VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Sub-harmonic generation of frequency combs for spectroscopy and quantum optics [electronic resource]

Extensive development of optical frequency combs, broadband coherent light sources with equidistant narrow spectral lines, in the near-infrared and visible has provided numerous opportunities in many fields, including frequency metrology, astronomy, attosecond sciences, and spectroscopy. The quest for extension of frequency comb techniques to the mid-infrared -- the molecular fingerprint spectral region -- continues with the promise of significant improvements in various applications related to molecular spectroscopy. This dissertation presents the results of a novel method for producing broadband mid-infrared frequency combs through sub-harmonic generation from commercially available near-infrared sources. Sub-harmonic generation occurs in a degenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO) with salient features of (i) simplicity of the setup, (ii) low (< 100 mW) pump power requirement, (iii) potential for high (> 90%) conversion eciency and (vi) intrinsic phase and frequency locking to the pump. The resulting mid-infrared frequency comb is then broadened through supercontinuum generation by in-situ tapering of a chalcogenide fiber to cover the spectral range from 2.2 to 5 microns, desirable for molecular spectroscopy. Apart from its effectiveness in extension of the existing near-infrared frequency combs to the mid-infrared, sub-harmonic generation paves the way for quantum optical experiments in the frequency comb regime, because of the intriguing quantum behavior of OPOs at degeneracy. The coherence properties of such a frequency comb OPO are discussed, and the results of a novel all-optical post-precessing-free quantum random number generator are presented.

Keywords: Electrical Engineering
Advisor: Byer R. L. (Robert L.)
Khuri-Yakub Butrus T.
Solgaard Olav advisor. Thesis advisor
The suburban imagination [electronic resource] : aesthetics, desire, and space in nineteenth-century Britain

The Suburban Imagination examines the connection between literary imaginaries and suburban space in nineteenth-century Britain from William Wordsworth to William Morris, revealing the material and cultural forces that explain the high value that Anglo-American society has put on low-density residential forms for the past two centuries. While suburbia's origins are often located after the Second World War, in my dissertation I argue that its beginnings lie in the co-creation of new metropolitan spaces and literary texts in early-to-mid nineteenth-century Britain. From 1810 to 1860 the status of the suburbs shifted decisively, as they became the familiar semi-detached middle-class residences that we know today, after centuries of being 'low' and filthy, in reputation and often in fact. While these changes were underway, literary works both contributed to the suburbs' rehabilitation and registered the impossibility of ever fully purifying them in narratives that alternately featured suburban successes and failures. Through readings of the aesthetics, narratives, and styles of suburban and anti-suburban writing, I restore our sense of the genuine complexities, heterogeneities, and surprising narrative potentials of the suburbs as a real and represented space. To do this means to think the suburbs' past and their future anew.

Advisor: Gigante Denise
Moretti Franco
Woloch Alex
Superconductivity in reduced dimensions [electronic resource]

This thesis covers three different superconducting systems. One dimensional aluminum rings, and two dimensional heterostructures of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 and ß-doped SrTiO3. In all cases we studied the magnetic response of these superconductors using a scanning SQUID microscope. In our study on 1D aluminum rings, we monitor the magnetic response of the persistent supercurrent to explore the impact of phase fluctuations on the ring's ability to screen magnetic fields. The physical parameters of the rings were designed to reduce the superconducting phase stiffness. We observe a suppression of the susceptibility signal below the critical temperature, which we attribute to a thermodynamic sampling of metastable states with different phase winding number, termed fluxoid fluctuations. We find our data is well descried by a simple theoretic model wich accounts for a thermodynamic sampling of fluxoid states. The next part of the thesis discusses two dimensional superconductors at the interface of complex sides. In LaAlO3/SrTiO3, we discovered nanoscale patches of magnetism coexisting with inhomogeneous superconductivity. We analyze the magnetic field from the magnetic patches and find it is not large enough to be responsible for the inhomogeneity observed in the superconductivity. Instead, we found that a landscape of isolated paramagnetic spins is the driving source of the inhomogeneity. The gate tunable nature of the LAO/STO interface provides an additional avenue for studying the superconductivity. Our measurements of the temperature dependence of the superfluid density, taken at different gate voltages, collapse to a single curve characteristic of a full superconducting gap. This indicates that superconductivity in this exotic system may be conventional in nature. Finally, we measured the temperature dependence of the superfluid density of ß-doped STO using two different techniques and show that it is also a conventional superconductor.

