Beamwidth Research Articles

Concentric Elliptical Antenna Array Synthesis using Sine Cosine Algorithm for Reducing the Sidelobe level

This paper employs the Sine Cosine Algorithm, a recent meta-heuristic method, to enhance the radiation properties of concentric elliptical antenna arrays in far-field applications, such as smart grid wireless communication and the Internet of Things. It focuses on minimizing the Sidelobe Level, a key parameter in antenna radiation, to mitigate unwanted signals and interference. The proposed method, known for its global optimization effectiveness, tackles the challenge of designing sparse multiple concentric elliptical arrays. By using the Sine Cosine Algorithm, the inter-element spacing and optimal determination of amplitude coefficients are achieved, resulting in a radiation pattern with reduced sidelobe level. To showcase the adaptability and superior performance of our proposed algorithm, we systematically evaluated its effectiveness across four distinct sets of concentric elliptical antenna arrays. These arrays comprise varying numbers of elements: (6, 12, 18 elements, 6, 12, 18, 24 elements, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 elements and 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 elements) with and without a central element. Using the sine cosine algorithm, we synthesize arrays and compare their sidelobe level and First Null Beam Width values with those from recent methods. Our findings consistently shows that the proposed algorithm consistently outperforms alternatives, yielding significantly lower sidelobe level values in all comparisons.

A stochastic approach to delays optimization for narrowband transmit beam pattern in medical ultrasound

In ultrasound imaging, state-of-the-art methods for transmit beam pattern (TBP) optimization have well-known drawbacks like non-uniform beam width over depth, significant side lobes, and quick energy drop-out beyond the focal region. To overcome these limitations, we develop a TBP optimization approach by focusing on its narrowband approximation and considering transmit delays as free variables instead of linked to specific focal depths. We formulate a non-linear Least Squares problem to minimize the difference between the TBP corresponding to a set of delays and the desired one, modeled as a 2D rectangle elongated along the beam axis. Three metrics are defined to quantitatively evaluate the results. Results obtained by synthetic simulations show that the main lobe width is considerably more intense (+31.5%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$+31.5\\%$$\\end{document} on average) and uniform (+28.7%\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$+28.7\\%$$\\end{document} on average) over the whole depth range compared to classical focalized Beam Patterns. The application of the method to elastography shows improvements in the ultrasound energy concentration along a desired axis.

Slotted meandered waveguide antenna for X-band radar applications

ABSTRACT This work presents a unique one-dimensional (1D) FSA powered by rectangular meander waveguide which finds usage in bird monitoring and detection in wind farms. Large scan volume, high frequency sensitivity, lower side lobe level and excellent directivity are few of the varied advantages of the suggested approach. The suggested travelling-wave FSA operates in the X-band uses a periodically loaded standard WR90 waveguide and is vertically polarised. The propagation properties and fundamental ideas of the meander-line unit are thoroughly studied for frequency-scanning based applications. The scanning performance over frequency range is enhanced by using the proposed meandering feeding mechanism. Dumbbell-shaped radiating slots are utilised in the waveguide. The beam width in the elevation plane is narrowed by embedding an E-plane horn antenna over it. Using CST microwave studio, the proposed FSA with 10 radiating elements is simulated in order to predict the scanning performance over the frequency range of 9.425 to 10.025 GHz. The results demonstrate a gain above 21 dBi and a high 55-degree scanning coverage performance. The lower SLL is observed around 13 dB. Aluminium is used in the fabrication of the suggested approach. When the FSA is evaluated after manufacture, measurements and simulations accord quite well.

Manipulation of Bloch surface beams based on perfectly matched Bragg diffraction.

A generalized method is proposed for the manipulation of Bloch surface waves (BSWs) with multiple designed phases. This method is based on perfectly matched Bragg diffraction with a wide range of available diffraction angles and can be used beyond the paraxial limit to realize nonparaxial accelerating BSW beams. When combined with the caustic method, multiple accelerating beams with pre-engineered trajectories have been successfully generated, including power-law, circular, elliptic, and bottle beams. Furthermore, the transverse light field distribution of these accelerating beams is consistent with the theoretical prediction, indicating that the beam width can be manipulated by controlling the trajectory of the beam. The results of this work will facilitate the development of novel applications where controlling the trajectory and width of the two-dimensional beams is crucial, such as surface tweezers, and lab-on-chip photonic integrations.

