Development of High-speed Optical Coherence Tomography for Time-lapse Non-destructive Characterization of Samples

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an established optical imaging modality which can obtain label-free, non-destructive 3D images of samples with micron-scale resolution and millimeter penetration. OCT has been widely adopted for biomedical researches

Testing the Quantumness of Atom Trajectories

This thesis reports on a novel concept of state-dependent transport, which achieves an unprecedented control over the position of individual atoms in optical lattices. Utilizing this control I demonstrate an experimental violation of the Leggett Garg inequality, which rigorously excludes (i.e. falsifies) any explanation of quantum transport based on classical, well-defined trajectories. Furthermore, I demonstrate the generation of arbitrary low-entropy states of neutral atoms following a bottom-up approach by rearranging a dilute thermal ensemble into a predefined, ordered distribution in a one-dimensional optical lattice. Additionally, I probe two-particle quantum interference effects of two atom trajectories by realizing a microwave Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer with massive particles, which are cooled into the vibrational ground state. The first part of this thesis reports on several new experimental tools and techniques: three-dimensional ground state cooling of single atoms, which are trapped in the combined potential of a polarization-synthesized optical lattice and a blue-detuned hollow dipole potential; A high-NA (0.92) objective lens achieving a diffraction limited resolution of 460 nm; and an improved super-resolution algorithm, which resolves the position of individual atoms in small clusters at high filling factors, even when each lattice site is occupied. The next part is devoted to the conceptually new optical-lattice technique that relies on a high-precision, high-bandwidth synthesis of light polarization. Polarization-synthesized optical lattices provide two fully controllable optical lattice potentials, each of them confining only atoms in either one of the two long-lived hyperfine states. By employing one lattice as the storage register and the other one as the shift register, I provide a proof of concept that selected regions of the periodic potential can be filled with one particle per site. In the following part I report on a stringent test of the non-classicality of the motion of a massive quantum particle, which propagates on a discrete lattice. Measuring temporal correlations of the position of single atoms performing a quantum walk, we observe a 6σ (standard deviation) violation of the Leggett-Garg inequality. The experiment is carried out using so-called ideal negative measurements – an essential requisite for any genuine Leggett-Garg test – which acquire information about the atom’s position while avoiding any direct interaction with it. This interaction-free measurement is based on our polarization-synthesized optical lattice, which allows us to directly probe the absence rather than the presence of atoms at a chosen lattice site. Beyond its fundamental aspect, I demonstrate the application of the Leggett-Garg correlation function as a witness of quantum superposition. The witness allows us to discriminate the quantumness of different types of walks spanning from merely classical to quantum dynamics and further to witness the decoherence of a quantum state. In the last experimental part I will discuss recent results on collisional losses due to inelastic collisions occurring at high two-atom densities and demonstrate a Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with massive particles. Our precise control over individual indistinguishable particles embodies a direct analogue of the original Hong-Ou-Mandel experiment. By carrying out a Monte Carlo analysis of our experimental data, I demonstrate a signature of the two-particle interference of two-atom trajectories with a statistical significance of 4σ. In the final part I will introduce several new experiments which can be realized with the tools and techniques developed in this thesis, spanning from the detection of topologically protected edge states to the prospect of building a one-million-operation quantum cellular automaton

