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Editorial on the Research Topic. Physics and Geomorphology of Sand Ripples on Earth and in the Solar System.

Στην παρούσα εργασία υπολογίστηκε η ενέργεια διαμορφώσεων γραφενίου στις οποίες τα άτομα άνθρακα αποκλίνουν από το επίπεδο εξαγωνικό πλέγμα. Η πρώτη περίπτωση που εξετάσθηκε ήταν η απόκλιση από το επίπεδο, των ατόμων του ενός εκ των δύο υποπλεγμάτων του γραφενίου, θεωρώντας μία άπειρη περιοδική δομή. Χρησιμοποιήσαμε τη θεωρία γραμμικού συνδυασμού ατομικών τροχιακών (Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals-LCAO) προκειμένου να κατασκευάσουμε τις ενεργειακές ζώνες για τα s, px, py και pz τροχιακά των ατόμων άνθρακα στο γραφένιο και μελετήσαμε τη μορφή τους συναρτήσει της κατακόρυφης απόκλισης z των ατόμων του ενός υποπλέγματος από το επίπεδο. Στη συνέχεια, με προσαρμογή ab initio δεδομένων για την ενέργεια παραμόρφωσης του δεσμού άνθρακα-άνθρακα στο επίπεδο γραφένιο, εκτιμήσαμε τη συνάρτηση απωστικής ενέργειας μεταξύ των ατόμων άνθρακα. Έτσι, για την περίπτωση του άπειρου περιοδικού πλέγματος, υπολογίσαμε την ολική ενέργεια ανά άτομο συναρτήσει της κατακόρυφης απόστασης των δύο ατόμων της μοναδιαίας κυψελίδας. Στη συνέχεια, προκειμένου να μελετήσουμε ημιτονοειδείς κυματώσεις διαφορετικού μήκους κύματος και πλάτους, κατασκευάσαμε πλέγματα γραφενίου διαφορετικών μεγεθών και υπολογίσαμε την ολική ενέργεια για διάφορες διαμορφώσεις των πλεγμάτων αυτών. Προέκυψαν έτσι ορισμένες διαμορφώσεις πλέγματος ενεργειακά προτιμητέες σε σχέση με την επίπεδη διαμόρφωση του γραφενίου. Τέλος, μελετήθηκε η αλληλεπίδραση τύπου Van der Waals μεταξύ των ατόμων επίπεδου υποστρώματος SiO2 και των ατόμων του γραφενίου καθώς και η μεταβολή στην ολική ενέργεια των κυματώσεων του γραφενίου που προκύπτει από την αλληλεπίδραση αυτή. / In the present thesis, we studied cases of carbon atom deviations from planarity in graphene’s hexagonal lattice, with respect to graphene’s total energy. The first case studied, is the deviation of the atoms of the one crystal sublattice of graphene, in an infinite crystal lattice. Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals (LCAO) was used in order to obtain the energy bands for the s, px, py and pz atomic orbitals in graphene. Graphene’s band structure was studied with respect to the deviation z ofthe atoms of the one crystal sublattice of graphene. In order to obtain an empirical formula for repulsive energy between carbon atoms in graphene, we fitted ab initio results for graphene bond stretching potential, in graphene’s plane. Subsequently, we calculated the total energy per carbon atom with respect to the distance z, for an infinite graphene lattice. In order to study ripples of sinusoidal form in graphene’s structure, we created graphene lattices of different sizes and then we calculated the electronic, the repulsive and the total energy for different ripple configurations. Configurations which are energetically more favourable with respect to flat graphene were found, providing thus a ground state with ripples at very low temperatures. Lastly, Van der Waals interaction between a flat SiO2 substrate and graphene lattices on top of it was studied, with respect to changes of graphene’s total energy that result from the graphene-substrate interaction.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1970. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliography.

