Low Reflectivity Research Articles

Bioinspired polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol @ silicon dioxide microfibrous tarpaulin with dual-layer heterogeneous structure for enhanced daytime radiative cooling

Fibrous tarpaulin serves as the core barrier that protects goods, people, or areas from the adverse impacts of the external environment, such as rain, dust, and sunlight. However, conventional tarpaulins exhibit inadequate mechanical properties, a low solar reflectance, and are susceptible to pollution. To address these issues, a bioinspired polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol @silicon dioxide (PLA/PEG@SiO₂) microfibrous tarpaulin with a dual-layer heterogeneous structure was fabricated via in-situ drafting melt-blowing combined with thermal bonding, inspired by the layered structure of shells. This bioinspired dual-layer heterogeneous structure, with an adjustable heterodyne angle and SiO₂ size gradient, significantly improved the mechanical performance of the PLA/PEG@SiO2 microfibrous tarpaulin, and specifically manifested as an increase in the bursting strength of the sample to 25.5 N. Moreover, PLA/PEG@SiO2 microfibrous tarpaulin demonstrated excellent anti-pollution properties, effectively repelling liquids and dust. Additionally, its radiative cooling efficiency was notably enhanced, achieving a temperature reduction of ~9.8 °C compared with conventional fabrics, with reflectance of ~88.6 % and emissivity of ~98.3 %. These findings suggest that dual-layered PLA/PEG@SiO₂ microfibrous tarpaulin with multifunctional capabilities is a promising candidate for radiative cooling in outdoor shelters, wearable cooling devices, and energy-efficient building insulation materials.

Development and evaluation of STRC coating for cooling asphalt pavement and mitigating urban heat island effects

To mitigate the negative impacts of urban heat island (UHI) effects on modern cities, this study developed and evaluated a novel cool coating, solar thermal reflective coatings (STRC), for reducing asphalt pavement temperatures. Firstly, the optical properties were characterized using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, and the thermal performance of eight STRC formulations was assessed using a custom-built testing apparatus. Subsequently, the microstructure and elemental composition were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Finally, the optimized coating was applied to asphalt concrete, and its long-term performance and stability were confirmed through durability tests, including water immersion test, temperature variation endurance test, and radiation cycle test. The results showed that chromium sesquioxide (Cr₂O₃), a critical pigment of STRC, exhibited a high near-infrared reflectance of 54.76 % and a lower visible reflectance of 10.22 %. Among the eight STRC formulations, STRC5 demonstrated balanced performance with a visible reflectance of 35.69 % and a near-infrared reflectance of 71.85 %. The microstructure of STRC5 was uniform with minimal surface defects. When STRC5 was applied to asphalt concrete, it achieved significant cooling effects, maintaining a mean temperature of 49.51 °C compared to 60.07 °C for uncoated samples, resulting in a maximum temperature difference of 10.56 °C after 4 h of light exposure. Durability test results confirmed the long-term performance and stability as the coating withstood extreme temperature fluctuations from −20 °C to 60 °C and 72 h of water immersion. In conclusion, STRC5 demonstrated great potential to effectively cool asphalt pavement and mitigate UHI effects.

Structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of FrSnI3-xClx (X=0, 1, 2, 3) perovskites using the TB-mBJ approach