Diffraction des rayons X cohérents appliquée à la physique du métal

The mechanical properties of small objects deviate strongly from the bulk behaviour, as soon as their size becomes comparable or smaller to the dislocation mean free path (typically a few microns). For instance, their elastic limit increase when their size is reduced. On a another hand, nanostructures are exposed to strong constraints, such as that imposed by epitaxial relations with a substrate. Altogether, there is a clear need (supported by industrial interests) for a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena that govern the mechanical properties of materials at the nanometre scale. The lab SIMaP is engaged in this research and tackles the topic by combining sample growth, laboratory characterisation methods, numerical models, and synchrotron techniques.One key experiment developed by our team is the in situ characterisation of the deformation mechanism induced by an AFM tip on a nanostructure using Coherent X-ray Diffraction (CXD). CXD is an emerging synchrotron technique that allows the detailed measurement of the crystal structure,including strain field and defects, of micro/nano-objects. In principle, a 3D image of the structure of the sample can be obtained from the CXD data. However, it remains difficult in realistic cases, when the strain is very inhomogeneous and crystal defects numerous. The problem is further complicated by the wavefront of the beam, which is usually far from a plane wave, particularly when the AFM tip shadows part of the incoming beam. In this PHD work, it is demonstrated that a 3D image of the object can be reconstructed in case of moderately complex systems.Les propriétés mécaniques des petits objets diffèrent fortement de celles du matériau massif à partir du moment où leurs dimensions deviennent comparables ou inférieures à celles du libre parcours moyen des dislocations (typiquement quelques microns). Par exemple, leur limite élastique augmente quand leur taille diminue. D'autre part les nanostructures sont exposées à de fortes contraintes, telles que celles imposées par les relations épitaxiales avec le substrat.Il existe donc un besoin clair (supporté par des intérêts industriels) d'une meilleure compréhension des phénomènes physiques qui gouvernent les propriétés des matériaux aux échelles nanométriques.Le laboratoire SIMAP est engagé dans ce domaine de recherche et s'y attelle en combinant croissance d'échantillons, méthodes de caractérisation en laboratoire, méthodes numériques et techniques synchrotron.Une des expériences clés développées par notre équipe est la caractérisation in situ des mécanismes de déformation induits par une pointe d'AFM sur une nanostructure par la diffraction des rayons X cohérents. La diffraction des rayons-X cohérents est une technique émergente de synchrotron; qui permet la mesure détaillée de la structure du cristal, y compris le champ de déformation 3D et les défauts potentiels dans des objets micro ou nano structurés. En principe, une image 3D de la structure de l'échantillon peut-être obtenue à partir des données de diffraction cohérente. En pratique, reconstruire une image de l'échantillon peut s'avérer délicat en présence d'un champ de déformation inhomogène et de nombreux défauts cristallins. Le profil du front d'onde qui est généralement assez éloigné d'une onde plane, peut encore ajouter une complication supplémentaire au problème. Dans ces travaux de thèse, il est démontré qu'une image 3D de l'objet peut être reconstruite dans le cas de systèmes modérément complexes

Diffraction des rayons X cohérents appliquée à la physique du métal

The mechanical properties of small objects deviate strongly from the bulk behaviour, as soon as their size becomes comparable or smaller to the dislocation mean free path (typically a few microns). For instance, their elastic limit increase when their size is reduced. On a another hand, nanostructures are exposed to strong constraints, such as that imposed by epitaxial relations with a substrate. Altogether, there is a clear need (supported by industrial interests) for a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena that govern the mechanical properties of materials at the nanometre scale. The lab SIMaP is engaged in this research and tackles the topic by combining sample growth, laboratory characterisation methods, numerical models, and synchrotron techniques.One key experiment developed by our team is the in situ characterisation of the deformation mechanism induced by an AFM tip on a nanostructure using Coherent X-ray Diffraction (CXD). CXD is an emerging synchrotron technique that allows the detailed measurement of the crystal structure,including strain field and defects, of micro/nano-objects. In principle, a 3D image of the structure of the sample can be obtained from the CXD data. However, it remains difficult in realistic cases, when the strain is very inhomogeneous and crystal defects numerous. The problem is further complicated by the wavefront of the beam, which is usually far from a plane wave, particularly when the AFM tip shadows part of the incoming beam. In this PHD work, it is demonstrated that a 3D image of the object can be reconstructed in case of moderately complex systems.Les propriétés mécaniques des petits objets diffèrent fortement de celles du matériau massif à partir du moment où leurs dimensions deviennent comparables ou inférieures à celles du libre parcours moyen des dislocations (typiquement quelques microns). Par exemple, leur limite élastique augmente quand leur taille diminue. D'autre part les nanostructures sont exposées à de fortes contraintes, telles que celles imposées par les relations épitaxiales avec le substrat.Il existe donc un besoin clair (supporté par des intérêts industriels) d'une meilleure compréhension des phénomènes physiques qui gouvernent les propriétés des matériaux aux échelles nanométriques.Le laboratoire SIMAP est engagé dans ce domaine de recherche et s'y attelle en combinant croissance d'échantillons, méthodes de caractérisation en laboratoire, méthodes numériques et techniques synchrotron.Une des expériences clés développées par notre équipe est la caractérisation in situ des mécanismes de déformation induits par une pointe d'AFM sur une nanostructure par la diffraction des rayons X cohérents. La diffraction des rayons-X cohérents est une technique émergente de synchrotron; qui permet la mesure détaillée de la structure du cristal, y compris le champ de déformation 3D et les défauts potentiels dans des objets micro ou nano structurés. En principe, une image 3D de la structure de l'échantillon peut-être obtenue à partir des données de diffraction cohérente. En pratique, reconstruire une image de l'échantillon peut s'avérer délicat en présence d'un champ de déformation inhomogène et de nombreux défauts cristallins. Le profil du front d'onde qui est généralement assez éloigné d'une onde plane, peut encore ajouter une complication supplémentaire au problème. Dans ces travaux de thèse, il est démontré qu'une image 3D de l'objet peut être reconstruite dans le cas de systèmes modérément complexes

