Polymer nanocomposites are materials made of nanoparticles incorporated in a polymer matrix, where the filler particles are usually added to enhance mechanical properties, e.g. of car tire materials [1]. Material performance depends to a great extent on the structure of the filler, i.e. its dispersion state in the polymer matrix, as well as on the physical characteristics (mass, crosslinking, grafting, etc.) and the resulting conformation of the polymer chains. In this talk, we will first discuss how structural information can be extracted from small-angle neutron scattering [2], in particular using deuteration and zero average contrast. We will then present some recent results on chain structure in model nanocomposites [3], with special emphasis on difficulties encountered with contrast-matching in nanocomposites. As an outlook, the audience is invited to participate in a dream of a world where large quantities of deuterated polymer of any kind are available. [1] G. P. Baeza, A. C. Genix, C. Degrandcourt, L. Petitjean, J. Gummel, M. Couty and J. Oberdisse, Macromolecules 2013, 46, 317-329.[2] A.-C. Genix and J. Oberdisse, Structure and dynamics of polymer nanocomposites studied by X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 2015, 20, 293-303.[3] A. Banc, A.-C. Genix, C. Dupas, M. Sztucki, R. Schweins, M.-S. Appavou, J. Oberdisse, Macromolecules 2015, 48, 6596−6605, ILL Highlight.

Polymer nanocomposites are mixtures of nanoparticles and polymer chains, where the filler particles are usually added to enhance mechanical properties, e.g. of car tire materials. Performance depends to a great extent on the structure of the filler, i.e. its dispersion state in the polymer matrix, which itself depends on mixing protocols, but also on the thermodynamics of the system. The latter can be tuned by performing either chemical surface modifications of the nanoparticles, or by playing with the mass and/or grafting properties of the polymer chains. In this talk, some straightforward ways to obtain information from small-angle scattering on the structure of nanocomposites will be presented [1].In particular, we will review recent results on nanocomposites close to industrial applications, including what is probably one of the first quantitative analyses of such disordered structures by a combination of SAXS, TEM and numerical simulations [2]. The study led to the identification of a unique structure-determining parameter [3]. The generalization of the above-mentioned approach – the correlation hole analysis – will furthermore be illustrated by structural studies by small angle scattering of well-defined model systems, showing the influence of chain mass [4] or surface grafting of small molecules [5]. Finally, a quick outlook on why contrast-matching with SANS in nanocomposites often fails to highlight chain structure will be proposed [6].[1] A.-C. Genix and J. Oberdisse, Structure and dynamics of polymer nanocomposites studied by X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 2015, 20, 293-303.[2] G. P. Baeza, A. C. Genix, C. Degrandcourt, L. Petitjean, J. Gummel, M. Couty and J. Oberdisse, Macromolecules 2013, 46, 317-329.[3] G. P. Baeza, A.-C. Genix, C. Degrandcourt, J. Gummel, A. Mujtaba, K. Saalwächter, T. Thurn-Albrecht, M. Couty, and J. Oberdisse, ACS MacroLetters 2014, 3 (5), 448–452[4] A. Banc, A. C. Genix, M. Chirat, C. Dupas, S. Caillol, M. Sztucki and J. Oberdisse, Macromolecules 2014, 47, 3219–3230.[5] C. Schmitt Pauly, A.-C. Genix, J. G. Alauzun, M. Sztucki, P. H. Mutin and J. Oberdisse, Polymer 2016, 97 138-146.[6] A. Banc, A.-C. Genix, C. Dupas, M. Sztucki, R. Schweins, M.-S. Appavou, J. Oberdisse, Macromolecules 2015, 48, 6596−6605.

We report on the photoresponse of 0.7-μm InP double heterojunction bipolar transistor to THz radiation of low and high intensities, when the collector is unbiased. At low intensities, the photoresponse is linear in radiation intensity. Under intense laser radiation, we observe a saturation at intensities > 15 kW/cm2, sample damaging arising around ∼ 40 kW/cm2. The photoresponse as a function of base-emitter bias dependence does not change with the radiation intensity.

We have evaluated the performance of the InP double heterojunction bipolar transistor and InP-based varactors as a room temperature sensitive detectors for THz computed tomography applications. They were used in transmission mode for the 350 GHz and 650 GHz atmospheric windows.

Lumière sur le photon : des fondements de la mécanique quantique aux applications

Lasers at nanoscale : when quantum effects meet lasers