Coil Design Research Articles

Simulation method for the operation of magnetic flowmeters

The issues of testing magnetic flowmeters for liquid metal and studies of their metrological characteristics are considered. The existing liquid metal pouring flowmeters are unsuitable for experimental studies of error components, therefore it is necessary to use simulation methods to simulate the operation of magnetic flowmeters. The tests require the liquid metal plants or methods that allow you to examine flowmeters without plants that can reproduce the flow rate in various operating modes. By analogy with the simulation method of water flowmeters research, a simulation method for modeling the operation of magnetic flow meters for liquid metals has been developed. The proposed method estimates the error of magnetic flowmeters in operation mode. The components of the measurement error of flowmeters caused by a violation of the geometry of the primary converter (the size and location of the electrodes, the design of the inductor coils), a change in the hydrodynamic regime, and the temperature dependence of the shunting effect of the pipeline wall are considered. A representation is obtained for the signal of the primary converter in the form of an integral over the inner surface of the pipe from the product of the radial component of the magnetic field and the surface weight function. The expression found can be interpreted as a magnetic flux through an induction coil located on the inner surface of the channel, the turns of which are drawn along the level lines of the surface weight function. This expression can be interpreted as a magnetic flux through an induction coil located on the inner surface of the channel, the coils of which are placed along the lines of the level of the surface weight function. If such a coil is inserted in the flowmeter channel, the time-integrated voltage induced in the coil will be proportional to the voltage generated between the electrodes of the flowmeter. Since the surface weight function depends on the geometry of the channel, the kinematic structure of the flow, the ratio of wall and liquid conductivities, therefore, the metrological characteristics of the flowmeter can be studied by the simulation method when each of the above factors changes individually or together. To do this, it is enough to make an induction coil taking into account the surface weight function that reflects any of the factors under study or their combination. Simulation methods for studying the dependences of magnetic flowmeter signals on the velocity distribution in the channel and the shunting effect of the pipeline wall are considered.

Сверхпроводниковая электромагнитная система ИТЭР. Статус изготовления и сборки на 2024 год

The electromagnetic system (EMS) is one of the most significant components of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). It establishes the machine’s ability to generate and control a fusion plasma with a current of up to 15 MA and a power of up to 500 MW within hundreds of seconds. ITER EMS is the largest superconductor magnet system that has ever been created with a stored energy of up to 50 GJ. It is a highly technological magnets using superconductors based on Nb3Sn and NbTi, which work at a temperature of 4-6 K with compulsory cooling by a flow of liquid and gaseous helium. The EMS coils are required to be operable at electrical voltages up to 20-30 kV, and mechanical stresses up to 500-600 MPa. The manufacturing of the coils and the associated superconducting current carrying system are now moving into the final stage of production. The most part of them has already been manufactured and delivered to the ITER toroidal magnetic coil chamber (Tokamak) installation site. This review briefly describes the design of ITER superconductor coils of all 4 types and gives the current status of their manufacturing and assembly.

Numerical investigation of the simultaneous effect of twisted tape and nanofluid hybrid in shell and spiral tube heat exchanger with a special design

To increase thermal efficiency, the use of a carefully designed coil instead of a simple tube significantly increases the efficiency of heat exchangers. This is due to increased fluid dynamics and increased turbulence facilitated by the advanced coil design, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. This study performs a numerical evaluation of the fluid hydrodynamic properties of two separate shell and coil heat exchangers with specialized designs.The fluids analyzed include water-based hybrid nanofluids, specifically Water/MOS2_CuO and Ag-HEG/water, with results comparable to those obtained using pure water. This research comprises Reynolds numbers from 500 to 2000 and is divided into two parts. The first part examines the effect of helical coil geometry and fluid type on the endothermic performance of the heat exchanger, using nanoparticle volume concentrations of φ = 0.3. In the second part, the optimal geometric and fluid model is selected based on the findings of the first part. Following this, the effect of different hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance is evaluated and fluids with volume concentrations of φ = 0.3 are compared with pure water. The findings show that Design [A], with a unique geometry with Water/Ag_HEG nanofluid, achieves the highest efficiency at all investigated Reynolds numbers. The results showed that the thermal efficiency (η) of Designs [A], [B], and [C] has increased by 76, 70, and 50 %, respectively, compared to the Designs [D]. In addition, the second part of the study shows that the thermal efficiency of Water/MOS2_CuO and Water/Ag_HEG nanohybrid fluids have increased by 68 % and 21 %, respectively, at Reynolds number 1000.