Spatial Resolution for X-ray Excited Luminescence Chemical Imaging (XELCI).

Measuring chemical concentrations at the surface of implanted medical devices is important for elucidating the local biochemical environment, especially during implant infection. Although chemical indicator dyes enable chemical measurements in vitro, they are usually ineffective when measuring through tissue because the background obscures the dye signal and scattering dramatically reduces the spatial resolution. X-ray excited luminescent chemical imaging (XELCI) is a recent imaging modality which overcomes these limitations using a focused X-ray beam to excite a small spot of red light on scintillator-coated medical implants with well-defined location (because X-rays are minimally scattered) and low background. A spectrochemical indicator film placed over the scintillator layer, e.g., a polymer film containing pH-indicator dyes, absorbs some of the luminescence according to the local chemical environment, and this absorption is then detected by measuring the light intensity/spectrum passing through the tissue. A focused X-ray beam is used to scan point-by-point with a spatial resolution mainly limited by the X-ray beam width with minimum increase from X-ray absorption and scattering in the tissue. X-ray resolution, implant surface specificity, and chemical sensitivity are the three key features of XELCI. Here, we study spatial resolution using optically absorptive targets. For imaging a series of lines, the 20-80% knife-edge resolution was ∼285 (±15) μm with no tissue and 475 ± 18 and 520 ± 34 μm, respectively, through 5 and 10 mm thick tissue. Thus, doubling the tissue depth did not appreciably change the spatial resolution recorded through the tissue. This shows the promise of XELCI for submillimeter chemical imaging through tissue.

Synthesis of concentric circular antenna array for reducing the sidelobe level by employing sine cosine optimization algorithm

AbstractThe sine cosine algorithm (SCA), a meta‐heuristic optimization method, is used in this study to provide a precise linear and elliptical antenna array design for synthesizing the ideal far‐field radiation pattern in the fifth‐generation (5G) communication spectrum. The wireless communication system will undergo dramatic changes thanks to the forthcoming 5G technology, which offers exceptionally high data rates, increased capacity, reduced latency, and outstanding service quality. The most important component of 5G communications is an accurate antenna array design for an optimum far‐field radiation pattern synthesis with a suppressed sidelobe level (SLL) value and half power beam width (HPBW). While long‐distance communication necessitates a low HPBW, the entire side lobe area needs a suppressed SLL to prevent interference. The SCA is used in this case to the optimal feeding currents applied to each array member in the design examples of the concentric circular antenna arrays (CCAA) discussed in this article. It shows the litheness and attainment of the propound algorithm named SCA, chosen CCAAs with three rings and varying amounts of components or antenna array sets those are stated as follows: Set I (4, 6, 8 elements), Set II (8, 10, 12 elements), Set III (6, 12, 18 elements), Set IV (8, 14, 20 elements) with and without the center element are amalgamate. Apply the PSO, Jaya, and SCA optimization algorithms for all four Sets of antenna arrays and compare the attained results; the SLL values achieved by the SCA technique are contrasted with those of other current optimization techniques. The outcomes of all examinations reveal that the SCA algorithm achieved a superior SLL reduction over other optimization techniques.

Prediction of flexural strength in FRP bar reinforced concrete beams through a machine learning approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the incorporation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in concrete as a reinforcement enhances the corrosion resistance in a concrete structure. However, FRP bars are not practically used due to a lack of standard codes. Various codes, including ACI-440-17 and CSA S806-12, have been established to provide guidelines for the incorporation of FRP bars in concrete as reinforcement. The application of these codes may result in over-reinforcement. Therefore, this research presents the use of a machine learning approach to predict the accurate flexural strength of the FRP beams with the use of 408 experimental results.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, the input parameters are the width of the beam, effective depth of the beam, concrete compressive strength, FRP bar elastic modulus and FRP bar tensile strength. Three machine learning algorithms, namely, gene expression programming, multi-expression programming and artificial neural networks, are developed. The accuracy of the developed models was judged by R2, root means squared and mean absolute error. Finally, the study conducts prismatic analysis by considering different parameters. including depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement.FindingsThe artificial neural networks model result is the most accurate prediction (99%), with the lowest root mean squared error (2.66) and lowest mean absolute error (1.38). In addition, the result of SHapley Additive exPlanation analysis depicts that the effective depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement are the most influential parameters of FRP bars reinforced concrete beam. Therefore, the findings recommend that special attention should be given to the effective depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement.Originality/valuePrevious studies revealed that the flexural strength of concrete beams reinforced with FRP bars is significantly influenced by factors such as beam width, effective depth, concrete compressive strength, FRP bars’ elastic modulus and FRP bar tensile strength. Therefore, a substantial database comprising 408 experimental results considered for these parameters was compiled, and a simple and reliable model was proposed. The model developed in this research was compared with traditional codes, and it can be noted that the model developed in this study is much more accurate than the traditional codes.

