The recent availability of X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) has opened a completely new and unexplored regime for the study of light-matter interactions. The extremely bright intensities delivered by XFELs can couple many photons into the target, turning well known interactions such as photoionization and scattering into new, non-linear, complex many-body phenomena. This thesis reports theoretical investigations aiming to improve the understanding of the fundamental processes and dynamics triggered by intense X-ray pulses, with a special focus in finite systems such as molecules and clusters. Sequential multiple photoionization in atomic clusters was investigated, where previous observations were extended for higher charge states where direct photoionization is frustrated. Through a rate equation study and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations, it was found that frustrated ionization is partially responsible for the low-energy peak observed in the electron energy spectrum. The influence of plasma evaporation over the formation of the sequential low-energy peak was also investigated, identifying the effects of the system size and photon energy. Multiple channel ionization was also investigated for the case of fullerenes. This is done through a series of studies, starting from a simplified rate equation scheme, and culminating with full molecular dynamics simulations. From these results, a good insight was obtained over the origin, physical meaning, and relevant parameters that give rise to the complicated features observed in the electronic spectra. The mechanisms responsible of all these features are expected to be present in other systems, making these results quite general. Diffractive imaging of biomolecules was studied in a final step, with a particular focus on the influence of intramolecular charge transfer mechanisms. To this end a conformer of T4 Lysozyme was used, a representative enzyme with well known structure. Charge migration is found to allow for additional processes such as proton ejection, a mechanism which enables an efficient release of energy from the system. This mechanism considerably suppresses structural damage for heavy ions, improving the quality of the measured diffraction patterns.

In my thesis I deal with ionizing radiation, its origin, its effects and principles. I also deal with radiation protection and its principles, medical exposure and pediatric radiodiagnostics in terms of imaging methods and specifics of radiation protection in paediatrics. And whether all the methods used to reduce radiation exposure in children undergoing ionizing radiation are used. Part of the work is also devoted to the way of communication in this area and awareness, whether it is paid enough attention or this area is neglected in the Czech Republic.

RésuméLa diffraction et la diffusion de rayons X sont utilisées dans de nombreux domaines de la physique, de la médecine et de la technologie. Des faisceaux de haute brillance sont néanmoins requis pour améliorer les performances de ces techniques. L’utilisation de la diffusion Compton d’un laser sur un faisceau d’électrons présente un grand intérêt pour la production de rayons X. Ce processus permet l’emploi d’un anneau de stockage d’électrons compacts et d’un résonateur optique pour accroître la puissance laser. Avec un tel système, un taux de collision laser-électron supérieur au méga Hertz est envisageable permettant d’atteindre un flux de rayons X de l’ordre de 10¹³ photons/s. Dans le premier chapitre, je décris les motivations pour le développement d’une source de rayons X basée sur la diffusion Compton et utilisant un résonateur optique. Je détermine aussi les performances que l’on peut attendre de ce type de sources ainsi que l’état de l’art actuel dans ce domaine. Dans le deuxième chapitre, je décris le comportement et les propriétés des résonateurs optiques en régime impulsionnel. J’introduis la notion de phase CEP (‘carrier envelope phase’) et je montre la nécessité de contrôler à la fois la fréquence de répétition de l’oscillateur laser et cette phase CEP. Le chapitre 3 est consacré aux oscillateurs fibrés à blocage de mode. Je montre les performances du laser que j’ai construit en utilisant le phénomène de rotation de polarisation non-linéaire.La méthode d’asservissement laser-résonateur optique ‘tilt locking’ est introduite au chapitre 4. Je décris tout d’abord les études de simulations et le montage expérimental qui ont permis de tester la méthode en régime impulsionnel. Je donne ensuite les résultats expérimentaux qui démontrent la faisabilité de la méthode ‘tilt locking’ en régime impulsionnel. J’effectue aussi une comparaison expérimentale des performances de la méthode ‘tilt locking’ avec la méthode classique ‘Pound-Drever-Hall’. Je termine le chapitre en indiquant une difficulté expérimentale de la méthode pour générer plusieurs