Spatial confinement of electrons and their interactions as well as confinement of the spin dimensionality often yield drastic changes of the electronic and magnetic properties of solids. Novel quantum transport and optical phenomena, involving electronic spin degrees of freedom in semiconductor heterostructures, as well as a rich variety of exotic quantum ground states and magnetic excitations in complex transition metal oxides that arise upon such confinements, belong therefore to topical problems of contemporary condensed matter physics. In this work electron spin systems in reduced dimensions are studied with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, a method which can provide important information on the energy spectrum of the spin states, spin dynamics, and magnetic correlations. The studied systems include quasi onedimensional spin chain materials based on transition metals Cu and Ni. Another class of materials are semiconductor heterostructures made of Si and Ge. Part I deals with the theoretical background of ESR and the description of the experimental ESR setups used which have been optimized for the purposes of the present work. In particular, the development and implementation of axial and transverse cylindrical resonant cavities for high-field highfrequency ESR experiments is discussed. The high quality factors of these cavities allow for sensitive measurements on μm-sized samples. They are used for the investigations on the spin-chain materials. The implementation and characterization of a setup for electrical detected magnetic resonance is presented. In Part II ESR studies and complementary results of other experimental techniques on two spin chain materials are presented. The Cu-based material Linarite is investigated in the paramagnetic regime above T > 2.8 K. This natural crystal constitutes a highly frustrated spin 1/2 Heisenberg chain with ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor and antiferromagnetic next-nearestneighbor interactions. The ESR data reveals that the significant magnetic anisotropy is due to anisotropy of the g-factor. Quantitative analysis of the critical broadening of the linewidth suggest appreciable interchain and interlayer spin correlations well above the ordering temperature. The Ni-based system is an organic-anorganic hybrid material where the Ni2+ ions possessing the integer spin S = 1 are magnetically coupled along one spatial direction. Indeed, the ESR study reveals an isotropic spin-1 Heisenberg chain in this system which unlike the Cu half integer spin-1/2 chain is expected to possess a qualitatively different non-magnetic singlet ground state separated from an excited magnetic state by a so-called Haldane gap. Surprisingly, in contrast to the expected Haldane behavior a competition between a magnetically ordered ground state and a potentially gapped state is revealed. In Part III investigations on SiGe/Si quantum dot structures are presented. The ESR investigations reveal narrowlines close to the free electron g-factor associated with electrons on the quantum dots. Their dephasing and relaxation times are determined. Manipulations with sub-bandgap light allow to change the relative population between the observed states. On the basis of extensive characterizations, strain, electronic structure and confined states on the Si-based structures are modeled with the program nextnano3. A qualitative model, explaining the energy spectrum of the spin states is proposed.:Abstract i Contents iii List of Figures vi List of Tables viii 1 Preface 1 I Background and Experimental 5 2 Principles of ESR 7 2.1 The Resonance Phenomenon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2 ESR Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2.2.1 The g -factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2.2.2 Relaxation Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 2.2.3 Lineshape Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 2.3 Effective Spin Hamiltonian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2.4 Spin-Orbit Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2.5 d-electrons in a Crystal Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 2.6 Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2.6.1 Dipolar Coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2.6.2 Exchange Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2.6.3 Superexchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2.6.4 Symmetric Anisotropic Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 2.6.5 Antisymmetric Anisotropic Exchange . . . . . . . . . . 25 2.6.6 Hyperfine Interaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 3 Experimental 27 3.1 Setup for Experiments at 10GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 3.2 Implementation of an EDMR Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 3.2.1 Basic Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 3.3 High Frequency Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 3.3.1 MillimeterWave Vector Network Analyzer . . . . . . . 33 3.3.2 Waveguides and Cryostats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 3.4 Development of the Resonant Cavity Setup . . . . . . . . . . . 35 3.4.1 Mode Propagation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 3.4.2 Resonant CavityModes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 3.4.3 Resonant Cavity Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 3.4.4 Resonant Cavity Sample Stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 3.4.5 Experimental Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 3.4.6 Performing an ESR Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 II Quasi One-Dimensional Spin-Chains 57 4 Motivation 59 5 Quasi One-Dimensional Systems 61 5.1 Magnetic Order and Excitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 5.2 Competing Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 5.3 Haldane Spin Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 6 Linarite 69 6.1 Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 6.2 Magnetization and ESR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 6.3 NMR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 6.4 Summary and Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 6.5 Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 7 The Ni-hybrid NiCl3C6H5CH2CH2NH3 83 7.1 Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 7.2 Susceptibility andMagnetization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 7.3 ESR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 7.4 Further Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 7.5 Summary and Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 8 Summary 99 III SiGe Nanostructures 101 9 Motivation 103 10 SiGe Semiconductor Nanostructures 107 10.