This diploma thesis deals with design, implementation and testing of fluorescence microscope intended for carbon nanotubes spectroscopy. Theory of fluorescence resulting from solid state physics and atomic structure of nanotubes is briefly discussed. The basic idea, optical scheme and optical elements used in the fluorescence microscope are described based on requirements resulting from the theory. The thesis mentions the sample preparation procedure and measurements of its optical activity as well. Realized microscope is usable for fluorescence measurements within the supposed range of wavelengths as was proved by testing.

In this work full parametric analysis of nano antennas is presented. To begin with, optical or electronic properties of noble metals such as gold and copper were studied in details to get a clear understanding of their reaction to an incident electromagnetic wave. Complex frequency dependent dielectric functions indicated that in THz metals acts as a dielectric with significant absorption. Simultaneous optimization of the length and the bow angle of a bow-tie antenna resulted in relative electric field intensity enhancement of 8 orders of magnitude for 0.5nm gap and 4 orders of magnitude for 50nm around 28THz resonance frequency. These results are at least 2 orders of magnitude greater than the published optical antennas. Physical reasons behind field localization and intensity enhancement  are  discussed  in  details.  The  solution  of  Maxwell’s  equations  at   the  interface between metallic nano antenna and air is also present in this piece of research. The derived dispersion relation of surface plasmons shows momentum matching at 28.3 THz between free propagating electromagnetic fields’ modes in air and localized modes at the interface. Consequently, Propagating electromagnetic waves are ensured to couple to localized surface propagating modes producing filed enhancement. The integrated SiO2 matching section is theoretically proven to increase transmission to substrate to 75% (compared to 40% without it) which in turn improves the coupled power by 40 times. Nano antennas were fabricated in house using Electron beam lithography with a precise gap of 50nm. In addition, THz diode was designed, fabricated and integrated to the nano antennas to rectify the enhanced THz signal. The integration of the nano diode required a precise overlap of the two arms of the antenna in the rage of 100nm. In order to overcome two arms overlap fabrication challenges, three layer alignment technique was used to produce precise overlap.The THz rectifier was electrically tested and shown high sensitivity and rectification ability without any bias. Finally, nano antenna integrated diode is under optical testing using a 10.6μm Co2 laser at Electro-Optics Lab, Prince Sultan Advanced Technologies Research Institute (PSATRI), King Saud University due to the unavailability of the measurement setup in KAUST.

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they have gained much interest in many science and engineering fields. The modification of CNTs by introducing different functional groups to their surface is important for CNTs to be tailored to fit the need of specific applications. This dissertation presents several CNT-based systems that can provide biomedical and environmental advantages. In this research, polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used to coat CNTs through hydrogen bonding. The release of doxorubicin (DOX, an anticancer drug) from this system was controlled by temperature. This system represents a promising method for incorporating stimuli triggered polymer-gated CNTs in controlled release applications. To create an acid responsive system CNTs were coated with 1,2-Distearoyl-snglycero- 3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Amino(Polyethylene glycol)2000]-(PE-PEG) and Poly(acrylic acid) modified dioleoy lphosphatidyl-ethanolamine (PE-PAA). An acidlabile linker was used to cross-link PAA, forming ALP@CNTs, thus making the system acid sensitive. The release of DOX from ALP@CNTs was found to be higher in an acidic environment. Moreover, near infrared (NIR) light was used to enhance the release of DOX from ALP@CNTs. A CNT-based membrane with controlled diffusion was prepared in the next study. CNTs were used as a component of a cellulose/gel membrane due to their optical property, which allows them to convert NIR light into heat. Poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) was used due to its thermo-sensitivity. The properties of both the CNTs and PNIPAm’s were used to control the diffusion of the cargo from the system, under the influence of NIR. CNTs were also used to fabricate an antibacterial agent, for which they were coated with polydopamine (PDA) and decorated with silver particles (Ag). Galactose (Gal) terminated with thiol groups conjugated with the above system was used to strengthen the bacterial targeting ability. The antibacterial activity of Ag/Gal@PDA@CNTs was examined on Escherichia coli. NIR was used to enhance the antibacterial activity of Ag/Gal@PDA@CNTs. Finally, CNTs were used as a support for methyl orange (MO) and palladium catalysts (Pd). MO was used due to its ability to enhance the catalyst activity. Pd@CNTs composites were used to test the reduction rate of nitrite with and without the addition MO. The results showed that over repeated cycles of nitrite reduction, the activity enhancement was lost. In summary, CNTs are promising building blocks for preparation of smart and stimuli responsive systems that have potential for a wide range of applications. The methods presented are simple and can be scaled up for industrial processing purposes.

