On tailored three-dimensional optical materials by atomic layer deposition

Atomic Layer Deposition in combination with selective etch processes is exploited as a tool to impart tailored optical functionality to a three-dimensional polymeric nano-template made by Direct-Laser-Writing lithography. This way, tailor-doped semiconductor films and the first photonic crystal exhibiting a complete photonic bandgap in the visible are fabricated and characterized. The photonic crystal is shown to drastically modify the spontaneous emission of embedded emitters

Algorithmes pour le (dés)assemblage d'objets complexes et applications à la biologie structurale

La compréhension et la prédiction des relations structure-fonction de protéines par des approches in sillico représentent aujourd'hui un challenge. Malgré le développement récent de méthodes algorithmiques pour l'étude du mouvement et des interactions moléculaires, la flexibilité de macromolécules reste largement hors de portée des outils actuels de modélisation moléculaire. L'objectif de cette thèse est de développer une nouvelle approche basée sur des algorithmes de planification de mouvement issus de la robotique pour mieux traiter la flexibilité moléculaire dans l'étude des interactions protéiques. Nous avons étendu un algorithme récent d'exploration par échantillonnage aléatoire, ML-RRT pour le désassemblage d'objets articulés complexes. Cet algorithme repose sur la décomposition des paramètres de configuration en deux sous-ensembles actifs et passifs, qui sont traités de manière découplée. Les extensions proposées permettent de considérer plusieurs degrés de mobilité pour la partie passive, qui peut être poussée ou attirée par la partie active. Cet outil algorithmique a été appliqué avec succès pour l'étude des changements conformationnels de protéines induits lors de la diffusion d'un ligand. A partir de cette extension, nous avons développé une nouvelle méthode pour la résolution simultanée du séquençage et des mouvements de désassemblage entre plusieurs objets. La méthode, nommée Iterative-ML-RRT, calcule non seulement les trajectoires permettant d'extraire toutes les pièces d'un objet complexe assemblé, mais également l'ordre permettant le désassemblage. L'approche est générale et a été appliquée pour l'étude du processus de dissociation de complexes macromoléculaires en introduisant une fonction d'évaluation basée sur l'énergie d'interaction. Les résultats présentés dans cette thèse montrent non seulement l'efficacité mais aussi la généralité des algorithmes proposés. ABSTRACT : Understanding and predicting structure-function relationships in proteins with fully in silico approaches remain today a great challenge. Despite recent developments of computational methods for studying molecular motions and interactions, dealing with macromolecular flexibility largely remains out of reach of the existing molecular modeling tools. The aim of this thesis is to develop a novel approach based on motion planning algorithms originating from robotics to better deal with macromolecular flexibility in protein interaction studies. We have extended a recent sampling-based algorithm, ML-RRT, for (dis)-assembly path planning of complex articulated objects. This algorithm is based on a partition of the configuration parameters into active and passive subsets, which are then treated in a decoupled manner. The presented extensions permit to consider different levels of mobility for the passive parts that can be pushed or pulled by the motion of active parts. This algorithmic tool is successfully applied to study protein conformational changes induced by the diffusion of a ligand inside it. Building on the extension of ML-RRT, we have developed a novel method for simultaneously (dis)assembly sequencing and path planning. The new method, called Iterative-ML-RRT, computes not only the paths for extracting all the parts from a complex assembled object, but also the preferred order that the disassembly process has to follow. We have applied this general approach for studying disassembly pathways of macromolecular complexes considering a scoring function based on the interaction energy. The results described in this thesis prove not only the efficacy but also the generality of the proposed algorithm

(Dis)assembly path planning for complex objects and applications to structural biology

Understanding and predicting structure-function relationships in proteins with fully in silico approaches remain today a great challenge. Despite recent developments of computational methods for studying molecular motions and interactions, dealing with macromolecular flexibility largely remains out of reach of the existing molecular modeling tools. The aim of this thesis is to develop a novel approach based on motion planning algorithms originating from robotics to better deal with macromolecular flexibility in protein interaction studies. We have extended a recent sampling-based algorithm, ML-RRT, for (dis)-assembly path planning of complex articulated objects. This algorithm is based on a partition of the configuration parameters into active and passive subsets, which are then treated in a decoupled manner. The presented extensions permit to consider different levels of mobility for the passive parts that can be pushed or pulled by the motion of active parts. This algorithmic tool is successfully applied to study protein conformational changes induced by the diffusion of a ligand inside it. Building on the extension of ML-RRT, we have developed a novel method for simultaneously (dis)assembly sequencing and path planning. The new method, called Iterative-ML-RRT, computes not only the paths for extracting all the parts from a complex assembled object, but also the preferred order that the disassembly process has to follow. We have applied this general approach for studying disassembly pathways of macromolecular complexes considering a scoring function based on the interaction energy. The results described in this thesis prove not only the efficacy but also the generality of the proposed algorithm