Keywords: Physics
Advisor: Moler Kathryn A. primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Hwang Harold Yoonsung
Kivelson Steven advisor. Thesis advisor
Supersymmetries in the early universe [electronic resource]

This thesis studies the role of supersymmetry in early universe physics, with emphasis on dark matter phenomenology and cosmic inflation. Motivated by observational anomalies, the first half of the thesis proposes a new class of dark matter: composite nearly supersymmetric dark matter. To establish the constraints imposed by supersymmetry on non-relativistic bound states, a supersymmetric version of the hydrogen atom is studied in detail, and general features are emphasized. After discussing supersymmetry breaking and the interactions of supersymmetric bound states, a dark matter model, where interactions with the Standard Model communicate supersymmetry breaking, is developed. The second part of the thesis develops a class of single field inflation models within the framework of supergravity, which allows for functional freedom in choosing the shape of the potential. A relationship between inflaton stability and the Kähler potential is established. This model is then extended to include the matter fields of the visible sector, and supersymmetry breaking is induced using a phenomenological version of the KKLT model. Finally, reheating, and a solution of the cosmological moduli and graviton problem, are discussed.

Keywords: Physics
Advisor: Kallosh Renata primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Peskin Michael Edward
Wacker Jay advisor. Thesis advisor
Surface cleaning technology using non-newtonian fluids [electronic resource]

This dissertation explores the performance of a new particle removal technology using polymer solutions and jet flow. One effective approach involves the use of a water jet falling vertically on the substrate coated with a layer of the viscoelastic polymer solution, called the "rinsing flow." This work aimed to understand this particle removal process at both the macroscopic and the molecular levels. Experimental efforts were made to observe the effect of fluid rheology on the transient rinsing flow pro file. Then, factors that influence particle removal of a silica-glass model system were explored. The molecular interaction between the polymer coils and the model particle surface was also investigated. The combined results of these experiments revealed that the overall procedure achieved particle removal through a multi-stage process. Adhesion was decreased due to both the reduction of van der Waals interaction in liquid media as well as polymer adsorption onto the particles. Then, the high extensional viscosity of the polymer solution, coupled with the extensional flow component of the jet flow, were found to be the dominating factors in providing the hydrodynamic force to overcome the remaining adhesion and achieve particle detachment.

Keywords: Chemical Engineering
Advisor: Frank C. W. primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Fuller Gerald G.
Shaqfeh Eric S. G. (Eric Stefan Garrido) advisor. Thesis advisor
Sustainable urban development in China [electronic resource] : influence of the urban planning profession

This dissertation examines the influence of China's urban planning system—the organizations, policies, and activities of professional urban planners—in shaping the country's urban built environment. Cities across China have been experiencing dramatic growth, driven both by economic development and powerful incentives for local officials to promote urban construction. Understanding the role of urban planning in the development process is important for a full appreciation of the challenges and prospects for China to manage the environmental impacts of this growth and pursue a path of sustainable development. There is little doubt that urban planning makes a difference in China as an instrument of local government to implement infrastructure development and urban construction. The contribution of this dissertation, however, is to examine the profession's potential for regulating growth and steering government decisions to place a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability. At present, this potential is constrained by numerous factors. First, urban planning organizations are not the sole agencies in city governments to produce plans to guide urban development. Rather, they operate alongside two other plan-making agencies and their relationship with these agencies limits what they can accomplish. Second, urban planners' roles are constrained by local government officials' ability to treat plans as flexible and to implement plans and accept the recommendations of planners on a selective basis. Central government policies such as environmental impact assessment requirements play a weak role in guiding local urban land use planning and decision-making. Finally, urban planners current sense of autonomy to raise questions that are counter to the dominant growth agenda of their local leaders is limited. This dissertation draws upon more than 50 interviews with planners and government staff from several Chinese cities. It also includes an in-depth case study on the recent urban growth of the central China city of Nanchang and the role of planning and local government actions in promoting this growth.

