3D Topography Research Articles

Optimizing the Electrical Microenvironment Provided by 3D Micropillar Topography on a Piezoelectric BaTiO3 Substrate to Enhance Osseointegration.

The electrical properties of bone implant scaffolds are a pivotal factor in regulating cellular behavior and promoting osteogenesis. The previous study shows that built-in electric fields established between electropositive nanofilms and electronegative bone defect walls are beneficial for promoting bone defect healing. Considering that the physiological electrical microenvironment is spatially distributed in 3D, it is imperative to establish a 3D spatial charged microenvironment on bone scaffolds to optimize the efficacy of osseointegration. Nevertheless, this still poses a formidable challenge. Here, a bone repair strategy that utilizes micro-scale 3D topography is developed on a piezoelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) substrate to provide 3D spatial electrical stimulation. The BTO micropillar arrays, especially with a height of 50 µm and positive-charge distribution (50 µm positive), promote the spreading, cytoskeletal reorganization, focal adhesion maturation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). They enhanced the clustering of mechanosensing integrin α5 in BMSCs. The biomimetic 3D spatial electrical microenvironment accelerated bone repair and osseointegration in a rat femoral diaphysis defect repair model. The study thus reveals that implants with a 3D spatial electrical microenvironment can significantly enhance osseointegration, thereby providing a new strategy to optimize the performance of electroactive biomaterials for tissue regenerative therapies.

Motion-induced phase shift for dynamic structured light measurement.

Structured light 3D shape measurement is extensively utilized in semiconductor inspection, smart manufacturing, and biomedical imaging due to its rapid measurement speed, high precision, and versatile applicability to different objects. However, the traditional implementations of this method often require that the object remains static while recording the phase-shifting structured light images, which limits the adaptability of dynamic measurement. Here, we propose a dynamic 3D shape measurement using structured light based on a motion-induced phase shift (MIPS). As the object moves, the surface features distort the fringe pattern, resulting in a phase-shifting effect. By employing the MIPS method, we can determine the phase even in the situations where the knowledge of phase-shifting conditions is not accurate. This enables the acquisition of the 3D topography of the object surface with a high level of precision. Experimental results demonstrate that the MIPS method can accurately measure the 3D shape of objects moving as fast as 100 mm/s, with a relative discrepancy of less than 0.23%.

Proposal of a Biobased and Biodegradable Polymer as a Hot Embossing Substrate for Holographic Security Marks Fabrication

ABSTRACTThe alarming increase in counterfeiting has determined a more intensive application of authentication solutions such as holographic security marks. Polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate currently used in the hot embossing process to produce security marks are discarded as non‐biodegradable waste after utilization. For the first time, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was studied here as a hot‐embossing substrate to imprint a micro‐relief containing diffractive gratings, as a stage in the fabrication of holographic security marks. Four PLA grades, which differ by crystallinity and mechanical properties, were used to define the suitability of PLA for hot embossing. The 3D topography of embossed micro‐relief in PLA plates was investigated by quantitative phase imaging, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The analyses showed that a high crystallinity and a low d‐lactide content of PLA render the hot‐embossing process more difficult and decrease the quality of the imprinted micro‐relief. The average height of the micro‐relief and the difference in height values, which were determined by AFM, allowed the ranking of the PLA grades according to the quality of the diffracted image. The possibility of recycling the embossed PLA substrate several times before composting was also demonstrated in this work. The variation of the mechanical properties, thermal stability, melting, and crystallization behaviors after each recycling cycle has shown that PLA can be reprocessed six times without significant damage to the properties. This study demonstrated that PLA can replace petroleum‐based polymers in the fabrication of holographic security marks and its suitability for a plethora of optoelectronics applications.