Mixed halide inorganic perovskites represent a significant advance in energy conversion materials, with research on these materials paving the way for more sustainable and accessible energy solutions. In this work we investigated the effects of chlorine atom substitution on the structural, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of mixed halide perovskites FrSnI3-xClx (x=0, 1, 2, 3). The FP-LAPW approach within the Wien2k package has been employed, using the modified Becke-Johnson potential (TB-mBJ) for the exchange correlation functionals. For FrSnI3 and FrSnCl3 the calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with theoretical results.The formation energies calculated for FrSnI3-x Clx (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) confirm the thermodynamic stability of all these materials. Analysis of the electronic properties, including partial density of states (PDOS), total density of states (TDOS) and band structures, indicates that these materials exhibit p-type semiconductor behaviour with direct band gaps ranging from 1.169 to 1.953 eV. In terms of optical properties, the FrSnI3-xClx compounds exhibit high optical absorption (α(ω) > 104 cm−1) in the visible region. The broad absorption range extends from visible to ultraviolet energy. The low reflectivity values observed (below 30%) and their minimal energy loss suggest potential applications in optoelectronic devices. The thermoelectric properties of these materials were also studied over a temperature range of 100 to 950 K. They exhibit high Seebeck coefficients, high electrical conductivity, and low thermal conductivity. Notably, at room temperature, FrSnI2Cl and FrSnICl2 show the highest figures of merit, reaching 1.31 and 0.61, respectively, demonstrating their high efficiency for thermoelectric devices

국내외 과학영재학교 수학과 교육과정 편성 현황 분석

This study attempted to analyze the characteristics of the mathematics curriculum of eight domestic science gifted schools to derive implications to consider when organizing the mathematics curriculum of domestic gifted schools in the future. To achieve this, the study compared the content elements of mathematics subjects offered in science high schools for gifted students with those structured according to the 2022 revised mathematics curriculum. Additionally, an analysis was conducted on the content elements of Advanced Placement (AP) subjects and other subjects that, while not included in the 2022 revised mathematics curriculum, are additionally studied at these science high schools. The analysis revealed that the mathematics curriculum in science high schools for gifted students showed a relatively low reflection rate of content elements included in the 2022 revised mathematics curriculum, such as <Discrete Mathematics>, <Practical Statistics>, and <Advanced Geometry>. Moreover, there was a noticeable lack of the <Probability and Statistics> subject in the AP curriculum. The study also highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the content covered in <Linear Algebra> and <Differential Equations> when organizing future curricula. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the curricula in three international science high schools for gifted students indicated that these institutions generally offer more credit hours and a wider variety of elective subjects, thus ensuring greater flexibility and broader learning opportunities for students. This suggests that the organization and operation of the mathematics curriculum in domestic science high schools for gifted students should embrace more flexibility and openness to effectively nurture mathematical talents.

Novel Tl2GeX6 (X=Cl,Br) Double Perovskites for Solar Cell, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Applications: A DFT Investigation

This study aims to investigate the structural, mechanical, optical, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of novel double perovskites Tl2GeCl6 and Tl2GeBr6. The Quantum Espresso code was employed to perform the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation on the perovskites’ characteristics. The results indicated that both materials exhibit chemical and structural stability, with equilibrium lattice constants of 10.08 Å and 10.55 Å for Tl2GeCl6 and Tl2GeBr6, respectively. The calculated elastic parameters and elastic moduli data also demonstrated that the new double perovskites exhibit mechanical stability while the calculated electronic band structure and the density of states using the PBE functional indicated that the materials are semiconductors with energy gap values of 0.3 eV for Tl2GeBr6 and 1.72 eV for Tl2GeCl6, respectively. Using more accurate SCAN approximation, the energy gaps were refined to 0.53 eV for Tl2GeBr6 and 2.10 eV for Tl2GeCl6. Additionally, the calculated dielectric functions, extinction coefficient and absorption coefficients of Tl2GeCl6 and Tl2GeBr6 strongly suggest the exceptional optical response of these materials. Notably, Tl2GeBr6 is estimated to have a particularly strong visible-light absorption capacity, positioning it as a promising absorber for perovskite solar cells. These findings are also supported by the low reflectivity values observed. Finally, the analysis of their thermoelectric properties revealed the excellent thermoelectric properties of Tl2GeCl6 and Tl2GeBr6, as indicated by their high figures of merit, predicted to be 0.73 and 0.68 for the respective perovskites.