signaux d’erreurs.Je décris la conception du système optique de la machine Compton TTX de l’université Tsinghua dans le chapitre 5. Les performances attendues pour cette machine sont des flux de rayons X compris entre 10¹º et 10¹³ photons/s. / X-ray diffraction and scattering, X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography are widely used in the life sciences, material science, and medical diagnosis. High-quality and high-brightness X-rays are a strong requirement to improve applications. Inverse Compton scattering (ICS) X-ray source has attracted great interests worldwide lately. To significantly enhance the average X-ray photon flux, a compact electron storage-ring combined with a high finesse optical enhancement cavity (OEC) can be utilized. In such a system, the collision rate between the electron beam and the laser pulse is greatly increased to the MHz range, enabling a photon flux up to 10¹³ph/s.In the first chapter, I describe the motivation behind the development of OEC based on ICS X-ray source. The characteristics of this kind of X-ray source are summarized, compared to those of the conventional low-repetition-rate Terawatt laser system based on ICS X-ray source. The latest progress and research status of OEC based on ICS X-ray source are presented. Pulsed-laser injected high-finesse OEC stacking theory and properties are discussed in Chapter 2. Not only does the OEC based on ICS X-ray source require the laser pulse repetition rate to be matched to the free spectral range (FSR) of the cavity, where both also have to match the electron storage-ring circulation frequency. In addition, we have to match the phase shift of the laser repetition rate to the phase offset introduced by the dispersion of the cavity mirrors, since our cavity finesse design value is quite high. The stacking theory is analyzed in the frequency domain. Cavity properties, including cavity mirror dispersion, finesse, and FSR, are discussed in detail. A laser frequency comb and OEC coupling is analyzed also. The laser source development is presented in Chapter 3. We constructed a mode-locked fiber laser based on nonlinear polarization rotation. The locking model, locking techniques, and the theory, simulations and experimental tests of tilt locking (TL) in the pulsed laser injected high-finesse OEC are discussed in Chapter 4. We succeeded in locking a pulsed laser to a high-finesse cavity with the TL technique. The experimental results show that the TL and the Pound–Drever–Hall techniques have the same performance: stable locking, high sensitivity, and the same power coupling rate for picosecond laser pulse case, while the test results for full spectrum TL locking show that it is uneasy to align the split-photodiode to the beam waist.Based on the above experimental study and tests, we design the OEC system for Tsinghua University X-ray project in Chapter 5. The expected X-ray flux is 10¹º to 10¹³ ph/s. We detail every subsystem requirement.

O desenvolvimento econômico brasileiro depende da crescente produção agropecuária, aliada ao conservacionismo. O sistema de plantio direto é o manejo de solo que reúne o mais amplo conjunto de preceitos da agricultura conservacionista. As áreas agrícolas cultivadas sob plantio direto, entretanto, têm apresentado duas camadas de solo distintas: uma entre, aproximadamente, 0 e 7 cm de profundidade, com condições físicas e químicas favoráveis ao desenvolvimento radicular; e uma entre, aproximadamente, 7 e 20 cm de profundidade, com menor permeabilidade do solo ao ar e a água, elevada resistência à penetração e baixa fertilidade química do solo. Estas condições promovem a concentração do sistema radicular das plantas agrícolas cultivadas na camada mais superficial do solo (0 a 7 cm), motivando perdas de produtividade por estresse hídrico. A magnitude desse problema se estende a mais de 30 milhões de hectares de lavoura cultivada sob plantio direto no Brasil, colocando em risco as projeções de exuberância da agricultura no país. Assim, o desenvolvimento desta tese teve o objetivo de estudar fatores que, além do processo de compactação mecânica do solo, possam estar promovendo a estratificação física e química de solos altamente intemperizados cultivados sob sistema de plantio direto. Dentre os possíveis fatores causadores deste tipo de degradação, foram avaliados: i) a aplicação excessiva de calcário, exclusivamente em superfície, ocasionando, na camada de 0 a 7 cm, a elevação do pH do solo para além do ponto de carga zero do solo, elevando o potencial eletronegativo do solo e por consequência, promovendo a dispersão de argila; ii) a migração da argila dispersa no perfil do solo, pela água de percolação, como um fator promotor de degradação física em subsuperfície; iii) o aporte de fitomassa ao solo em quantidade e qualidade para manter a estabilidade estrutural dos solos cultivados. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o movimento de calcário no perfil dos solos estudados é muito lento, limitando o efeito deste produto a poucos centímetros abaixo do local onde ele é depositado ou incorporado (2,5 cm em 130 semanas), independentemente da dose aplicada (até 33,2 Mg ha-1). Assim, a calagem superficial promove e intensifica a estratificação dos atributos químicos no perfil do solo, aumentando, demasiadamente, o pH próximo à superfície e sendo ineficiente em mitigar a acidez na subsuperficie destes solos. A concentração de calcário na camada mais superficial dos solos altamente intemperizados aumenta a eletronegatividade do solo, resultando na dispersão de argila. A migração dos argilominerais dispersos no perfil do solo, pela água de percolação, promove uma série de alterações estruturais, incluindo a diminuição da porosidade total e da continuidade dos poros e o aumento da densidade e da resistência do solo à penetração na camada subsuperficial. A diminuição da estabilidade estrutural dos Latossolos sob cultivo também está ligada ao aporte de material orgânico ao solo em quantidade e qualidade inferiores à que ocorre no solo sob sistema nativo. Os Latossolos cauliníticos são mais propensos a diminuição da estabilidade estrutural quando submetidos ao cultivo. Portanto, a recomendação de calagem em solos altamente intemperizados cultivados sob plantio direto, precisa considerar a mineralogia do solo e a possível degradação estrutural promovida pela calagem em excesso. / The economic development of Brazil depends upon the increasing agricultural production associated with conservation practices. The no-tillage system is the soil management practice that brings together the broadest set of principles for conservation agriculture. Areas under no-till system, however, generally have two completely different soils layers: a surface layer, around 0 to 7 cm, with physical and chemical conditions favorable for root development; and a sub-surface layer, around 7 to 20 cm, with lower permeability to air and water, high soil penetration resistance, and low soil fertility. The existence of these stratified layers dramatically restricts the development of the root system into the sub-surface soil layer, which may result in reducing plant productivity by water deficit. This problem exists on more than 30 million hectares cultivated under no-tillage system in Brazil, and can compromise the optimistic projections of agricultural growth in the country. Therefore, more research is necessary to explore challenges that come with no-tillage. The aim of this thesis was to study the factors that can promote the physical and chemical stratification of highly weathered soils cultivated under no-till system. Among the factors that could cause this degradation, the following were studied: i) the application of excessive lime only on surface soil, or into the uppermost soil layer, which can increase its pH to levels beyond of the zero point of charge of soil, raising its electronegative potential and promoting, as a consequence, the clay dispersion; ii) the dispersed clay migration thtough the soil profile, by the percolation water, as a factor of physical degradation of sub-surface of soil cultiveted under no-tillage; and iii) the aplication of phytomass to the soil in insufficient amount and quality to maintain the soil structural stability of the soil. The results of this study showed that lime movement into the deeper soil profile, is very slow, as its impacts are limited to just a few centimeters below of where it is applied or incorporated (2.5 cm after 130 weeks), independent of the applied amount of lime. Thus, the surface lime application intensifies the chemical stratification of the clayey soils under no-tillage, increasing to much the soil pH of the uppermost soil layer, and being inefficient to decrease the soil acidity in the subsurface soil layer. The concentration of lime into the uppermost soil layer can significantly increase the electronegativity of the soil system and result in clay dispersion in the topsoil layer (0 to 5 cm). The resulting clay migration into the soil profile led to a series of structural alterations in subsurface layers, including: decrease of both soil porosity and pore continuity; and increase of both soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance in the sub-superficial layer. The structural stability decreasing of Oxisols under no-till system also is linked with the low addition of organic matter to the cultivated soil, in relation to the non-cultivated soils. The kaolinitic Oxisols are more susceptible to degradation than the gibbsitic Oxisols. Thus, it could be conclude that liming practices (rate and application methods of lime), mainly under no-till systems, need to consider both type and mineralogy of soil, as well as considering soil structure degradation promoted by over-liming in the uppermost soil layer.

No description available.

