The development and some applications of holographic optical tweezers (HOT) are presented. Our HOT system uses a spatial light modulator (SLM) to control the location and properties of the optical trap. We have developed a method for optimizing the diffraction efficiency of a SLM that can be applied in situ...
We present a general approach for optimizing the diffraction efficiency of a phase-type spatial light modulator (SLM). While the SLM displays a one-dimensional phase grating, the phase shift of one pixel in the grating is varied and the first-order diffraction efficiency is measured. This is repeated pixel-by-pixel to find the...
Collagen gels are widely used in experiments on cell mechanics because they mimic the extracellular matrix in physiological conditions. Collagen gels are often characterized by their bulk rheology; however, variations in the collagen fiber microstructure and cell adhesion forces cause the mechanical properties to be inhomogeneous at the cellular scale....
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of wet brewers' grain (WBG) alone and with straw so it can be used as part of the sole ration for ruminants. In Exp. 1, WBG was ensued alone and was mixed with one of two straws, wheat or tall fescue grass...
A novel high temperature thermal instrument is proposed, which utilizes a dual-sensing platinum resistor encased in a mono-crystalline alpha-alumina (sapphire) substrate. The instrument is comprised of four platinum trace elements, oriented with 90° rotational symmetry atop a 1120 oriented crystal lattice substrate. All four of these sensors measure temperature directly...
Bridges are a vital component of transportation infrastructure in the United States, and the continual maintenance and preservation of bridges is critical to maintaining their structural capacity and maximizing service life. One of the most significant issues faced by concrete bridges is the infiltration of moisture from the roadway surface...
Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are the most socially polarizing species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife management practices at local, state, and federal levels include lethal control to resolve stakeholder and wolf conflicts as a last resort. There is little experimental evidence that lethal control is effective in this...
Novel approaches to crop load management of pear orchards in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are necessary, but will need to vary according to the unique vegetative and reproductive growth habits of the cultivar. 'D'Anjou' is vigorous and non-precocious; thus, strategies to limit vigor and induce early fruiting are required. In...
In this thesis I argue that in contemporary Oregon, the policies and design of group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities emphasizes an ineffective conception of autonomy, and this emphasis should be shifted to provide better opportunities for the growth of individuals both within the homes and in their communities....
Past weapons production activities have resulted in mass quantities of trans-uranic waste being buried in drums at several sites in the United States. In an effort to relocate these waste drums to more permanent storage sites, Fluor Hanford has begun characterizing their contents to ensure compliance with various shipping and...