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 10.1.1 Silicon and Germanium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 10.1.2 Epitaxial Growth of SiGe Heterostructures . . . . . . . 109 10.1.3 Strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 10.1.4 Band Deformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 10.2 Sample Structure and Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 11 Modelling of SiGe/Si Heterostructures 119 11.1 Program Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 11.2 Implementation of Si/Ge System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 11.3 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 11.3.1 Single Quantum Dot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 11.3.2 Multiple Quantum Dots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 11.4 Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 11.5 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 12 ESR Experiments on Si/SiGe Quantum Dots 135 12.1 ESR on Si Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 12.2 Experimental Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 12.2.1 Samples grown at 600◦C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 12.2.2 Samples grown at 700◦C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 12.2.3 T1-Relaxation Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 12.2.4 Effect of Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 12.3 Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 12.3.1 Quantum Dots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 12.3.2 Assignment of ESR Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 12.3.3 Relaxation Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 12.3.4 Donors in Heterostructures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 12.4 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 13 Summary and Outlook 157 Bibliography 163 Acknowledgements 176

Ce travail porte sur la modification de matrices polymères à base de fluorure de vinylidene pour permettre leur utilisation en tant que membrane séparatrice dans les supercapacités. Basé sur un procédé d‘irradiation par rayonnement γ, l‘objectif principal était la limitation du gonflement du polymère lorsqu‘il est mis en contact d‘un milieu liquide relatif à l‘application tout en gardant d‘excellentes affinités avec celui-ci. Le processus de base exploité étant la formation et la réaction des radicaux lors de l‘irradiation du polymère, une partie de la thèse a été consacrée à leur étude par résonance paramagnétique électronique (RPE). Un modèle de simulation de spectre RPE a été mis en place pour identifier et quantifier chacune des espèces radicalaires. L‘effet de la dose d‘irradiation, de la durée d‘un recuit et de la nature de la matrice polymère (homo, copolymère) sur la proportion de ces espèces et sur leur réactivité a été évalué. Un lien avec la formation d‘un réseau a été proposé. Une attention particulière a ensuite été apportée à l‘augmentation de la densité de réticulation avec le concours d‘un agent réticulant, le TAIC. Pour terminer, une stratégie de modification des propriétés de surface du PVDF a été élaborée. Elle consiste dans un premier temps à radiogreffer un polymère à la surface du PVDF puis à modifier, dans un second temps, les greffons par une chimie douce et sélective. En conclusion, les approches complémentaires développées au cours de cette thèse ont permis de comprendre la radiolyse des polymères et de mettre à profit les processus élémentaires pour développer des stratégies robustes et prometteuses de modulation des propriétés. / This work deals with the modification of VDF-based polymer induced by γ-radiation as the polymer may be used in electrochemical supercapacitors. The main objective was to limit the swelling of the fluorinated matrix with a given electrolyte while a good wetting of the polymer by the liquid was also required. As the main basic process involved in polymer radiolysis is the formation of radicals, a part of the work was dedicated to the study of such species by using Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy. A simulation model of ESR spectra was established in order to identify and quantify each radical species. The effect of several parameters such as radiation dose, annealing time or the nature of polymer matrix on the concentration of each species where investigated. A relation with the evolution of the crosslink density of the network formed during the radiolisys was proposed. In addition, one of the key steps of this work was to study the radiation crosslinking ability of VDF-based polymers and find a way to increase the crosslink density. This was achieved by incorporating, prior to the radiation process, a radiation sensitive crosslinker: TAIC. Finally, a new strategy based on the modification of surface properties of PVDF was investigated. It consists in the radiation grafting of pentafluorstyrene onto PVDF surface followed by the chemioselective functionalization of the grafted segments. As a conclusion, the different approaches used in this thesis allowed us to understand the radiolysis of VDF-based polymers and take advantage of the elementary process involved in this type of chemistry, to build up robust and promising strategies for tuning properties.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Oxalate decarboxylase (EC 4. 