O presente estudo foi realizado com os seguintes objetivos de (a) caracterizar morfo-agronômica e molecularmente cinco genótipos de feijão-caupi; (b) avaliar a preservação da qualidade de grãos de feijão-caupi minimamente processado empacotado em três tipos de embalagens (PVC, PP e PEBD) sob temperaturas de armazenamento de 1, 5 e 10 °C, durante nove dias e, (c) identificar os danos causados por caruncho [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.)] e sua relação com a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de feijão-caupi, por meio da análise de raios X. Na caracterização morfo-agronômica os genótipos analisados foram: IPA-206, BRSPAJEU, BRS-POTENGI, L 281.005 e L ESP 10 e na caracterização molecular foram utilizados 26 primers de RAPD e 37 primers de ISSR. Foram construídos três dendrogramas baseados em marcadores moleculares RAPD, ISSR e RAPD+ISSR. Na caracterização morfo-agronômica, as características que apresentaram maior poder discriminante para os cinco genótipos avaliados, foram: cor das folhas; comprimento e largura do folíolo apical; vigor da planta; número de dias à floração, cor das flores; número de dias para maturação da primeira vagem, e ainda, o comprimento, a largura e o número de lóculos por vagem, como também o número de vagens por plantas; e na semente, massa de 100 sementes, comprimento, largura e espessura. A caracterização molecular demonstrou a utilidade do método, não só para avaliar o conjunto da diversidade no germoplasma, mas também para permitir aglomeração potencial dos genótipos com base nas suas afinidades entre si em características de desempenho agronômico. No ensaio de processamento mínimo foi utilizado como matéria prima grãos de feijão-caupi, linhagem L ESP 10. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises: perda de massa fresca, composição gasosa, aroma e aparência. Os dados foram analisados através da construção de gráficos. Constatou-se que a perda de massa dos grãos foi muito reduzida. A temperatura de 1°C e o uso do filme de PVC foi mais eficientes na conservação da qualidade pós-colheita do feijão-caupi minimamente processado, propiciando melhor manutenção da cor verde, aparência, odor e menor oxidação na região próxima ao hilo. Com relação à identificação dos danos causados por caruncho por meio da análise de raios X foram utilizadas três cultivares: IPA-206, BRS-Pajeu, BRS-Potengi e duas linhagens, L 281.005 e L ESP 10. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de raios X e ao teste de germinação, a fim de determinar a relação de causa e efeito entre os danos provocados pelo caruncho e a germinação das sementes. Para os danos classificados como severos, localizados no eixo embrionário e, ou nos cotilédones, as sementes originaram plântulas anormais ou as sementes estavam mortas. O teste de raios X se mostrou eficiente para a avaliação de danos causados por caruncho em sementes de feijão-caupi, permitindo relacionar os eventuais danos com os prejuízos causados à germinação. / This study was undertaken with the following objectives: (a) to characterize, morphoagronomic and molecularly, five genotypes of cowpea beans, (b) to evaluate the preservation of grain quality of cowpea minimally processed in three types of packaging (PVC, PP and PEBD) under storage temperatures of 1, 5 and 10 ° C for nine days, and (c) to identify the damage caused by the weevil [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.)] using the X-ray analysis and evaluate its relationship to the physiological quality of the cowpea seeds. The genotypes used in this morpho-agronomic characterization were IPA 206, BRS-PAJEU, BRS-POTENGI, L 281.005 and L ESP 10. For the molecular characterization, it was used 26 primers of RAPD and 37 primers of ISSR. Three dendograms were constructed based on molecular markers RAPD, ISSR and RAPD+ISSR. Concerning to morpho-agronomic characterization, the characteristics which presented the highest discriminating power were: color of the leaves, lenght and width of the apical leaflet, plant vigor, number of the days for flowering, color of the flowers, number of the days for first ripe pod, and number of beans per individual plant. For seeds were evaluated, mass of 100 seeds, lenght, width and thickness. The molecular characterization showed the efficiency of the method not only to evaluate all the diversity conditions in the germoplasm but also to allow the potential agglomeration of the genotypes based on their similarities for their characteristics regarding to the agronomic behavior. To set up the trial of cowpea grains minimally processed it was used the line L ESP 10. The following traits were analysed: mass loss, gas composition, odor, and appearance. The results were evaluated by the graphs construction. The results showed that temperature at 1 0C and use of PVC were the most efficient process to preserve the postharvest quality of minimally processed cowpea beans, keeping its green color, appearance, odor, and lowest oxidation level near the hilum. As regards the damage caused to the cowpea seeds by weevil were used the cultivars IPA-206, BRSPajeu and BRS-Potengi, and two lines (L 281.005 and L ESP 10). The samples were exposed to X-ray and germination test to determine the cause-effect relationship between weevil damage and seed germination. Seed damage classified as severe, located in the embryonic axis or in the cotyledons, resulted in abnormal seedlings or dead seeds. The X-ray test, therefore, is efficient for evaluating weevil damage in cowpea seeds.