A large-aperture, high-power ultrawideband radiation system with beam broadening capacity.

Due to the limited maximum output power of the pulsers based on avalanche transistors, high-power ultrawideband (UWB) radiation systems usually synthesize plenty of modules simultaneously to achieve a high peak effective potential (rEp). However, this would lead to an increased aperture size as well as a narrower beam, which would limit their applications in intentional electromagnetic interference fields. In this paper, a high-power UWB radiation system with beam broadening capacity is developed. To achieve beam broadening in the time domain, a power-law time delay distribution method is proposed and studied by simulation, and then the relative excitation time delays of the modules are optimized to achieve higher rEp and avoid beam splitting in the beam broadening mode. In order to avoid false triggering of the pulser elements when implementing the beam broadening, the mutual coupling effect in the system is analyzed and suppressed by employing onboard high-pass filters, since the mutual coupling effect is much more severe in the low-frequency range. Finally, a radiation system with 36 modules is developed. Measuring results indicate that in the high-rEp mode, the developed system could achieve a maximum effective potential rEp of 313.6kV and a maximum pulse-repetition-rate of 20kHz. In the beam broadening mode, its half-peak-power beam width in the H-plane is broadened from the original value of 3.9° to 7.9°, with a maximum rEp of 272.9kV. The polarization direction of the system could be flexibly adjusted by a built-in motor.

Numerical investigation of various laser–waterjet coupling methods on spot power density distribution

This paper presents a numerical simulation study on the coupling of lasers and waterjets, focusing on the distribution of the spot power density. The analysis utilized a laser wavelength of 532 nm, chosen for its minimal energy attenuation in water. The key conditions for successful coupling were identified, including the necessity for the spot diameter of the laser beam to be smaller than the nozzle diameter of the waterjet fiber, the numerical aperture of the laser beam to be lower than that of the waterjet fiber, and the divergence angle of the laser to be smaller than the critical angle for total internal reflection. Using the ZEMAX simulation software, various coupling cases were explored, revealing that the radial displacement of the waterjet fiber relative to the laser axis has the most significant impact on the output power density, followed by angular deflection, whereas the axial displacement has the minimal effect. This study also investigates the combined effects of different influencing factors on the peak distribution of the output power density, uncovering distinct characteristics resulting from these deviations. Overall, the research findings provide theoretical insights for achieving effective coupling between fine waterjets and lasers as well as for the design of water-guided laser coupling devices.

Detection of a glass fiber-reinforced polymer with defects by terahertz computed tomography

Terahertz (THz) computed tomography (THz CT) exhibits the potential to provide a wealth of data, surpassing that of THz tomographic imaging in applications such as detecting embedded defects, particularly defect evolution within a glass fiber-reinforced polymer. To realize high-resolution THz CT, a systematic approach guided by wave propagation simulation was employed. First, the front wave of the THz beam was fine-tuned to realize a beam diameter of <2 mm. To mitigate the strong refractive effect and minimize Fresnel reflection loss, a refractive-index-matching material was fabricated and utilized as a rounded enclosure for samples with sharp corners. To further improve the reconstruction resolution, a flat surface enclosure was applied to collect all incident beams at the detector. To realize comparable results to those of full-angle CT, a limited-angle CT approach was implemented, and the frequency range 0.1–3 THz was used in the image reconstruction study. The experimental and simulated images were used to validate the findings, and conductive and non-conductive defects measuring 200 µm were successfully visualized. Additionally, a custom-built user interface enabled us to visualize the field spatial distribution of the THz beam with respect to frequency.

