Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are key components in RF and IF stages of many electronic systems. A Surface Acoustic wave is a mechanical wave, which is excited on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, when an alternating electric voltage is applied through a comb-like interdigital transducer (electrodes) patterned on it. Most SAW applications to date have been in the sub-2GHz region, but emerging applications require SAW devices at higher frequencies. The traditional models are inadequate to account for pronounced second order effects at the GHz range and also new microfabrication techniques are required to obtain quality devices as the critical dimensions shrink into the nano-scale range at these frequencies. The finite element method (a numerical method of solving differential equations) has the potential to account for these effects and ever increasing sub-micron processing capabilities of LIGA (X-ray lithography) present a promising outlook for high frequency SAW device modeling and fabrication respectively. <p>A finite element model has been developed using commercial software ANSYS for one port SAW resonators and is presented in this thesis. The one port SAW resonators are generally connected in form of ladder networks to form low-loss SAW filters. The spacing between the electrodes and the velocity of the SAW determine the frequency of operation of these devices. A finite element model has been developed for three different types of SAWdevices namely Rayleigh, leaky and longitudinal leaky SAW (LLSAW). The LLSAW has higher velocity as compared to other two types and hence considered in this work as a good prospect for high frequency SAW devices. <p>A full finite element model could not be solved due to high computing requirements and hence some assumptions were made and the results were validated against published results in the literature. The results indicate that even with simplifying assumptions and approximations FE model provides reasonably accurate results, that can be used in device design. Some of the simulations (in LLSAW based devices) in this work were also done with a view towards using LIGA (X-ray lithography) for fabrication of high frequency devices as they have the capability for high aspect ratios.

Current trends in technology are moving to increased use of wireless communication with rapidly increasing data transmission rates and higher frequencies. Miniaturization is essential to allow electronics of increasing complexity to fit into smaller devices. Adaptive technologies allow a single system to operate across multiple wireless protocols, adjusting to changing conditions to minimize interference and enhance performance. Flexibility is essential as the use of wireless technology increases and spreads to new industries. The objective of this research is twofold: to develop novel reconfigurable electromagnetic structures and a novel process to fabricate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices on flexible substrates. The novel electromagnetic structures are passive frequency-switchable parasitic antennas, conformal MEMS-tunable frequency selective surfaces (FSS) and MEMS-tunable electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. Fabricating the reconfigurable conformal FSS and EBG structures requires the development of a new fabrication process to produce MEMS devices monolithically integrated onto a flexible substrate. Novel frequency-switchable parasitic antenna arrays are developed, fabricated and measured. The structure radiates efficiently when placed over metal and absorbing material, improving the range of conventional RFID systems, as well as minimizing blind spots to provide continuous coverage in a hemisphere. A novel analysis method is developed to characterize frequency-switchable parasitic patch arrays. The purpose of the analysis is to provide an approximation of the input impedance and variation of the radiation pattern with frequency. The analysis combines models based on electromagnetic theory and circuit theory to provide a fast and yet reasonable approximation of the parasitic array characteristics. The analysis also provides a good deal of physical insight into the operation of multi-mode parasitic patch arrays. The end result is an initial array design which provides a good starting point for full EM simulation and optimization. The new analysis method is validated alongside measured and simulated results, with good correlation for both impedance characteristics and far-field radiation patterns. A MEMS-based switched parasitic antenna array is designed, fabricated and measured with good correlation between simulated and measured results. The structure is a direct-coupled parasitic patch array which is capable of frequency steering and has additional MEMS-enabled beam-steering capabilities at each frequency. An EBG-based multi-mode radiating structure design is presented, which is capable of frequency-switchable beam steering. The antenna area is significantly reduced compared to the parasitic patch array structure, but at a considerable cost in terms of gain and efficiency. A novel MEMS process is developed to fabricate large numbers of high-performance MEMS devices monolithically integrated onto a rigid-flex organic substrate using low-temperature processes. The rigid-flex substrate is all dielectric, which is amenable to low-loss electromagnetic structures. The substrate provides mechanical support to the MEMS devices while maintaining overall flexibility. The adaptation of each fabrication process step to handle flexible substrates is analyzed and documented in detail. The newly-developed MEMS process is used to fabricate a MEMS reconfigurable frequency-selective surface. A practical bias network is incorporated into the structure design to ensure that all devices are actuated simultaneously. FSS structures operating in the Ku and Ka bands are fabricated and tested, with good correlation between simulated and measured results for individual devices as well as the entire FSS structures. The newly-developed MEMS process is also used to fabricate a MEMS reconfigurable electromagnetic bandgap structure. An EBG structure operating in the Ka band is fabricated and tested to verify the validity of the proposed concept.