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2016-12-02T13:27:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Aroldo Quinto de Souza.pdf: 3320273 bytes, checksum: f5070aee946a5c26406bb0fde711b0d2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-02T13:27:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Aroldo Quinto de Souza.pdf: 3320273 bytes, checksum: f5070aee946a5c26406bb0fde711b0d2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-26 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The period from the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, It was marked, among other things, by enable the widespread use of electricity and the discovery of the use of radiation. The Croatian inventor naturalized American Nikola Tesla developed a prominent role in both areas. With this research, we intend to contribute to the studies about Nikola Tesla and his work, the intention that his name again to be among the great scientists of his time, unlinked it from the esoteric sphere, with which it is so often associated and understanding why this association.. This thesis was developed in intention to accompany the discovery and development in applications of X-rays, emphasizing the contributions that Tesla developed for this area of science. His contributions to the discovery of the radiation will be analyzed, as well as the equipment developed by him for this purpose. From this research, it was possible to analyze how has the discovery, communication and reception by the scientific community and the ordinary people of the Information that X-rays could be used to photograph the inside of the human body, and risks associated with their use inconsequential / O período compreendido entre o final do século XIX e início do século XX, foi marcado, entre outras coisas, por possibilitar o uso em larga escala da eletricidade e pela descoberta do uso das radiações. O inventor croata naturalizado americano Nikola Tesla, desenvolveu um papel de destaque em ambas as áreas. Com esta pesquisa, pretendemos contribuir para os estudos sobre Nikola Tesla e sua obra, na intenção de que seu nome volte a figurar entre os grandes cientistas do seu tempo, desvinculando-o da esfera esotérica, com a qual, é tão comumente associado, entendendo o porquê desta associação. Esta tese foi desenvolvida no intuito de acompanhar a descoberta e evolução nas aplicações dos raios X, dando ênfase às contribuições que Tesla desenvolveu para esta área da ciência. Serão analisadas suas contribuições para a descoberta das radiações, bem como os equipamentos desenvolvidos por ele para este fim. A partir desta pesquisa, foi possível analisar como se deu a descoberta, a comunicação e a recepção pela comunidade científica e pelas pessoas comuns da informação de que, os raios X poderiam ser utilizados para fotografar o interior do corpo humano, além dos riscos associados à sua utilização inconsequente

L’amélioration des performances des détecteurs (au niveau de la résolution en énergie et de la résolution spatiale) pour la radiographie X médicale par l’utilisation d’un semi-conducteur montre l’intérêt de remplacer les détecteurs à base de cristaux scintillateurs (majorité des systèmes commerciaux) par un détecteur à base de semi-conducteur. Avec une perspective de respect environnemental, ces travaux portent sur le développement d’une nouvelle génération de détecteurs à base de semi-conducteur, différent du CdTe, pour l’imagerie médicale de rayons X fonctionnant en mode comptage, ce qui permet la réduction de la dose de rayonnement envoyée sur le patient. Deux axes de recherches en découlent, avec le choix d’un nouveau matériau semi-conducteur, le GaAs semi-isolant et d’une nouvelle géométrie de détection, la géométrie 3D.Ces travaux ont consisté à évaluer expérimentalement le semi-conducteur, afin de choisir un matériau (fournisseur, croissance) et une électrode métallique qui ont la capacité de compter des photons. Puis, la structure de détection, au travers de caractérisations des procédés technologiques nécessaires pour la réalisation de la géométrie 3D (usinage des électrodes, dépôt des électrodes, connexion à un circuit électronique) et de la validation du concept avec un dispositif de test, a été également étudiée. Enfin, les premiers résultats d’un détecteur 3D à base de GaAs semi-isolant, montrant la concrétisation de ces objectifs, sont proposés. / In X-ray medical imaging, semi-conductors tend to replace scintillator crystals (most of the commercial devices), thank to their higher spatial resolution and energy resolution. Counting mode is another tendency, because it allows reducing the radiation dose delivered to the patient. This work aims at developing a new generation of semi-conductor detectors, different from CdTe / CdZnTe for environmental concerns, and associated with a new detection structure (3D geometry). Semi-insulating GaAs from specific growth and supplier, with adapted metallic electrodes, shows the ability to count photons. Then, a proof of concept of the 3D geometry is provided, through the characterization of electrodes machining in bulk material, metal deposition and connection to a read-out electronic circuit. Finally, the achievement of these objectives is reflected in the preliminary characterization of 3D detector based on semi-insulating GaAs.