Adaptive Threshold Algorithm for Outlier Elimination in 3D Topography Data of Metal Additive Manufactured Surfaces Obtained from Focus Variation Microscopy

The topography of surfaces produced by metal additive manufacturing is a challenge for optical measurement systems such as focus variation microscopes. These irregularities can lead to artifacts, such as incorrectly measured protrusions or spikes, hampering reliable topographic characterization. In order to eliminate this problem, we introduce a new algorithm based on dual convolving a vertical Sobel operator with cross sections of an image stack parallel to the scanning direction of the so-called depth scan. This has proven beneficial in order to distinguish the focus region from out-of-focus areas where outliers are frequently detected. This paper introduces a method for deriving self-adaptive thresholds from the convolution result and compares the effects of different operators in creating self-adaptive thresholds. Additionally, a simulation model of focus variation microscopy is introduced to validate both the measuring system and the proposed algorithm, thereby enhancing the overall performance of focus variation microscopy. Finally, comparisons of measurement results on rough metal additive manufacturing workpieces with and without self-adaptive thresholds are discussed to demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness.The utilization of self-adaptive thresholds demonstrably reduces the uncertainty range in roughness parameter calculations. For example, in the case of an additive manufactured metal sample due to outlier elimination, the Sz roughness value reduces from 543 µm to 413 µm.

Atomic force microscopy reveals morphological and mechanical properties of schistosoma mansoni tegument

Schistosoma mansoni, an intravascular parasitic worm and the causative agent of schistosomiasis, relies on its tegument (outer layer) for survival and host interaction. This study explored the morphology and mechanical properties of S. mansoni tegument using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Notably, we employed the PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PF-QNM) mode in air, enabling simultaneous acquisition of 3D topography and mechanical property contrasts (adhesion, elastic modulus). Additionally, nanoindentation (AFM contact mode) was performed on female worm tegument for elastic modulus measurement. Both techniques revealed an elastic modulus range of fractions or units of GPa for the tegument. Interestingly, mechanical property maps, particularly adhesion contrast, displayed a recurring pattern of light and dark bands. We also measured the depth of annular furrows on the female tegument, finding an average of 128 ± 10 nm. These findings establish AFM, particularly PF-QNM, as a valuable tool to characterize S. mansoni tegument properties, offering insights for future investigations into parasite biology and its response to immunological or pharmacological challenges.

Optical Extinction-Based 3D Nano-Imaging of WS2 on Gold.

Broadband nanoextinction images recorded in tip-enhanced optical spectroscopy geometry track the 3D topography of a single layer of WS2 on Au substrate. The described nano-optical method is complementary to conventional atomic force microscopy and offers additional information about the buried material-metal interface that is not accessible using conventional topographic imaging. Beyond 3D optical imaging, we observe large variations in the junction plasmon resonance on the nanoscale. The latter is important to understand and account for in tip-enhanced Raman and photoluminescence studies that target low-dimensional materials specifically. Our observations and (coherent) optical scattering-based method are also relevant to emerging efforts aimed at exploring strong coupling and Fano interferences in hybrid plasmonic-low dimensional quantum material systems.

Automated comparison and evaluation of striated cutting plier toolmarks on metal wires

Toolmarks examination validity and subjectivity have come under scrutiny. This research focuses on the case of cutting plier marks. This paper presents an automatic comparison method and assesses its performance. It is designed to assign a weight to the forensic evidence (i.e, a comparison between toolmarks) with a likelihood ratio (LR). 3D topographies are acquired and treated to be compared using a set of correlation metrics. A machine learning algorithm combines comparison metrics and enables LR computation. Pliers of various brands and models were used to study the variability both within and between tools. We explained why the specific zone (area along the blade) has to be chosen to build the within-source variability and how the between-source variability can be built in different scenarios. Misleading evidence rates between 0 % and 4 % have been measured and it demonstrates the accuracy of the method when applied on the pliers used.

