1. Proučevanje eno in večkovinskih katalizatorjev na silikatnem nosilcu v naprednem oksidacijskem procesu za čiščenje odpadnih voda : magistrsko deloSara Kozjan, 2024, master's thesis Abstract: Ena izmed glavnih onesnaževal v odpadnih vodah so strupene organske spojine, katerih količina se z industrijskim razvojem nenehno povečuje. Najbolj nevarna so tako imenovana zaskrbljujoča onesnaževala (CEC – Contaminants of Emerging Concern), med katerimi so najpogostejših farmacevtski izdelki in izdelki za osebno nego. Za učinkovito odstranjevanje le-teh se raziskave osredotočajo na napredne oksidacijske procese (Advanced Oxidation Processes – AOP), ki s pomočjo katalizatorjev in oksidantov organska onesnaževala oksidirajo v ogljikov dioksid, vodo in mineralne kisline. Magistrska naloga se nanaša na proučevanje eno, dvo in trikovinskih katalizatorjev na silikatnem nosilcu. Kovine, ki smo jih proučevali, so bile baker, mangan in železo.
Katalizatorji so bili sintetizirani na Odseku za anorgansko kemijo in tehnologijo na Kemijskem inštitutu. Katalizatorje smo najprej ovrednotili z osnovnimi karakterizacijskimi metodami, kot so rentgenska difrakcija (XRD – X-Ray Diffraction), dušikova fizisorpcija in vrstična elektronska mikroskopija (SEM – Scanning Electron Microscopy). Ugotovili smo, da imajo višjo vsebnost kovin skoraj vsi kalcinirani katalizatorji v primerjavi z ekstrahiranimi in kalciniranimi katalizatorji, kar lahko pripišemo ekstrakcijskemu postopku, med katerim se najverjetneje odstrani določeno množino kovin iz katalizatorjev. Postopek priprave bistveno ne vpliva na specifično površino, velikost por in volumen por katalizatorjev. Pri kalciniranih katalizatorjih, ki vsebujejo Cu, je le-ta prisoten v obliki CuO.
Katalitske teste sem izvedla na dveh modelnih onesnaževalih iz skupine CEC in sicer na kumarinu (Fenton in foto-Fenton AOP) in glifosatu (Fenton AOP). Ugotovila sem, da so v primeru obeh uporabljenih modelnih onesnaževal najbolj učinkoviti dvokovinski katalizatorji in sicer pri kumarinu katalizator s Cu in Mn ter pri glifosatu katalizator s Cu in Fe. Pri kumarinu katalizator s Cu in Mn kaže tudi na fotokatalitsko aktivnost pri obsevanju z vidno svetlobo. Prav tako sem ugotovila, da so tako kot pri kumarinu tudi pri glifosatu bolj učinkoviti kalcinirani katalizatorji v primerjavi z ekstrahiranimi in kalciniranimi katalizatorji. To lahko pripišemo višji vsebnosti kovin ali/in prisotnosti Cu specij v obliki CuO v kalciniranih katalizatorjih. To ugotovitev bi bilo potrebno v nadaljevanju podrobneje raziskati.
Keywords: čiščenje odpadnih voda, napredni oksidacijski procesi, heterogena kataliza, katalizatorji na silikatnem nosilcu, glifosat, kumarin
Published in RUNG: 11.09.2024; Views: 741; Downloads: 13
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2. Search for a signal from dark matter sub-halos with the galactic plane survey of CTA Observatory : master's thesisZoja Rokavec, 2024, master's thesis Abstract: Dark matter (DM), known to be a dominant matter component in the Universe,
has been searched for extensively, yet remains undetected. One of the promising
avenues of detecting a DM signal is to observe the so called ’DM sub-halos’ within
our galaxy. These sub-halos, which are numerous within the Milky Way, are formed
by the clustering of DM, as predicted by cosmological simulations, and most of
them lack baryonic matter counterparts, making them challenging to detect. How-
ever, the annihilation or decay of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs),
a leading candidate for DM, within these sub-halos is expected to produce very
high-energy (VHE) photons (called gamma-rays) at TeV energies, offering possible
indirect DM detection.
In this thesis, we focus on the Galactic Plane Survey (GPS) of the Cherenkov Tele-
scope Array Observatory (CTAO), an upcoming ground-based gamma-ray obser-
vatory, which promises unprecedented sensitivity and resolution in the detection
of cosmic gamma-ray sources in the ∼ 30 GeV to ∼ 100 TeV energy range. As
dark sub-halos are expected to appear as unidentified (point) sources in the CTAO
GPS data, we employ a machine learning (ML)-based approach, the AutoSour-
ceID framework, leveraging U-shaped networks (U-Nets) and Laplacian of Gaus-
sian (LoG) filter, for automatic source detection and localization, and apply it to
simulated GPS data. We establish detection thresholds for U-Nets trained on dif-
ferently scaled counts (counts, square root or log of counts) and identify which
approach offers best results (in terms of flux sensitivity and location accuracy).