A conjugated bis-benzimidazole chromophore is predicted to show absorptions in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, there are no reports to-date of any NIR absorbing and emitting dyes that are based on a bis-benzimidazole structural backbone. This thesis reports recent advancements in the discovery and study of this new class of dyes. Following literature procedures, the syntheses of bis(benzimidazolyl)methane compounds are successful. An unexpected product isolated during the attempted oxidation of a bis(benzimidazolyl)methane compound using p-chloranil showed intense absorption in the NIR (λmax = 712 nm, ε = 14600 L·mol-1·cm-1), solubilities in polar solvents like methanol and water, and electrochemical activities. X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the connectivity and structure of the product to contain a combination of quinone and benzimidazole moieties, which later revealed to be the core chromophore by computational studies. This unprecedented combination of moieties gave a chromophore that is predicted to absorb in the far-red even without substitution. Attempts to synthesize boron-based bis-imidazole dyes with N-methylation shed light on the feasibility of the design of such moiety. Considering the additional functionality that could be accessed through the methylation of the labile benzimidazole nitrogen atoms, N-methylated bis(benzimidazolyl)methane precursors were successfully synthesized and fully characterized. Attempts of the boron coordination showed promising signs, as the 1H, 11B, and 19F NMR spectra showed solid evidence of the successful isolation of the boron chelate. Computational studies of methyl, phenyl, and triazole-substituted boron chelate derivatives projected absorptions in the NIR region. Intense transitions are found to be based on frontier molecular orbitals and differ significantly among the derivatives, predicting substantial tunability of this type of dyes. / Graduate / 2022-02-18

The rapid exhaustion of the finite reserves of fossil-fuels adds to the woes on all walks of the society, and especially on the policy-makers, scientists and engineers to devise means to mitigate the consequences. Reducing energy demand and grid-dependency by decentralized energy production can help improve energy security of a nation. A holistic approach to achieve these goals in the building sector could be through a shift towards fostering near zero-energy communities. This project is an initiative taken by the residents in Van Maanenblok, an urban residential block constructed in early 1930’s and situated at the heart of North-Rotterdam, to try to achieve self-sustainability in terms of energy consumption of the block through renovation. The objective of this study is to analyze the energy consumption of the block over the past three years and using the ‘Trias Energetica’ approach, investigate the extent to which self-sustainability is possible. This study also includes an overview on financial feasibility of this initiative together with identification of innovation opportunities. Passive energy reduction measures such as insulation, LED lighting-retrofits have been explored. Active renewable energy systems (RES) like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, micro-windmills were designed and sized. Also, energy potential from Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) from within the block, and use ground-source heat pump to meet thermal energy has been investigated. The aforementioned technologies have been compared over certain financial parameters like net present value (NPV), payback period (PBP), and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) based on installation costs obtained from actual figures quoted by the installers and also general indicative market figures. Results of the study indicate that nearly 54% of present gas demand and 9% of electricity demand can be reduced by passive energy reduction measures alone. It would be possible to meet 42% and 54% of reduced electricity and gas demand respectively from RES. User-behaviour plays an important role in energy consumption and social factor largely determines the metamorphosis of projects with such complex setup. Renovation projects towards near zero energy buildings opens up several innovative opportunities and extended benefits to various actors, however stimulus from government is needed on financial and technical front in order to realize such ambitious initiatives.