Dans le cadre de ses recherches menées sur la fusion par confinement inertiel, le Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives met en œuvre un spectromètre X large bande étalonné en absolu et résolu en temps, appelé Diagnostic de Mesure du rayonnement X. Ce diagnostic, composé de 20 voies de mesure, permet de mesurer l’émissivité spectrale d’un plasma créé par laser entre 50 eV et 20 keV. Nous avons développé des voies de mesure complémentaires aux voies existantes, afin d’obtenir une redondance et une amélioration de la précision de la mesure. Le principe de ces nouvelles voies de mesure repose sur un concept original permettant d’obtenir des fonctions de transfert spectrales bornées et constantes. Deux voies ont été développées pour les gammes spectrales 2 – 4 keV et 4 – 6 keV, utilisant des miroirs multicouches apériodiques réalisés au Laboratoire Charles Fabry en Cr/Sc et Ni/W/SiC/W, respectivement. Ces miroirs ont ensuite été caractérisés sur synchrotrons puis intégrés dans le spectromètre. Les nouvelles voies ont été utilisées durant des campagnes d’expériences laser-Plasma sur l’installation laser OMEGA à Rochester (États-Unis). Elles ont permis de déterminer la puissance rayonnée directement avec une seule voie de mesure par bande spectrale et avec une meilleure précision qu’avec celles utilisées habituellement. Les résultats, en bon accord avec les voies de mesure classiques, permettent de valider l’utilisation des miroirs multicouches apériodiques pour la spectrométrie X large bande. / Within the framework of the research on inertial confinement fusion, the “Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives” has studied and implemented an absolute calibrated time-Resolved broadband soft x-Ray spectrometer, called “Diagnostic de Mesure du rayonnement X”. This diagnostic, composed of 20 measurement channels, measures the emitted radiant power from a laser created plasma in the range from 50 eV to 20 keV. We have developed additional measurement channels to obtain redundancy and an improvement in measurement accuracy. The principle of these new channels is based on an original concept to obtain spectral bounded flat-Responses. Two channels have been developed for the 2 – 4 keV and 4 – 6 keV spectral ranges, using aperiodic multilayer mirrors made at the “Laboratoire Charles Fabry” with Cr/Sc and Ni/W/SiC/W layers respectively. These mirrors were characterized at synchrotron radiation facilities and integrated into the spectrometer. The two new channels were used during laser-Plasma experimental campaigns at the OMEGA laser facility in Rochester (USA). This allowed us to determine directly the radiant power with only one measurement within a certain spectral band, and with a better precision when compared with using standard channels. The results, in good agreement with the standard measurement channels, allowed us to validate the use of aperiodic multilayer mirrors for X-Ray broadband spectrometry.