Precise nanoscale characterisation of novel Heusler thermoelectrics via analytical electron microscopy

Thermoelectric power generation presents an opportunity to `scavenge' energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat. Heusler alloys, a class of materials often comprising inexpensive, non-toxic elements, are promising for practical use in a new generation of thermoelectric devices. Recently, efficient thermoelectric Heusler alloys have overcome a performance-limiting thermal conductivity through the introduction of nanostructures that scatter phonons and impede thermal transport. However, the nature and stability of nanostructures can be difficult to discern, especially the minor compositional variations that derive from inhomogeneous phase segregation. Throughout this thesis TiNiSn, which forms the basis for some of the most promising n-type half-Heusler thermoelectrics, is studied through a unique combination of elemental and diffractive analysis in the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Epitaxial thin films of TiNiSn are grown by pulsed laser deposition and FIB-prepared cross-sections of these are characterised in STEM with a focus on aberration-corrected STEM-EELS spectrum imaging and scanning precession electron diffraction (SPED), yielding precise chemical and structural quantification with nanoscale spatial resolution. The results throughout this thesis demonstrate the importance of STEM for quantitative studies of thermoelectric materials, as it can provide the analytical precision required for accurate identification of minority phases in TiNiSn specimens that would otherwise be overlooked in bulk analytical techniques. Sensitivity to very small elemental concentrations is a cornerstone of the use of STEM-EELS for chemical characterisation. Precisions of 0.3 % were achieved through adoption and development of refined, reference-based, absolute elemental quantification protocols which were essential in overcoming difficulties with large uncertainties posed by conventional methods. The success of this approach, in part, is due to advances made in characterisation of experimental conditions including, for the first time, an automated, standard-less approach to the measurement and correction of energy dispersion non-uniformities. Dispersion correction enables reliable, absolute calibration of energy-loss in spectra to yield a precision better than 0.1 eV. These developments in STEM-EELS were then used in three investigations of TiNiSn thin films exploring aspects of nanostructuring, phase segregation and crystrallographic strain and coherency. We discovered the spontaneous formation of nanostructures during thin film growth, gaining some insight into the phase segregation mechanisms that lead to their nucleation. Novel in situ STEM studies of phase segregation facilitated direct observations of the thermal evolution of nanoscale phases and results enabled characterisation of diffusion rates of Ni migration between full- and half-Heusler phases, for which the activation energy was calculated as 0.3~eV. Combining SPED with advances in detector technology, STEM structural investigations highlighted an interesting strain texture associated with nanostructuring of the half-Heusler thin films. Finally, combining SPED results with STEM-EELS measurements is proposed as a route to `correlative-STEM' analysis, which unifies nanoscale chemical and structural information for greater insights into the impact of nanostructures in thermoelectrics

Science-based restoration monitoring of coastal habitats, Volume Two: Tools for monitoring coastal habitats

Healthy coastal habitats are not only important ecologically; they also support healthy coastal communities and improve the quality of people’s lives. Despite their many benefits and values, coastal habitats have been systematically modified, degraded, and destroyed throughout the United States and its protectorates beginning with European colonization in the 1600’s (Dahl 1990). As a result, many coastal habitats around the United States are in desperate need of restoration. The monitoring of restoration projects, the focus of this document, is necessary to ensure that restoration efforts are successful, to further the science, and to increase the efficiency of future restoration efforts

On Improving Generalization of CNN-Based Image Classification with Delineation Maps Using the CORF Push-Pull Inhibition Operator

Deployed image classification pipelines are typically dependent on the images captured in real-world environments. This means that images might be affected by different sources of perturbations (e.g. sensor noise in low-light environments). The main challenge arises by the fact that image quality directly impacts the reliability and consistency of classification tasks. This challenge has, hence, attracted wide interest within the computer vision communities. We propose a transformation step that attempts to enhance the generalization ability of CNN models in the presence of unseen noise in the test set. Concretely, the delineation maps of given images are determined using the CORF push-pull inhibition operator. Such an operation transforms an input image into a space that is more robust to noise before being processed by a CNN. We evaluated our approach on the Fashion MNIST data set with an AlexNet model. It turned out that the proposed CORF-augmented pipeline achieved comparable results on noise-free images to those of a conventional AlexNet classification model without CORF delineation maps, but it consistently achieved significantly superior performance on test images perturbed with different levels of Gaussian and uniform noise

Biomediation of Turbulence and Suspended Sediment Characteristics in Marsh Surface Flows - The Influence of Spartina anglica