Current trends in technology are moving to increased use of wireless communication with rapidly increasing data transmission rates and higher frequencies. Miniaturization is essential to allow electronics of increasing complexity to fit into smaller devices. Adaptive technologies allow a single system to operate across multiple wireless protocols, adjusting to changing conditions to minimize interference and enhance performance. Flexibility is essential as the use of wireless technology increases and spreads to new industries. The objective of this research is twofold: to develop novel reconfigurable electromagnetic structures and a novel process to fabricate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices on flexible substrates. The novel electromagnetic structures are passive frequency-switchable parasitic antennas, conformal MEMS-tunable frequency selective surfaces (FSS) and MEMS-tunable electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures. Fabricating the reconfigurable conformal FSS and EBG structures requires the development of a new fabrication process to produce MEMS devices monolithically integrated onto a flexible substrate. Novel frequency-switchable parasitic antenna arrays are developed, fabricated and measured. The structure radiates efficiently when placed over metal and absorbing material, improving the range of conventional RFID systems, as well as minimizing blind spots to provide continuous coverage in a hemisphere. A novel analysis method is developed to characterize frequency-switchable parasitic patch arrays. The purpose of the analysis is to provide an approximation of the input impedance and variation of the radiation pattern with frequency. The analysis combines models based on electromagnetic theory and circuit theory to provide a fast and yet reasonable approximation of the parasitic array characteristics. The analysis also provides a good deal of physical insight into the operation of multi-mode parasitic patch arrays. The end result is an initial array design which provides a good starting point for full EM simulation and optimization. The new analysis method is validated alongside measured and simulated results, with good correlation for both impedance characteristics and far-field radiation patterns. A MEMS-based switched parasitic antenna array is designed, fabricated and measured with good correlation between simulated and measured results. The structure is a direct-coupled parasitic patch array which is capable of frequency steering and has additional MEMS-enabled beam-steering capabilities at each frequency. An EBG-based multi-mode radiating structure design is presented, which is capable of frequency-switchable beam steering. The antenna area is significantly reduced compared to the parasitic patch array structure, but at a considerable cost in terms of gain and efficiency. A novel MEMS process is developed to fabricate large numbers of high-performance MEMS devices monolithically integrated onto a rigid-flex organic substrate using low-temperature processes. The rigid-flex substrate is all dielectric, which is amenable to low-loss electromagnetic structures. The substrate provides mechanical support to the MEMS devices while maintaining overall flexibility. The adaptation of each fabrication process step to handle flexible substrates is analyzed and documented in detail. The newly-developed MEMS process is used to fabricate a MEMS reconfigurable frequency-selective surface. A practical bias network is incorporated into the structure design to ensure that all devices are actuated simultaneously. FSS structures operating in the Ku and Ka bands are fabricated and tested, with good correlation between simulated and measured results for individual devices as well as the entire FSS structures. The newly-developed MEMS process is also used to fabricate a MEMS reconfigurable electromagnetic bandgap structure. An EBG structure operating in the Ka band is fabricated and tested to verify the validity of the proposed concept.

