Conventional Devices Research Articles

Different Influence Pattern of Conventional and Alternative Sources of Smoking on Adhesion Molecules and Cytokine Secretion in THP-1 Monocytes.

Tobacco is a carcinogen that is closely associated with the occurrence of lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The consumption of tobacco is also leading to alterations in different immune cell subtypes. However, the impact of different conventional and alternative smoking sources on human monocytes remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the influence of aqueous extracts of different sources of smoking (cigarettes; heated tobacco product IQOS; e-cigarettes with and without nicotine; nicotine pouches) on different monocytic adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors and checkpoint molecule PD-L1 by flow cytometry. Cytokine expression patterns were evaluated using human cytokine arrays and the human monocyte leukemia cell line THP-1 as a model. Data revealed differential effects of the analyzed conventional and alternative smoking devices on monocyte adhesion molecules and cytokine secretion. The examined smoking devices can be assigned to two differential monocyte activation patterns. Monocytes stimulated with aqueous extracts of cigarettes, e-cigarette without nicotine, and heat not burn product IQOS revealed distinct alterations of surface markers and cytokines compared to the monocyte activation pattern in response to aqueous extracts of nicotine, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarette with nicotine. Our data indicate differential immunological consequences of different conventional and alternative smoking sources with and without nicotine. Further comprehensive analysis as well as in vivo investigations on peripheral blood monocyte subsets from smoking individuals using different smoking sources are required to better understand the impact on monocyte characteristics, especially with regard to the development of cancer.

A novel continuous-flow photocatalytic device for antibiotic degradation

The presence of antibiotic contaminants in water reservoirs and aquatic environments poses considerable risks to public and ecosystem health. Despite its high mineralization efficiency and environmental friendliness, photocatalytic technology has limited practical applications due to low energy efficiency, intermittent operation, and inconvenient catalyst recovery. Here, we developed a continuous-flow photocatalytic device (CFP-D) with outstanding activity, stability, and university towards antibiotic wastewater degradation. Complete removal of total organic carbon was achieved for multiple antibiotic wastewaters using CFP-D in a continuous flow process. The unique combination of continuous-flow reactor and highly photo-permeable F-Ti-SiO2 aerogel with abundant TiO5 active sites overcomes the limitations of conventional photocatalytic devices. This study provides new insights for the design of highly efficient monolithic catalysts and continuous flow reaction devices, and showcases the immense potential of CFP-D in medical and organic wastewater treatment.

Closed-loop electron-beam-induced spectroscopy and nanofabrication around individual quantum emitters

Abstract Color centers in diamond play a central role in the development of quantum photonic technologies, and their importance is only expected to grow in the near future. For many quantum applications, high collection efficiency from individual emitters is required, but the refractive index mismatch between diamond and air limits the optimal collection efficiency with conventional diamond device geometries. While different out-coupling methods with near-unity efficiency exist, many have yet to be realized due to current limitations in nanofabrication methods, especially for mechanically hard materials like diamond. Here, we leverage electron-beam-induced etching to modify Sn-implanted diamond quantum microchiplets containing integrated waveguides with a width and thickness of 280 nm and 200 nm, respectively. This approach allows for simultaneous high-resolution imaging and modification of the host matrix with an open geometry and direct writing. When coupled with the cathodoluminescence signal generated from the electron–emitter interactions, we can monitor the enhancement of the quantum emitters in real-time with nanoscale spatial resolution. The operando cathodoluminescence measurement and fabrication around single photon emitters demonstrated here provide a new foundation for the potential control of emitter–cavity interactions in integrated quantum photonics.