Engineering and Technological Advancements in Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): A Five-Year Review

In the past five years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in device design, treatment protocols, software integration, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This review evaluates how these innovations enhance the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of rTMS while identifying key challenges such as protocol standardization and ethical considerations. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to 2024 focused on technological and clinical advancements in rTMS, including AI-driven personalized treatments, portable devices, and integrated BCIs. AI algorithms have optimized patient-specific protocols, while portable devices have expanded access. Enhanced coil designs and BCI integration offer more precise and adaptive neuromodulation. However, challenges remain in standardizing protocols, addressing device complexity, and ensuring equitable access. While recent innovations improve rTMS’s clinical utility, gaps in long-term efficacy and ethical concerns persist. Future research must prioritize standardization, accessibility, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure rTMS’s sustainable impact.

Microfabrication Technologies for Nanoinvasive and High-Resolution Magnetic Neuromodulation.

The increasing demand for precise neuromodulation necessitates advancements in techniques to achieve higher spatial resolution. Magnetic stimulation, offering low signal attenuation and minimal tissue damage, plays a significant role in neuromodulation. Conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), though noninvasive, lacks the spatial resolution and neuron selectivity required for spatially precise neuromodulation. To address these limitations, the next generation of magnetic neurostimulation technologies aims to achieve submillimeter-resolution and selective neuromodulation with high temporal resolution. Invasive and nanoinvasive magnetic neurostimulation are two next-generation approaches: invasive methods use implantable microcoils, while nanoinvasive methods use magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution of magnetic neuromodulation. This review will introduce the working principles, technical details, coil designs, and potential future developments of these approaches from an engineering perspective. Furthermore, the review will discuss state-of-the-art microfabrication in depth due to its irreplaceable role in realizing next-generation magnetic neuromodulation. In addition to reviewing magnetic neuromodulation, this review will cover through-silicon vias (TSV), surface micromachining, photolithography, direct writing, and other fabrication technologies, supported by case studies, providing a framework for the integration of magnetic neuromodulation and microelectronics technologies.

Design method of transverse gradient coils based on nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves.

To propose a hybrid transverse gradient coil design method that leverages current density-based methods and nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves to optimize the performance and manufacturability of gradient coils. Our method begins by generating an initial wire configuration using a density-based method. Then, we fit NURBS curves to the configuration, and adjust the control parameters of these curves to meet performance requirements. To ensure adequate spacing and even distribution of wires, an objective function utilizing the sigmoid function to modulate the distances between adjacent wires is constructed. Critical factors including gradient efficacy, linearity, eddy current, and torque, are incorporated as constraints. The piecewise nature of the curves provides the flexibility to independently control specific segments without impacting others. We validated our method by designing three shielded transverse gradient coils: a whole-body coil, an ultra-short whole-body coil, and an ultra-short asymmetric head coil. The primary design objectives were to improve linearity and maintain gradient efficiency. All optimized coils demonstrated significant linearity across large diameters of spherical volumes (DSVs), while gradient efficiency, eddy currents, and torque were well-balanced. The objective function effectively managed the wire concentrations required for high linearity, ensuring even wire arrangement and adequate spacing. We leveraged the flexibility of the curves to individually tailor wire paths for specific objectives, such as preventing interference between coils and passive shimming and accommodating wire connections and cooling circuits. This method provides a versatile and effective approach for designing high-performance and manufacturable gradient coils.