Our findings suggest that using log-scaled counts yields a factor of 1.7 lower flux
threshold compared to counts alone. In addition, we compare our ML outcomes
with traditional methods; however, this comparison is not straightforward, as ML
and traditional approaches fundamentally differ in their methodologies and un-
derlying assumptions. Nevertheless, The flux threshold obtained using log-scaled
counts is comparable to that of the traditional likelihood-based detection method
implemented in the Gammapy library, although further study is needed to estab-
lish a more definitive comparison. These preliminary results also suggest that the
flux threshold for detecting 90% of true sources with the ML approach is approx-
imately two times lower than the sensitivity reported for the GPS in the CTAO
publication. Although these results are not directly comparable due to differences
in methodology, they hint that ML methods may offer superior performance in
certain scenarios. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of our results on the
sensitivity to DM sub-halos, improving it by a factor of 4, highlighting the possi-
bility of detecting at least one sub-halo with a cross section approximately ⟨σv⟩ =
2.4 × 10−23 cm3 /s.
Keywords: Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, dark matter, sub-halos, machine learning, gamma-rays, master's thesis
Published in RUNG: 06.09.2024; Views: 633; Downloads: 12
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3. Space weather research with the Pierre Auger ObservatoryMiha Živec, 2019, master's thesis Abstract: Space weather refers to environmental conditions in the interplanetary space and Earth’s
magnetosphere, ionosphere and exosphere and can influence the performance and reliability
of electronics based technological systems. The major role in space weather
changes plays the solar wind, a stream of charged particles (mostly electrons and protons)
with energies of approximately 1 keV, that can cause geomagnetic storms and auroras.
During their entry into the atmosphere, high energy cosmic rays collide with atomic
nuclei of atmospheric gasses. When scattering occurs extensive air showers are created.
Those cascades of secondary particles create flashes of light due to the Cherenkov
effect as well as excite molecules of nitrogen gas in atmosphere, which then glow in
fluorescent light. In order to observe the light created by air showers, it has to be
collected with telescopes. The particles from the cascades that reach ground can be
detected with surface detectors. The Pierre Auger Observatory is the largest observatory
for cosmic ray measurements. It is located in Argentinian pampas covering an area of
3000 km2. It consists of 1660 surface detectors and 27 fluorescence telescopes. For
cosmic rays with energies above few 1017 eV, a precise reconstruction of energy and
direction of primary particle is achievable. Observatory also allows measurement of
flux of incoming particles down to primary energies in ca. 10 GeV - 10 TeV interval, with a median energy ca. 80-90 GeV. This measurement capability is called "scaler"
mode, since the corresponding data consist of scaler counted cascade particles with
deposited energy between 15 and 100 MeV, at the average rate of 2 kHz per individual
surface detector.
For the purpose of this master thesis I compared the data from scaler mode measurements
with measurements of neutron monitors, which are commonly used for space weather
observations. With the correlation received from the comparison, I showed that scaler
mode operation of Pierre Auger observatory can be used to monitor space weather events
such as solar cycle and the decreases in the observed galactic cosmic ray intensity due
to solar wind (Forbush decrease).
Keywords: Pierre Auger Observatory, cosmic rays, space weather, Forbush decrease
Published in RUNG: 17.09.2019; Views: 6134; Downloads: 196
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4. Flares from the centers of galaxies with Gaia and OGLE surveysNada Ihanec, 2018, master's thesis Abstract: Modern wide-field-of-view and all-sky satellites (e.g. Gaia) and ground based surveys (e.g. OGLE) repeatedly cover a large part of the sky and are detecting new, transient astrophysical sources on daily basis.
In this thesis I analyzed the data from Gaia and OGLE transient surveys, with special focus on transients located near the centres of galaxies to detect possible Tidal Disruption Events. These occur when a star gets too close to a Super-Massive Black Hole, which lurks in the centres of most galaxies, and gets disrupted due to the black hole's gravitational tidal forces.
The goal of my research was to detect possible Tidal Disruption Events and eliminate false candidates, such as supernovae. The work involved daily inspection of new alerts, identified with Gaia and OGLE Transient Detection System. I searched for potential transients in galactic nuclei and in case there was such a transient detected, follow-up spectroscopic observations were initiated in order to help classify the object.