Band structure engineering to improve the optical and thermoelectric properties of Rb2AgXBr6 (X=Al, In, Ga) for energy applications within DFT framework

In the current study, we have employed density functional theory to evaluate thermoelectric, optical and electronic properties of rubidium bromide based double perovskites. It has been found that all three compounds i.e. Rb2AgAlBr6, Rb2AgGaBr6 and Rb2AgInBr6 have a direct band gap and the band gap appears at Γ symmetry point. The band gap of Rb2AgAlBr6 = 0.92 eV and of Rb2AgInBr6 = 0.29 eV whereas for Rb2AgGaBr6 has shown bands overlapping. The merged band gap of Ga-substituted material imparts in it excellent conductivity which makes it a potential candidate for application in conducting materials. Among all Rb2AgAlBr6 composition showed efficient TE properties with power factor of around 3.0 x 1011 W/msK2 and ZT value of 0.3. The optical properties found consist of high absorption coefficients (about 106 cm−1), low reflectivity (around 1–15 %), and high optical conductivity (approximately 1015sec−1).

Ab-initio investigation of structural, electronic, thermoelectric and optical properties of Full-Heusler X2MnB (X = Ti, Zr) for energy harvesting applications

In this manuscript comprehensive first-principles calculations have been presented for Full-Heusler X2MnB (X = Ti, Zr) compounds. This work includes detailed observations of the structural stability, origin of the transport phenomenon, optical properties, and electronic response. Structural parameters support the previous findings by confirming structural stability in the non-magnetic phase. Ti2MnB (Zr2MnB) valence band maxima and conduction band minima have bandgaps of 0.217 (0.301) eV and 0.181 (0.209) eV for PBE-GGA (mBJ) approximations which lie between L-L symmetry points. Due to the comparative measurements of the two states, the DOS results show that the Ti1/Zr1, Ti2/Zr2 Mn eg, and t2g states mainly contribute to the valence band region for Ti2MnB and Zr2MnB alloys, confirming their ionic nature. The computation of the overall electronic parameters’ reveals semiconducting nature. Thermoelectric properties have been calculated as a function of temperature in the 100–1200 K range. The positive values of Seebeck coefficients specify p-type character of X2MnB While at 300 K, Zr2MnB and Ti2MnB showed the highest Seebeck coefficients, measuring roughly values of 268 (µK/V) and 243 (µK/V), respectively. These values suggest that the material exhibits high thermoelectric performance. Though high optical absorption coefficient and low reflectivity in the visible and ultra violet regions, confirms use of these materials in solar cell applications. These findings suggest that material holds great potential for use in thermoelectrical applications which can support in upcoming experimental considerations.

Tactile sensation in relation to roughness and reflection of active initial lesions in primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition in vitro

ObjectivesThis study evaluated whether a relationship exist between tactile sensation, roughness and reflection intensity in active enamel lesions of primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition. MethodsFreshly extracted teeth of the primary (n=29) and permanent (n=60) dentition of patients who underwent serial extractions under general anesthesia due to multiple deep caries lesions showing active lesions (International Caries Detection and Assessment System scores of 2) were selected. The mean linear (Ra), area-related (Sa), volume-related (Vmc) roughness and vertical reflection intensity (VRI) of sound (S) and carious (C) areas were determined by using a 3D-laser-scanning-microscope and a multi-sensor microscope with two different chromatic-confocal optics. Furthermore, two blinded examiners evaluated the roughness by tactile examination using three different explorers (S23H,405CP11, S3C). ResultsMean differences (95%CI) between S and C for teeth of the primary dentition were: Ra:-1.9(-2.3;-0.4)µm, Sa:-31.8(-1.8;0.0)µm, Vmc:-1.8(-1.6;-0.0)ml/m2, VRI:29(20;43) and for teeth of the permanent dentition: Ra:-4.0(-2.5;-1.0)µm, Sa:-4.8(-3.0;-1.1)µm, Vmc:-4.6(-3.4;-0.5)ml/m2, VRI:34(19;44) differing significantly between S and C (p<0.05,Wilcoxon test). No significant difference was observed between 1st and 2nd dentition (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test) as well as commercial and experimental optic (p>0.05). The highest positive predictive value (PPV) was achieved by examiner 1 with explorer S3C (1st dentition 67%;2nd dentition 100%;pooled dentition 88%)), while examiner 2 revealed the highest PPV with explorer S23H (89%;86%;88%). ConclusionDifferences in roughness and reflectance between sound and caries-active enamel surfaces could be evaluated in both primary and permanent dentition. These differences could also be reliably detected using three different explorers with good validity. However, the most predictive explorer seems to differ between examiners. Clinical SignificanceIn both primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition active caries lesions exhibit significantly higher roughness and lower vertical reflection intensity compared with sound enamel. These differences are detectable by blind tactile examination and objective methods such as 3D-laser-scanning or multi-sensor microscopy, highlighting their utility in caries diagnosis in both dentitions.

