Dans ce travail, nous nous sommes intéressés à l'étude asymptotique d'objets combinatoires aléatoires. Deux thèmes ont particulièrement retenu notre attention : les cartes planaires aléatoires et les modèles combinatoires liés à la théorie des fragmentations. La théorie mathématique des cartes planaires aléatoires est née à l'aube de notre millénaire avec les travaux pionniers de Benjamini & Schramm, Angel & Schramm et Chassaing & Schaeffer. Elle a ensuite beaucoup progressé, mais à l'heure où ces lignes sont écrites, de nombreux problèmes fondamentaux restent ouverts. Résumons en quelques mots clés nos principales contributions dans le domaine : l'introduction et l'étude du cactus brownien (avec J.F. Le Gall et G. Miermont), l'étude de la quadrangulation infinie uniforme vue de l'infini (avec L. Ménard et G. Miermont), ainsi que des travaux plus théoriques sur les graphes aléatoires stationnaires d'une part et les graphes empilables dans $\R^d$ d'autre part (avec I. Benjamini). La théorie des fragmentations est beaucoup plus ancienne et remonte à des travaux de Kolmogorov (1941) et de Filippov (1961). Elle est maintenant bien développée (voir par exemple l'excellent livre de J. Bertoin), et nous ne nous sommes pas focalisés sur cette théorie mais plutôt sur ses applications à des modèles combinatoires. Elle s'avère en effet très utile pour étudier différents modèles de triangulations récursives du disque (travail effectué avec J.F. Le Gall) et les recherches partielles dans les quadtrees (travail effectué avec A. Joseph). / The subject of this thesis is the asymptotic study of large random combinatorial objects. This is obviously very broad, and we focused particularly on two themes: random planar maps and their limits, and combinatorial models that are in a way linked to fragmentation theory. The mathematical theory of random planar maps is quite young and was triggered by works of Benjamini & Schramm, Angel & Schramm and Chassaing & Schaeffer. This fascinating field is still growing and fundamental problems remain unsolved. We present some new results in both the scaling limit and local limit theories by introducing and studying the Brownian Cactus (with J.F. Le Gall and G. Miermont), giving a new view point, a view from infinity, at the Uniform Infinite Planar Quadrangulation (UIPQ) and bringing more theoretical contributions on stationary random graphs and sphere packable graphs (with I. Benjamini). Fragmentation theory is much older and can be tracked back to Kolmogorov and Filippov. Our goal was not to give a new abstract contribution to this well-developed theory (see the beautiful book of J. Bertoin) but rather to apply it to random combinatorial objects. Indeed, fragmentation theory turned out to be useful in the study of the so-called random recursive triangulations of the disk (joint work with J.F. Le Gall) and partial match queries in random quadtrees (joint work with A. Joseph).

This thesis is an investigation of the fabrication and assembly methodologies employed in the development of a proof-of-principle prototype electric guitar composed of laminated copolyester. The objective of the project was to develop the processes and procedures to create an optimized physical and visual bond between layers to minimize vibratory dissipation, thus maximizing sustain. A high speed CNC router, abrasive waterjet, laser engraver-cutter, as well as various manual fabrication and assembly methods were investigated in the construction of the guitar prototypes. The lamination processes explored include low-temperature, heat-assisted pressure bonding, solvent and chemical welding, and contact adhesives. The project concluded with the completion of a working guitar comprised of a laminated copolyester body and a traditional bolton wooden neck.

As the Worlds energy demand is increasing we need more of our energy to be generated from resources that affect the climate as little as possible. Solar power could be the solution if there were solar panels with a less energy demanding production than the established silicon based solar modules. Printable organic solar cells will enable a cheap production process, thus they are mainly made out of polymers in solution. However, to be able to decrease the total cost of the solar modules the commonly used indium tin oxide (ITO) for the transparent electrode needs to be replaced by a less expensive material. If the cheap, high conductive and transparent polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) could replace ITO the cost of organic solar modules would significantly decrease. For PEDOT:PSS to be able to replace ITO there are requirements that have to be met. The transparent electrode needs to be apart from transparent, highly conductive, have a low contact resistance to the other materials in the organic solar cell and be printable. In this study it has been shown that the PEDOT:PSS film with Zonyl and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) as an secondary dopant, is capable of laminating to thin films made out of PEDOT:PSS, metal or a polymer fullerene blend. The contact resistances between two PEDOT:PSS films and PEDOT:PSS film and a metal film proved to be low. When laminating to a metal film an interlayer of Silver Nano Wires (AgNW) was needed to achieve a low contact resistance.