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are key components in RF and IF stages of many electronic systems. A Surface Acoustic wave is a mechanical wave, which is excited on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate, when an alternating electric voltage is applied through a comb-like interdigital transducer (electrodes) patterned on it. Most SAW applications to date have been in the sub-2GHz region, but emerging applications require SAW devices at higher frequencies. The traditional models are inadequate to account for pronounced second order effects at the GHz range and also new microfabrication techniques are required to obtain quality devices as the critical dimensions shrink into the nano-scale range at these frequencies. The finite element method (a numerical method of solving differential equations) has the potential to account for these effects and ever increasing sub-micron processing capabilities of LIGA (X-ray lithography) present a promising outlook for high frequency SAW device modeling and fabrication respectively. <p>A finite element model has been developed using commercial software ANSYS for one port SAW resonators and is presented in this thesis. The one port SAW resonators are generally connected in form of ladder networks to form low-loss SAW filters. The spacing between the electrodes and the velocity of the SAW determine the frequency of operation of these devices. A finite element model has been developed for three different types of SAWdevices namely Rayleigh, leaky and longitudinal leaky SAW (LLSAW). The LLSAW has higher velocity as compared to other two types and hence considered in this work as a good prospect for high frequency SAW devices. <p>A full finite element model could not be solved due to high computing requirements and hence some assumptions were made and the results were validated against published results in the literature. The results indicate that even with simplifying assumptions and approximations FE model provides reasonably accurate results, that can be used in device design. Some of the simulations (in LLSAW based devices) in this work were also done with a view towards using LIGA (X-ray lithography) for fabrication of high frequency devices as they have the capability for high aspect ratios.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987.

The objective of this project was to document the status of oysters, Crassostrea virginica, from non-reef habitats throughout Tampa Bay, Florida, and assess the ecosystem contributions of those populations relative to reef-dwelling oysters. The aspects of oyster ecology studied here include condition, prevalence and intensity of disease (Perkinsus marinus - dermo), reproductive activity (including stage, fecundity, and juvenile recruitment), adult oyster density, and the faunal community associated with the oysters. The predominant source of variation was seasonal, with lesser contributions among sites, and in most cases, little or no effect of the habitat type. Oysters populations from each habitat recruit juvenile oysters, produce mature individuals, and contribute viable gametes at the same magnitude with similar seasonality. The associated faunal communities were also largely similar between habitats at any given site. Measures of oyster density, combined with estimates of the total available habitat, suggest that natural oyster reefs may represent only a small portion of the total oyster community in Tampa Bay, while oysters associated with mangrove habitats and seawalls are probably the most abundant in the bay. Additional mapping and quantification of these habitats would help to define their bay-wide ecosystem-services value. Restoration projects, though small in size relative to other habitats, do provide alternative and additional habitat with comparable value to other oyster-bearing habitats.

Complex wrinkle patterns have been observed in various thin film systems, typically with integrated hard and soft materials for various technological applications as well as in nature. The underlying mechanism of wrinkling has been generally understood as a stress-driven instability. On an elastic substrate, equilibrium and energetics set the critical condition and select the wrinkle wavelength and amplitude. On a viscous substrate, wrinkles grow over time and kinetics select the dominant wavelength. More generally, on a viscoelastic substrate, both energetics and kinetics play important roles in determining the critical condition, the growth rate, and wrinkle patterns. The dynamics of wrinkling, while analogous to other phase ordering phenomena, is rich and distinct under the effects of a variety of stress conditions and nonlocal film-substrate interactions. In this study, a new mathematical model is developed for wrinkling of isotropic and anisotropic elastic films on viscoelastic substrates. Analytic solutions are obtained by a linear perturbation analysis and a nonlinear energy minimization method, which predict the kinetics of wrinkle growth at the initial stage and the equilibrium states at the long-time limit, respectively. In between, a power-law coarsening of the wrinkle wavelength is predicted by a scaling analysis. Numerical simulations confirm the analytical predictions and show diverse wrinkle patterns under various stress conditions. For isotropic elastic films, a transition from parallel wrinkles to zigzag patterns is predicted under anisotropic biaxial stresses. For cubic crystal films, the anisotropic elastic property leads to formation of orthogonal wrinkle patterns under equi-biaxial stresses. In general, the competition between the stress anisotropy and the material anisotropy controls the evolution of wrinkle patterns. Based on the mathematical model, two potential applications of the wrinkling phenomenon are explored, one for surface patterning and the other for estimating viscoelastic properties of thin polymer films. The theoretical and numerical results from this study are compared with experimental observations that are available in literature and through collaborations with experimental groups. The last chapter of this dissertation considers ratcheting-induced wrinkling for an elastic film on an elastoplastic substrate under cyclic temperatures, demonstrating an analogy between plastic ratcheting and viscous creep. / text