This master thesis introduces a new technology applicable to nearly all mobile and portable electrical devices since all of them need energy to operate. This thesis attempts to cut the last wire - this one the wire to the primary power source. In other words, fast and efficient wireless energy transference through a strong, focused near magnetic field whose fast attenuation will avoid interference with surrounding communication systems or human harm. This energy is transferred to and will be stored inside the mobile device where nothing but a small and simple secondary circuit has been placed. The thesis project began by creating an initial SPICE computer model, providing an easy and rapid way of testing both convergence and feasibility of the topology as the design evolved from the well-known and widely used Switch Model Power Supply technology through to the detailed design and implementation of the prototype, including supporting the iterative process of testing and optimizing, all stages are carefully described in the document. The thesis shows both theoretically and practically that this idea is feasible and capable of power transmission. / Detta examensarbete introducerar en ny teknologi som är applicerbar till de flesta mobila och portabla elektriska apparater då dessa behöver energi för att fungera. Detta arbete försöker klippa den sista ledningen den som leder till den primära kraftkällan. Med andra ord, är denna teknik en snabb och effektiv trådlös energiöverföring genom ett starkt, fokuserat närbeläget magnetfält. Tack vare magnetfältets kraftiga dämpning undviks interferens med intilliggande kommunikationssystem eller personskador. Denna energi är överförd till, och lagras inuti en bärbar apparat där endast en liten och enkel sekundärkrets har placerats. Examensarbetsprojektet påbörjades med skapandet av en inledande SPICE datormodell. Modellen möjliggjorde ett enkelt och snabbt sätt att testa både konvergens och genomförbarhet av topologin samtidigt som designen utvecklades från den välkända och vitt använda Switch Power Supply-teknologin till den detaljerade designen och implementationen av prototypen. Modellen stöttade samtidigt den iterativa processen av test och optimering. Alla faser är utförligt beskrivna i rapporten och arbetet visar både teoretiskt och praktiskt att denna idé är genomförbar och möjliggör kraftöverföring.

This study's purpose was to determine the validity of near-infrared interactance (NIR) and bioelectric impedance (BIA) in tracking changes in body composition over 12 wk of either a high intensity endurance (ET) or resistance (RT) training program in nondieting weight-stable untrained males. Prior to and following the control or training period, each subject completed a series of body composition analyses including hydrostatic weighing (HW) with a measurement of residual volume; anthropometric measurements including height, weight, skinfold, and girth; BIA measurement; and NIR measurements. Based on the HW results, there were no significant body composition changes in the control group. For the ET group, a significant decline in relative body fat resulted from a reduction in fat weight (FW) with no change in fat-free weight (FFW). In the RT group, both a significant decline in FW and an increase in FFW contributed to this group's decline in relative body fat. Tracking changes in relative body fat, FW, and FFW, skinfolds agreed reasonably well with HW in all groups while BIA and NIR did not always track body composition changes well. For example, SF and BIA were significantly correlated with the changes in FFW (HW = + 4.1%, SF = + 4.5%, BIA = + 3.1% NIR = - 0.7%) observed in the RT group compared to HW (SF: r-value = 0.45, SEE = 2.5; BIA; r = 0.33, SEE = 3.4) while the NIR measurements were nonsignificant (r = 0.09, SEE = 5.0). Interestingly, NIR underestimated the gain in FFW in the resistance trained group while BIA underestimated the changes in relative body fat, FW, and FFW in the endurance trained group. Based on these results, BIA aim NIR appear not to be appropriate measurement tools for tracking body composition changes in endurance and resistance training individuals respectively.

Multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles hold promise for enabling non-invasive image guided cancer therapy such as photothermal therapy. Human breast tumor models in which response to image guided therapy can quickly and non-invasively be determined are needed to facilitate translation and application of these technologies. We hypothesize that a system utilizing a murine light-reporter mammary tumor cell line and near-infrared nanoparticles (NIR-NP) can be used to quantify response to therapy and determine fate of nanoparticles following photothermal ablation.