This dissertation presents the development of electrically-powered, lamination-based microactuators for the realization of large arrays of high impulse and short duration micro-jets with potential applications in the field of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Microactuators offer unique control opportunities by converting the input electrical or chemical energy stored in a propellant into useful mechanical energy. This small and precise control obtained can potentially be applied towards aerodynamic control and transdermal drug delivery applications. This thesis discusses the development of both chemical and physical microactuators and characterizes their performance with focus towards the feasibility of using them for a specific application. The development of electrically powered microactuators starts by fabricating an array of radially firing microactuators using lamination-based micro fabrication techniques that potentially enable batch fabrication at low cost. The microactuators developed in this thesis consist of three main parts: a micro chamber in which the propellant is stored; two electrode structures through which electrical energy is supplied to the propellant; and a micro nozzle through which the propellant or released gases from the propellant are expanded as a jet. The fabricated actuators are then integrated with MEMS-process-compatible propellants and optimized to produce rapid ignition of the propellant and generate a fluidic jet. This rapid ignition is achieved either by making the propellant itself conductive, thus, passing an electric current directly through the propellant; or by discharging an arc across the propellant by placing it between two closely spaced electrodes. The first concept is demonstrated with chemical microactuators for the application of projectile maneuvering and the second concept is demonstrated with physical microactuators for transdermal drug delivery application. For both the actuators, the propellant integrated microactuators are characterized for performance in terms of impulse delivered, thrust generated and duration of the jet. The experimentally achieved results are validated by comparing with results from theoretical modeling. Finally, the feasibility of using chemical microactuators for maneuvering the path of a 25 mm projectile spinning at 500 Hz is discussed and the feasibility of applying the physical microactuators for increasing skin's permeability to drug analog molecules is studied.

Dans le cadre de la lutte contre l'augmentation des gaz à effet de serre et la préservation de l'environnement, l'efficacité énergétique est un enjeu majeur du XXIème siècle. Par exemple, les moteurs et actionneurs électriques sont de plus en plus nombreux dans le monde, les transformateurs de distribution affichent une efficacité énergétique de 97 à 99 %. Cependant, en raison de leur utilisation intensive, leur impact environnemental est loin d'être négligeable. De ce fait une compréhension et une détermination plus précise des pertes dans ces machines électriques permettraient d'améliorer l'efficacité énergétique des dispositifs d'électronique de puissance et des machines électriques. Ces dispositifs sont le siège de pertes dans les bobinages et dans les circuits magnétiques. L'objectif de cette thèse est de pouvoir modéliser, par des méthodes numériques de type éléments finis, les pertes dans les circuits magnétiques feuilletés des machines électriques.Cependant le laminage de ces circuits magnétiques, qui permet de réduire les courants de Foucault, induit de fortes contraintes de modélisation. En effet la nécessité de disposer d'au moins deux éléments finis dans l'épaisseur de peau pour obtenir une solution de qualité, conduit à la réalisation de maillages de taille très importante, incompatible avec les moyens de calcul disponibles aujourd'hui.L'objectif de ce travail est de développer des modèles de lois de comportement homogénéisé des matériaux magnétiques feuilletés dans le cadre de l'utilisation de la méthode des éléments finis en 2D et 3D, avec application aux machines tournantes et aux transformateurs. Ces modèles à priori permettront de prendre en compte les pertes en cours de résolution, afin d'obtenir des résultats précis sur les grandeurs locales et globales, et notamment les pertes, en fonction du temps. / Energy efficiency becomes a global major issue of XXIst century as we are dealing with greenhouse emissions. For instance electric rotating machines and actuators are globally more used than before. Distribution transformers do have 97 to 99% efficiency rate, with a non negligible environmental impact due to their intensive use. A thorough understanding and modeling of losses in those electric devices could help improving and maintaining that level of environmental impact and energy efficiency. This could be productive to many electrical devices from power electronics devices to electric machines and networks, because of losses in windings and magnetic cores. The main aim of this study is to model eddy current losses in laminated magnetic cores of electric machines by means of numerical methods such as Finite Element Methods (FEM).Laminating magnetic cores besides reducing eddy current loops, induces new modeling constraints . The necessary assignment of at least two elements in the skin depth in order to have good quality solutions, leads sometimes to unsolvable problems using actual computation solutions.The purpose will be to develop source code of homogenized behavior laws of laminated magnetic cores using 2D and 3D finite element methods, applied to transformers and electrical motors. Those a priori models consider losses in the main solving process allowing to have accurate results on local and macroscopic entities varying temporally.