This dissertation describes experimental investigations of deposited atomic clusters and of films of metal particles produced by cluster deposition on graphite. It consists of three chapters presenting a review of the addressed subjects, the experimental techniques, and a summary of the results. The main body of results is described in full in afourth chapter as research papers. A systematic study of the impact of metal cluster trimers on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) is investigated. The creation of defects at the surface of graphite is found to be independento f the masso f the atoms in the two typeso f clusters considered The electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) of collective electronic excitations (plasmons) in a film of silver particles is presented A weak positive dispersion of the plasmon mode is measured and exhibits a higher ftequency of the mode with parallel momentum close to zero than in Ag surfaces. The adsorption of cinnamaldehydeis examined on nanostructured palladium surfaces. The EELS spectrum of cinnamaldehyde adsorbed on palladium is presented, as well as that of condensed layers of cinnamaldehyde on HOPG. Findings of this thesis involve different physical and chemical properties of the cluster surface system with a view in using cluster deposition for practical applications such as the investigation of model catalysts.

No description available.

2012 m. gegužės mėn. Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centro Sodininkystės ir daržininkystės instituto Augalų fiziologijos laboratorijoje tirta aukštapelkių durpių, ceolito, kokoso ir vermikulito substratų įtaka bastutinių šeimos mikrožalumynų antioksidaciniam aktyvumui. Darbo objektas – skirtinguose substratuose auginti kaliaropių ‘Delicacy Purple’ (Brassica oleracea ‘Delicacy Purple’), garstyčių ‘Red Lion’ (Brassica juncea ‘Red Lion’), kiniškų kopūstų ‘Rubi’ (Brassica rapa ‘Rubi’ ), ridikėlių ‘Rioja Improved’ (Raphanus sativus ‘Rioja Improved’) mikrožalumynai. Darbo metodai: Spektrofotometriniu metodu įvertinta DPPH● radikalų surišimo geba ir nustatyti askorbo rūgšties, antocianų, fenolių, tokoferolių ir karotinoidų kiekiai. Darbo rezultatai. Antioksidantų kiekį mikrožalumynuose lemia augalų genotipas ir naudojamo substrato rūšis. Ištyrus substratų poveikį antioksidacinėmis savybėmis pasižyminčių junginių kaupimui, nustatyta tokia substratų seka: vermikulitas > kokosas > ceolitas > durpė. Didžiausi askorbo rūgšties kiekiai aptinkami kokoso substrate augintuose ridikėliuose (1,16 mg g–1) ir garstyčiose (1,17 mg g–1). Vermikulito ir kokoso substratas padidino fenolinių junginių kiekį bastutinių augalų mikrožalumynuose. Durpės ir ceolito substratas antocianų kiekiui mikrožalumynuose esminės įtakos neturėjo. Kokoso substratas lėmė α tokoferolio koncentracijos padidėjimą ir liuteino kiekio sumažėjimą kiniškų kopūstų mikrožalumynuose. Vermikulito ir kokoso substrato parinkimas... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In May, 2012, the influence of the substrates like bog peats, zeolite, coconut and vermiculite on the antioxidant potential of the brassica (lot. brassica) family microgreens was analyzed at the plant physiology laboratory of the Gardening and Horticulture Institute at the Scientific center of agrarian and forestry of Lithuania. Object of the research: In different substrate to grow the microgreens of the kohlrabi ‘Delicacy Purple’ (Brassica oleracea ‘Delicacy Purple’), the mustard Red Lion’ (Brassica juncea ‘Red Lion’), chines cabbage ‘Rubi’ (Brassica rapa ‘Rubi’) and the radish ‘Rioja Improved’ (Raphanus sativus ‘Rioja Improved’) were analyzed. Research methods: During the spectrophotometrically test fastening capacity of DPPH● radicals was evaluated and the quantity of ascorbic acid, antocients, phenolic, tocopherols and carotenoids was dimensioned. Research results: The amount of antioxidant in the microgreens is determined by the genotype of plants and the kind of the substrates that is used. After the examination of the substrate influence on the accumulation of components with antioxidant characteristics, the following sequence of substrates was established: vermiculite> coconut> zeolite> peat. The largest amount of ascorbic acid was found in the radish (1,16 mg g-1) and the mustard (1,17 mg g-1) microgreens that were grown in the coconut substrate. The vermiculite and coconut substrate increased the amount of phenolic compounds in the brassica microgreens but the peat... [to full text]