Synthesis, Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Promising Lead-Free Double Perovskite Na2CuBiBr6: A Sustainable Material for Photovoltaic Applications

This work primarily focuses on synthesizing and evaluating the structure, morphology, and optical features of double perovskite Na2CuBiBr6 forphotovoltaic devices. In the present investigation, Na2CuBiBr6 is created by a solution-based antisolvent recrystallization approach. A comprehensive experimental investigation is conducted on the Na2CuBiBr6 double perovskite, encompassing its structural configuration, morphology, and optical features. X-ray diffraction analysis verifies the creation of Na2CuBiBr6 double perovskite and showcases its exceptional phasestability in the cubic phase. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the presence of multidirectional crystals ofNa2CuBiBr6crystals. The presence of polycrystalline cubic Na2CuBiBr6 is confirmed using transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction investigation. In addition, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy demonstrates the consistent distribution of elements within Na2CuBiBr6. UV–vis spectroscopy reveals a band gap of 1.37 eV. The optical characteristics demonstrate that Na2CuBiBr6 exhibits a greater absorbance level and a lower reflectivity level within the visible spectrum. The results of this study suggest that the Na2CuBiBr6 double perovskite, which is both lead-free and environmentally benign, has significant potential for applications in photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices.

An Investigation of Globe Temperature in Street Canyons: A Scaled Model Study Implementing Cool Materials

The measurement of globe temperature (GT) is essential for investigating pedestrian thermal comfort in street canyons. The globe thermometer is the most common instrument used to measure GT; however, its application in scale models has not been thoroughly investigated to date. Therefore, this study explicitly investigates globe thermometer measurements in scale models and analyzes the need for customization of the globe thermometer for more reliable measurements. Scaling down with respect to the size of the globe thermometer and the effect of solar orientation/envelope materials are investigated in this study. The initial experiments were carried out in an outdoor setting using a typical street canyon model (scale 1:100) with an east-west street orientation. The results of the experiment are presented to compare a low solar reflectance street canyon (albedo of 0.4) and a high solar reflectance canyon (albedo of 0.6) in terms of surface temperatures, heat flux, and globe temperature. It is observed that although the wall and road surface temperatures are lower for the high solar reflectance canyon compared to those for the low solar reflectance canyon, the GT (measured at pedestrian height) is higher in a high reflectance canyon during the daytime, which could be due to the combined effect of direct radiation and short-wave reflection. However, for the hours after sunset, a reverse effect is observed, i.e., the GT becomes lower (up to 0.8 °C) in the case of a high reflectance canyon compared to that for the low reflectance canyon. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the impact of solar reflectance of canyon surfaces on GT values, due to the view factors that the globe thermometer on those surfaces.

Self-Assembly of Soft and Conformable Broadband Absorbing Nanocellulose-Gold Nanoparticle Composites.