<p> This thesis reports findings from three series of experiments related to ultrashort laser pulse interactions with materials. The first series investigates the formation of laser induced ripples that have spatial periods much shorter than the irradiation wavelength after laser irradiation. The second series of experiments explores the capabilities of ultrashort pulse laser micromachining on optical fiber modifications for niche applications. Lastly, preliminary work in establishing a double-pulse ablation technique is reported. </p> <p> The first set of experiments reported in this thesis investigates the morphology of surface ripples that are generated when irradiated with multiple ultrashort laser pulses. Two types of surface ripples can form after irradiation. The fust type has spatial periods near the wavelength of the irradiation pulses and the second has spatial periods substantially below the irradiation wavelength (typically 114 to 115 of the free-space irradiation wavelength are observed in our studies). These substantially subwavelength ripples form when the irradiation wavelength corresponds to a photon energy that is below the bandgap of the target material. The Ti:Sapphire laser systems used in this series of experiments provides pulses centered around 800 nm. Gallium phosphide (GaP) was chosen to be the main material for investigation since 800 nm corresponds to a photon energy that is below the bandgap of this material; no frequency conversion needs to be carried out when GaP is the material of choice for subwavelength ripples studies. In this series of experiments substantially different irradiation conditions were investigated: pulse durations varied from 150 fs to 7 ns, laser energies ranges from well above the ablation and modification threshold to well below, both 800 nm and 400 nm wavelengths, and "scrambled" (where polarization was rotated between each successive pulse) polarization as well as circular polarization were used. Microscopy techniques employed to study these ripples include optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Cross-sectional studies with transmission electron microscopy were also carried out by using focused ion beam milling to prepare thin specimens across irradiated regions. Sapphire was also used as the irradiation target for 800 nm and 400 nm pulses since it has a large bandgap and even 400 nm corresponds to an energy that is below its bandgap. Irradiation conditions where the two types of ripples are observed are determined. Also, microscopy of the ripple features provided insights in to the formation mechanism of the subwavelength ripples. </p> <p> In the second series of experiments, preliminary work was performed to investigate the capabilities of ultrashort laser micromachining in fiber optic applications. This series of experiments can be subdivided in to two categories. </p> <p> The goal of the first fiber investigation was to create a slit in a metallic coating deposited on a fiber facet. Such a feature might eliminate the use of external slits (e.g. for spectrometers), especially ifthe output of the fiber depends on its geometry (e.g. polarization-maintaining fiber). The first experiment carried out was micromachining of a ~ 180 nm layer of gold that was deposited on a glass substrate, in order to determine irradiation conditions where the gold layer can be removed while the glass is not damaged. Once the irradiation condition was established by studying the micromachined gold layer on glass substrate, gold layers were deposited on fiber facets for micromachining experiments. The results showed promising potential, but fme tuning of the irradiation parameters, and processing as well as microscopy techniques are needed before useful applications can be realized. </p> <p> The second set of fiber experiments investigates irradiation conditions that are appropriate to micromachine features into fibers such as v-grooves and beveled ends. Preliminary work was carried out to determine a suitable focusing scheme for this application. Different pulse durations and a pulse train were also employed in hope of minimize chipping and cracking. This investigation did not reach a conclusion on whether micromachining with ultrashort laser pulses are in fact suitable for processing of optical fibers, where high quality facets are required. Future investigation could provide further information on the feasibility of laser micromachining on fabricating features in optical fibers. </p> <p> Lastly, a double-pulse ablation scheme was established and explored. Double-pulse ablation had been reported in the literature to improve material removal rate and the appearance of the fmal morphology. However, this setup can be adapted to investigate the ablation mechanisms and provide insight into the state of the material at different time frames of ablation. While the experimental results are preliminary, this technique showed potential, along with possible extensions of this technique, to further investigate the ablation mechanisms. </p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

La présence de buée sur des surfaces transparentes altère la transmission de la lumière. La buée est un ensemble de gouttes condensées sur une surface froide. Ces gouttes absorbent, réfléchissent et diffractent la lumière, réduisant la transparence de la surface sur laquelle elles se sont formées. Ce phénomène peut, en fonction des applications, causer des problèmes esthétiques et de sécurité. Une solution répandue dans le secteur industriel est l’utilisation de revêtements chimiques. Mais cette approche à un coût ; elle oblige à ajouter une nouvelle étape sur la chaine de production. Une autre solution, celle choisie durant ce doctorat, est l’approche topographique. En contrôlant la topographie par texturation de surface, les propriétés de mouillage peuvent être pilotées. Ainsi, des surfaces antibuées peuvent être développées. En fonction de la surface initiale, deux mécanismes sont possibles. Sur des surfaces hydrophiles, la création d’un film liquide uniforme remplaçant les gouttes d’eau est à privilégier. Avec ce type de film, la surface conserve de bonnes propriétés de transparence. Si la surface est plutôt hydrophobe, l’idée est de favoriser le déperlement des gouttes et ainsi d’évacuer l’eau le plus rapidement possible. Les travaux de ce doctorat portent sur le développement d’un traitement de surface topographique par injection plastique. Ce traitement vise à supprimer l’impact optique de la buée sur les surfaces en polycarbonate transparent des phares automobiles. L’une des contraintes majeures de ces travaux est de concevoir des texturations de surfaces facilement industrialisables. Les moyens de texturations doivent être adaptés. / The presence of dew on transparent pieces impairs light transmission. Dew is a group of droplets condensed on cold surfaces. These droplets absorb, reflect and diffract light, reducing condensation surface transparency. This can cause aesthetic or security issues. The most widely used method currently for improving transparency of surfaces covered with dew is to apply anti-fog chemical coatings. These coatings suppress the whitish opaque layer caused by condensation by reducing the surface tension of water droplets, causing them to disperse into a thin liquid sheet. However, this solution is expensive. It is adding a step in the production line. Surface texturing offers a viable alternative to the use of chemicals. Controlling the surface topography by modifying textured allows wetting property management. This approach, chosen during this PhD thesis, allows the design of anti-fog surfaces. Depending on the surface, two droplets suppression mechanisms are possible. On hydrophilic surfaces, liquid sheet formation replacing droplets has to be favored. If the surface is hydrophobic, droplets sliding off should be increased, thus water evacuation will be faster. Our work consists in the development of a topographical surface treatment by molding injection. The aim is to limit the optical impact of the dew on transparent polycarbonate surfaces of car headlights. The major constraint of this work is to design easy industrialized textured surfaces. Production means must be adapted.

