The author would like to express his deep appreciation to Dr. Todd F. Shupe for his guidance and assistance throughout the course of this study. He will always be grateful to Dr. Shupe’s scientific advice, detailed assistance, and kind encouragement. The author would always like to express his sincere gratitude to Dr. Chung Y. Hse for his untiring guidance on experimental design and assistance throughout the duration of this project. His keen love to science always inspires the author for the future study. Dr. Cornelis de Hoop was also very helpful in preparation of the thesis. Dr