Broadband light-absorbing materials are of large interest for numerous applications ranging from solar harvesting and photocatalysis to low reflection coatings. Fabrication of these materials is often complex and typically utilizes coating techniques optimized for flat and hard materials. Here, we show a self-assembly based strategy for generating robust but mechanically flexible broadband light-absorbing soft materials that can conform to curved surfaces and surface irregularities. The materials were fabricated by adsorbing large quantities of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the nanofibrils of hydrated bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes by tailoring the interaction potential between the cellulose nanofibrils and the AuNPs. The highly efficient self-assembly process resulted in very dense multilayers of AuNPs on the nanofibrils, causing extensive broadening of the localized surface plasmon resonance band and a striking black appearance of the BC membranes. The nanocomposite materials showed an absorptance >96% in both the visible and the near-infrared wavelength range. The AuNP-functionalized BC membranes demonstrated excellent conformability to curved and structured surfaces and could adopt the shape of highly irregular surface structures without any obvious changes in their optical properties. The proposed self-assembly based strategy enables the fabrication of soft and conformable broadband light-absorbing nanocomposites with unique optical and mechanical properties using sustainable cellulose-based materials.

New semiconducting lead-free halide double perovskite Ag2LiGaF6 for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications

A comprehensive study of lead-free halide double perovskite using density functional theory (DFT) including structural, electronic, dynamical, mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric properties has been carried out. The tolerance factor and the octahedral factor confirm that the compound belongs to face-centred-cubic structure with Fm-3m space group. The predicted band structure and DOS exhibit that the material is an indirect bandgap semiconductor. Our calculation reveals that material is dynamically stable because of no negative frequency found in phonon-dispersion curve. The material also possesses mechanical stability. The optical spectra of material show good absorbance and low reflectivity in ultraviolet region. The thermoelectric part discusses the Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit (zT) at different chemical potential into temperature range 400–1200 K. The purpose of this investigation is to stimulate researchers to develop this kind of material and assess their potential for the advancement of contemporary thermoelectric and optoelectronic devices.

Examining flight time, cognitive reflection, workload, stress and metacognition on decision making performance for pilots during flight simulation

Despite technological advancements, human decision errors still contribute to civil aviation accidents. This study investigated whether flight time, cognitive reflection, task-load, metacognition, and perceived stress predicted decision-making (DM) performance during two in-flight training simulations with 104 commercial pilots at Bogota International Airport. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the predictors accounted for 56% of the variance. Cognitive reflection, flight time and performance task load emerged as significant positive predictors. Cognitive reflection significantly moderated the relationship between flight time and DM performance, with pilots scoring lower on cognitive reflection showing improved DM with increased flight time, while controlling for performance task load. The study did not find significant relationships between stress metacognition and DM performance. The study emphasises the significance of advanced training methods in improving pilots’ DM, especially for those with low cognitive reflection. Future research should expand to multiple airlines, address gender balance, and incorporate direct measures of metacognitive monitoring.

Compact and low-crosstalk multimode waveguide crossing utilizing subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides

To further increase the transmission capacity of on-chip optical communication systems, hybrid division multiplexing technology has emerged as a crucial alternative solution, in which multimode waveguide crossings are highly desired. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact multimode (i.e., three different modes) waveguide crossing that employs subwavelength holey metamaterial waveguides (SHMWs). The used SHMW, formed by inserting subwavelength periodic holes into a multimode interference (MMI) coupler, deservedly exhibits synergetic advantages of the two kinds of structures, enabling an attractive three-mode (e.g., TE0, TM0, and TM1) waveguide crossing with flexible design, small size, and good performance. Simulation results show that the realized device has a low insertion loss (&lt; 0.74 dB), low reflection loss (&lt;−13.1 dB), and low crosstalk (&lt;−31.6 dB) at a central wavelength of 1550 nm for all the modes with a compact footprint of 27.4 µm × 27.4 µm. The experimental results prove that insertion losses are as low as 0.72 dB, 0.27 dB, and 0.90 dB for TE0, TM0, and TM1 mode, respectively, with the corresponding crosstalk below −38 dB at 1550 nm. The proposed device can be widely applied in photonic integrated circuits to construct photonic systems with the abilities of mode control and multiplexing.