This master thesis introduces the problematics of multilayer printed circuit boards. Theoretical part is focused on materials used for production of multilayer PCB and their parameters. At the same time, it focuses on the pressing process of multi-layered PCB, the types of presses used and their advantages and disadvantages. Practical part describes the methodology and testing of the PCB to identify the reliability of chosen electrical parameters. Testing is aimed to simulate thermal stress during machine soldering and during thermal stress in the target environment.

This diploma thesis deals with the design of the bodywork of a weekend sports car, based on the current Sigma TN vehicle, in order for better appearance and extended usability. The goal is accomplished by a new dynamic exterior design. Where the usability issue is solved by a modular roof system and luggage compartment. This work provides a new perspective on the concept and design of cars designed primarily for leisure driving.

This paper deals with production of the structures fabricated using low temperature co-fired ceramics. Focus is on the lamination of raw ceramic tapes. There are presented classical thermo-compressive methods and a new method using chemical solutions for tape bonding. Describes new lamination technology and their advantages are the absence of elevated temperatures and high pressures. This method reduces using of higher temperatures and high pressure during lamination. On the other hand, chemical process of tape bonding is not flawless. There are many problems including solvent deposition, extreme sensitivity to dust and other processing parameters. It also describes the fabrication of structures by chemical way. Specifically, analyzes the method Cold Chemical Lamination and provides examples of possible deposition solvents which are needed for etching the surface of the LTCC tape during the lamination.

Correct layering (lamination) of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) is critical for the tissue functionality. Neuronal lamination is established during development, when the majority of neurons have to move from their birthplace to the appropriate layer, where they function. Therefore, to grasp the logic of CNS development, it is essential to understand the kinetics and modes of the variety of neuronal translocation events. Most of our knowledge about neuronal translocation has been gained using fixed tissue or ex vivo imaging, which is not ideal for such a dynamic process heavily dependent on the surrounding environment. To avoid these limitations, I combined translucent zebrafish embryos with light sheet fluorescence microscopy, which together enabled gentle in toto imaging of neuronal translocation. I studied the translocation of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) across the developing zebrafish retina. RGCs are the first neurons that differentiate in the vertebrate retina and are born in a proliferative zone at the retinal apical side. From here, they move basally, spanning the complete apico-basal length of the tissue. They are destined to occupy the most basal layer, where their axons form the optic nerve. Although it was described that RGCs move their soma while being attached to both apical and basal sides of the retina, the kinetics and cell biological mechanisms of somal translocation remained unknown. Extracting single cell behavior of RGCs from high-resolution movies of their translocation allowed for quantitative analysis of RGC movement. I revealed that RGCs cross the retina in less than two hours in a directionally persistent manner. The movement of RGC soma is a cell autonomously generated process, which requires intact microtubules and actin-dependent basal attachment of cells for speed and efficiency. Unexpectedly, interference with somal translocation leads to a shift towards a multipolar migratory mode, previously not observed for RGCs, in which they temporarily lose both apical and basal attachment and apico-basal polarity. The multipolar mode is overall slower and less directionally persistent, but still allows RGCs to reach the basal retina. However, when RGC translocation is inhibited completely, they differentiate ectopically in the center of the retina, which in turn triggers the formation of ectopic layers of later born neurons. These results highlight the importance of establishing the basal layer of ganglion cells for ensuing retinal lamination. Overall, I generated important advances in the understanding of neuronal translocation and lamination, which might be relevant for other parts of the CNS.

