A successive linear programming algorithm with non-linear time series for the reservoir management problem

Computational Management Science - This paper proposes a multi-stage stochastic programming formulation based on affine decision rules for the reservoir management problem. Our approach seeks to...     

Optical fiber systems are convectively unstable

We theoretically and experimentally evidence that fiber systems are convective systems since their nonlocal inherent properties, such as the dispersion and Raman effects, break the reflection symmetry. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations carried out for a fiber ring cavity demonstrate that the third-order dispersion term leads to the appearance of convective and absolute instabilities. Their signature is an asymmetry in the output power spectrum. Using this criterion, experimental evidence of convective instabilities is given in a fiber cavity pumped by a pulsed laser.     

Laboratory demonstration of an infrared-to-visible up-conversion interferometer for spatial coherence analysis

We experimentally demonstrate the possibility of retrieving the spatial coherence of an infrared source by using an up-conversion interferometer. Sum-frequency generation in Ti-diffused periodically poled lithium-niobate waveguides in both arms of the interferometer is used to convert the infrared into the visible domain. The fringe contrast of the interference pattern in the visible domain permits us to resolve the spatial separation of two uncorrelated pointlike infrared sources, which simulate a binary star. The validity of these measurements is confirmed through a simultaneous comparison with a reference interferometer working in the infrared domain.     

The influence of halide-mediated oxidation on algae-born adhesives

Adhesive materials extracted from the brown algae Fucus Serratus were studied. These adhesives are composed of cross-linked alginate and polyphenols oxidized in the presence of KI or KBr. All formulations were capable of adhering to a variety of surfaces, however the adhesion properties were influenced by the halide used. SAXS and TEM experiments revealed that oxidized polyphenols self-assemble into chain-like objects, irrespective of the oxidation conditions. Yet, slight differences in the aggregate size were detected. QCM-D results showed that the kinetics of the oxidation was faster with iodide than with bromide. Moreover, oxidation with iodide generates stiffer networks, suggesting that the interaction between the alginate and the polyphenol could be the cause of the reduced adhesion.     

First demonstration of a temporal coherence analysis through a parametric interferometer

We analyze the temporal coherence of an optical infrared radiation in the visible domain by using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a wavelength conversion stage in each arm. We exploit a sum frequency generation process in bulk PPLN crystal to convert the infrared radiation at 1.55 μm into 0.63 μm before the interferometric mixing. The applicability of the Wiener-Kintchine theorem through up-conversion processes is here demonstrated by direct comparisons among visible and infrared measurements.     

Optimization of a one dimensional hypertelescope for a direct imaging in astronomy

We describe an application of nonlinear optimization in interferometric optical astronomy. The aim is to find the relative positions of the output pupils and the modulus of the beams through each pupil of a linear array of telescopes in order to design an instrument capable of imaging exoplanets. The problem is modelized under the form of a semi-infinite nonlinear minimization problem. The model problem is transformed by a simple discretization into a minimization problem with a finite number of constraints, then it is solved by using a minimization solver. Numerical experiments are reported.     

In-depth analysis of InAlN/GaN HEMT heterostructure after annealing using angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

During high-electron-mobility transistor elaboration process, a thermal treatment of In_0.2Al_0.8N (InAlN) barrier layer is performed in order to improve electrical performances. We showed previously that In_0.2Al_0.8N/GaN heterostructures, annealed at 850°C under O₂ partial pressure, present a specific in-depth organization. Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful tool to precisely determine the spatial localization and relative position of the different interfaces, from InAlN until buried GaN layer. The proposed in-depth model of the stack evidences (1) an Al-rich surface oxide with embedded N₂ molecules, (2) an interlayer of InAlN_<1 governed by nitrogen lattice defects, (3) a stable In_0.2Al_0.8N matrix, and finally (4) the GaN buffer layer underneath.