Advisor: Ortolano Leonard primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Seto Karen C. primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Oi Jean C. (Jean Chun) advisor. Thesis advisor
Synthetic studies on the potent voltage-gated sodium ion channel agonist batrachotoxin [electronic resource]

Batrachotoxin (BTX) is a complex steroidal alkaloid that causes depolarization and persistent activation of voltage-gated sodium ion channels (Nav). These channels are large transmembrane proteins that are responsible for the rapid transmission of electrical impulses in neuronal cells. Much remains unknown about the structure and function of these integral proteins as well as the origins of the complex array of responses that batrachotoxin elicits when applied to Navs. Structure-function analysis has been limited due to the paucity of the natural product, whose primary source is endangered Colombian poison dart frogs, and the small number of available congeners and semi-synthetic analogues. Synthetic efforts were undertaken to construct batrachotoxin in a modular, convergent fashion that would facilitate access to both the natural product and analogs thereof. Construction of the C/D/E ring system was first targeted based on pharmacological data indicating that variations in this portion of the molecule dramatically reduced activity. A synthetic plan was successfully executed that capitalized on the latent symmetry of the D ring in order to maximize convergency. Key steps include a novel Mannich reaction, intramolecular C-ring closure from an unusual bis-acetal, and formation of the unique homomorpholine ring structure through intramolecular reductive amination or SN2 displacement. A furan moiety was purposefully introduced as a B-ring surrogate for use in subsequent Diels-Alder reactions with the goal of generating both BTX and novel A/B-ring analogs. Intermolecular benzyne-furan Diels-Alder reactions provided access to the pentacyclic ring system of BTX. When efforts to introduce the C19 angular methyl group through dearomatization processes proved unfruitful, a revised synthetic strategy was explored. Cyclohexallene, cyclohexyne, and cyclopropene dienophiles were found to undergo furan Diels-Alder reactions to furnish steroidal core structures. Together with the successful use of benzyne, these results demonstrate that highly-strained dienophiles can serve effectively in intermolecular Diels-Alder reactions with structurally advanced diene derivatives. Through these studies, CsF was found to be a uniquely effective promoter for in situ generation of strained dienophiles, which reacted in most cases to give high yields of the desired cycloadducts. Strategies outlined in this thesis toward the synthesis of batrachotoxin lay the foundation for the construction of both the natural product and other highly oxidized steroidal compounds. De novo chemical synthesis has enabled preparation of C/D/E ring BTX analogs, unique molecular probes that are now being used to elucidate the structure of the batrachotoxin binding site in voltage-gated sodium ion channels and to explore the remarkable effect of this natural product on channel function.

Keywords: Chemistry
Advisor: Du Bois Justin primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Kool Eric T. advisor. Thesis advisor
Wender Paul A. advisor. Thesis advisor
Targeting latent HIV [electronic resource] : the design, synthesis and evaluation of prostratin analogs

The theme of this work is to utilize hypothesis driven synthetic manipulation to enhance our understanding of the biological effects of prostratin and its highly potent analogs, and to utilize this understanding for the improvement of the therapeutic properties thereof. Prostratin, a natural product activator of protein kinase C (PKC), is a molecule of interest for targeting latent HIV, the primary obstacle to HIV eradication in infected individuals on effective highly active antiretroviral therapy. Chapter one describes the current state of the HIV pandemic, therapeutic strategies, prospects for a cure, and clinical studies toward immune activation therapy. Chapter two is a seminal and complete analysis of the biological effects of prostratin, a natural product candidate for immune activation therapy. Chapter three presents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of highly potent analogs of prostratin via an efficient semi-synthetic route. Chapter four presents the design and synthesis of isotopically labeled prostratin analogs to be utilized in solid-state NMR studies probing the active conformation of the PKC/activator complex in its membrane associated state. Chapter five presents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of prodrugs of prostratin and prostratin analogs for the optimization of pharmacologic properties.

Keywords: Chemistry
Advisor: Wender Paul A. primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Huestis Wray advisor. Thesis advisor
Kool Eric T. advisor. Thesis advisor
Taxation, natural resources, and representation [electronic resource]

The thesis re-examines the links between the sources of government funding, representation, and accountability and analyzes whether and how the sources of a government's revenues are connected to the behavior of its political actors. Evidence is drawn from instances in which both sub-national and national governments experience large, exogenous changes in the origins of their funding due to the discovery or assignment of resource revenues. Contrary to claims in the existing literature that institutions are the result of resource abundance, the thesis proposes to view the quality of pre-existing institutions as the origin of natural resource dependence. Natural resource abundance translates into natural resource dependence only in the presence of poor institutions. In an empirical analysis using a panel of 98 oil- producing countries from 1918-2004, there is no evidence for the impact of crude oil production on the quality of political institutions. In a subnational analysis of Brazilian municipalities, the thesis provides evidence that access to non-tax resources allows governments to choose inefficient spending patterns and be less concerned about the well-being of its constituents. However, electoral accountability remains an accountability tool, though weakened, to mediate these negative effects, particularly by informed voters. In general, the effects of non-tax revenues such as resource income are found not to be uniform. Instead, they differ with the circumstances, including economic development, institutional environment, and geography.