1. 1. 2 OxDC) from Bacillus subtilis is a manganese-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of the chemically inactive C-C bond in oxalate to yield formate and carbon dioxide. A mechanism involving Mn(III) has been proposed for OxDC, however no clear spectroscopic evidence to support this mechanism has yet been obtained. In addition, a recent study has shown that N-terminal metal binding site loop variants of OxDC were able to catalyze the oxidation of oxalate to yield hydrogen peroxide and carbon dioxide, which makes OxDc function as another oxalate degradation protein in the cupin superfamily, oxalate oxidase (EC 1.2.3.4 OxOx). In this work, wild-type (WT) Bacillus subtilis OxDC and a series of variants with mutations on conserved residues were characterized to investigate the catalytic mechanism of OxDC. The application of membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS), electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) provided information about the mechanism. The Mn(III) was identified and characterized under acidic conditions in the presence of dioxygen and oxalate. Mutations on the second shell residues in the N-terminal metal binding site affected the enzyme activity properties of the metal. In the N-terminal domain, the functional importance of the residues in the active site loop region, especially Glu162, was confirmed, and evidence for the previously proposed mechanism in which OxDC and the OxDC/OxOx chimeric variant share the initial steps has been found. In addition, the mono-dentate coordination of oxalate in the N-terminal metal binding site was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A proteinase cleavable OxDC was constructed and characterized, revealing the interaction between the N-terminal and C-terminal domains.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining the arteries and is involved in many physiological reactions which are responsible for vascular tone. Free radicals are important participants in these chemical reactions in the endothelium. Here we quantify free radicals, ex vivo, in biological tissue with continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). In all of the experiments in this thesis, we use a novel EPR spin trapping technique that has been developed for tissue segments. EPR spin trapping is often considered the ‘gold standard’ in reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection because of its sensitivity and non-invasive nature. In all experiments, tissue was placed in physiological saline solution with 190-mM PBN (N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone), 10% by volume dimethyl-sulphoxide (DMSO) for cryopreservation, and incubated in the dark for between 30 minutes up to 2 hours at 37°C while gently being stirred. Tissue and supernatant were then loaded into a syringe and frozen at -80°C until EPR analysis. In our experiments, the EPR spectra were normalized with respect to tissue volume. Conducting experiments at liquid nitrogen temperature leads to some experimental advantages. The freezing of the spin adducts renders them stable over a longer period, which allows ample time to analyze tissue samples for ROS. The dielectric constant of ice is greatly reduced over its liquid counterpart; this property of water enables larger sample volumes to be inserted into the EPR cavity without overloading it and leads to enhanced signal detection. Due to Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, the population difference goes up as the temperature goes down, so this phenomenon enhances the signal intensity as well. With the ‘gold standard’ assertion in mind, we investigated whether slicing tissue to assay ROS that is commonly used in fluorescence experiments will show more free radical generation than tissue of a similar volume that remains unsliced. Sliced tissue exhibited a 76% increase in ROS generation; this implies that higher ROS concentrations in sliced tissue indicate extraneous ROS generation not associated with the ROS stimulus of interest. We also investigated the role of ROS in chronic flow overload (CFO). Elevation of shear stress that increases production of vascular ROS has not been well investigated. We hypothesize that CFO increases ROS production mediated in part by NADPH oxidase, which leads to endothelial dysfunction. ROS production increased threefold in response to CFO. The endothelium dependent vasorelaxation was compromised in the CFO group. Treatment with apocynin significantly reduced ROS production in the vessel wall, preserved endothelial function, and inhibited expressions of p22/p47phox and NOX2/NOX4. The present data implicate NADPH oxidase produced ROS and eNOS uncoupling in endothelial dysfunction at 1 wk of CFO. In further work, a swine right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) model induced by pulmonary artery (PA) banding was used to study right coronary artery (RCA) endothelial function and ROS level. Endothelial function was compromised in RCA of RVH as attributed to insufficient endothelial nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. In conclusion, stretch due to outward remodeling of RCA during RVH (at constant wall shear stress), similar to vessel stretch in hypertension, appears to induce ROS elevation, endothelial dysfunction, and an increase in basal tone. Finally, although hypertension-induced vascular stiffness and dysfunction are well established in patients and animal models, we hypothesize that stretch or distension due to hypertension and outward expansion is the cause of endothelial dysfunction mediated by angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor in coronary arteries. The expression and activation of AT1 receptor and the production of ROS were up regulated and endothelial function deteriorated in the RCA. The acute inhibition of AT1 receptor and NADPH oxidase partially restored the endothelial function. Stretch or distension activates the AT1 receptor which mediates ROS production; this collectively leads to endothelial dysfunction in coronary arteries.