Sharp-wave ripples (SWR) generated in the CA3 subregion of the hippocampus (HC) during rest and sleep appear to coordinate memory consolidation to the neocortex (NC) by (1) reactivating small subsets of neurons (i.e. cell-assemblies) that encode recent waking experience and (2) propagating this information through the hippocampal formation. Although CA3 self-organizes SWRs in the absence of extrinsic inputs, cortical input to the HC conveyed by perforant path (PP) may influence SWR initiation nevertheless. Still, direct evidence that PP synaptic excitation can elicit SWRs is lacking, and it is unclear how this influence might compete or interact with self-organizing mechanisms. This dissertation tested the hypothesis that CA3's SWR pattern generator would self-organize its activity in the absence of PP input, but readily entrain to such input when present. Spontaneous SWRs (sSWR) occurred in slices prepared from the ventral portion of the mouse HC. Low-intensity electrical stimulation of PP afferents evoked short-latency field EPSPs in CA3 that were often followed by precisely timed evoked SWRs (eSWR). The network and single-cell characteristics of sSWRs and eSWRs were indistinguishable, indicative of a common patter generator. PP stimuli that followed sSWRs too closely usually failed to elicit eSWRs. Using a custom MATLAB/Simulink application to control PP stimulus timing during the ~250 ms sSWR refractory period revealed a statistically significant effect of stimulus delay (25, 50, 100, and 200 ms) on eSWR incidence, reaching a value of 0.72 (95% CI = [0.61, 0.81]) 200 ms after sSWR onset. In contrast, sSWR incidence at this time was much lower (95% CI = [0.015, 0.049]). Lesions targeting the direct PP input to CA3 substantially reduced eSWR incidence. In intact slices, eSWRs were readily evoked by stimulating the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC). In summary, PP input to CA3 from the MEC can initiate SWRs at times when self-organizing mechanisms generally cannot. Assuming sSWRs convey information to the NC, the ensuing refractory period might provide an opportunity for cortical feedback to reinforce the recently engaged cell-assembly. In the absence of such feedback, CA3 could revert to its default mode of self-organized replay.

Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs) are gaining recognition due to their robust design, cost-effectiveness, fault tolerance, and reliable high-speed performance, positioning them as promising alternatives to traditional electric motors. However, SRMs face high torque ripples, vibration, acoustic noise, and nonlinear modeling complexities. Through careful geometry design optimization, these drawbacks can be mitigated. Design optimization for SRMs is a multi-objective and nonlinear problem that requires an accurate finite element analysis (FEA) model to relate designable parameters to output objectives. The geometric design process follows a multi-stage and iterative approach, leading to prohibitive computational time until the optimal design is reached. Machine learning algorithms (MLAs) have recently acquired attention in electric machine design. This study introduces an extensive analysis of various MLAs applied to SRM modeling and design. Additionally, it presents a robust framework for a comprehensive evaluation of these MLAs, facilitating the selection of the optimal machine learning topology for SRM design. Existing research on the geometry optimization of SRMs using MLAs has focused only on the machine’s static characteristics. This thesis introduces an advanced optimization method utilizing an MLA to act as a surrogate model for both static and dynamic characteristics of the SRM. The dynamic model incorporates conduction angles optimization to enhance the torque profile. The proposed MLA is applied to map out the SRM geometrical parameters, stator and rotor pole arc angles and their dynamic performance metrics, such as average torque and torque ripples. The optimal design improves the average torque and significantly reduces the torque ripples. Radial forces constitute a critical objective that should be considered alongside average torque, efficiency, and torque ripple in the design optimization of SRMs. Accurate modeling of radial forces is a prerequisite for optimizing motor geometry to mitigate their adverse effects on vibrations and acoustic noise. This work presents an MLA-based surrogate model for the most influential radial force harmonic components, facilitating the integration of radial force reduction into a multi-objective optimization framework. The proposed optimization framework employs two MLA-based surrogate models: the first correlates SRM pole arc angles with average torque and torque ripples, while the second models the most significant radial force harmonics. A genetic algorithm leverages these surrogate models to predict new geometrical parameters that enhance the SRM's torque profile and reduce radial forces. The optimization framework significantly reduced torque ripples and radial forces while slightly increasing average torque. The optimal design candidates were verified using FEA and MATLAB simulations, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method, which offers significant computational time savings compared to traditional FEA techniques. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

De nombreuses applications industrielles mettent en évidence l’importance des propriétés de mouillage des surfaces métalliques que ce soit directement pour les propriétés d’écoulement de fluides sur ces surfaces ou indirectement pour leur lien avec les phénomènes d’adhésion. Les travaux de Wenzel (1936) et de Cassie -Baxter (1944) ont montré que cette mouillabilité dépendait à la fois de la tension superficielle du solide mais aussi de sa topographie de surface. Ainsi la maîtrise et l’optimisation de ces propriétés nécessitent le contrôle de ces deux aspects, à l’image de la feuille de lotus dont le caractère super-hydrophobe réside à la fois en la présence d’une cire hydrophobe et d’une rugosité multi-échelle. Ces observations sont à l’origine, cette dernière décennie, du développement des techniques de gravures chimiques pour réaliser des texturations superficielles de matériaux et contrôler leur mouillabilité. Afin de surmonter certaines limitations de ces techniques et privilégier un procédé par voie sèche, nous avons envisagé de structurer la surface d’alliages métalliques de titane, d’aluminium, et de différents aciers inoxydables, au moyen d’un traitement de surface par laser femtoseconde. L’analyse topographique de la surface des matériaux (profilométrie optique, AFM, MEB) en fonction des paramètres d’irradiation du laser comme la densité de puissance laser, le nombre d’impulsions et le décalage latéral du faisceau en configuration balayage, a montré l’efficacité de ce procédé pour générer des texturations multi-échelles. Les différentes morphologies de textures peuvent être associées à des transitions de régimes dans l’interaction laser - matière (ripples, spikes, …). L’analyse chimique et structurale (DRX, XPS) des surfaces traitées a mis en évidence des modifications microstructurales dues aux effets thermiques du laser ainsi qu’une évolution de l’état chimique de la surface dont les effets sur la mouillabilité sont importants. L’hydrophobie des surfaces métalliques a été considérablement accentuée par le traitement laser. Ces résultats pourront être exploités pour différentes applications industrielles notamment comme moyen de contrôler l’état de surface des moules de plasturgie. / Many industrial applications highlight the importance of the wetting properties of metallic surfaces related to their adhesion phenomena. Wenzel’s (1936) and Cassie – Baxter’s (1944) independent works showed that the wettability depended on both the surface tension of the solid but also on its surface topography. Thus the control and optimization of these properties require control of both aspects, like the lotus leaf whose superhydrophobic character lies in the presence of a hydrophobic wax and a multi-scale roughness. These observations are at the origin of the development of chemical etching techniques to produce surface texturing of materials and control their wettability. To overcome some limitations of these techniques and focus on a dry process, we considered the surface texturing of metal alloys of titanium, aluminum, and various stainless steels, using a femtosecond laser surface treatment. The analysis of the topography of the textured surfaces using different techniques (optical profilometry, AFM, SEM) showed the effectiveness of this method for generating multi-scale texturing. The different morphologies of textures can be associated with regimes transitions in the laser - matter interaction (ripples,spikes ...). The chemical and structural analysis (XRD, XPS) of the treated surfaces revealed microstructural changes due to thermal effects of laser, and a shift in the chemical state of the surface whose effects on the wettability are important. The hydrophobicity of metallic surfaces was significantly enhanced by laser treatment. These results may be used for various industrial applications, including the control of the surface state of plastic molds.