How to Crystallize Glass with a Femtosecond Laser

The crystallization of glass through conventional thermal annealing in a furnace is a well-understood process. However, crystallization by femtosecond (fs) laser brings another dimension to this process. The pulsed nature of the irradiation necessitates a reevaluation of the parameters for optimal crystallization and an understanding of the particularities of using fs laser. This includes adjusting the laser pulse energy, the repetition rate, and the writing speed to either initiate nucleation or achieve substantial crystal growth. Therefore, a key challenge of this work is to establish reliable calculations for understanding the link between the size of the crystallized region and an ongoing transition (e.g., solid-to-solid, liquid-to-solid), while accounting for the aforementioned laser parameters. In this context, and based on previous work, a temperature distribution (in space and time) is simulated to model the thermal treatment at any point in the glass. By setting the condition that the temperatures are between the glass transition and melting temperature, the simulated crystallized region size can be compared with experimental observations. For that purpose, knowledge of the beam width at the focal point and of the absorbed beam energy fraction are critical inputs that were extracted from experiments found in the literature. After that, the management of the crystallization process and the width of the crystallization line can be achieved according to pulse energy, e.g., crystallite size, and also the effect of the scanning speed can be understood. Among the main conclusions to highlight, we disclose the laser conditions that determine the extent of the crystallized area and deduce that it is never of interest to increase the pulse energy too much as opposed to the repetition rate for the uniform crystallized line.

Optimizing Elliptical Cylindrical Antenna Array for Improved Wireless Communication Using Novel PSO Algorithm

This paper presents a novel approach to optimize the thinning of an elliptical cylindrical array (ECA) composed of uniformly stimulated, isotropic antennas with the objective of achieving a directed beam characterized by a significantly reduced relative Sidelobe Level (SLL). The optimization process employs the Novel Particle Swarm Optimization (NPSO) method, which offers a fresh perspective on addressing electromagnetic optimization challenges by its ability to effectively explore solution spaces. By employing the NPSO algorithm, which emulates the collective behavior of swarming particles to search for optimal solutions, this study addresses complex optimization challenges inherent in antenna array design. This study focuses on identifying the optimal combination of ON–OFF components (use the minimum number of ON antenna elements) within the antenna array to produce a radiation pattern exhibiting the greatest decrease in SLL. Additionally, the First Null Beam Width (FNBW) is targeted for optimization without predefined values. The optimization approach also considers the effect of thinned array element spacing on the overall performance metrics. Out of total 36 elements, only 15 elements are switched ON and the remaining of the elements are OFF, so the total reduction or thinning of ECAA is 41.66%. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed methodology enables a simultaneous reduction of more than half of the antenna array elements while achieving superior SLL minimization. This significant reduction in antenna elements not only contributes to simplifying the array design, but also enhances the array’s beamforming capabilities.

Manipulating circular Airy beam dynamics with quadratic phase modulation in fractional systems under some diffraction modulations and potentials.

Based on a split-step Fourier algorithm, the transmission of circular Airy beams with quadratic phase modulation (QPM) is investigated in the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) under diffraction modulations (periodic modulation, linear modulation and power function modulation) and external potentials (parabolic potential and linear potential). The results show that QPM is able to change the focusing position and intensity, as well as the transmission trajectory of the beam. In a periodic modulation, the circular Airy beam (CAB) exhibits periodic variation characteristics, and the beam splitting is retarded under the action of the QPM. The self-focusing distance of the beam is significantly reduced, and its transmission trajectory and beam width are altered by the QPM under the linear modulation. The CAB progressively evolves into a non-diffraction beam under the power function modulation, and the QPM is able to reduce the light intensity and increase the beam width as the Lévy index decreases. In a parabolic potential, CABs display autofocusing and defocusing behavior, and the QPM affects the intensity distribution and optical width of the beam. The CAB is deflected and evolves periodically in a linear potential. The beam width increases and gradually stabilizes with the addition of the QPM. The propagation of CABs controlled with QPM in parabolic and linear potentials is also analyzed in the frequency domain. The results demonstrate that we can control the transmission of CABs in an FSE optical system by rationally setting parameters such as QPM, modulation coefficients, and external potentials.