Conventional computing faces a huge technical challenge as traditional transistors will soon reach their size limitations. This will halt progress in reaching faster processing speeds and to overcome this problem, require an entirely new approach. Quantum computing (QC) is a natural solution offering a route to miniaturisation by, for example, storing information in electron or nuclear spin states, whilst harnessing the power of quantum physics to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than its classical counterpart. However, QCs face many difficulties, such as, protecting the quantum-bit (qubit) from the environment and its irreversible loss through the process of decoherence. Hybrid systems provide a route to harnessing the benefits of multiple degrees of freedom through the coherent transfer of quantum information between them. In this thesis I show coherent qubit transfer between electron and nuclear spin states in a ¹⁵N@C₆₀ molecular system (comprising a nitrogen atom encapsulated in a carbon cage) and a solid state system, using phosphorous donors in silicon (Si:P). The propagation uses a series of resonant mi- crowave and radiofrequency pulses and is shown with a two-way fidelity of around 90% for an arbitrary qubit state. The transfer allows quantum information to be held in the nuclear spin for up to 3 orders of magnitude longer than in the electron spin, producing a ¹⁵N@C₆₀ and Si:P ‘quantum memory’ of up to 130 ms and 1.75 s, respectively. I show electron and nuclear spin relaxation (T₁), in both systems, is dominated by a two-phonon process resonant with an excited state, with a constant electron/nuclear T₁ ratio. The thesis further investigates the decoherence and relaxation properties of metal atoms encapsulated in a carbon cage, termed metallofullerenes, discovering that exceptionally long electron spin decoherence times are possible, such that these can be considered a viable QC candidate.

Le principal objectif de ce travail est le développement, l'application et la validation de nouveaux traceurs hydrogéologiques sur la base de signatures spectrales spécifiques des matières organiques dissoutes (MOD) et du suivi de leur évolution dans les hydrosystèmes karstiques méditerranéens. Pour cela, de nombreuses analyses hydrodynamiques et hydrochimiques ont été réalisées, et plusieurs méthodes de caractérisation de la MOD ont été utilisées. Le travail s'est alors fondé sur l'étude de différents niveaux du bassin expérimental de la Fontaine de Vaucluse (sol, épikarst et zone non saturée), grâce à un accès privilégié rendu possible par le Laboratoire Souterrain à Bas Bruit de Rustrel-Pays d'Apt (Vaucluse, France). Un bon traceur hydrogéologique requiert des caractéristiques particulières (solubilité dans l'eau, stabilité, tendance faible à l'adsorption, limite de détection faible et des variations bien identifiables). Les composés organiques correspondant le mieux à ces critères sont des substances dérivées de la décomposition de la lignine. Leurs différentes caractéristiques et leurs faibles concentrations dans l'hydrosystème poussent à utiliser des modes de détection suffisamment sensibles tels que la spectrométrie de fluorescence et la Résonance Paramagnétique Électronique (RPE). L’application conjointe des analyses en RPE et en spectrofluorimétrie sur les lixiviats de sols et les eaux souterraines du LSBB permet de proposer deux protocoles de traçages hydrogéologiques. Le premier concerne la détermination des zones superficielles de sol appartenant au bassin d’alimentation des écoulements suivis. Le second, s'appuyant notamment sur l'évolution et la dynamique des MOD dans l'hydrosystème, correspond au développement de traceurs quantitatifs du temps de transit de l'eau pouvant s’appliquer de manière évènementielle par le marquage d’une période particulière de leur variation, ou en continu permettant ainsi le suivi des variations du temps de transit. Enfin, le rapprochement des résultats obtenus par ces nouveaux traceurs organiques avec ceux d'un traceur isotopique (l'oxygène 18) a permis de tester la validité des calculs du temps de transit, mais aussi de démontrer leur complémentarité / The aim of this study is to develop, apply and validate new hydrogeological tracers, based on specific spectral fingerprints of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM), and a monitoring of their evolution in Mediterranean karstic hydrosystems. Many hydrodynamic and hydrochemical analyses were made, and several DOM characterization methods were used. The basis of this work is therefore the study of different levels of Fontaine de Vaucluse experimental basin (soil, epikarst and unsaturated zone), thanks to a privileged access : the Low-Noise Underground Laboratory of Rustrel - Pays d’Apt (Vaucluse, France). Good hydrogeological tracers require specific characteristics (water solubility, stability, a low tendency to adsorption, a low detection limit and identifiable variations). Organic compounds, corresponding to these criterions at best, are lignin-derived compounds. Their different characteristics and their low concentrations in the hydrosystem drive us to use sensitive enough detection methods, such as fluorescence spectrometry and Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). Linked application of EPR and spectrofluorimetric analyses of leachate soil and LSBB groundwater allow to develop two hydrogeological tracing protocols. The first one concerns the determination of upper soil zone, which belongs to monitoring flow catchment area. The second one, using the evolution and the dynamics of DOM in the hydrosystem, corresponds to the development of transit time qualitative tracers, which apply either in an event-driven way by the marking of specific period of their variations, or continuously allowing the monitoring of transit time variations. Finally, the comparison between the results obtained by these new organic tracers and by an isotopic tracer (18 Oxygen) allows to validate transit time calculations and prove their complementarity