Customizable gradient MXene/polyurethane modules for electromagnetic interference shielding with low reflection and thermal management

The conductive polymer composites (CPC) with elevated levels of conductivity typically exhibit enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), however, this enhancement is often paralleled by an augmented risk of secondary electromagnetic (EM) pollution, attributable to the increased EM reflection. Developing a facile method to construct an eco-friendly CPC for EMI shielding that simultaneously exhibits low reflection and high shielding performance remains a promising yet challenging pursuit. Moreover, excellent shielding materials should possess exceptional thermal management capabilities to protect individuals or equipment under extreme conditions. Herein, we have engineered the MXene/polyurethane (MXene/PU) sponge (MPS) modules characterized by the hierarchical porous structure. Through the strategic modular combination of impedance-matching and impedance-mismatching modules tailored for different application contexts, the customizable gradient MXene/PU sponge (GMPS) facilitates achieving a balance of exceptional average EMI SE (44.6 dB), a low reflection coefficient (R = 0.18), and superior photo/electrothermal conversion capability. Furthermore, both experimental results and finite element analyses are adopted to explore the effect of the arrangement order of GMPS on EMI shielding performance. Leveraging the green, health-conscious, and flexibly customizable approach, it manifests tremendous potential across various areas, including intelligent residences and multifunctional integrated systems.

Study of electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of stable double perovskites Cs2K(Ga/In)I6 for solar cells renewable energy

Double perovskites are exceptional materials for thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications in pursuing green energy. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of Cs2K(Ga/In)I6 has been conducted, focusing on its mechanical, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties by using wien2k, BoltzTraP, ShengBTE, and Phonopy codes. The stability of these compounds has been ensured by considering the tolerance factor, formation energy, phonon spectra, and elastic constants. The elastic and thermophysical properties, including ductility, anisotropy, Debye temperature, and melting temperature, are reported to be noteworthy. The band gaps of Cs2K(Ga/In)I6, measured to be 1.92 and 2.08 eV, indicate the presence of absorption bands in both the visible and ultraviolet regions. Significant absorbance, polarization, low optical reflectivity, and energy loss have been discussed in relation to photovoltaic applications. In addition, the transport characteristics are examined by analyzing the Seebeck coefficient and thermal and electrical conductivities. Due to their high figure of merit and exceptionally low lattice thermal conductivity at room temperature, these materials are highly recommended for thermoelectric generators.

Carbon nanotube heat absorber for efficient direct-heating of liquid tin in a solar receiver

A new approach that use vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) as heat absorbers is proposed for efficient direct solar heating of liquid tin in a solar receiver integrated with beam-down optics. Plate-type CNT heat absorbers were prepared by adjusting the concentration of CNTs in the processing solvent m-cresol. The prepared CNT absorber exhibited an increase in bulk density and the formation of a densely packed nanotubes skeleton with a higher CNT concentration in m-cresol. Thermal conductivity, a key design factor for solar absorbers, showed a stronger correlation with skeletal density than with bulk density. Heat absorption characteristics of the solar liquid tin receiver (50 mm-i.d., 60 mm-high) with the CNT absorbers integrated with a Fresnel lens (0.98 m i.d.) were determined. The tin temperature in the receiver with the CNT absorber reached a maximum of 728 °C. Bare tin exhibited system efficiency of 27.7 % and receiver efficiency of 38.3 %, but tin heating through the CNT plates exhibited system efficiency of up to 48.4 % and receiver efficiency of 64.3 %, showing a system heat absorption rate 1.75 times higher. The thermal absorption efficiency was proportional to the skeletal density of the plates, and the thermal absorption of the system was dominated by the efficient transfer of absorbed heat in the energy absorption region. The energy flow and heat loss in the receiver system were analyzed. Although the bare tin receiver exhibited a high heat loss of 27.1 % owing to the low emissivity or high reflectivity of the tin surface, the heat loss in the CNT absorber plates with high absorptivity was only 0.9 %. The flat plate-shaped transmission window in the receiver caused significant reflective heat loss and convective heat loss owing to head-on wind. Based on the energy flow analysis, improvement approaches for enhancing the thermal efficiency of the proposed receiver system are suggested.

