Letteratura scientifica selezionata sul tema "Limiting absorption principle"

Le sujet principal de cette thèse est l’étude de la propagation des ondes électromagnétiques, en régime harmonique, dans un milieu hétérogène composé d’un diélectrique et d’un matériau négatif (c’est-à-dire avec une permittivité diélectrique négative ε et/ou une perméabilité magnétique négative μ) qui sont séparés par une interface avec une pointe conique. En raison du changement de signe de ε et/ou μ, les équations de Maxwell peuvent être mal posées dans les cadres classiques (basés sur l’espace L2). D’autre part, nous savons que lorsque les deux problèmes scalaires associés, impliquant respectivement ε et μ, sont bien posés dans H1, les équations de Maxwell sont bien posées. En combinant la méthode de la T-coercivité avec l’analyse de Mellin dans les espaces de Sobolev à poids, nous présentons, dans la première partie de ce travail, une étude détaillée de ces problèmes scalaires. Nous prouvons que pour chacun d’entre eux, le caractère bien posé dans H1 est perdu si et seulement si le contraste associé appartient à un ensemble critique appelé intervalle critique. Ces intervalles correspondent aux ensembles de contrastes négatifs pour lesquels des singularités propagatives, aussi appelées ondes de trou noir, apparaissent à l’extrémité de la pointe. Contrairement au cas d’un coin 2D, pour une pointe 3D, plusieurs ondes de trou noir peuvent exister. Des expressions explicites de ces intervalles critiques sont obtenues pour le cas particulier des pointes coniques circulaires. Pour les contrastes critiques, en utilisant le principe de radiation de Mandelstam, nous construisons des cadres fonctionnels dans lesquels le caractère bien posé des problèmes scalaires est restauré. Le cadre physiquement pertinent est sélectionné par un principe d’absorption limite. En outre, nous présentons, dans la deuxième partie de ce travail, une nouvelle méthode numérique pour les problèmes scalaires dans le cas des contrastes non-critiques. Cette approche, contrairement aux techniques existantes, ne nécessite pas d’hypothèses supplémentaires sur le maillage au voisinage de l’interface. La troisième partie de la thèse concerne l’étude des équations de Maxwell avec un ou deux coefficients critiques. En utilisant de nouveaux résultats de potentiels vecteurs dans des espaces de Sobolev à poids, nous expliquons comment construire de nouveaux cadres fonctionnels pour les problèmes électrique et magnétique, qui sont directement liés à ceux obtenus pour les deux problèmes scalaires associés. Si l’on utilise le cadre qui respecte le principe d’absorption limite pour les problèmes scalaires, alors les cadres fournis pour les problèmes électrique et magnétique sont également cohérents avec le principe d’absorption limite. Enfin, la dernière partie porte sur des résultats d’homogénéisation des équations de Maxwell harmoniques et des problèmes scalaires associés dans un domaine 3D qui contient une distribution périodique d’inclusions faites de matériau négatif. En utilisant l’approche de la T-coercivité, nous obtenons des conditions sur les contrastes telles que le processus d’homogénéisation est possible pour les problèmes scalaires et vectoriels. De façon peu intuitive, nous montrons que les matrices homogénéisées associées auxproblèmes limites sont soit définies positives, soit définies négatives
The main subject of this thesis is the study of time-harmonic electromagnetic waves in a heterogeneous medium composed of a dielectric and a negative material (i.e. with a negative dielectric permittivity ε and/or a negative magnetic permeability μ) which are separated by an interface with a conical tip. Because of the sign-change in ε and/or μ, the Maxwell’s equations can be ill-posed in the classical L2 −frameworks. On the other hand, we know that when the two associated scalar problems, involving respectively ε and μ, are well-posed in H1, the Maxwell’s equations are well-posed. By combining the T-coercivity approach with the Mellin analysis in weighted Sobolev spaces, we present, in the first part of this work, a detailed study of these scalar problems. We prove that for each of them, the well-posedeness in H1 is lost iff the associated contrast belong to some critical set called the critical interval. These intervals correspond to the sets of negative contrasts for which propagating singularities, also known as black hole waves, appear at the tip. Contrary to the case of a 2D corner, for a 3D tip, several black hole waves can exist. Explicit expressions of these critical intervals are obtained for the particular case of circular conical tips. For critical contrasts, using the Mandelstam radiation principle, we construct functional frameworks in which well-posedness of the scalar problems is restored. The physically relevant framework is selected by a limiting absorption principle. In the process, we present a new numerical strategy for 2D/3D scalar problems in the non-critical case. This approach, presented in the second part of this work, contrary to existing ones, does not require additional assumptions on the mesh near the interface. The third part of the thesis concerns Maxwell’s equations with one or two critical coefficients. By using new results of vector potentials in weighted Sobolev spaces, we explain how to construct new functional frameworks for the electric and magnetic problems, directly related to the ones obtained for the two associated scalar problems. If one uses the setting that respects the limiting absorption principle for the scalar problems, then the settings provided for the electric and magnetic problems are also coherent with the limiting absorption principle. Finally, the last part is devoted to the homogenization process for time-harmonic Maxwell’s equations and associated scalar problems in a 3D domain that contains a periodic distribution of inclusions made of negative material. Using the T-coercivity approach, we obtain conditions on the contrasts such that the homogenization results is possible for both the scalar and the vector problems. Interestingly, we show that the homogenized matrices associated with the limit problems are either positive definite or negative definite