During the course of my work I analyzed spectra obtained with the largest telescopes in the world (SALT, VLT) and performed the spectral template matching, recognition of spectral features related to known classes of transients, determination of redshift etc.
Keywords: Flares, transients, Gaia, OGLE, supernovae, tidal disruption events, nuclear transients
Published in RUNG: 14.05.2019; Views: 5169; Downloads: 138
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5. ZAČETNE FAZE RASTI ORGANSKIH POLPREVODNIKOV NA SiO2Alen Oršulić, 2018, master's thesis Abstract: Pričujoče delo obravnava začetne faze rasti organskega polprevodnika N, N´-1H, 1H- perfluorobutil diciano perilen karboksamid (PDIF-CN2) na površini silicijevega dioksida (SiO2). PDIF-CN2 je bil na površino SiO2 nanešen z rotacijskim nanašalcem pod različnimi pogoji. Glede na pogoje nanosa se je spreminjala morfologija narejenih vzorcev. Morfologije so bile analizirane z mikroskopom na atomsko silo. S slik mikroskopa na atomsko silo smo z višinsko porazdelitvijo in funkcijo spektralne gostote moči pridobili podatke o prekritosti vzorcev z otoki molekul PDIF-CN2, višini otokov na površini vzorca, povprečni hrapavosti vzorca, korelacijski dolžini med otoki ter spektralni dolžini in indeksu. Z višinsko porazdelitvijo je bilo ugotovljeno, da znaša povprečna višina otokov na površini vzorcev približno 1,1 nm in da se prekritost vzorcev z molekulami povečuje s povečevanjem koncentracije raztopine in zmanjševanjem kotne hitrosti pri nanosu z rotacijskim nanašalcem. Analiza funkcije spektralne gostote moči površin je pokazala, da je pri večini vzorcev korelacijska dolžina čez celotno preiskano območje, da se povprečna hrapavost povečuje s povečevanjem koncentracije raztopine in kotne hitrosti ter da pospešek pri rotacijskem nanašanju skupaj s kotno hitrostjo vpliva na obliko fraktalov na površini vzorcev.
Keywords: PDIF-CN2, mikroskop na atomsko silo, rotacijsko nanašanje, Gwyddion, avtokorelacijska funkcija, funkcija spektralne gostote moči.
Published in RUNG: 24.09.2018; Views: 5856; Downloads: 176
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6. Characterization of Mg low-index surfaces by first-principlesMiha Gunde, 2017, master's thesis Abstract: In this work, three surfaces, namely, Mg(0001), Mg(10 ̄1 0) and Mg(11 ̄2 0) are investigated by means of Density Functional Theory and Generalized Gradient Approximation first-principle calculations. The surfaces have been characterized in terms of their interlayer distances, surface energies, Projected Density of States and Surface Core Level Shifts. Contrary to what was found in previous studies based on Density Functional Theory-Local Density Approximation, the use of Generalized Gradient Approximation exchange correlation functional unravels the oscillatory behavior of both interlayer distances and Surface Core Level Shifts of Mg(10 ̄1 0). Moreover,
the Projected Density Of States of un-reconstructed Mg(11 ̄2 0) exhibit the typical quantisation of electronic levels associated to a 2D-confinement of a 3D nearly-free electron gas, as observed in nano-wires, and a Peierls instability along the unconfined direction. Different possible reconstructions on Mg(11 ̄2 0) have then been investigated. In particular, it is found that the
surface energy of (2X1) and (3X1) reconstructions is almost degenerate and lower than the surface energy of the unreconstructed Mg(11 ̄2 0) surface. Because of the quasi-degeneracy of surface energies, Mg(11 ̄2 0) surface should be composed by a combination of all the quasi degenerate phases.
Keywords: Density Functional Theory, first-principle calculations, Mg surface, Surface Core-Level Shift, surface relaxation, surface reconstruction
Published in RUNG: 04.07.2017; Views: 7005; Downloads: 2114
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7. SiPM as light detector in Cherenkov telescopes cameras at CTAAleš Bogovič, 2017, master's thesis Abstract: This master thesis describes characterization of Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) for the upgrade of large size telescope (LST) camera at Cherenkov telescope array (CTA). Upon the construction, CTA will be the largest and most sensitive facility for detection of very-high energy (VHE, > 30 GeV) gamma-rays ever. It will use three different sizes of telescopes, where small and medium telescopes camera will be SiPM based from the beginning, but LST camera is planned to get SiPM based camera with frst upgrade. Camera upgrade is among others also being developed at University of Padovas Department of Physics and Astronomy (INFN). Due to limitations of their laboratory characterization of prototypes is done at Institute Jooef Stefan in Ljubljana, where I measured breakdown voltage of and determined photon detection effciency depending on angle of photon arrival. This information is important for determining which SiPM is best for CTA telescopes.