Keywords: Political Science.
Advisor: Laitin David D. primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Jackman Simon
Rodden Jonathan advisor. Thesis advisor
Têtes de Turcs [electronic resource] : une étude comparée des représentations des grands seigneurs et des Turcs dans la France de L'Ancien Régime

The figure of "the Turk" entered the French literary scene in the sixteenth century but its presence increased from the early years of Louis XIV's reign. Thanks to a multiplication of trading contracts, political alliances, and diplomatic missions to Constantinople, citizens of the Ottoman Empire took rapid hold of the French imagination. It is commonly thought, especially in the wake of Edward Saïd's work, that this imagination had a vested interest in portraying "the Turk" as inferior, weak, and irrational. In fact, however, literary representations of Ottoman Turks in seventeenth century took a very different tack, presenting them in a manner almost identical to representations of a figure that was itself becoming increasingly exotic in the seventeenth century: that of the warrior noble/ Feudal lord. "The Turk" was in fact no more cruel, passionate or generous than the warrior noble; the warrior noble was no more fierce, strong, or heroic than "the Turk." In this dissertation we intend to demonstrate this connection, thus raising a crucial objection to Saïd's thesis, and also to investigate the reasons for the striking correlation in modes of representation for two human types we might expect to have been considered antithetical.

Keywords: French & Italian.
Advisor: Edelstein Dan primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Apostolidès Jean-Marie advisor. Thesis advisor
Gumbrecht Hans Ulrich advisor. Thesis advisor
Serres Michel advisor. Thesis advisor
That is only a mirror..., a musical composition exploring the question of what constitutes identity in an environment saturated by reflected musical materials [electronic resource]

This dissertation is comprised of the musical composition "That Is Only A Mirror..." as well as this introductory paper that goes into a brief account of its thematic ideas and their compositional use. "That Is Only A Mirror..." is approximately 10 minutes in duration. It was composed for the New York-based new music group the Talea Ensemble and is scored for flute, oboe, Bb clarinet, Bb trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, violin, viola, and cello. The piece is explores the question of what constitutes identity by inviting the comparison of nearly indistinguishable yet continually varied and recontextualized musical materials. Comparison and contextualization of simultaneous, sequential, and delayed placements of variously derived musical sound objects (i.e. musical materials) in time is the primary means of exploring this issue in the piece.

Keywords: Music
Advisor: Applebaum Mark primary advisor. Thesis advisor
Ferneyhough Brian
Kapuscinski Jaroslaw
Ulman Erik
The Build America Bonds Program: Savings Opportunities and Efficiency Improvements from Subsidizing Taxable Municipal Debt

As a result of the 2008-2010 financial crisis, municipal borrowers (state and local governments, school districts, transit agencies, water utilities, etc.) faced increased borrowing costs and a risk-averse investor base that made it difficult to finance continued public spending, let alone fiscal stimulus. The Build America Bonds program was touted as a means to ease the credit crunch faced by municipal issuers through Federal interest subsidies on taxable municipal debt, providing an additional borrowing instrument alongside traditional tax-exempt municipal bonds. By allowing municipal borrowers subsidized access to taxable debt markets, the program was designed to lower borrowing costs, and draw new groups of investors (such as pension funds and 401(k) accounts) to municipal bonds that would not be attracted by the tax exemption structures of traditional municipal debt. This paper finds that the program met its objectives of lowering borrowing costs, as seen by an average yield savings of 69 basis points versus issuing in the tax exempt market, and attracting non-traditional investors, as indicated by low marginal tax rates for BAB investors. This paper argues that the Build America Bonds program was a success, and worthy of extension as a long-term alternative to tax exemption, although the subsidy proposed in President Obama’s 2013 Budget is overgenerous.

Keywords:  Department of Economics
Stanford Department of Economics
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Build America Bonds
BABs
Municipal Finance
Public Finance
Direct Subsidy
Stimulus Plan
Thesis
Advisor: Shoven John B.