Experimental study on tribological behavior of a binderless cemented carbide at high contact stress

Knowledge of frictional evolution and associated damage mechanism during sliding wear conditions using binderless WC-based cemented carbide is lacking. In this study, the frictional evolution and corresponding transformation of microstructure, and wear mechanisms of Al2O3/WC-based cemented carbide due to the effect of different contact pressure, especially high pressure have been explored using a reciprocating ball-on-flat sliding wear tester, which was experimentally simulated following the ASTM G133–02 standard. The dynamic curves in friction coefficient with the sliding time were described. The microscopic 3D topography of contact surface was obtained by the MFP-3D atomic force microscope. The material removal and the wear rate were discussed. Worn surface morphologies at different moments, cross-sectional images of wear tracks at different loads, and wear debris were taken by field emission scanning electron microscope. The results suggested that the pressure plays a decisive role in frictional evolution and wear characteristics. Two models of frictional evolution were declared. A novel “surge” phenomena in friction coefficient was found and explained at high contact pressure. Wear transition from mild wear to severe wear was confirmed. More than one wear mechanism was observed, including micro-cutting (polishing), generation and propagation of cracks, cracking-induced spalling, plastic deformation, and the formation of tribolayer.

Microsurgical Anatomy of the Common Tendinous Ring and Its Surgical Implications

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The common tendinous ring (CTR), also known as the common annular tendon or annulus of Zinn, is a critical anatomic structure located at the convergence of the orbital apex, superior orbital fissure (SOF), optic canal, and the anterior aspect of the lateral sellar compartment. It plays a vital role in both neurosurgical and neuro-ophthalmological interventions. The aim of this study was to delineate the complex 3-dimensional (3D) topography of the CTR and explore its implications for surgical procedures. METHODS: Ten formalin-fixed skull base specimens from adult Chinese cadavers were meticulously dissected to investigate the morphology of the CTR, focusing particularly on its relationship with the 4 extraocular rectus tendons, the optic strut, the SOF, and the optic canal. Additional skull base specimens were subjected to 3D surface scanning, computed tomography, and histopathological examinations to deepen our understanding of the CTR's structural complexities. RESULTS: The CTR establishes a spatial, 3D tendinous assembly, encompassing 4 rectus tendons, 2 tendinous connections, and a singular common tendinous root. These components interlink to form a distinctive dual-ring configuration, featuring the optic foramen and the oculomotor foramen. The posterior part of the superior rectus tendon demarcates the common boundary between these 2 foramina. The oculomotor foramen itself serves as the central sector of the SOF. Precise incisions of the medial and lateral tendinous connections and fusions are essential for safely opening the CTR. CONCLUSION: The structural composition, interconnections, and dual-ring configuration of the CTR are crucial for precise and safe surgery of orbital apex and adjacent regions.

Multi-line laser scanning reconstruction with binocularly speckle matching and trained deep neural networks

A multi-line laser scanning system for 3D topography measurement is proposed. This method not only has the advantages of high precision of laser scanning technology, but also has high reconstruction efficiency. In this paper, speckle reconstruction technique, multi-line laser technique and Biocular reconstruction technique are used to construct a 3D reconstruction system, and test equipment is built, and the problems existing in the system establishment process are actually studied. In order to solve the problem of mismatching in binocular multi-line laser matching, a method to sort out the correspondence of multiple laser lines in binocular images based on speckle matching results is proposed. In order to optimize the multi-line laser matching effect, a speckle matching network based on deep learning is proposed, which integrates the grayscale images of the left and right cameras as supplementary information, and takes the speckle image and grayscale image as the input of the network model to obtain more accurate and edge-complete matching results. Finally, the matching results of the multi-line laser and the camera calibration parameters were used to reconstruct the object point cloud. Experimental results show that the proposed speckle matching method can make binocular multiline laser point cloud reconstruction more robust and stable than the traditional method, and through the accuracy analysis of the system, it is proved that the average measurement accuracy of the proposed method can reach 0.05 mm.