The effects of laser cane cues on the freezing of gait of Parkinson's disease patients: can increasing the laser light beam width play a role?

Freezing of gait can be seen in a significant number of people with Parkinson's disease. Disappointingly, the classic standard treatment of Parkinson's disease with dopamine replacement has not shown promising results in improving the freezing of gait. Hence the approach have shifted towards using non-invasive methods to address this problem. To assess the effect of laser cane as a visual cue on the freezing of gait of people with Parkinson's disease and further determine the effect of laser light beam width and color on the freezing of gait. 7 known Parkinson's Disease patients were enrolled in this study, all of whom had at least one episode of freezing at at least one clinical visit. These patients underwent gait analysis in 4 stages: walking without a cane, walking with a thin red light laser cane, a thick red light laser cane, and a green light laser cane. Using laser canes effectively improved nearly all parameters of walking, including right and left stride length, step length, the velocity of movement, and rotation time, compared to walking without a stick. Using different colors of laser cane didn't make any significant difference in improving the freezing of gait of our patients. Nevertheless, increasing the laser light beam width significantly improved almost all walking parameters. This is the first study assessing the effect of laser light beam width on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease patients and shows promising results in regards to increasing the thickness of laser lights in order to improve walking parameters in Parkinson's disease patients more effectively. Furthermore, this is the second study to evaluate the effect of laser light color, contradicting the previous results by showing no significant correlation between the color of laser light and improvements in walking parameters.

A new statistical fading model for loss factor induced by angle-of-arrival fluctuations in free space optical communication.

The impact of angle-of-arrival (AOA) fluctuations on the loss factor is investigated, and a new fading model is proposed to describe the associated attenuation. Distinct decay characteristics induced by AOA fluctuations are revealed, which depend on the ratio of detector size to beam width (M). The fading model can be divided into two sub-models based on the value of M0, where M0 is the value of M when the root-mean-square errors of the two sub-models are equal. In the case of M⩾M0, this fading model follows an inverse S-shaped pattern to describe the impact of AOA fluctuations. When M < M0, an exponential function to characterize the attenuation induced by AOA fluctuations. The numerical computation results indicate that the proposed fading model offers higher accuracy compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the continuous analytical expressions for the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative density function (CDF) of the presented fading model caused by AOA are derived. Based on the proposed PDF and CDF models, the outage probability of inter-satellite laser link is analyzed.

Tailoring aberration-free photonic nanojets through the illumination of dielectric cylinders using cylindrical vector beams.

This study explores the manipulation of photonic nanojets (PNJs) via axial illumination of cylindrical dielectric particles with cylindrical vector beams (CVBs). The edge diffraction effect of cylindrical particles is harnessed to achieve the near-field focusing of CVBs, minimizing the spherical aberration's impact on the quality of the PNJ. By discussing how beam width, refractive index, and particle length affect PNJs under radially polarized incidence, a simple and effective approach is demonstrated to generate rod-like PNJs with uniform transmission distances and super-diffraction-limited PNJs with pure longitudinal polarization. Azimuthal polarization, on the other hand, generates tube-like PNJs. These PNJs maintain their performance across scale. Combining edge diffraction with CVBs offers innovative PNJ modulation schemes, paving the way for potential applications in particle trapping, super-resolution imaging, photo-lithography, and advancing mesotronics and related fields.

Microstructural Evolution and Wear Resistance of Surface Alloyed AISI 316L Stainless Steel with Equi-atomic CoCrFeMnTi by Continuous Wave Diode Laser

In this investigation, a multicomponent alloyed surface was developed on AISI 316L stainless steel (AISI 316L SS) substrate by melting it with a fiber coupled diode laser having 3.6 mm beam diameter (using argon as shrouding gas) along with simultaneous melting of equiatomic pre-mixed elemental powders of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and titanium (Ti) (high entropy alloy). The process parameters used in the experiment were laser power (1800–2200 W) and scan speed (6 mm/sec to 8 mm/sec). Following laser surface alloying (LSA) a detailed microstructural characterization of the surface and evaluation of surface mechanical properties (micro/nano hardness, Young’s modulus and wear resistance) were undertaken. Due to LSA there is formation of near eutectic microstructure consisting of FCC and BCC phase mixtures along with the precipitates of Fe2Ti randomly distributed in the microstructure which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis. There is an increase in microhardness in the processed zone from 180 VHN (of as received AISI 316L SS) to 309–650 VHN. In addition, there is an increase in Young’s modulus from 208 GPa for as received AISI 316L SS to 228–301 GPa for laser surface alloyed zone. The wear resistance (against WC ball in fretting wear mode) property of AISI 316L SS substrate after LSA was superior to the substrate. The wear mechanism was established.