Signal-to-noise trade-offs between magnet diameter and shield-to-coil distance for cylindrical Halbach-based portable MRI systems for neuroimaging.

To investigate the trade-off between magnet bore diameter and the distance between the conductive Faraday shield and RF head coil for low-field point-of-care neuroimaging systems. Electromagnetic simulations were performed for three different Faraday shield geometries and two commonly used RF coil designs (spiral and solenoid) to assess the effects of a close-fitting shield on the RF coil's transmit and receive efficiencies. Experimental measurements were performed to confirm the accuracy of the simulations. Parallel simulations were performed to assess the static magnet ( ) field as a function of the magnet bore diameter. The obtainable SNR was then calculated as a function of these two related variables. Simulations of the RF coil characteristics and transmit efficiencies agreed well with corresponding experimentally determined parameters. Overall, the RF coil transmit efficiency was, as expected, higher when the gap between the shield and coil increased. The calculated intrinsic SNR showed that maximum SNR would be obtained for a cylindrical shield of diameter 310mm with an inner diameter of the magnet of 320mm (assuming 10mm for the gradient coils). This work presents an overview of the trade-offs in transmit efficiencies for RF coils used for POC MRI neuroimaging as a function of coil-to-shield distance and inner diameter of the Halbach magnet. Results show that there is a relatively shallow optimum between a magnet diameter of 290 and 330mm, with values falling more than 10% if either smaller or larger magnets are used.

RF coil design strategies for improving SNR at the ultrahigh magnetic field of 10.5T.

Toward pushing the boundaries of ultrahigh fields for human brain imaging, we wish to evaluate experimentally achievable SNR relative to ultimate intrinsic SNR (uiSNR) at 10.5T, develop design strategies toward approaching the latter, quantify magnetic field-dependent SNR gains, and demonstrate the feasibility of whole-brain, high-resolution human brain imaging at this uniquely high field strength. A dual row 16-channel self-decoupled transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) array was developed for 10.5T using custom Tx/Rx switches. A 64-channel receive-only array was built to fit into the 16-channel Tx/Rx array. Electromagnetic modeling and experiments were used to define safe operational power limits. Experimental SNR was evaluated relative to uiSNR at 10.5T and 7T. The 64-channel Rx array alone captured approximately 50% of the central uiSNR at 10.5T, while an identical array developed for 7T captured about 76% of uiSNR at 7T. The 16-channel Tx/80-channel Rx configuration brought the fraction of uiSNR captured at 10.5T to levels comparable to the 64-channel Rx array at 7T. SNR data displayed an approximate dependence over a large central region when evaluated in the context of uiSNR. Whole-brain, high-resolution -weighted and T1-weighted anatomical and gradient-recalled-echo BOLD-EPI functional MRI images were obtained at 10.5T for the first time with such an advanced array. We demonstrated the ability to approach the uiSNR at 10.5T over the human brain, achieving large SNR gains over 7T, currently the most commonly used ultrahigh-field platform. Whole-brain, high-resolution anatomical and EPI-based functional MRI data were obtained at 10.5T, illustrating the promise of greater than 10T fields in studying the human brain.

An 8Tx/32Rx head-neck coil at 7T by combining 2Tx/32Rx Nova coil with 6Tx shielded coaxial cable elements.