Vidros teluritos são considerados fortes candidatos para aplicações em lasers e óptica não linear devido a importantes características, como o elevado índice de refração, baixa energia de fônons, baixa temperatura de transição vítrea e sua fácil preparação. Neste trabalho foram produzidas amostras dos sistemas vítreos TeO2- ZnO-Na2O, TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O e Te2O-Na2O incluindo ou não dopagens de AgNO3 para estudos estruturais e ópticos. As propriedades estruturais e os mecanismos de recombinação destes vidros foram estudados por meio das técnicas de ressonância paramagnética eletrônica, termoluminescência e correntes de despolarização termicamente estimuladas. Já as propriedades ópticas como o coeficiente de absorção linear, índice de refração linear e não linear foram estudadas por meio das técnicas de absorção óptica, acoplamento de prismas e varredura Z. Foram ainda desenvolvidos estudos da precipitação de nanopartículas de prata para o sistema TeO2-ZnO-Na2O com dopagens de AgNO3 com diferentes temperaturas de tratamento térmico. A caracterização das nanopartículas metálicas foi realizada por meio da técnica de absorção óptica auxiliada por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e espectrometria de energia dispersiva. Foram observadas por ressonância paramagnética eletrônica quatro respostas paramagnéticas dos vidros irradiados com raio , sendo uma de natureza desconhecida e as outras três identificadas como g¹, g² e g³ atribuídas respectivamente ao centro de buraco do telúrio e do oxigênio, centro de buraco do oxigênio terminal e centro de elétron do telúrio. Foi proposto ainda um modelo para explicar os mecanismos de formação destes centros. A partir dos resultados de termoluminescência observou-se que os processos de recombinação destes centros de defeitos são não radioativos. Neste projeto foram estudados pela primeira vez na literatura os fenômenos de polarização e despolarização em vidros teluritos, com e sem irradiação gama, por meio da técnica de correntes de despolarização termicamente estimuladas. Quanto às propriedades ópticas, foi investigada a influência da adição de prata dos sistemas vítreos TeO2-ZnO-Na2O e TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O em relação à energia do gap, a cauda de Urbach, índice de refração linear e não linear.Nos resultados de varredura Z do sistema vítreo TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O foi observado o aumento da assimetria na curva com aumento da adição de AgNO3 Este fenômeno foi explicado por meio de uma adaptação do modelo de Sumi para processos não radiativos, responsáveis pelo aumento do caráter térmico do índice de refração não linear. Por fim um modelo foi criado para explicar a precipitação de nanopartículas de prata na matriz vítrea TeO2-ZnO-Na2O mediante tratamento térmico. / Tellurite glasses are considered powerful candidates for applications in lasers and nonlinear optics due to their important properties such as high refractive index, low phonon energy, relatively low glass transition temperature and easy glass production at room atmosphere. In this work glass samples of the systems ZnO-Na2O, TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O and Te2O-Na2O were produced, including or not the AgNO3 doping for the structural and optical study purposes. The structural properties and the recombination mechanisms of these glasses were studied by means of the techniques of electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence and thermally stimulated depolarization currents. The optical properties such as the optical linear absorption coefficient, linear and nonlinear refractive index were studied by means of the optical absorption techniques, prism coupling and Z-scan. Further studies were developed on the precipitation of silver nanoparticles embedded in the glass system TeO2-ZnO-Na2O doped with AgNO3, by means of thermal treatments at different temperatures. The characterization of the metallic nanoparticles was carried out by optical absorption aided by transmission electron microscopy and dispersive energy spectroscopy. Four paramagnetic responses were observed by electron paramagnetic resonance of the -irradiated glasses, one not yet identified and the other three identified as g0, g1 and g3 attributed respectively to the tellurium-oxygen hole center, non-bridging oxygen hole center and tellurium electron center. A model to explain the formation mechanisms of these centers was proposed. The thermoluminescence results indicated that the recombination processes of these centers are non-radiative. This is the first study that deals with polarization and depolarization phenomena in tellurite glasses with and without gamma irradiation, by the technique of thermally stimulated depolarization currents. In what regards the optical properties of the glass systems TeO2-ZnONa2O and TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O, the effect of the silver doping on the gap energy, Urbach tail, linear and nonlinear refractive indices were investigated. Through the Z-scan technique results of the glass system TeO2-Nb2O5-Na2O, an increasing asymmetry of the curve, with increasing AgNO3 content was observed. This phenomenon was explained through an adaptation of Sumi´s model for non-radiative processes, applied to a silver doped insulating glass, to explain the thermal character of the nonlinear refractive index. Finally, a model was developed to explain the silver nanoparticles precipitation in the TeO2-ZnO-Na2O glass matrix submitted to thermal treatment.