Dual-Polarized Dipole Antenna with Wideband Stable Radiation Patterns Using Artificial Magnetic Conductor Reflector.

This paper presents a wideband dual-polarized dipole antenna structure operating at 1.7-3.8 GHz (76.4%). For a traditional 4G dipole antenna that covers the band 1.71-2.69 GHz, it is difficult to maintain the satisfactory impedance matching and normal stable radiation patterns within the 5G sub-6 GHz band 3.3-3.8 GHz, mainly due to the fixed antenna height no longer being a quarter-wavelength. To solve this, a connected-ring-shaped metasurface structure is proposed and deployed to operate as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). As a result, stable antenna radiation patterns are obtained within the whole band 1.7-3.8 GHz. For verification, this wideband dipole antenna using AMC is implemented and tested. The measured results show that the proposed antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 80.7% (1.7-4.0 GHz). It has an average measured in-band realized gain of 7.0±1.0 dBi and a stable 70±5 half power beam width (HPBW) within the 4G/5G-sub 6GHz bands 1.71-2.69 GHz and 3.3-3.8 GHz.

Experimental and numerical study of underwater laser transmission welding

This work demonstrates the feasibility of the underwater laser transmission welding (LTW) of polycarbonate sheets. The experiments are performed to investigate the effect of water depth, laser power, beam diameter, and scan speed on the weld strength, weld dimensions, and bond morphology. The results of mechanical properties and bond morphology of the weld joint in underwater are compared with air environment. The lap shear tests are performed to obtain the shear force–displacement of the welded joints. A three-dimensional (3-D) numerical model is developed to estimate the interface temperature in the underwater condition, which is validated by comparing the numerical weld width and weld depth with their corresponding experimental value. The bond morphology of the weldments is analyzed by the optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that a maximum mean breaking force of 567.5 N is obtained at the 20 mm water depth which is 6 % higher than air due to lower thermal degradation and wider bubble-less region inside the welded region.

Geochemical analysis of extremely fine-grained cryptotephra: New developments and recommended practices

Tephrochronology is a powerful tool used to synchronise and date stratigraphic records by accurate and precise geochemical analysis of deposited volcanic glass shards. However, in many distal stratigraphic records (e.g., polar ice cores) tephra shards are often extremely fine-grained (<10 μm). Geochemical characterisation of these shards is challenging because conventional preparation and analytical techniques require highly polished glass areas >5 μm for electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) to ensure high analytical totals and minimise alkali element loss. Recent method developments have put forward alternative approaches to accurately measure major oxides of small shards: a smaller 3 μm diameter beam, overlapping large (20 μm) beam areas onto supporting epoxy resin, and using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS). However, there has been no direct intercomparison of these alternative techniques, which to date have only been tested on a limited range of glass compositions and tephras that are much larger than the extremely fine-grained material found in distal archives. These issues complicate decision making about the best analytical approach to take when faced with small shards. Here, we provide a new workflow protocol for the analysis of <10 μm tephra by determining the accuracy and precision of alternative SEM-EPMA methods. By analysing a variety of glass standards including those prepared to replicate fine-grained ice-core cryptotephras, we show that a 3 μm EPMA beam is suitable for use on all glass compositions provided the beam current is reduced to 1 nA. When glass areas are too small for a 3 μm beam we show that overlapping this small beam onto epoxy resin is preferable to SEM-EDS analysis. We also provide evidence confirming that using 3–0.2 μm polishes for <5 min increases analytical precision of the most abundant major oxides by up to three times, whilst, crucially, preserving the smallest shards in a sample. By directly applying these alternative methods to ice-core cryptotephra, we demonstrate the data are of suitable accuracy and precision to make robust geochemical correlations. This workflow can be applied to future tephrochronology studies, significantly increasing the quality and quantity of data that are obtained from cryptotephra horizons in distal records.