Standard head coils used at 7T MRI suffer from high signal loss at lower brain regions and neck. This study aimed to increase the field of view (FOV) of a birdcage coil to image the lower brain regions and neck with a straightforward approach of using add-on transmit shielded coaxial cable coil (SCC) elements. A new head-neck coil was modeled as a combination of the 2Tx/32Rx Nova head coil and 6Tx SCC elements. The add-on transmit SCC elements have been produced. The full wave electromagnetic simulations were performed to analyze the coil geometry and estimate the local specific absorption ratio (SAR). The field maps and structural images were acquired in a phantom and in vivo on a 7T scanner. The computed SAR histogram revealed a peak of 4.08 W/kg. The simulated and measured maps are in good agreement. The manufactured coil's S-parameters are below 10 dB. The field measurements on a subject presented the increase in the FOV. The T1-weighted structural images of three subjects acquired with the head-neck coil showed increased coverage compared to the head coil only. Combining the 2Tx/32Rx Nova head coil and 6Tx SCC elements allowed imaging of the whole brain with an increased FOV down to the C4 spine. The coil stayed fully functional when different subjects were scanned. We conclude that the SCC transmit-only coils are a robust adjunct to conventional coil designs and can meaningfully enhance and expand their field of view.

Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles Using PV Units in Highways

Transitioning from petrol or gas vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) poses significant challenges in reducing emissions, lowering operational costs, and improving energy storage. Wireless charging EVs offer promising solutions to wired charging limitations such as restricted travel range and lengthy charging times. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to address the challenges of wireless power transfer (WPT) for EVs by optimizing coupling frequency and coil design to enhance efficiency while minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and heat generation. A novel coil design and adaptive hardware are proposed to improve power transfer efficiency (PTE) by defining the optimal magnetic resonant coupling WPT and mitigating coil misalignment, which is considered a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of WPT for EVs. A new methodology for designing and arranging roadside lanes and facilities for dynamic wireless charging (DWC) of EVs is introduced. This includes the optimization of transmitter coils (TCs), receiving coils (RCs), compensation circuits, and high-frequency inverters/converters using the partial differential equation toolbox (pdetool). The integration of wireless charging systems with smart grid technology is explored to enhance energy distribution and reduce peak load issues. The paper proposes a DWC system with multiple segmented transmitters integrated with adaptive renewable photovoltaic (PV) units and a battery system using the utility main grid as a backup. The design process includes the determination of the required PV array capacity, station battery sizing, and inverters/converters to ensure maximum power point tracking (MPPT). To validate the proposed system, it was tested in two scenarios: charging a single EV at different speeds and simultaneously charging two EVs over a 1 km stretch with a 50 kW system, achieving a total range of 500 km. Experimental validation was performed through real-time simulation and hardware tests using an OPAL-RT platform, demonstrating a power transfer efficiency of 90.7%, thus confirming the scalability and feasibility of the system for future EV infrastructure.

Structural design and test of superconducting magnet coil for the cooling storage ring external-target experiment

Abstract Heavy ion collision is an unique method for studying cold and dense nuclear matter in labs. The Cooling Storage Ring (CSR) External-target Experiment (CEE) at the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL), China, is the first multi-purpose nuclear physics experimental device to operate in the GeV energy range. One of the key parts is a large acceptance dipole magnet, which is used to bend particles so that they can be detected by various detectors. A superconducting coil with the size of 3.1 m ×3.6 m × 2 m was designed to verify the rationality of the scheme. Although the coil-dominated superconducting magnet with NbTi has been used to reduce the weight and size of the magnet, large deformation and stress will occur in the cooldown and excitation stages owing to the large volume and weight. Therefore, it is crucial to design a reasonable structure to ensure the strength of the magnet and prevent the magnet from interfering with other components due to large deformation, and even the possibility of quenching. A truss supporter is proposed for the support of the superconducting coil. In this study, the structural design of the cold mass of a superconducting magnet is introduced, and its mechanical behaviors during cooldown and excitation are analyzed in detail. To verify the feasibility of the coil design and process route, a sub-size prototype was manufactured and tested at 4.2 K and reached the design current successfully.