Laboratory experimentation in a large aimular flume (radius 3 m, channel width and water depth 0.4 m) has been conducted using a geometrically and dynamically similar Spariina anglica mimic (canopy height 0.21 m, stem density 1000 stems m~^) to investigate the influence of submerged Spartina on hydrodynamics under unidirectional currents {Uh = 0.2 m s~*) and the impact upon the dynamics of suspended cohesive sediments near the bed within the canopy. The vertical distribution of canopy biomass strongly influences vertical profiles of time-averaged velocity and turbulent quantities. An inflected velocity profile is observed in the region 0.79 < z/h < 0.9 which generates shear, T K E and Reynolds Stress peaks within vicinity of the canopy top. In this region T K E peaks at 15 times the levels observed in un-vegetated experiments. Flows at the canopy top are strongly intermittent with extremely efficient downward momentum transfer, uf] and ufz (stream-wise and vertical zero-mean fluctuating velocity) skewness are 0.5 and -0.5 indicating the presence of intermittent downward penetrating gusts. Near the bed (0 < z/h < 0.3) mean flow velocities are reduced by 88 - 90% in comparison to un-vegetated flows but turbulence intensities are strongly augmented by wake shedding from vegetative elements. TKE in this region is approximately equal to that in un-vegetated flows. Novel field observations in a low energ>', estuarine fringing marsh site on the Tavy Estuary, UK, with a vertical array of synchronous velocimeters and optical backscatter sensors exhibit low velocities (<0.6 ra s"*) and suspension concentrations (<100 mg L"*) in agreement with laboratory simulations. While field observations of near bed flows exhibit similarity to those measured in the laboratory, magnitudes of time-averaged flow throughout the water column are so small that the velocity profile appears constant over depth. Superimposed upon the low field velocities are small wind generated waves ( < 0.05 m in height and with periods < 3 s) which have a considerable impact on flow energy and stress estimates, but crucially, cannot be replicated in the laboratory experiments. Dissipation rates within the laboratory canopy are 70-200x10"'* m~^s"^ giving reduced Kohnogorov length scales of 0.04 - 0.14 mm. Field values for dissipation are generally of similar magnitude but peak at up to 600 X10"** m~^s~^. Kolmogorov length scales are consequently 0.06 - 2.6 mm. Using natural intertidal mud, suspension concentrations of 100-200 mg L~* have been sheared through the mimic canopy. Observations from a vertical array of miniaturised OBS sensors suggests sediments are maintained in suspension twice as long, under constant unidirectional currents, compared to un-vegetated flows. In the field initial concentrations of 100 mg L~* quickly decay to background levels of <20 mg L"* indicating the rapid setthng of material from suspension. Use of a novel digital in-line holographic particle iinaging system and the development of a particle tracking methodology has enabled the high resolution observation of both sample size and settling velocities of suspended cohesive particles. Laboratory observations of sample averaged size (74.5 - 111.7 mm) and settling rates (0.35 - 1 mm s~*) are in agreement with published estimates and the limited observational data that exists for settling rates in marsh systems. Settling velocities estimated in the field at 0.1 - 0.8 mm s~^. Significantly larger and fast settling aggregates have been observed than previously recorded. In the narrow range of experimental suspension concentrations and shear stresses utilised in the present experiments, significant diff^erences in particle size and settling velocity between vegetated and un-vegetated flows cannot be identified. Contrasting flux estimates using sample averaged settling rates and concentrations with full spectral estimates derived from the holographic particle imager indicate an error in the former fluxes of, on average, 62%. The range of settling rates observed during the pr^ent study raises questions regarding the accurate representation of marsh surface settling fluxes in numerical simulations. Large magnitude flux errors may have significant implications for accurate accretion rates in numerical models of marsh sedimentation

MC 2019 Berlin Microscopy Conference - Abstracts

Das Dokument enthält die Kurzfassungen der Beiträge aller Teilnehmer an der Mikroskopiekonferenz "MC 2019", die vom 01. bis 05.09.2019, in Berlin stattfand

Beyond Participatory Design for Service Robotics

The spread of technologies as Cloud and Distributed Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning techniques comes with highly disruptive innovation potential and consequent design imperatives. High connectivity of devices and machines is shaping not only sensing and monitoring capabilities, but also describing ever more ubiquitous and diffuse computing capabilities, affecting decision-making with a wide range of assisting tools and methods. With the scaling potential of moving beyond its contemporary application such as industrial facilities monitoring, precision farming and agriculture, healthcare and risk management scenarios, RaaS is bound to involve an increasingly fluid and diverse range of users, shaping new socio-technical systems where practices, habits and relationships will evolve in respect to its adoption. On these premises, applied research at Polytechnic Interdepartmental Centre for Service Robotics in Turin, Italy, focuses on the development of a service robotics platform able to operate on the local scale and capable of adapting to evolving scenarios