Cette étude porte sur des oxydes TiO2, SrTiO3 et SrZrO3 déficients en oxygène ou dopés par des ions de métaux de transition. Nous avons préparé des échantillons sous forme de polycristaux, de monocristaux et de films minces. Leurs propriétés structurelles, physiques et électroniques ont été mesurées à l’aide de techniques sensibles aux volumes (diffraction des rayons X, magnétométrie SQUID, résonance paramagnétique électronique) ou sensibles aux surfaces (spectroscopie de photoémission, spectroscopie d’absorption X). Les mesures de RPE et au SQUID permettent non seulement d’obtenir leurs propriétés magnétiques mais également la valence des ions Cr dopant. Nous avons ainsi pu établir les paramètres clés qui contrôlent la valence des ions chrome lors de la synthèse. Des phases secondaires telles que SrCrO4 peuvent se former quand les échantillons sont synthétisés dans des atmosphères riches en oxygène. Les propriétés de films SrZrO3 dopés au chrome sont également discutées. Leurs conditions de préparation influencent non seulement le comportement des ions chrome mais également celui de la commutation de résistivité. Ce dernier semble dépendre de la chimie de surface des films. L’accumulation d’ions Cr3+ au voisinage de la surface fournit une interface propre exempte d’oxydes non stœchiométriques. Cette terminaison nette de l’interface a pour résultat de bonnes performances de la commutation de résistivité. / In this study, the oxygen-deficient TiO2, SrTiO3 systems and transition metal ion (Cr or V) doped TiO2, SrTiO3 and SrZrO3 systems have been investigated. We prepared samples as polycrystals, single crystals and thin films for various desires. Their structural, physical and electronic properties were measured by bulk-sensitive techniques (X-Ray Diffraction, SQUID and Electro Paramagnetic Resonance) or surface-sensitive techniques (Photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy). The measurement of SQUID and EPR showed not only their magnetic properties but also the valence state of Cr dopant. We verified the valence state of Cr ions in oxides and found the key parameters of sample synthesis which control the valence state of Cr ions. Segregated phases such as SrCrO4 were formed when the samples were synthesized under O2 rich environment. The surface properties of Cr doped SrZrO3 films are also discussed. We found the synthesis conditions which influence on not only the behavior of Cr ions but also the resistive-switching behaviors. Various resistive-switching behaviors seem to depend on the surface chemistry of films. We found that the accumulation of Cr3+ on film surface provides a clean interface without any non-stoichiometric oxides and that this sharp interface termination results in a good performance of resistive-switching.