Active illumination mode with checkerboard pattern in focus variation microscopy: Analysis and application

Optical measurement methods for surface topography offer the advantages of high accuracy, rapid measurement, and non-destructiveness. Each method has its own suitable application scenarios. Among them, focus variation microscopy is extensively employed in precision manufacturing, aerospace, and medical industries due to its ability to measure rough and large slopes surfaces. However, since the measurement depends on local grayscale differences between focused and blurred images, it cannot measure surfaces with low reflectivity or insufficient texture information. In this work, we propose an active illumination mode for focus variation method that utilizes a digital micromirror device (DMD) to generate a checkerboard pattern. This method introduces additional texture information, resulting in a usable local gradient of image grayscale. Additionally, we analyze the selection criteria for the checkerboard pattern parameters, including the period and light-dark ratio. Furthermore, measurements of two standard steps with different heights demonstrate that the measurement repeatability of the proposed method can reach the nanometer level, rendering it suitable for high-precision measurements. More importantly, the measurement noise results indicate significantly superior performance of active illumination mode compared to the uniform illumination mode. Finally, we reconstruct the surface topography of the microchannels in a microfluidic chip through the encapsulation layer, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed method.

DFT based computational investigations of the physical properties of chalcogenide perovskites CsXS3 (X=P, Ta) for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications

In this study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to systematically characterize the structural, mechanical, electronic, thermal, and optical properties of CsXS₃ (X = P, Ta), one of the most promising members of the chalcogenide perovskite (CP) family. Our theoretical findings align strongly with reported syntheses of other CP's, highlighting CsXS₃ (X = P, Ta) as most stable compounds. These materials satisfy the Born stability criteria, indicating robust mechanical stability, exhibit anisotropy, and demonstrate acceptable resistance to deformation under external stress. CsPS₃ and CsTaS₃ feature direct bandgaps of 1.91 eV and 0.51 eV, with small photocarrier effective masses, high absorption coefficients (1.6 × 10⁶ and 2.1 × 10⁶ cm⁻1), low reflectivity (15 % and 20 %), reduced loss function (0.6 and 0.4) and low refractive index (2.5 and 3.1), respectively. These properties underscore the potential of CsXS₃ (X = P, Ta)-based CP's for developing more efficient and stable optoelectronic devices and indoor photovoltaics. Notably, CsPS₃ is a strong contender for thermoelectric applications due to its lower Debye temperature compared to other CP's. Overall, our results demonstrate the great promise of CsXS₃ (X = P, Ta) chalcogenide perovskites in advancing the field of renewable energy and optoelectronics.

Polarimetric radar observations of the Jersey tornadic supercell on 1–2 November 2023

AbstractA large tornado and severe hailstorm struck Jersey, Channel Islands, just before midnight on 1–2 November 2023. Radar data are analysed to explore the morphology of the parent supercell thunderstorm. A tornado debris cloud was evident in polarimetric fields, collocated with a reflectivity ‘debris ball’. The debris cloud comprised a small region of exceptionally low correlation coefficient (&lt;0.8) collocated with differential reflectivity ≤0dB. In vertical section, the debris signature comprised a column of low correlation coefficient and high reflectivity that tilted north‐northeast with height and extended to at least 2km above ground level.