O presente estudo foi realizado com os seguintes objetivos de (a) caracterizar morfo-agronômica e molecularmente cinco genótipos de feijão-caupi; (b) avaliar a preservação da qualidade de grãos de feijão-caupi minimamente processado empacotado em três tipos de embalagens (PVC, PP e PEBD) sob temperaturas de armazenamento de 1, 5 e 10 °C, durante nove dias e, (c) identificar os danos causados por caruncho [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.)] e sua relação com a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de feijão-caupi, por meio da análise de raios X. Na caracterização morfo-agronômica os genótipos analisados foram: IPA-206, BRSPAJEU, BRS-POTENGI, L 281.005 e L ESP 10 e na caracterização molecular foram utilizados 26 primers de RAPD e 37 primers de ISSR. Foram construídos três dendrogramas baseados em marcadores moleculares RAPD, ISSR e RAPD+ISSR. Na caracterização morfo-agronômica, as características que apresentaram maior poder discriminante para os cinco genótipos avaliados, foram: cor das folhas; comprimento e largura do folíolo apical; vigor da planta; número de dias à floração, cor das flores; número de dias para maturação da primeira vagem, e ainda, o comprimento, a largura e o número de lóculos por vagem, como também o número de vagens por plantas; e na semente, massa de 100 sementes, comprimento, largura e espessura. A caracterização molecular demonstrou a utilidade do método, não só para avaliar o conjunto da diversidade no germoplasma, mas também para permitir aglomeração potencial dos genótipos com base nas suas afinidades entre si em características de desempenho agronômico. No ensaio de processamento mínimo foi utilizado como matéria prima grãos de feijão-caupi, linhagem L ESP 10. Foram realizadas as seguintes análises: perda de massa fresca, composição gasosa, aroma e aparência. Os dados foram analisados através da construção de gráficos. Constatou-se que a perda de massa dos grãos foi muito reduzida. A temperatura de 1°C e o uso do filme de PVC foi mais eficientes na conservação da qualidade pós-colheita do feijão-caupi minimamente processado, propiciando melhor manutenção da cor verde, aparência, odor e menor oxidação na região próxima ao hilo. Com relação à identificação dos danos causados por caruncho por meio da análise de raios X foram utilizadas três cultivares: IPA-206, BRS-Pajeu, BRS-Potengi e duas linhagens, L 281.005 e L ESP 10. As amostras foram submetidas ao teste de raios X e ao teste de germinação, a fim de determinar a relação de causa e efeito entre os danos provocados pelo caruncho e a germinação das sementes. Para os danos classificados como severos, localizados no eixo embrionário e, ou nos cotilédones, as sementes originaram plântulas anormais ou as sementes estavam mortas. O teste de raios X se mostrou eficiente para a avaliação de danos causados por caruncho em sementes de feijão-caupi, permitindo relacionar os eventuais danos com os prejuízos causados à germinação. / This study was undertaken with the following objectives: (a) to characterize, morphoagronomic and molecularly, five genotypes of cowpea beans, (b) to evaluate the preservation of grain quality of cowpea minimally processed in three types of packaging (PVC, PP and PEBD) under storage temperatures of 1, 5 and 10 ° C for nine days, and (c) to identify the damage caused by the weevil [Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.)] using the X-ray analysis and evaluate its relationship to the physiological quality of the cowpea seeds. The genotypes used in this morpho-agronomic characterization were IPA 206, BRS-PAJEU, BRS-POTENGI, L 281.005 and L ESP 10. For the molecular characterization, it was used 26 primers of RAPD and 37 primers of ISSR. Three dendograms were constructed based on molecular markers RAPD, ISSR and RAPD+ISSR. Concerning to morpho-agronomic characterization, the characteristics which presented the highest discriminating power were: color of the leaves, lenght and width of the apical leaflet, plant vigor, number of the days for flowering, color of the flowers, number of the days for first ripe pod, and number of beans per individual plant. For seeds were evaluated, mass of 100 seeds, lenght, width and thickness. The molecular characterization showed the efficiency of the method not only to evaluate all the diversity conditions in the germoplasm but also to allow the potential agglomeration of the genotypes based on their similarities for their characteristics regarding to the agronomic behavior. To set up the trial of cowpea grains minimally processed it was used the line L ESP 10. The following traits were analysed: mass loss, gas composition, odor, and appearance. The results were evaluated by the graphs construction. The results showed that temperature at 1 0C and use of PVC were the most efficient process to preserve the postharvest quality of minimally processed cowpea beans, keeping its green color, appearance, odor, and lowest oxidation level near the hilum. As regards the damage caused to the cowpea seeds by weevil were used the cultivars IPA-206, BRSPajeu and BRS-Potengi, and two lines (L 281.005 and L ESP 10). The samples were exposed to X-ray and germination test to determine the cause-effect relationship between weevil damage and seed germination. Seed damage classified as severe, located in the embryonic axis or in the cotyledons, resulted in abnormal seedlings or dead seeds. The X-ray test, therefore, is efficient for evaluating weevil damage in cowpea seeds.