Les défauts ponctuels dans les semi-conducteurs sont étudiés pour la réalisation de bits quantiques d’information (Qubit). A ce jour, le système le plus développé est le centre NV dans le diamant. Récemment, les défauts ponctuels du carbure de silicium (SiC) ont été identifiés comme prometteurs pour la réalisation de Qubit en raison de leur long temps de cohérence de spin et du fonctionnement à température ambiante. Dans ce contexte, nous étudions la formation, la caractérisation optique et magnétique des défauts ponctuels dans SiC, ainsi que l’amélioration de la collection de leur luminescence. Nous commençons par une description des différents critères qui font du SiC un matériau clé pour les applications Qubit. Ensuite, nous présentons une étude bibliographique sur les principaux défauts ponctuels dans SiC en nous focalisant sur les centres : VSi, VSiVC, NV. Nous portons par la suite notre étude sur les conditions optimales d’irradiation ioniques/électroniques et de recuit post-irradiation pour la formation de défauts ponctuels luminescents dans le polytype cubique de SiC. Nous avons identifié les différents types de défauts dans le visible. Dans l’infra-rouge, nous n’avons détecté que le centre VSiVC en trouvant les conditions optimales de sa luminescence dans le cas d’implantation par les protons (dose 1016 cm-2 et le recuit à 750 °C). Puis, nous avons comparé les résultats obtenus par des irradiations aux électrons à ceux obtenus avec les protons en précisant les différents types de défauts ponctuels détectés par deux méthodes: la photoluminescence et la résonance paramagnétique électronique. Enfin, nous avons développé un processus technologique qui consiste en la fabrication de nano-piliers en SiC-4H. Nous avons montré les avantages de leur réalisation sur l’efficacité de la collection de PL des défauts ponctuels comme VSi et VSiVC. Une amélioration d’un facteur 25 pour le centre VSi et d’un facteur 50 pour le centre VSiVC a été obtenue. / Point defects in semiconductor materials are studied for the realization of quantum information bits (Qubit). Nowadays, the most developed system is based on the NV center in diamond. Recently, point defects in silicon carbide (SiC) have been identified as promising for the realization of Qubit due to the combination of their long spin coherence time and room temperature operation. In this context, this thesis studies the formation, optical and magnetic characterization of point defects in SiC, as well as the improvement of their luminescence collection. We begin with a general introduction to SiC in which we describe the different criteria that make SiC a key material for Qubit applications. Next, we present a bibliographical study on the main point defects in SiC, focusing on the centers: VSi, VSiVC, NV. We have studied the optimal conditions of ionic/electronic irradiation and post-irradiation annealing for the formation of luminescent point defects in the cubic polytype of SiC. We have identified the different types of visible range defects. In the infra-red range, we detected only the Ky5 center (VSiVC) by finding the optimal luminescence conditions of this center in the case of implantation by protons (dose 1016 cm-2 and annealing at 750 °C). Then, we compared the results obtained by electron irradiations with those obtained with protons specifying the different types of point defects detected by two methods: photoluminescence and electronic paramagnetic resonance. Finally, we have developed a technological process that consists of nano-pillars fabrication in SiC-4H. We have shown the advantages of realizing these pillars on the efficiency of the PL collection of point defects like VSi and VSiVC : an improvement of a factor of 25 for the VSi center and a factor of 50 for the VSiVC center was obtained.

Recent findings of multiferroicity and magnetoelectric effects in rare earth manganites have fuelled research in this class of materials. These multiferroics can be structurally divided into two classes – orthorhombic and hexagonal. Especially attractive are TbMnO3, HoMnO3 and DyMnO3. Since the ionic radius of Dy is at the boundary that separates the orthorhombic and hexagonal RMnO3, DyMnO3 can be synthesized in both the structures using different synthesis conditions. In this thesis, DyMnO3 single crystals (both hexagonal and orthorhombic) prepared using optical floating zone furnace are studied through structural, magnetic and thermal properties. The influence of rare earth ion on the magnetic phase transitions is revealed in magnetisation, ac susceptibility and specific heat studies. Moreover, doping RMnO3 (small R) with alkaline earth ions creates an arena to test the interesting physics of spin-glass-like phenomena in manganites that arises due to quenched disorder. In this regard, 50% strontium diluted DyMnO3 could be an ideal system to study the effects of quenched disorder and structural/magnetic inhomogeneities that govern the magnetic phases in manganites. Structural phase-coexistence and ensuing anomalous magnetism in Pr–based manganite Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3 are also presented in this thesis. Details of how the thesis is organized into eight chapters and a brief summary of each chapter follows: Chapter 1 is an introduction to the physics of manganites which progresses into multiferroics and eventually discusses the spin-glass-like effects arising due to size mismatch. A discussion on the phase-coexistence and its effect on physical properties are also presented. Eventually, the scope of the thesis is outlined in the last section. Chapter 2 outlines the basic experimental methods employed in this thesis work. Chapter 3 describes the details of crystal growth by optical floating zone method. DyMnO3 crystals in both hexagonal and orthorhombic structures are grown by employing the ambience of argon and air respectively. The