The fundamental practical principles applied to any radiation protection problem are discussed. Types of radiation that may be encountered include α‎-particles, β‎-particles, γ‎-rays, neutrons, X-rays, or a combination. Each presents its own particular practical problems in terms of radiation protection, and the properties and practical principles that should be considered for each are outlined. The framework required to manage radiation protection and the practical techniques important in restricting exposure are discussed. The practical control measures of time, distance, and shielding that are invoked to restrict exposure from external radiation are considered for each type of radiation. Methods for limiting intake of radioactive material through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption to minimize internal exposure are described.

This is an advance summary of a forthcoming article in the Oxford Encyclopedia of Planetary Science. Please check back later for the full article.Space debris has grown to be a significant problem for outer space activities. The remnants of human activities in space are very diverse; they can be tiny paint flakes, all sorts of fragments, or entirely intact—but otherwise nonfunctional spacecraft and rocket bodies. The amount of debris is increasing at a growing pace, thus raising the risk of collision with operational satellites. Due to the relative high velocities involved in on-orbit collisions, their consequences are severe; collisions lead to significant damage or the complete destruction of the affected spacecraft. Protective measures and collision avoidance have thus become a major concern for spacecraft operators. The pollution of space with debris must, however, not only be seen as an unfavorable circumstance that accompanies space activities and increases the costs and complexity of outer space activities. Beyond this rather technical perspective, the presence of man-made, nonfunctional objects in space represents a global environmental concern. Similar to the patterns of other environmental problems on Earth, debris generation appears to have surpassed the absorption capacity of the space environment. Studies indicate that the evolution of the space object environment has crossed the tipping point to a runaway situation in which an increasing number of collisions―mostly among debris―leads to an uncontrolled population growth. It is thus in the interest of all mankind to address the debris problem in order to preserve the space environment for future generations.International space law protects the space environment. Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty obligates States to avoid the harmful contamination of outer space. The provision corresponds to the obligation to protect the environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction under the customary “no harm” rule of general environmental law. These norms are applicable to space debris and establish the duty not to pollute outer space by limiting the generation of debris. They become all the more effective when the principles of sustainable development are taken into account, which infuse considerations of intra- as well as inter-generational justice into international law. In view of the growing debris pollution and its related detrimental effects, it is obvious that questions of liability and responsibility will become increasingly relevant. The Liability Convention offers a remedy for victims having suffered damage caused by space debris. The launching State liability that it establishes is even absolute for damage occurring on the surface of the Earth. The secondary rules of international responsibility law go beyond mere compensation: States can also be held accountable for the environmental pollution event itself, entailing a number of consequential obligations, among them―under certain circumstances―a duty to active debris removal. While international law is, therefore, generally effective in addressing the debris problem, growing use and growing risks necessitate the establishment of a comprehensive traffic management regime for outer space. It would strengthen the rule of law in outer space and ensure the sustainability of space utilization.

We report the first demonstration of a novel non-resonant opto-electronic device suitable for optical logic, but which is not bistable. The operation of the device is based on the principle of a current driven multiple quantum well electro-absorption modulator which was first established in the 'self-linearized modulator’ (1). By including electronic gain in the device and exploiting the limiting response of the device outside the self-linearising region, the device can be used as a logic gate with high optical gain and outputs which are 'hard limited’. The device, although it is not all-optical, does overcome many of the serious shortcomings of optical bistables device which have been outlined in ref.2.

We present a detailed characterization of optical limiting devices, i.e., devices which have a high linear transmittance at low incident irradiance (energy) which switches to low transmittance at high incident irradiance (energy). The principle of operation is based on the combined effects of two-photon absorption (2PA) and the subsequent defocusing due to the photogenerated carriers. As the 2PA coefficient is nearly constant over a large frequency range,1 the limiter is a broadband device. The limiter is an advance on previous designs,2 as damage is prevented by utilizing nonlinear propagation in an optically thick medium. By focusing tightly into the bulk of the semiconductor ZnSe with 532-nm, 30-ps pulses, we have observed limiting energies as low as 10 nJ. At high input energies, the nonlinearities prevent damaging irradiances being reached in the bulk. The dynamic range is therefore limited only by damage at the input surface of the semiconductor.