Realization of an Optimized Cylindrical Uniform Magnetic Field Coil via the Flexible Printed Circuit Technology

Abstract The design and fabrication method of magnetic field coils with high uniformity is essential for atomic magnetometers. In this paper, a novel design strategy for cylindrical uniform coils is first proposed, which combines the target-field method (TFM) with an optimized slime mold algorithm (SMA) to determine optimal structure parameters. Then, the realization method for the designed cylindrical coil by using the flexible printed circuit (FPC) technology is presented. Compared with traditional fabrication methods, this method has advantages in excellent flexibility and bending property, making the coils easier to be arranged in limited space. Moreover, the manufacturing process of the FPC technology via a specific cylindrical uniform magnetic field coil is discussed in detail, and the successfully realized coil is well tested in a verification system. By comparing the uniformity performance of the experimental coil with the simulation one, the effectiveness of the FPC technology in producing cylindrical coils has been well validated.

Design, construction, and use of a tapered-spiral, quadrature 1H/23Na double-tuned coil for in ovo MRI at 7 T.

In ovo MR presents a promising and viable alternative to traditional in vivo small animal experiments. Sodium MRI complements proton MRI by providing potential access to tissue cellular metabolism. Despite its abundance, sodium MRI is challenged by lower MR sensitivity and faster relaxation times compared to proton MRI. Ensuring a high signal-to-noise ratio and effective B0 shimming is essential. Double-tuned coils combining 23Na and 1H are frequently employed to achieve structural imaging and efficient shim adjustment. This study introduces a novel, highly optimized, double-tuned coil design, specifically for MR scans of chick embryos. A tapered-spiral, double-tuned coil was designed and constructed following careful consideration of design parameters. The performance of the coil was rigorously assessed through bench tests, and final validation was conducted on a 7 T MRI scanner using a chick embryo. Bench tests demonstrated that the return losses for both 1H and 23Na coils were better than -30dB, and isolation factors were better than -21dB, indicating that the double-tuned coil was well-set, with negligible coupling between channels. MR images of chick embryos, obtained using the coil, validated the feasibility of utilizing the design concept for in ovo applications. The innovative design of the proposed double-tuned coil, characterized by its unique arrangement, offers improved performance. This design has the potential to significantly enhance the quality of in ovo 1H and 23Na measurements.

Current potential patches

A novel form of the current potential, a mathematical tool for the design of stellarators and stellarator coils, is developed. Specifically, these are current potentials with a finite-element basis, called current potential patches. Current potential patches leverage the relationship between distributions of magnetic dipoles and current potentials to explore limits of the access properties of stellarator coil sets. An example calculation is shown using the Helically Symmetric Experiment (HSX) equilibrium, demonstrating the method's use in coil design and understanding the limits of the access properties of coil sets. Current potential patches have additional desirable properties such as of promoting sparse current sheet solutions and identifying crucial locations of shaping current placement. A result is found for the HSX equilibrium that shaping currents covering only 22% of the winding surface are sufficient to produce the equilibrium to a good accuracy, provided a toroidal field is generated by an exterior coil set.

Hydrothermal behaviour of hybrid nanofluid flow in two types of shell and helical coil tube heat exchangers with a new design. Numerical approach

High-efficiency thermal energy systems are very important in meeting the growing demand for thermal energy. As a result, several heat transfer improvements have been proposed. Some promising methods include flow heat transfer in shell and spiral tube exchangers.In a shell-and-coil heat exchanger, utilizing a meticulously designed coil instead of a basic one significantly boosts heat transfer and overall thermal efficiency. This is due to the enhanced fluid dynamics and increased turbulence facilitated by the advanced coil design, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. Moreover, the helical configuration helps minimize fouling and maintenance, and may also provide self-cleaning benefits. Consequently, helical coils are highly regarded in industrial contexts for their superior performance, maintenance ease, and design adaptability.This study conducts a numerical evaluation of the heat transfer and fluid flow properties of two distinct shell-and-coil heat exchangers with specialized designs. The fluids analyzed include water-based hybrid nanofluids, specifically Water/MgO-TiO2and Ag-HEG/water, with results compared to those obtained using pure water. The investigation spans Reynolds numbers from 500 to 2000 and is divided into two segments.The first segment examines the influence of spiral coil geometry and fluid type on the heat exchanger's endothermic performance, utilizing nanoparticle volume concentrations of φ1 = φ2 = 0.3. In the second segment, the optimal geometric and fluid model is chosen based on the findings from the first part. Following this, the impact of various hybrid nanofluids on thermal performance is assessed, comparing fluids with volume concentrations of φ1 = φ2 = 0.3 to pure water (φ1 = φ2 = 0).The findings reveal that Case [A], featuring a unique geometry with Water/Ag_HEG, achieves the highest thermal performance across all examined Reynolds numbers. At the lowest Reynolds number, the thermal efficiency improvements for Case [A], Case [B], and Case [C] were 137 %, 113 %, and 56 %, respectively, compared to the baseline. Additionally, the second part of the study demonstrates that at the lowest Reynolds number, the thermal efficiencies of Water/MgO-TiO2 and Water/Ag_HEG nanohybrid fluids increased by 76 % and 49 %, respectively.