A full-morphology measurement method and system for tubing internal thread based on rotating-mirrored structured light vision

The major methods of tubing internal thread (TIT) measurement are low efficiency, poor accuracy and incomplete measurement. Therefore, a new full-morphology measurement method and system based on rotating-mirrored structured light vision (RMSLV) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a measurement model of RMSLV is proposed, which establishes the mathematical relationship between two-dimensional (2D) pixel and three-dimensional (3D) topography data. Subsequently, a step-by-step calibration method for this model is put forward to accurately solve model parameters, so that the high-precision restoration from 2D images to intricate 3D full-morphology of TIT is realized. Finally, the measurement system is built, and the verification experiments are conducted. The results indicate that the system’s measurement accuracy of taper, pitch and tooth height is 6.61 times, 5.60 times and 4.48 times higher than traditional equipment, and the efficiency is exponentially improved. This study provides an effective means for highly precise and fast measurement of the TIT.

A novel 3D reconstruction method of blast furnace burden surface based on virtual camera array

Accurate three-dimensional (3D) blast furnace burden surface topography is crucial for optimizing material distribution and furnace operation. However, harsh conditions within the furnace pose challenges to this 3D reconstruction, such as difficulties in matching feature points and sparse 3D point clouds. To overcome these challenges, we propose a 3D reconstruction method for the blast furnace burden surface using virtual camera array. Firstly, an ORB feature extraction and matching method based on bidirectional optical flow tracking is proposed to solve the impact of illumination changes and noise. Then, the virtual camera array is constructed to generate a sparse 3D point cloud from an image sequence. Finally, dense surface reconstruction of the burden surface is achieved based on the improved PMVS and the Poisson surface reconstruction method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can extract accurate feature points and reconstruct the accurate 3D topography of the burden surface.

Combining three-dimensionality and CaP glass-PLA composites: Towards an efficient vascularization in bone tissue healing

Bone regeneration often fails due to implants/grafts lacking vascular supply, causing necrotic tissue and poor integration. Microsurgical techniques are used to overcome this issue, allowing the graft to anastomose. These techniques have limitations, including severe patient morbidity and current research focuses on stimulating angiogenesis in situ using growth factors, presenting limitations, such as a lack of control and increased costs. Non-biological stimuli are necessary to promote angiogenesis for successful bone constructs. Recent studies have reported that bioactive glass dissolution products, such as calcium-releasing nanoparticles, stimulate hMSCs to promote angiogenesis and new vasculature. Moreover, the effect of 3D microporosity has also been reported to be important for vascularisation in vivo. Therefore, we used room-temperature extrusion 3D printing with polylactic acid (PLA) and calcium phosphate (CaP) based glass scaffolds, focusing on geometry and solvent displacement for scaffold recovery. Combining both methods enabled reproducible control of 3D structure, porosity, and surface topography. Scaffolds maintained calcium ion release at physiological levels and supported human mesenchymal stem cell proliferation. Scaffolds stimulated the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after 3 days of culture. Subcutaneous implantation in vivo indicated good scaffold integration and blood vessel infiltration as early as one week after. PLA-CaP scaffolds showed increased vessel maturation 4 weeks after implantation without vascular regression. Results show PLA/CaP-based glass scaffolds, made via controlled 3D printing, support angiogenesis and vessel maturation, promising improved vascularization for bone regeneration.

Simultaneous 2D Projection and 3D Topographic Imaging of Gas-Dependent Dynamics of Catalytic Nanoparticles.

Catalyst deactivation through pathways such as sintering of nanoparticles and degradation of the support is a critical factor when designing high-performance catalysts. Here, structural changes of supported nanoparticle catalysts are investigated in controlled gas environments (O2, H2O, and H2) at different temperatures by imaging simultaneously the nanoparticle structures in 2D projection and the 3D surface-sensitive topography. Platinum nanoparticles on carbon support as a model system are imaged in an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM), with concurrent acquisition of high-angle annular dark field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM) and secondary electron (SE) images. Particle migration and coalescence occurs and shows gas-dependent kinetics, with nanoparticles moving across and through the support during and after coalescence. The temperature required for motion is lower in O2 than in H2O and H2, explained through the nature of the gas/nanoparticle interactions. In O2 and H2, the carbon support degrades by trench formation along migration pathways, and the particles move continuously, indicating a chemical reaction between gas and support. In H2O gas, motion is more discontinuous and oriented particle attachment occurs, as expected from theoretical predictions. These results suggest that multimodal imaging in ETEM that combines HAADF-STEM and SE data provides comprehensive information regarding catalyst dynamics and degradation mechanisms.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Copper-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings Obtained by Vacuum Deposition Technique.