The project was originally aimed at investigating and developing new efficient methods for cost effective removal of ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO), in particular broiler and laying houses (NH₃) and hog houses (H₂S). In both cases, the principal idea was to design and operate a dedicated air collection system that would be used for the treatment of the gases, and that would work independently from the general ventilation system. The advantages envisaged: (1) if collected at a point close to the source of generation, pollutants would arrive at the treatment system at higher concentrations; (2) the air in the vicinity of the animals would be cleaner, a fact that would promote animal growth rates; and (3) collection efficiency would be improved and adverse environmental impact reduced. For practical reasons, the project was divided in two: one effort concentrated on NH₃₍g₎ removal from chicken houses and another on H₂S₍g₎ removal from hog houses. NH₃₍g₎ removal: a novel approach was developed to reduce ammonia emissions from CAFOs in general, and poultry houses in particular. Air sucked by the dedicated air capturing system from close to the litter was shown to have NH₃₍g₎ concentrations an order of magnitude higher than at the vents of the ventilation system. The NH₃₍g₎ rich waste air was conveyed to an acidic (0<pH<~5) bubble column reactor where NH₃ was converted to NH₄⁺. The reactor operated in batch mode, starting at pH 0 and was switched to a new acidic absorption solution just before NH₃₍g₎ breakthrough occurred, at pH ~5. Experiments with a wide range of NH₃₍g₎ concentrations showed that the absorption efficiency was practically 100% throughout the process as long as the face velocity was below 4 cm/s. The potential advantages of the method include high absorption efficiency, lower NH₃₍g₎ concentrations in the vicinity of the birds, generation of a valuable product and the separation between the ventilation and ammonia treatment systems. A small scale pilot operation conducted for 5 weeks in a broiler house showed the approach to be technically feasible. H₂S₍g₎ removal: The main goal of this part was to develop a specific treatment process for minimizing H₂S₍g₎ emissions from hog houses. The proposed process consists of three units: In the 1ˢᵗ H₂S₍g₎ is absorbed into an acidic (pH<2) ferric iron solution and oxidized by Fe(III) to S⁰ in a bubble column reactor. In parallel, Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II). In the 2ⁿᵈ unit Fe(II) is bio-oxidized back to Fe(III) by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (AF).In the 3ʳᵈ unit S⁰ is separated from solution in a gravity settler. The work focused on three sub-processes: the kinetics of H₂S absorption into a ferric solution at low pH, the kinetics of Fe²⁺ oxidation by AF and the factors that affect ferric iron precipitation (a main obstacle for a continuous operation of the process) under the operational conditions. H₂S removal efficiency was found higher at a higher Fe(III) concentration and also higher for higher H₂S₍g₎ concentrations and lower flow rates of the treated air. The rate limiting step of the H₂S reactive absorption was found to be the chemical reaction rather than the transition from gas to liquid phase. H₂S₍g₎ removal efficiency of >95% was recorded with Fe(III) concentration of 9 g/L using typical AFO air compositions. The 2ⁿᵈ part of the work focused on kinetics of Fe(II) oxidation by AF. A new lab technique was developed for determining the kinetic equation and kinetic parameters (KS, Kₚ and mₘₐₓ) for the bacteria. The 3ʳᵈ part focused on iron oxide precipitation under the operational conditions. It was found that at lower pH (1.5) jarosite accumulation is slower and that the performance of the AF at this pH was sufficient for successive operation of the proposed process at the H₂S fluxes predicted from AFOs. A laboratory-scale test was carried out at Purdue University on the use of the integrated system for simultaneous hydrogen sulfide removal from a H₂S bubble column filled with ferric sulfate solution and biological regeneration of ferric ions in a packed column immobilized with enriched AFbacteria. Results demonstrated the technical feasibility of the integrated system for H₂S removal and simultaneous biological regeneration of Fe(III) for potential continuous treatment of H₂S released from CAFO. NH₃ and H₂S gradient measurements at egg layer and swine barns were conducted in winter and summer at Purdue. Results showed high potential to concentrate NH₃ and H₂S in hog buildings, and NH₃ in layer houses. H₂S emissions from layer houses were too low for a significant gradient. An NH₃ capturing system was designed and tested in a 100-chicken broiler room. Five bell-type collecting devices were installed over the litter to collect NH₃ emissions. While the air extraction system moved only 10% of the total room ventilation airflow rate, the fraction of total ammonia removed was 18%, because of the higher concentration air taken from near the litter. The system demonstrated the potential to reduce emissions from broiler facilities and to concentrate the NH₃ effluent for use in an emission control system. In summary, the project laid a solid foundation for the implementation of both processes, and also resulted in a significant scientific contribution related to AF kinetic studies and ferrous analytical measurements.