High-resolution awake mouse fMRI at 14 Tesla.

High-resolution awake mouse fMRI remains challenging despite extensive efforts to address motion-induced artifacts and stress. This study introduces an implantable radiofrequency (RF) surface coil design that minimizes image distortion caused by the air/tissue interface of mouse brains while simultaneously serving as a headpost for fixation during scanning. Furthermore, this study provides a thorough acclimation method used to accustom animals to the MRI environment minimizing motion induced artifacts. Using a 14T scanner, high-resolution fMRI enabled brain-wide functional mapping of visual and vibrissa stimulation at 100×100×200μm resolution with a 2s per frame sampling rate. Besides activated ascending visual and vibrissa pathways, robust BOLD responses were detected in the anterior cingulate cortex upon visual stimulation and spread through the ventral retrosplenial area (VRA) with vibrissa air-puff stimulation, demonstrating higher-order sensory processing in association cortices of awake mice. In particular, the rapid hemodynamic responses in VRA upon vibrissa stimulation showed a strong correlation with the hippocampus, thalamus, and prefrontal cortical areas. Cross-correlation analysis with designated VRA responses revealed early positive BOLD signals at the contralateral barrel cortex (BC) occurring 2 seconds prior to the air-puff in awake mice with repetitive stimulation, which was not detected using a randomized stimulation paradigm. This early BC activation indicated a learned anticipation through the vibrissa system and association cortices in awake mice under continuous training of repetitive air-puff stimulation. This work establishes a high-resolution awake mouse fMRI platform, enabling brain-wide functional mapping of sensory signal processing in higher association cortical areas.

WIRELESS CHARGING TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES: CURRENT TRENDS AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGES

Wireless charging technology (WCT) for electric vehicles (EVs) has gained significant attention as a promising alternative to traditional plug-in charging systems due to its convenience and efficiency. This paper systematically reviews 100 peer-reviewed studies on the advancements in WCT, focusing on wireless power transfer (WPT) methods such as inductive and resonant coupling, and the critical engineering challenges that limit widespread adoption. Key issues identified include power transfer efficiency, misalignment between the vehicle and charging pad, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Additionally, this review explores the infrastructure and scalability challenges of implementing WCT in urban environments and highways, including the potential of dynamic wireless charging systems, which allow EVs to charge while in motion. Despite recent innovations, such as adaptive control systems and advanced coil designs, gaps remain in the research on long-term feasibility and standardization. This study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration across technical, economic, and policy domains to support the large-scale commercialization of WCT.

Interfacial Stabilization of Organic Electrochemical Transistors Conferred Using Polythiophene-Based Conjugated Block Copolymers with a Hydrophobic Coil Design.