The hydroxyapatite and copper-doped hydroxyapatite coatings (Ca10-xCux(PO4)6(OH)2; xCu = 0, 0.03; HAp and 3CuHAp) were obtained by the vacuum deposition technique. Then, both coatings were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and water contact angle techniques. Information regarding the in vitro antibacterial activity and biological evaluation were obtained. The XRD studies confirmed that the obtained thin films consist of a single phase associated with hydroxyapatite (HAp). The obtained 2D and 3D SEM images did not show cracks or other types of surface defects. The FTIR studies' results proved the presence of vibrational bands characteristic of the hydroxyapatite structure in the studied coating. Moreover, information regarding the HAp and 3CuHAp surface wettability was obtained by water contact angle measurements. The biocompatibility of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was evaluated using the HeLa and MG63 cell lines. The cytotoxicity evaluation of the coatings was performed by assessing the cell viability through the MTT assay after incubation with the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings for 24, 48, and 72 h. The results proved that the 3CuHAp coatings exhibited good biocompatible activity for all the tested intervals. The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC (P. aeruginosa) cells to adhere to and develop on the surface of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was investigated using AFM studies. The AFM studies revealed that the 3CuHAp coatings inhibited the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. The AFM data indicated that P. aeruginosa's attachment and development on the 3CuHAp coatings were significantly inhibited within the first 24 h. Both the 2D and 3D topographies showed a rapid decrease in attached bacterial cells over time, with a significant reduction observed after 72 h of exposure. Our studies suggest that 3CuHAp coatings could be suitable candidates for biomedical uses such as the development of new antimicrobial agents.

3D printing assisted surface patterning process on acrylated hydrogels for contact guidance of fibroblasts

Generating stable and customizable topography on hydrogel surfaces with contact guidance potential is critical as it can direct/influence cell growth. This necessitates the development of new techniques for surface patterning of the hydrogels. We report on the design of a square grid template for surface patterning hydrogels. The template was 3-D printed and has the diameter of a well in a 24-well plate. Hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HA) hydrogel precursor solutions were cast on the 3D printed template's surface, which generated 3D square shape topographies on the HA hydrogel surface upon demolding. The 3D Laser Microscopy has shown the formation of a periodic array of 3D topographies on hydrogel surfaces. 3D Laser and Electron Microscopy Imaging have revealed that this new method has increased the surface area and exposed the underlying pore structure of the HA hydrogels. To demonstrate the method's versatility, we have successfully applied this technique to generate 3D topography on two more acrylate hydrogel formulations, gelatin Methacrylate and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Human neonatal dermal fibroblast cells were used as a model cell line to evaluate the cell guidance potential of patterned HA hydrogel. Confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging has revealed that the 3D surface topographies on HA hydrogels can guide and align the actin filaments of the fibroblasts presumably due to the contact guidance mechanism. The newly developed methodology of 3D topography generation in acrylate hydrogels may influence the cell responses on hydrogel surfaces which can impact biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and disease modeling.