Performance characteristics of the airlift pump under vertical solid–water–gas flow conditions for conveying centimetric-sized coal particles

In this study, the installation of an airlift pump with inner diameter of 102 mm and length of 5.64 m was utilized to consider the conveying process of non-spherical coal particles with density of 1340 kg/m3 and graining 25–44.5 mm. The test results revealed that the magnitude of increase in the solid transport rate due to the changes in the three tested parameters between compressed air velocity, submergence ratio, and feeding coal possibility was not the same, which are stand in range of 20%, 75%, and 40%, respectively. Hence, creating the optimal airlift pump performance is highly dependent on submergence ratio. More importantly, we measured the solid volume fraction using the method of one-way valves in order to minimize the disadvantages of conventional devices, such as fast speed camera and conductivity ring sensor. The results confirmed that the volume fraction of the solid phase in the transfer process was always less than 12%. To validate present experimental data, the existing empirical correlations together with the theoretical equations related to the multiphase flow was used. The overall agreement between the theory and experimental solid delivery results was particularly good instead of the first stage of conveying process. This drawback can be corrected by omitting the role of friction and shear stress at low air income velocity. It was also found that the model developed by Kalenik failed to predict the performance of our airlift operation in terms of the mass flow rate of the coal particles.

Numerical study on hydrodynamic characteristics of deep sea microfluidic eel energy capture device

Ocean current energy is a stable, reliable, and highly predictable renewable energy source. The effective development of ocean current energy conversion technology is beneficial in addressing the issue of power shortage. However, the majority of current velocities worldwide are below 1.5 m/s, limiting the feasibility of using conventional current energy capture devices. This paper presents a vortex induced vibration based deep sea microfluidic eel energy capture device (VIV-EEL) designed to efficiently harness energy in low-speed current environments. The system employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to develop a series of computational models that couple underwater multibody fluid-solid interactions. These models are subsequently validated through experiments. The study analyzed the flow field of VIV-EEL under different working conditions and discussed the impact of several dimensional parameters of the elastically supported cylinders, structural parameters of raft plates, and flow velocity on the hydrodynamic performance. The results demonstrate that the energy capture efficiency of VIV-EEL is enhanced by the vorticity vibration effect. It is evident that there exists an optimal radius size for the elastic support column to achieve the most favorable resonance effect in the flow field of VIV-EEL. The energy capture characteristics of the raft plate show a linear relationship with its structural parameters, enabling quantitative design according to the requirements of the power take-off system (PTO). Moreover, VIV-EEL exhibits a lower start-up flow velocity compared to traditional current energy capture devices, enabling it to initiate and capture energy at a flow rate of 0.3 m/s. This innovative solution offers technical support for efficient low-speed current energy capture.

Numerical simulation of cavitation-vortex interaction mechanism in an advanced rotational hydrodynamic cavitation reactor

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), a promising technology for enhancing processes, has shown distinct effectiveness and versatility in various chemical and environmental applications. The recently developed advanced rotational hydrodynamic cavitation reactors (ARHCRs), employing cavitation generation units (CGUs) to induce cavitation, have demonstrated greater suitability for industrial-scale applications than conventional devices. However, the intricate interplay between vortex and cavitation, along with its spatial-temporal evolution in the complex flow field of ARHCRs, remains inadequately elucidated. This study investigated the interaction mechanism between cavitation and vortex in a representative interaction-type ARHCR for the first time using the “simplified flow field strategy” and the Q-criterion. The findings reveal that the flow instability caused by CGUs leads to intricate helical and vortex flows, subsequently giving rise to both sheet and vortex cavitation. Subsequently, utilizing the Q-criterion, the vortex structures are identified to be concentrated inside and at CGU edges with evolution process of mergence and separation. These vortex structures directly influence the shape and dimensions of cavities, establishing a complex interaction with cavitation. Lastly, the vorticity transport equation analysis uncovered that the stretching and dilatation terms dominate the vorticity transport process. Simultaneously, the baroclinic term focuses on the vapor-liquid interface, characterized by significant alterations in density and pressure gradients. These findings contribute to a better comprehension of the cavitation-vortex interaction in ARHCRs.

Design and Development of Transient Sensing Devices for Healthcare Applications.