crystals in the two crystallographic variants are characterized by X ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X ray analysis and Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The crystal structures are refined using Rietveld method with FULLPROF code and found to be P63cm for hexagonal and Pnma for orthorhombic DyMnO3. Details of crystal growth of Dy1−xSrxMnO3 are also presented. The change in ambience has no effect in the crystal structure of this doped manganite. A comparison of the growth of undoped and doped systems is given. In a later section, the crystal growth and structure refinement of Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3 are discussed and the optimized growth parameters are tabulated for various manganite systems grown in the present work. Chapter 4 deals with the magnetic and thermal characterization of hexagonal and orthorhombic DyMnO3 single crystals. Magnetic measurements reveal the importance of rare earth magnetism in these compounds. The antiferromagnetic transition to a stacked triangular antiferromagnet is discernible from the specific heat studies of hexagonal DyMnO3, which is masked in the bulk magnetisation measurements. Various magnetic transitions pertaining to the antiferromagnetic sinusoidal – spiral – incommensurate magnet, are evident in the magnetisation and specific heat of orthorhombic DyMnO3 which belongs to the class of non-collinear magnets. Chapter 5 deals with basic investigations on the spin-glass-like state in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3. Preliminary dc magnetisation shows indication of spin-glass state as a split in field-cooled and zero-field-cooled magnetisation cycles. Further, the failure of scaling of M(T) with H/T indicates the absence of superparamagnetism in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3. The dynamic susceptibility and its analysis using the theory of critical slowing down yield exponents pertaining to the spin-glasses. However, a four-order magnitude change is observed in the characteristic spin-flip time. This leads to the assumption that in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3 the spin entities are not atomic spins as in canonical spin-glasses but clusters of spins. The specific heat is analysed for signatures of spin-glass state and is found that a linear term in temperature is essential in fitting the observed data. The crystalline electric fields of Dy ion is also analysed attempting multiple Schottky-levels instead of two. Chapter 6 concerns with the aging experiments performed in the spin-glass-like state in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3. Striking aging and chaos effects are observed through these measurements. However, owing to the clusters of spins present, deviations from the typical time-dependent behavior seen in canonical spin-glass materials are anticipated in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3. In fact, the relaxation measurements indicate that the glassy magnetic properties are due to a cooperative and frustrated dynamics in a heterogeneous or clustered magnetic state. In particular, the microscopic spin flip time obtained from dynamical scaling near the spin-glass transition temperature is four orders of magnitude larger than microscopic times found in atomic spin-glasses. Magnetic viscosity, deduced from the waiting time dependence of the zero field cooled magnetisation, exhibits a peak at a temperature T<Tsg. Waiting time experiments prove that the dynamics is collective and that the observed memory effects are not due to superparamagnetism of separate magnetic entities. Chapter 7 discusses the Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies on single crystals of DyMnO3 in hexagonal as well as orthorhombic structures. The interesting effect of strontium dilution on the frustrated antiferromagnetism of DyMnO3 is also probed using EPR. The lineshapes are fitted to broad Lorentzian in the case of pure DyMnO3 and to modified Dysonian in the case of Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3. The linewidth, integrated intensity and geff derived from the signals are analysed as a function of temperature. The EPR results corroborate well with the magnetisation measurements. The study clearly reveals the signature of frustrated magnetism in pure DyMnO3 systems. It is found that antiferromagnetic correlations in these systems persist even above the transition. Moreover, a spinglass-like behaviour in Dy0.5Sr0.5MnO3 is indicated by a step-like feature in the EPR signals at low fields. Chapter 8 deals with the magnetic and electrical properties of Pr0.6Sr0.4MnO3 single crystals. This crystal undergoes two prominent phase transitions – a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic at Tc~300 K and a structural transition at Tstr ~ 64 K. These phase transitions are evident in the static magnetisation as well as in frequency-dependent susceptibility. In these measurements, the structural transition is associated with a sizeable hysteresis typical of a first-order transition. The M–H curves below Tc show clear indication of anomalous magnetism at low temperatures: the virgin curve lies outside the subsequent magnetisation loops. These observations are explained by assuming structural coexistence of a high–temperature orthorhombic and a low–temperature monoclinic ferromagnetic phases. The nature of static magnetisation data is analysed in the critical region. Modified Arrott’s plots yielded perfect straight lines with the isotherm at ~ 300 K passing through the origin. The exponent values thus should be very close to those expected for the universality class of Heisenberg ferromagnets. The temperature dependence of resistivity also shows critical nature with an exponent belonging to the Heisenberg class. The thesis concludes with a chapter on General conclusions and future scope on these systems.