Handheld structured light system for panoramic 3D measurement in mesoscale

Abstract The measurement of complete 3D topography in mesoscale plays a vital role in high-precision reverse engineering, oral medical modeling, circuit detection, etc. Traditional structured light systems are limited to measuring 3D shapes from a single perspective. How to achieve high-quality mesoscopic panoramic 3D measurement remains challenging, especially in complex measured scenarios such as dynamic measurement, scattering medium, and high reflectance. To overcome these problems, we develop a handheld mesoscopic panoramic 3D measurement system for such complex scenes together with the fast point-cloud-registration and accurate 3D-reconstruction, where a motion discrimination mechanism is designed to ensure that the captured fringe is in a quasi-stationary case by avoiding the motion errors caused during fringe scanning; a deep neural network is utilized to suppressing the fringe-degradation caused by scattering mediums resulting to significantly improves the quality of the 3D point cloud; a strategy based on phase averaging is additionally proposed to simultaneously correct the saturation-induced errors and gamma nonlinear errors. Finally, the proposed system with a multi-threaded data processing framework is further developed to verify the proposed method and the corresponding experiments verify its feasibility.

Yardangs sculpted by erosion of heterogeneous material

The recognizable shapes of landforms arise from processes such as erosion by wind or water currents. However, explaining the physical origin of natural structures is challenging due to the coupled evolution of complex flow fields and three-dimensional (3D) topographies. We investigate these issues in a laboratory setting inspired by yardangs, which are raised, elongate formations whose characteristic shape suggests erosion of heterogeneous material by directional flows. We combine experiments and simulations to test an origin hypothesis involving a harder or less erodible inclusion embedded in an outcropping of softer material. Optical scans of clay objects fixed within flowing water reveal a transformation from a featureless mound to a yardang-like form resembling a lion in repose. Phase-field simulations reproduce similar shape dynamics and show their dependence on the erodibility contrast and flow strength. Through visualizations of the flow fields and analysis of the local erosion rate, we identify effects associated with flow funneling and the turbulent wake that are responsible for carving the unique geometrical features. This highly 3D scouring process produces complex shapes from simple and commonplace starting conditions and is thus a candidate explanation for natural yardangs. The methods introduced here should be generally useful for geomorphological problems and especially those for which material heterogeneity is a primary factor.

An Investigation of Corrosion Behaviors of Thermally Sprayed Aluminum (TSA) at Elevated Temperatures Under Thermal Insulations and Autoclave Immersion Conditions

ABSTRACT Thermally Sprayed Aluminum (TSA) protects against internal and external corrosion in many industrial applications. Even though TSA coating has been the subject of many studies, there is still a need to gain better insights into the degradation mechanisms of the TSA especially under immersion conditions and moisture-saturated thermal insulations. This study addresses the corrosion behavior of TSA in a CUI simulation setup (per ASTM G189-07) and autoclave immersion. The corrosion tests were conducted for three and four days under isothermal wet (IW) and cyclic wet (CW) conditions. Linear polarization resistance (LPR) scans were conducted during both (i.e., CUI simulation and autoclave immersion tests) to better understand the corrosion behaviors of TSA coating. Following corrosion testing, thorough microstructural examinations were conducted employing confocal laser microscopy, 3D topography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to understand the microstructural and tribological changes resulting from corrosion testing. TSA coating under the insulation showed significant degradation via flashing moisture and active dissolution of iron at the insulation-metal interface. Unlike immersion conditions, the wear of TSA due to flashing moisture under thermal insulation created the crevices that caused the active corrosion of the steel substrate.

Multiscale modeling of friction hysteresis at bolted joint interfaces

Friction at connection interfaces plays an important role in understanding the nonlinear vibration response of jointed structures. A reliable friction contact model capable of reproducing nonlinear behaviors at the friction interface is critical in the design and optimization of jointed structures. In this paper, a multiscale friction model is proposed. This approach provides a novel perspective for improving prediction accuracy by combining the predictability offered by a physics-based model and the convenience of a phenomenological model. Specifically, this method considers the actual topography of joint interfaces by measuring the three-dimensional (3D) topography data with high-resolution instruments. The surface topography data is then processed to obtain the geometry data at different scales, and the finite element method is used to determine the physics-based multiscale contact pressure distribution of surfaces. The twofold Weibull mixture model is used to represent the contact pressure distribution and further determine the Iwan density function. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated by comparing the model predictions with the experiment results of a new as-built structure. Moreover, the effects of the surface roughness and waviness on the friction behavior are discussed.