With the ever-growing requirements in the healthcare sector aimed at personalized diagnostics and treatment, continuous and real-time monitoring of relevant parameters is gaining significant traction. In many applications, health status monitoring may be carried out by dedicated wearable or implantable sensing devices only within a defined period and followed by sensor removal without additional risks for the patient. At the same time, disposal of the increasing number of conventional portable electronic devices with short life cycles raises serious environmental concerns due to the dangerous accumulation of electronic and chemical waste. An attractive solution to address these complex and contradictory demands is offered by biodegradable sensing devices. Such devices may be able to perform required tests within a programmed period and then disappear by safe resorption in the body or harmless degradation in the environment. This work critically assesses the design and development concepts related to biodegradable and bioresorbable sensors for healthcare applications. Different aspects are comprehensively addressed, from fundamental material properties and sensing principles to application-tailored designs, fabrication techniques, and device implementations. The emerging approaches spanning the last 5 years are emphasized and a broad insight into the most important challenges and future perspectives of biodegradable sensors in healthcare are provided.

Enhancing Photocurrent Efficiency in Filter‐Less NIR Organic Photodetectors Through a Photomultiplication‐Inducing Perovskite Quantum Dot Interlayer

AbstractA unique charge‐injection‐narrowing organic photodetector (CIN OPD) is demonstrated for near‐infrared (NIR) range operation. In conventional CIN OPDs, photomultiplication (PM) is achieved within a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layer with a donor:acceptor ratio of 100:1. Unfortunately, this approach encounters an issue in which the narrowband detection wavelength is determined solely by an excessive donor quantity. Consequently, the conventional devices face a critical limitation in that their detection range cannot extend to longer wavelengths. However, this limitation has been overcome through a novel mechanism and have fabricated a device that responds at λ = 940 nm. When a perovskite quantum dot interlayer is inserted as the PM‐inducing layer, PM occurs outside the active layer. Therefore, the BHJ active layer is structured with a donor:acceptor ratio of 50:50, resulting in an extension of the detection wavelength to the absorption tail of the narrow‐bandgap acceptor. The device demonstrates a remarkable external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 39 000% with a narrow full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 98 nm at 60 V. It also has a high specific detectivity and a short response time. The device represents a significant advancement in filter‐free, high‐efficiency photodetectors suitable for optical sensor applications such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR).

Controlled formation of three-dimensional cavities during lateral epitaxial growth

Epitaxial growth is a fundamental step required to create devices for the semiconductor industry, enabling different materials to be combined in layers with precise control of strain and defect structure. Patterning the growth substrate with a mask before performing epitaxial growth offers additional degrees of freedom to engineer the structure and hence function of the semiconductor device. Here, we demonstrate that conditions exist where such epitaxial lateral overgrowth can produce complex, three-dimensional structures that incorporate cavities of deterministic size. We grow germanium on silicon substrates patterned with a dielectric mask and show that fully-enclosed cavities can be created through an unexpected self-assembly process that is controlled by surface diffusion and surface energy minimization. The result is confined cavities enclosed by single crystalline Ge, with size and position tunable through the initial mask pattern. We present a model to account for the observed cavity symmetry, pinch-off and subsequent evolution, reflecting the dominant role of surface energy. Since dielectric mask patterning and epitaxial growth are compatible with conventional device processing steps, we suggest that this mechanism provides a strategy for developing electronic and photonic functionalities.

Magnetic field configuration effects on a miniature DC ion thruster with an inverted potential structure

To improve the mass utilization and total efficiency of miniature direct current (DC) ion thrusters, this article proposes a graphene–oxide–semiconductor (GOS) electron source as a cathode in the discharge chamber and neutralizer. To apply the GOS device to the discharge chamber, multiple electron sources were positioned downstream to provide sufficient electrons for plasma generation. Accordingly, the anode was placed upstream of the discharge chamber; thus, the potential structure was inverted from that of a conventional device. Based on this concept, two discharge chamber types were developed with different magnetic field configurations (1- and 2-Cusp types) using a filament cathode and their performance was experimentally evaluated. Probe diagnostics results showed that plasma was generated mainly in the center of the discharge chamber in 1-Cusp, whereas it was generated in the entire discharge chamber in 2-Cusp. Regarding ion beam extraction with 211-hole grids, 1-Cusp exhibited a higher screen current than 2-Cusp. However, using 391-hole grids with an expanded ion-extraction region, 2-Cusp outperformed 1-Cusp with 211-hole grids, attaining a minimum discharge loss of 273 W/A (excluding filament power) and a maximum mass utilization efficiency of 0.48.

