This book addresses optical binding, offering a rigorous numerical simulation of key results in this area of emerging interest in the field of optical micromanipulation. Coverage includes new experimental findings and physical interpretations of the results.
This book addresses optical binding, offering a rigorous numerical simulation of key results in this area of emerging interest in the field of optical...
There are nearly 100 000 different protein sequences encoded in the human genome, each with its own specific fold. Understanding how a newly formed polypeptide sequence finds its way to the correct fold is one of the greatest challenges in the modern structural biology. The aim of this thesis is to provide novel insights into protein folding by considering the problem from the point of view of statistical mechanics. The thesis starts by investigating the fundamental degrees of freedom in polypeptides that are responsible for the conformational transitions. This knowledge is then...
There are nearly 100 000 different protein sequences encoded in the human genome, each with its own specific fold. Understanding how a newly formed...
This work examines what was responsible for a tsunami that destroyed settlements in the Mediterranean in 365 AD. It details how western Crete was lifted out of the sea by up to 10 meters in a massive earthquake, which occurred on a previously unknown fault.
This work examines what was responsible for a tsunami that destroyed settlements in the Mediterranean in 365 AD. It details how western Crete was lift...
In this thesis Christian Sohar describes his investigation into the gigacycle fatigue behavior of tool steels. In an interdisciplinary approach he uses knowledge and methods from a wide variety of disciplines including materials science, metallurgy, chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering. Christian gives a general introduction into steel tools and fatigue in materials. Later he extensively discusses the experimental techniques and results. Indeed it is the detail of the content in this thesis which makes it an invaluable resource for students entering the field and scientists...
In this thesis Christian Sohar describes his investigation into the gigacycle fatigue behavior of tool steels. In an interdisciplinary approach he ...
Regenerative medicine demands new concepts and fabrication tools to improve our common knowledge about cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. In this work, Michele Bianchi shows that different kinds of signals, such as chemical, topographical, and electrical signals, can be arranged in a highly-controlled way. Furthermore, Michele uses scale lengths ranging from several micrometers to a few nanometers, through the employment of unconventional fabrication techniques. For each signal, Michele chose properly designed materials and fabrication methods. The external signals are capable of...
Regenerative medicine demands new concepts and fabrication tools to improve our common knowledge about cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. In...
The study of fluctuations in statistical physics has a long history, and a general theory is well established, connecting fluctuations to response properties of equilibrium systems. Remarkably, this framework fails as soon as some current is flowing across the system, driving it out of equilibrium. The presence of currents is quite common in nature and produces rich phenomena which are far from being included in a general framework. This thesis focuses on this general problem by studying different models such as granular materials and systems exhibiting anomalous diffusion and shows how the...
The study of fluctuations in statistical physics has a long history, and a general theory is well established, connecting fluctuations to response pro...
This interdisciplinary thesis involves the design and analysis of coordination algorithms on networks, identification of dynamic networks and estimation on networks with random geometries with implications for networks that support the operation of dynamic systems, e.g., formations of robotic vehicles, distributed estimation via sensor networks. The results have ramifications for fault detection and isolation of large-scale networked systems and optimization models and algorithms for next generation aircraft power systems. The author finds novel applications of the methodology in energy...
This interdisciplinary thesis involves the design and analysis of coordination algorithms on networks, identification of dynamic networks and estimati...
Recent state-of-the-art technologies in fabricating low-loss optical and mechanical components have significantly motivated the study of quantum-limited measurements with optomechanical devices. Such research is the main subject of this thesis. In the first part, the author considers various approaches for surpassing the standard quantum limit for force measurements. In the second part, the author proposes different experimental protocols for using optomechanical interactions to explore quantum behaviors of macroscopic mechanical objects. Even though this thesis mostly focuses on...
Recent state-of-the-art technologies in fabricating low-loss optical and mechanical components have significantly motivated the study of quantum-li...
Nominated for a Springer prize, this thesis explores the effects of extreme conditions on energetic materials and characterises new polymorphs obtained at high pressures and/or temperatures. It includes a superb analysis of future research opportunities.
Nominated for a Springer prize, this thesis explores the effects of extreme conditions on energetic materials and characterises new polymorphs obta...
Jonathan Scragg documents his work on a very promising material suitable for use in solar cells. Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) is a low cost, earth-abundant material suitable for large scale deployment in photovoltaics. Jonathan pioneered and optimized a low cost route to this material involving electroplating of the three metals concerned, followed by rapid thermal processing (RTP) in sulfur vapour. His beautifully detailed RTP studies - combined with techniques such as XRD, EDX and Raman - reveal the complex relationships between composition, processing and photovoltaic performance. This...
Jonathan Scragg documents his work on a very promising material suitable for use in solar cells. Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) is a low cost, earth-a...
