Acknowledgements

Studying at a university is, to a large extend, an individual effort. Nevertheless, I probably would not have made it to the finish on my own.

I'm very grateful to Ir. Egon Verharen and Dr. Hans Weigand for being my mentors. Thank you! The same goes for all others at the Infolab of Tilburg University, especially Ir. Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers; thanks for putting up with me!

Thanks to Ricus Timmers, my 'master' at the Science shop for sharing a room with me for four years. I had a great time!

Finally, I thank my family, my friends, and especially my girl friend, Monica, for their everlasting support and for just being there whenever I needed them.