Ultra-broadband and ultra-high conversion efficiency difference frequency generation in a dual-layer thin-film LiNbO3 waveguide with reversed ferroelectric domain orientations

Although there is a great breakthrough in second harmonic generation based on the birefringence and quasi phase matching (QPM) concepts, the development of an efficient difference frequency generation (DFG) based on modal phase matching (MPM) is still in its infancy at present. In this paper, we propose an ultra-broadband and ultra-high conversion efficiency mid-infrared DFG on the basis of MPM in a dual-layer waveguide consisting of two reversed poled LiNbO3 thin-films on sapphire. The ultra-high conversion efficiency is ascribed to significantly enhanced nonlinear interaction realized by making use of spatial profile of optical nonlinearity of LN crystal produced by two reversed ferroelectric domain orientations in the dual-layer waveguide. The proposed DFG device has been modeled on the basis of a 0.98 μm pump wave and a 1.34–1.44 μm signal wave, the frequency difference of which generates a mid-infrared idler wave centered at 3.32 μm wavelength. The results show that the device exhibits excellent DFG performance, including an ultra-high nonlinear conversion efficiency 434.6 % W−1 cm−2 and an ultra-broad tuning band 340 nm meanwhile, which far exceed the performance of conventional MPM devices, even the QPM ones.

A Novel Thin-Layer Flow Cell Sensor System Based on BDD Electrode for Heavy Metal Ion Detection.

An electrochemical sensor based on a thin-layer flow cell and a boron-doped diamond (BDD) working electrode was fabricated for heavy metal ions determination using anodic stripping voltammetry. Furthermore, a fluidic automatic detection system was developed. With the wide potential window of the BDD electrode, Zn2+ with high negative stripping potential was detected by this system. Due to the thin-layer and fluidic structure of the sensor system, the electrodepositon efficiency for heavy metal ions were improved without using conventional stirring devices. With a short deposition time of 60 s, the system consumed only 0.75 mL reagent per test. A linear relationship for Zn2+ determination was displayed ranging from 10 μg/L to 150 μg/L with a sensitivity of 0.1218 μA·L·μg-1 and a detection limit of 2.1 μg/L. A high repeatability was indicated from the relative standard deviation of 1.60% for 30 repeated current responses of zinc solution. The system was applied to determine Zn2+ in real water samples by using the standard addition method with the recoveries ranging from 92% to 118%. The system was also used for the simultaneous detection of Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+. The detection results indicate its potential application in on-site monitoring for mutiple heavy metal ions.

Recent Advances in Implantable Neural Interfaces for Multimodal Electrical Neuromodulation.

Electrical neuromodulation plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes among individuals suffering from neurological disorders. Implantable neural interfaces are vital components of the electrical neuromodulation system to ensure desirable performance; However, conventional devices are limited to a single function and are constructed with bulky and rigid materials, which often leads to mechanical incompatibility with soft tissue and an inability to adapt to the dynamic and complex 3D structures of biological systems. In addition, current implantable neural interfaces utilized in clinical settings primarily rely on wire-based techniques, which are associated with complications such as increased risk of infection, limited positioning options, and movement restrictions. Here, the state-of-art applications of electrical neuromodulation are presented. Material schemes and device structures that can be employed to develop robust and multifunctional neural interfaces, including flexibility, stretchability, biodegradability, self-healing, self-rolling, or morphing are discussed. Furthermore, multimodal wireless neuromodulation techniques, including optoelectronics, mechano-electrics, magnetoelectrics, inductive coupling, and electrochemically based self-powered devices are reviewed. In the end, future perspectives are given.

