodiode respectively, and recorded with a PC based data acquisition system in real time. The signals are then analyzed to establish a correlation between the signals obtained and the cut quality achieved. Experimental evidence shows that the energy levels of acoustic emission signals (RMS analysis) can be used to maintain the cutting process under steady state condition. On the other hand, the light intensity signal fluctuates with a frequency that corresponds to the frequency of striations formed on the cut surface; therefore it can be used to regulate cutting speed and laser power to obtain an optimum cutting condition and best cut quality. The validity of the proposed control strategy was tested experimentally by simulating the variations of cutting speed and examining their effect on the signals. So far, the prototype used for experimentation has been successful in providing correct information about cut quality in terms of striation frequency, and also about the state of the process where the microphone signal was successful in determining system failure or improper cutting conditions. A microprocessor based control system utilizing the PID control algorithm is recommended for the implementation of the control strategy. The implementation requirements of the proposed system for industrial use are then discussed. A new setup for the coaxial monitoring of CO2 laser cutting using a photodiode is proposed to enhance the quality of the signal and also to protect the photodiode from the harsh cutting environment. It is also proposed that an open control architecture platform is needed to enhance the integration of the proposed process control functions. Conclusions and future research directions towards the achievement of Autonomous Production Cell (APC) for the laser cutting process are then given.

Master of Science in Dentistry / Objectives: The aims of this study were: • to evaluate the exact level of the mandibular canal using Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography (CBVT) using measurements taken on images from the NewTom3G and i-CAT machines and manually • to determine the course of the mandibular canal in the regions of the first, second , and third molars • to compare the course of the mandibular canals bilaterally • to compare variables measured between the CBVT and panoramic units • to determine appropriate positions for the implant placement at the region of the mandibular molars in relation to the mandibular canal. Methods: Ten mandibles were selected, including seven edentulous and three dentate ones. They were marked at four positions from the distal border of the mental foramina in the posterior direction at intervals of 10.00 mm. On each dry mandible, at four sites namely M0, M1, M2, and M3, Gutta Percha (GP) points, known as markers, were attached to the mandible so that they were parallel to the midline of the mandible on both buccal and lingual sides. On the NewTom 3G and i-CAT, variables of cross-sectional images were measured from the alveolar crest of the mandible to the superior border of the mandibular canal (AC); the lingual rim of the canal to the lingual margin of the mandible (LC); the buccal rim of the canal to the buccal margin of the mandible (BC); the inferior rim of the canal to the lower border of the mandible (IC), and from the lingual margin to the buccal margin of the mandible (BW: Bone Width). Dry mandibles were subsequently sacrificed by cutting at the four marked sites. On each cross-section of mandibles, distances AC, BC, LC, IC, and BW were measured using a caliper as the manual measurement. IC distances on a conventional OrthophosIII panoramic machine were also measured to compare with the CBVT. Data were managed by Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and transferred to the software of Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 for Windows for analysis. Data were presented as Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), and Mean Difference, and Standard Error of Mean (SEM) with decimal at 0.00. T-test and One-way ANOVA were used to analyse variables measured in which T-test was used to analyse variables with paired samples and One-way ANOVA was used with adjustment for multiple comparisons of Bonferroni. Statistical significance has an assumed P- value of 0.05 or less. Results: The findings showed that there was no significant difference among measured variables from the NewTom 3G, i-CAT and manual measurement (P>0.05). There was significant statistical difference between the Orthophos OPG machine and CBVT system (P=0.00<0.05). There was no significant difference in the course of the mandibular canals bilaterally (P>0.05). On average, Distances AC, BC, LC, and IC were obtained for reference purposes. The bone width of the mandible on the right side was slightly different from that on the left side. Conclusions: The findings implied CBVT was an accurate diagnostic tool for locating the course of the mandibular canal and for placing dental implants in the region of the mandibular molars. The course of the mandibular canal on the left and right sides was variable. The distances measured at the region of the first, second, and third mandibular molars should be considered as a valuable reference. The bone width of the mandible on the right and left sides was slightly different. The accuracy of the NewTom3G and i-CAT was superior to the panoramic Orthophos machine. However, a panoramic radiograph is still valuable in the daily dental clinic.

[Truncated abstract] Infrared radiation detectors find application in a wide range of military and civilian applications: for example, target identification, astronomy, atmospheric sensing and medical imaging. The greatest sensitivity, response speed, and wavelength range is offered by infrared detectors based on HgCdTe semiconductor material, the growth and characterisation of which is the subject of this thesis. Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) is a versatile method of depositing layers of semiconductor material on a suitable crystalline substrate. In particular, MBE facilitates the growth of multilayer structures, thus allowing bandgap engineered devices to be realised. By modulating the bandgap within the device structure it is possible to improve the sensitivity or increase the operating temperature of photodetectors when compared to devices fabricated on single layer material. Furthermore, dual-band detectors may be fabricated using multi-layered HgCdTe material. The bulk of this thesis is concerned with the development of the MBE process for multilayer growth, from modelling of the growth process to characterisation of the material produced, and measurement of photoconductive devices fabricated on these wafers. In this thesis a previously published model of HgCdTe growth by MBE is reviewed in detail, and is applied to the growth of double layer heterostructures in order to determine the optimum method of changing the mole fraction between layers. The model has been used to predict the change in the temperature of the phase limit when the mole fraction and growth rate change suddenly as is the case during growth of an abrupt heterostructure. Two options for growth of an abrupt heterostructure were examined (a) modulating the CdTe flux and (b) modulating the Te flux. The change in the phase limit temperature between the layers was calculated as being 4:1±C for option (a) and 5:2±C for option (b) when growing a Hg(0:7)Cd(0:3)Te/Hg(0:56)Cd(0:44)Te heterostructure

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2007. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains xvi, 145 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 142-145).

Thesis (M.S.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Also available in print.