Novi talasni fenomeni bazirani na plazmoničnim metamaterijalima i njihova primena u senzorima i kompponentama

Generating, detecting, and controlling the frequency, amplitude, phase, and  polarization of electromagnetic waves is at the center of a broad range of important applications today. The functionality of devices and technologies such as antennas, lasers, solar cells, optical fibers, imaging systems, optical computers, and biosensors relies on precise control over electromagnetic wave properties. In order to obtain these properties and meet the demands of  modern wave-based technologies, a fundamental understanding and discovery of novel wave phenomena is necessary. In this dissertation, our goal is to expand the possibilities of wave control and enhance light-matter interaction based on novel phenomena in metamaterials and plasmonics. Specifically, we focus on surface plasmon-polariton modes enabled by substrate integrated waveguides at microwave frequencies. Furthermore, embedded eigenstates and their topological aspects in optical ENZ structures are studied. Exploiting the functionalities of these phenomena, we discuss the consequences on wave propagation and scattering, and explore various structures to achieve control of frequency, amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves. We provide new theoretical insights on the underlying physics and demonstrate the utility of the discussed phenomena by proposing several applications including two microwave dual-band filters, a microwave sensor for liquid analyte detection, a narrowband and directive thermal emitter, an infrared polarization control and switching scheme, an improved phase sensor, and an unusual laser-absorber structure. The generality of the presented theoretical insights indicates new possibilities in the fields of thermal emission engineering, topological photonics and lasers

Materials Science and Technology

Materials are important to mankind because of the benefits that can be derived from the manipulation of their properties, for example electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, magnetization, optical transmittance, strength and toughness. Materials science is a broad field and can be considered to be an interdisciplinary area. Included within it are the studies of the structure and properties of any material, the creation of new types of materials, and the manipulation of a material's properties to suit the needs of a specific application. The contributors of the chapters in this book have various areas of expertise. therefore this book is interdisciplinary and is written for readers with backgrounds in physical science. The book consists of fourteen chapters that have been divided into four sections. Section one includes five chapters on advanced materials and processing. Section two includes two chapters on bio-materials which deal with the preparation and modification of new types of bio-materials. Section three consists of three chapters on nanomaterials, specifically the study of carbon nanotubes, nano-machining, and nanoparticles. Section four includes four chapters on optical materials

Physical properties of vanadium dioxide nanoparticles: application as 1-d nanobelts room temperature for hydrogen gas sensing

Philosophiae Doctor - PhDTransition metal oxides magneli phases present crystallographic shear structure which is of great interest in multiple applications because of their wide range of valence, which is exhibited by the transition metals. The latter affect chemical and physical properties of the oxides. Amongst them we have nanostructures VO2 system of V and O components which are studied including chemical and physical reactions based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Due to their structural classes of corundum, rocksalt, wurtzite, spinel, perovskite, rutile, and layer structure, these oxides are generally used as catalytic materials which are prepared by common methods under mild conditions presenting distortion or defects in the case of VO2. Existence of an intermediate phase is proved using an x-ray thermodiffraction experiment providing structural information as the nanoparticles are heated. Potential application as gas sensing device has been the first time obtained due to the high surface to volume ratio, and good crystallinity, purity of the material and presence of suitable nucleating defects sites due to its n-type semiconductor behavior. In addition, annealing effect on nanostructures VO2 nanobelts shows a preferential gas reductant of Ar comparing to the N2 gas. Also, the hysteresis loop shows that there is strong size dependence to annealing treatment on our samples. This is of great interest in the need of obtaining high stable and durable material for Mott insulator transistor and Gas sensor device at room temperature

Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy

This is a Special Issue of Metals devoted to aspects of Advances in Mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy. This includes a global call for article submissions that also included Characterization along with Recycling and Waste Minimization. As such, both primary and recycled aspects will be considered. Possible specific topics included Mineralogy, Geometallurgy, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Comminution, Classification, Physical Separations, Liquid–Solid Separations, Leaching, Solvent Extraction, Ion Exchange, Activated Carbon, Precipitation, Reduction, Process Economics and Process Control. Suggested application areas were in Gold, Silver, PGM’s, Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, and Titanium. Critical Metals articles on topics such as Lithium, Antimony Tellurium, Gallium, Germanium, Cobalt, Graphite, Indium, and Rare Earth were also welcome. As such, this Special Issue of Metals was well supported by diverse submissions and the final publication of high-quality peer-reviewed articles

Microfluidic systems based on electroactive polymers technology

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have been widely investigated for more than 30 years. Lately, several fabrication methods have successfully allowed the creation of very thin elastomer and electrode layers. The development of attractive applications, in which DEAs offer advantages over conventional technologies, is thus necessary for the advance of the technology. In this work, new biocompatible microfluidic devices based on DEAs are developed. In the first part of this thesis, several prototypes of peristaltic pumps of single layer dielectric elastomer actuators are designed, manufactured and characterized. Although these prototypes were not able to produce fluid flow, novel insights into the capabilities of Electroactive Polymer technology were gained. In the second part of this work, a pumping micromixer as a novel application of dielectric elastomer stacked actuators is manufactured. The pumping micromixer is based on peristaltic movements, which gently act as a mixer and a pump for microfluidics. Experimental data show a maximal flow rate of 21.5 µL/min at 10 Hz. Image analysis at the outlet proves a 50/50 mixing when all actuators are functioning at the same pace and voltage. The performance of the pumping micromixer is further studied with the Finite Element Method, using the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. Simulations demonstrate the versatility of the pumping characteristics of such a microdevice, from very few µL/min to mL/min, and from a very low pressure in the range of Pa to hundreds of kPa, by only changing the duty cycle, phase shift and actuation frequency

ATHENA Research Book, Volume 2

ATHENA European University is an association of nine higher education institutions with the mission of promoting excellence in research and innovation by enabling international cooperation. The acronym ATHENA stands for Association of Advanced Technologies in Higher Education. Partner institutions are from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovenia: University of Orléans, University of Siegen, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Niccolò Cusano University, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Polytechnic Institute of Porto and University of Maribor. In 2022, two institutions joined the alliance: the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University from Poland and the University of Vigo from Spain. Also in 2022, an institution from Austria joined the alliance as an associate member: Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. This research book presents a selection of the research activities of ATHENA University's partners. It contains an overview of the research activities of individual members, a selection of the most important bibliographic works of members, peer-reviewed student theses, a descriptive list of ATHENA lectures and reports from individual working sections of the ATHENA project. The ATHENA Research Book provides a platform that encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects by advanced and early career researchers