The Use of Portable, Very Low-field (0.064T) MRI to Image Cochlear Implants: Metallic Image Artifact in Comparison to Traditional, Stationary 3T MRI.

To assess image artifact when imaging a cochlear implant (CI) with a conventional 3T MRI machine compared with a very low-field (0.064T) MRI. None. Diagnostic study. Image artifact size associated with the CI affixed to an MRI phantom at very low-field 0.064T MRI versus 3T MRI. The longest diameter of the image artifact was 125 mm for the 3T MRI and 86 mm for the 0.064T MRI, representing 45% longer image artifact generated in the 3T MRI. The actual volume of the imaging phantom was 1371 cm3. The volume of the image artifact was measured as 379 cm3 in the 3T MRI, representing a loss of 27.6% of the actual volume of the imaging phantom. The volume of image artifact was measured as 170 cm3 in the 0.064T MRI, representing a loss of 12.4% of the phantom volume. 3T MRI had better image quality. This result was not surprising given that larger magnetic field strength is known to provide higher resolution. There was 15% less image artifact generated in the very low-field MRI machine compared with a conventional 3T device. And there was also subjectively increased distortion of the imaging phantom at 3T MRI compared with the 0.064T MRI. With minimized safety concerns and a much lower cost than conventional 3T machines, very low-field scanners may find expanded clinical uses. This preclinical study explores the potential utility of very low-field MRI in scanning CI recipients.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles at Various pH values and their Applications in Capturing Irradiation Solar Energy.

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs), in general, are able, due to the high surface area per unit volume, to absorb the maximum incoming light flux through the vicinity of plasmonic structures and then provide local heating. Thus, silver (Ag) NPs has been used to generate heat and increase the temperature of water from solar radiation energy. The optimal plasmonic heating generation can be obtained as soon as the wavelength of the light source is close to the plasmonic resonance wavelength of Ag NPs. Ag NPs have been fabricated through a straightforward, cheap, as well as environmentally friendly approach. In this study, Salix babylonica L., weeping willow leaf extract has been utilized as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent, without using any other toxic materials. The importance of this study lies in the generation of hot electrons, which can be obtained by collecting the solar spectrum near the infrared and infrared regions, which cannot be obtained by the conventional photocatalytic devices. Numerous characterization techniques such as; UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to study the optical, chemical, structural, morphological, properties of the Ag NPs. The impact of pH on the properties of Ag NPs and their performance to generate heat during solar irradiation have been investigated intensively. This study showed that the synthesized Ag NPs with pH value 12 is the optimum condition and can increase the temperature of water dramatically. An evaluation of the current patents displays that the field of green synthesis Ag NPs utilizing plant extracts is a vital field and produces rather stable, safe and effective Ag NPs. The novelty of this patent is that Ag NPs can be synthesized from a one-pot reaction without using any exterior stabilizing and reducing agent, which is not conceivable by means of the existing processes. This study, also, is rare and distinctive, and it demonstrates that even a slight quantity of the Ag NPs is significantly raising the temperature of water effectively.

Removable and replaceable micro-mixing system with surface acoustic wave actuators

Abstract A micromixer based on a surface acoustic wave (SAW) has attracted a great deal of attention because of their ability to mix liquids and multiphase flows with very high mixing efficiency. However, since microfluidic channels cloud only be formed directly on the piezoelectric substrate in conventional SAW devices, contamination problems have arisen. In this study, by placing a solution that propagates sound waves between the microfluidic channel and the SAW excitation substrate, vibrations caused by SAWs are propagated into the micro-well to form a micro-mixing system. This system can provide a micromixer that is removable, replaceable, and contamination-free.