π-Conjugated polymers have attracted considerable attention since they are potential candidates for various opto-electronic devices such as solar cells, light emitting iodes, photodiodes, and transistors. Electronic de vices based on conjugated polymers can be easily processed at low temperature using inexpensive technologies. This leads to cost reduction, a key-deriving factor for choosing conjugated polymers for various types of applications. In particular, polymer based solar cells are of special interest due to the fact that they can play a major role in generating clean and cheap energy in the future. The investigations described in thesis are aimed mainly at understanding charge transport and the role of energy le vels in solar cells based on polymer/acceptor bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active films. Best polymer based solar cells, with efficiency 4 to 5%, rely on polymer/fullerene BHJ active films. These solar cells are in an immature state to be used for energy conversion purposes. In order to enhance their performance, it is quite important to understand the efficiency-limiting factors. Solid films of conjugated polymers compose conjugation segments that are randomly distributed in space and energy. Such distributio n gives rise to the localization of charge carriers and hence broadening of electron density of states. Consequently, electronic wave functions have quite poor overlap resulting into absence of continuous band transport. Charge transport in polymers and organic materials, in general, takes place by hopping among the localized states. This makes a bottleneck to the performance of polymer-based solar cells. In this context, the knowledge of charge transport in the solar cell materials is quite important to develop materials and device architectures that boost the efficiency of such solar cells. Most of the transport studies are based on polyfluorene copolymers and fullerene electron acceptor molecules. Fullerenes are blended with polymers to enhance the dissociation of excited state into free carriers and transport free electrons to the respective electrode. The interaction within the polymer-fullerene complex, therefore, plays a major role in the generation and transport of both electrons and holes. In this thesis, we present and discuss the effect of various polymer/fullerene compositions on hole percolation paths. We mainly focus on hole transport since its mobility is quite small as compared to electron mobility in the fullerenes, leading to creation of spa ce charges within the bulk of the solar cell composite. Changing a polymer band gap may necessitate an appropriate acceptor type in order to fulfill the need for sufficient driving force for dissociation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. We have observed that different acceptor types give rise to completely different hole mobility in BHJ films. The change of hole transport as a function of acceptor type and concentration is mainly attributed to morphological changes. The effect of the acceptors in connection to hole transport is also discussed. The later is supported by studies of bipolar transport in pure electron acceptor layers. Moreover, the link between charge carrier mobility and photovoltaic parameters has also been studied and presented in this thesis. The efficiency of polymer/fullerene-based solar cells is also significantly limited by its open-circuit voltage (Voc), a parameter that does not obey the metal-insulator-metal principle due to its complicated characteristics. In this thesis, we address the effect of varying polymer oxidation potential on Voc of the polymer/fullerene BHJ based solar cells. Systematic investigations have been performed on solar cells that comprise several polythiophene polymers blended with a fullerene derivative electron acceptor molecule. The Voc of such solar cells was found to have a strong correlation with the oxidation potential of the polymers. The upper limit to Voc of the aforementioned solar cells is thermodynamically limited by the net internal electric filed generated by the difference in energy levels of the two materials in the blend. The cost of polymer-based solar cells can be reduced to a great extent through realization of all-plastic and flexible solar cells. This demands the replacement of the metallic components (electrodes) by highly conducting polymer films. While hole conductor polymers are available, low work function polymer electron conductors are rare. In this thesis, prototype solar cells that utilizes a highly conducting polymer, which has a work function of ~ 4.3 eV, as a cathode are demonstrated. Development of this material may eventually lead to fabrication of large area, flexible and cheap solar cells. The transparent nature of the polymer cathode may also facilitate fabrication of multi-layer and tandem solar cells. In the last chapter of this thesis, we demonstrate generation of red and near infrared polarized light by employing thermally converted thin films of polyfluorene copolymers in light emitting diodes. This study, in particular, aims at fabricating polarized infrared light emitting devices. / On the day of the defence day the status of article III was In press and article VI was Manuscript.