Structural Analysis of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment

The purpose of this research was to validate the structural integrity of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) and make appropriate improvements to the design, motivated by static and dynamic analysis results. RIGEX is designed to advance the use of rigidizable inflatable structures in the space environment by providing three sets of on-orbit test data on the structural characteristics of three thermoplastic composite tubes. This thesis discusses the RIGEX structural analysis. The term structural analysis refers to the development of a detailed finite element model and the tests for which the model was used. The finite element model provided an acceptable estimation of RIGEX\u27s natural frequencies, the structural integrity of the fastener system, the maximum stress seen by the aluminum primary structure, and the maximum possible displacements at various locations around the RIGEX structure for various load conditions. These three analyses motivated numerous design changes, which are discussed in detail in this thesis. The analysis process was repeated following each design change until all structural integrity and design criteria were met. In addition to the structural analysis and associated design changes, this thesis presents the as built RIGEX drawing package and wiring schematic. The results presented in this thesis are the first step towards passing the structural integrity requirements set forth by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for manned spaceflight. Recommendations of appropriate construction and testing techniques to ensure the actual structure matches the computer model are discussed

Salient movies

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-65).by Karrie Karahalios.M.Eng

Opto-mechanical eye models, a review on human vision applications and perspectives for use in industry

The purpose of this review is to aggregate technical information on existent optomechanical eye models (OME) described in the literature, for image quality assessment in different applications. Several physical eye models have been reviewed from peer-reviewed papers and patent applications. A typical eye model includes an artificial cornea, an intraocular lens or other lens to simulate the crystalline lens, an aperture as the pupil, and a posterior retinal surface, which may be connected to a light sensor. The interior of the eye model may be filled with a fluid to better emulate physiological conditions. The main focus of this review is the materials and physical characteristics used and the dimensional aspects of the main components including lenses, apertures, chambers, imaging sensors and filling medium. Various devices are described with their applications and technical details, which are systematically tabulated highlighting their main characteristics and applications. The models presented are detailed and discussed individually, and the features of different models are compared when applicable, highlighting strengths and limitations. In the end there is a brief discussion about the potential use of artificial eye models for industrial applications.This work is supported by European Structural and Investment Funds in the FEDER component, through the Operational Competitiveness and Internationalization Programme (COMPETE 2020) [Project nº 39479; Funding Reference: POCI-01-0247-FEDER-39479]

Shape Stability of the LHC Superconducting Dipole: Mechanical Model and Experimental Investigations

The aim of this work is the study of the geometry of the main superconducting dipole for the Large Hadron Collider from the manufacturing process throughout the pre-operative stages to predict the respect of the tight tolerance, imposed by the beam dynamic, in both nominal and chancy working conditions. Expected and unexpected situations have been approached through the development of dedicate models and tests with the purpose of evaluating their impact on magnet geometry. In our study we used structural models of different complexity for different purposes. For example we used analytical models in conjunction with the cold mass geometry database to simulate the overall effect of individual geometry corrections or to discriminate elastic from inelastic measured deformations. By means of finite element models, instead, we investigated the effect of mechanic loads as induced by road transport, or the effect of electro-magnetic forces arising in working conditions. As the assembly complexity prevents from deducing some of the main mechanical properties we set-up different tests and we evaluated the desired properties from the comparison with analytical or finite element models

Design and Construction of a Velocity Probe Calibration Rig

This report describes the design and construction of a velocity probe calibration rig to be used in future fluids research at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A high accuracy, automated device was manufactured with the capability of taking flow measurements over a wide range of testing conditions. This instrument was designed to collect low speed airflow measurements from a probe over a range of pitch and yaw angles, with both pressure probes and hot wire anemometers. The major components of this device included a flow channel, probe manipulator, and an axial fan drive system. The probe manipulator was designed to provide greater than 1/10 degree positioning accuracy, and repeatability in fluids experimentation