Forty-four alfalfa hays from different cuttings, maturities, and locations were fed to sheep in a digestion study. Subsamples of the hays along with corresponding fecal samples were ground and analyzed for dry matter, (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and permanganate lignin. In vivo digestibility (IVDMD) were also determined fro each hay. The hay and fecal samples were scanned with a near infrared reflectance spectrophotometer. Chemical and digestible data for each hay and fecal sample were entered into the computer and separate multiple regression equations developed. Fifteen other alfalfa hays with known chemical and digestible data were used to test the alfalfa equation. Standard errors of analysis (%) and corresponding r2s were: 3.55 and 0.81, 0.23 and 0.99, 2.44 and 0.94, 0.85 and 0.98, 1.33 and 0.96, 1.13 and 0.96, 1.13 and 0.80 for DDM, CP, IVDMD, ADF, NDF, and lignin, respectively. Thirty fecal samples with known chemical data were used to test the fecal equation. Standard errors of analysis and corresponding r2s were: 0.13 and 0.96, 0.41 and 0.93, 0.87 and 0.96, 1.79 and 0.90, 2.10 and 0.91, 1.46 and 0.90 for DM, OM, CP, ADF, NDF and lignin, respectively. Using the spectral information from fecal samples and the chemical composition of alfalfa samples to analyze other alfalfa samples was examined. Twelve other alfalfa hays with known chemical and digestible data were used to test the fecal equation. Standard errors of analysis (%) and corresponding r2s were: 4.05 and 0.01, 1.54 and 0.48, 1.63 and 0.71, 13.16 and 0.55, 1.43 and 0.35, 6.52 and 0.13, 4.30 and 0.63, 2.36 and 0.09, 5.75 and 0.49 for DM, OM, CP, IVDMD, ash, NDF, ADF, lignin, and DDM respectively. Hay fecal samples were sieved to study the utility of using sieving as a procedure to support chemical data in predicting DDM. Use of sieving (alfalfa and fecal) and chemical data (other than IVDMD) increased the precision of predicting DDM (R2 = 0.76), over using IVDMD and ash concentrations to predict DDM (R2 = 0.66).

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-tenn relation between household leverage through the use of mortgages, and changes in household weallh using the theoretical framework of the life cycle income hypothesis. The results of this sltldy are relevant to current positions regarding household leverage via mortgages. This study used the 1992 through 2002 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. The characteristics of leveraged and unleveraged households were compared in 1992 and 2002 as were changes during that period. The relation between household leverage and changes in assets and total resources over the period was modeled using robust regression analysis. Based on the results of independent 1 tests and chi-square tests, there were statistically significant differences between leveraged and unleveraged The general difference between the two groups was that greater proportions of leveraged households were working in 1992 and 2002 than unleveraged households. This observation was supported by differences in household income, work status trends, age of household head, total resources, and changes in total resources. Unleveraged households had statistically significantly higher assets than leveraged households; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the change in assets between the two groups. households. Retained or incurred mortgage debt during the study period, relative to not having mortgage debt, had a consistent negative effect on changes in assets and total resources. The initial leverage ratio and square of the initial leverage ratio were not statistically significant in either of the estimated regression models. The effect of eliminating mortgage debt, relative to not having mortgage debt, on changes in assets and total resources was not statistically different from zero. From the standpoint of maximizing resources, maintaining mortgage debt did not appear to be the best altemative for most households. However, for high-income and more risk-tolerant households, mortgage debt was beneficial and enhanced increases in assets and total resources. While the use of mortgage debt for investment capital had the potential to increase total resources, households may have derived greater satisfaction from using the mortgage proceeds for consumption, given their preferences and expectations. Implications for consumers, financial professionals, educators, and tax policymakers were drawn from the resu lts of the study.