Keywords: Silicon photomultiplier, SiPM, CTA
Published in RUNG: 03.05.2017; Views: 7231; Downloads: 173
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8. Characterization of Nd2Fe14B sintered magnets and effect of addition TbF and DyF by Grain Boundary Diffusion ProcessJan Ferjančič, 2016, master's thesis Abstract: Sintrani Nd2Fe14B magneti tretje generacije so večinoma uporabljeni v avtomobilski in transportni industriji. Sintranim magnetom s strukturo Nd2Fe14B so dodane težke redke zemlje (TRZ, e.g. Dy in Tb). Ta vrsta magnetov je uporabljena v električnih pomožnih sistemih (EPS), ki vrtijo volanski drog. Zahtevani lastnosti magnetov v EPS motorjih (v MAHLE Letriki d.o.o.) sta remanenca (Br) 1240-1350 mT in koercitivnost (Hcj) ≥1592 kA/m. Dodajanje TRZ omogoča, da magnet ohranja svojo magnetnost tudi pri visokih temperaturah, kar pa občutno poveča ceno magneta. V zadnjih letih so proizvajalci magnetov razvili novo metodo, tako imenovan postopek interkristalne difuzije Tb in Dy. Difuzija prične med termično obdelavo končanega magneta prevlečenim s slojem TRZ. Med termično obdelavo TRZ difundirajo s površine v notranjost magneta prek kristalne strukture Nd in med zrna Fe, rezultat je visoka prostorska razpršenost TRZ. Interkristalna difuzija omogoča, da lahko ima magnet z manjšo vsebnostjo TRZ enako ali boljšo koercitivnost in remanenco v primerjavi s standardnim postopkom.
Cilj naloge je karakterizacija magnetov, z osredotočenostjo na opis mikrostrukturne homogenosti, homogenosti kristalnih območij in homogenost posameznih elementov v magnetni strukturi. S ciljem, da se definira posebnost interkristalnega difuzijskega postopka. Analiza magnetov v prerezu je bila izvedena z vrstičnim elektronskim mikroskopom (SEM) v povezavi z energijsko disperzijsko rentgensko spektroskopijo (EDX), s katero smo določali lokalne elemente.
Z opazovanjem mikrostrukture smo želeli potrditi homogenost celotne magnetne strukture, kljub nekaterim nehomogenostim pridobljenih iz drugih člankov. Opazili smo razlike v homogenosti med različnimi magneti le pri standardnem postopku. Kljub vsemu povprečna vrednost komponent in prostorska razporeditev elementov potrjuje naše predpostavke.
Keywords: NdFeB magneti, interkristalna difuzija TRZ, SEM in EDX
Published in RUNG: 29.07.2016; Views: 8995; Downloads: 307
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9. Properties of Null HypersurfacesHovhannes Demirtshyan, 2016, master's thesis Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effects that a lightlike singular hypersurface can have on a congruence of timelike (spacelike) geodesics and to extend the existing theory to the case of null geodesics.
The introduction discusses the applications of singular hypersurfaces for the description of physical phenomena, their major classfications and includes a short discussion of the two theoretical approaches that exist to study singular hypersurfaces. The second chapter contains detailed description of these approaches. The theoretical frameworks for both cases of lightlike and timelike (spacelike) hypersurfaces are developed. This chapter also discusses the application of these theories to the case when the hypersurface contains a plane fronted lightlike signal.
The final chapter starts with a discussion of the effects that a lightlike singular hypersurface can have on a congruence of timelike (spacelike) geodesics. A new approach to these calculations is presented together with an extension of the theory to the case of a congruence of null geodesics. At
the end of the chapter a concrete example and its similarities with the case of timelike geodesics is discussed.
In conclusion, the thesis suggests a new mathematical framework for describing a congruence of null geodesics crossing a singular null hypersurface. The results may be applied in experimental physics to detect impulsive signals which are located in singular null hypersurfaces and to this end there
is a discussion of the properties and possibilities for a detector of impulsive lightlike signals, which include gravitational waves.
Keywords: singular hypersurface, impulsive signal, gravitational wave, null geodesic, timelike (spacelike) geodesic
Published in RUNG: 16.05.2016; Views: 8590; Downloads: 271
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