Compact silicon photonic Mach-Zehnder modulators for high-energy physics

The characterization of compact non-traveling-wave Mach-Zehnder modulators for optical readout in high-energy physics experiments is reported to provide power-efficient alternatives to conventional traveling-wave devices and a more resilient operation compared to ring modulators. Electro-optical small-signal and large-signal measurements showcase the performances of custom NTW-MZMs designed and fabricated in iSiPP50G IMEC's technology in the framework of INFN's FALAPHEL project. Bit-error-rate results demonstrate their potential suitability for optical links up to 25 Gb/s when equipped with either conventional deep-etched or radiation-hardened shallow-etched free-carrier-based phase shifters.

Review of High Voltage Pulsed Power Supplies and Power Electronics in Pulse Power Generation

Recently, pulse-shaped power supplies have become more popular. Pulsed power is versatile and useful as a supply method since it can take several shapes and has many pulse characteristics. The release of electrons, protons, and neutrons from an atom and the synthesis of molecules to generate ions or other molecules require a lot of immediate energy. Pulsed power is needed for decomposition, molecular fusion and material joining, radiation generation (e.g., electrons, lasers, radar), explosive processes for concrete recycling, wastewater and exhaust gas treatment, and material surface treatments. Industrial and environmental applications require pulsed power, which requires efficient and adaptive pulse modulators. Higher-quality repeating pulses are needed for plasma fusion and laser weapons. Marx Generators, Magnetic Pulse Compressors, Pulse Forming Networks, and Multistage Blumlein Lines have several uses. Pulse modulators use spark gap and hydrogen thyratron gas/magnetic switching technologies for their high voltage tolerance and low-rise times. These creatures are inefficient, unreliable, repetitious, and short-lived. These devices are heavy, bulky, and expensive. Solid-state switching technology can replace conventional devices, improving pulse supply. High-frequency switching repeats the pulsed power supply. These items are compact, efficient, affordable, reliable, and durable. Solid-state transistor applications may not meet switch voltage ratings and rise time constraints. Various power electronics configurations can produce solid-state high-voltage pulses.

Power-efficient programmable integrated multiport photonic interferometer in CMOS-compatible silicon nitride

Silicon nitride (SiN x ) is an appealing waveguide material choice for large-scale, high-performance photonic integrated circuits (PICs) due to its low optical loss. However, SiN x PICs require high electric power to realize optical reconfiguration via the weak thermo-optic effect, which limits their scalability in terms of device density and chip power dissipation. We report a 6-mode programmable interferometer PIC operating at the wavelength of 1550 nm on a CMOS-compatible low-temperature inductance coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) silicon nitride platform. By employing suspended thermo-optic phase shifters, the PIC achieves 2× improvement in compactness and 10× enhancement in power efficiency compared to conventional devices. Reconfigurable 6-dimensional linear transformations are demonstrated including cyclic transformations and arbitrary unitary matrices. This work demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating power-efficient large-scale reconfigurable PICs on the low-temperature ICP-CVD silicon nitride platform.

Charge transfer mechanism for realization of double negative differential transconductance

With development of information age, multi-valued logic (MVL) technology utilizing negative differential transconductance (NDT) phenomenon has drawn attention as next-generation computing technology that can replace binary logic. However, because conventional NDT devices primarily use ternary logic, multiple-peak NDT device is required for higher-radix MVL that can process more datasets. Here, van der Waals double-peak anti-ambipolar transistor (AAT) as NDT device was developed by utilizing peak voltage (Vpeak) modulation of NDT peak. For realization of quaternary logic, Vpeak modulation technology was developed through charge transfer mechanism from channel, thereby shifting NDT peak and increasing peak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR). Furthermore, Double-peak AAT was implemented through parallel configuration of two AATs with different Vpeak values. Finally, quaternary inverter with four widely stable logic states was implemented by utilizing the developed double-peak AAT with two distinct NDT peaks and high PVCR. This double-peak AAT is expected to contribute to the development of next-generation MVL technology capable of processing datasets.