The recent interest in developing low-cost, biocompatible, and lightweight bioelectronic devices has focused on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which have the potential to fulfill these requirements. In this study, three types of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-based block copolymers (BCPs) incorporating different insulating blocks (poly(nbutyl acrylate) (PBA), polystyrene, and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)) were synthesized for application in OECTs. The morphological, crystallographic, and electrochemical properties of these BCPs are systematically investigated. Accordingly, P3HT-b-PBA demonstrates superior performance in the KCl-based aqueous electrolyte, with a higher product of mobility and capacitance (μC*) at 170 F s-1 cm-1 V-1 than that of the P3HT homopolymer at 58 F s-1 cm-1 V-1. P3HT-b-PBA exhibits better stability over 50 ON/OFF switching cycles than do other BCPs and P3HT homopolymers. With regard to the performance in the KPF6-based aqueous electrolyte, P3HT-b-PBA outperforms with a higher μC* of 9.2 F s-1 cm-1 V-1 than that of 8.6 F s-1 cm-1 V-1 observed from P3HT. Notably, both polymers exhibited almost no decay in device performance over 110 ON/OFF switching cycles. The strongly different performance of polymers in these two electrolytes is due to the side chain's hydrophobicity and interdigitated lamellar structures, thereby retarding the doping kinetics of the highly hydrated Cl- ions compared with the slightly hydrated PF6- ions. Concerning the improved performance of P3HT-b-PBA, this is attributed to its soft and hydrophobic backbone. Our morphological and crystallographic analyses reveal that P3HT-b-PBA experiences minimal structural disorder when swelled by the electrolyte, maintaining its original structure better than the P3HT homopolymer and the hydrophilic BCP of P3HT-b-PEO. The hydrophobic nature of P3HT-b-PBA contributes to the stability of its backbone structure, ensuring enhanced capacitance during the operation of the OECT operation. These findings provide reassurance about the stability and performance of P3HT-b-PBA in the field of OECT applications. In summary, this study represents the first exploration of P3HT-based BCPs for OECT applications and investigates their structure-performance relationships in mixed ionic-electronic conductors.

Improvement of titanium film uniformity by magnetron sputtering with electromagnetic coil design

A novel magnetron assembly based on a combination of permanent magnet and adjustable electromagnetic coil is proposed for improved uniformity of the magnetron sputtering deposition process. The design of the magnetron sputtering system containing a rotating substrate and an off-axis arranged magnetron. A numerical framework has been developed to describe the evolution of the plasma density and distribution of sputtered particles. Specifically, the finite element method (FEM) was used to calculate the magnetic field and to model the magnetron sputtering discharge, and binary-collision Monte Carlo method was used to determine the transport of sputtered atoms to the substrate. Through parametric analyses, it was found that increasing the substrate-to-target distance, gas pressure, and coil current intensity benefits the uniform distribution of particles. The condition where the off-axis displacement of the magnetron effectively enhances uniformity. A strategy for optimizing deposition uniformity by combining adjustable current with an off-axis magnetron arrangement was proposed, which reduce the non-uniformity of film thickness by 77.6 % compared to the traditional fixed magnetic field model.

Optimized design of cubic grid coil system with high space utilization ratio for weak biomagnetic signal measurement

The uniform field coils with large uniform region are important for improving the resolution in bio-magnetic signal measurements. The traditional coil design methods suffer from small space utilization ratio which limits the mobility and accuracy of bio-magnetic signal measurements. In this paper, a novel cubic grid coil (CGC) design method is presented, with significantly improved space utilization ratio and simple structure. The iterative fastest current drop method (IFCD) is proposed to simplify coil structure, thus ensuring the controllability of the cubic grid coil system. The superiority of CGCs has been demonstrated by finite element simulations and a series of experiments. The space utilization ratio of CGCs reaches 22.4% while maintaining 2% inhomogeneity, improved by about 6 times compared with traditional coils. Furthermore, the CGC-based system for directly eliminating the geomagnetic field achieves a low residual magnetic field noise of 29.7 pT/Hz/1/2 at 1 Hz. The CGCs can provide new ideas for high-resolution, lightweight mobile measurements of weak bio-magnetic signals in the human body.