Multilayered Sphere Research Articles

Scattering characteristics of dual counter-propagation high-order circularly symmetric Bessel beam by a multilayer chiral sphere

The interaction between dual counter-propagating high-order circularly symmetric Bessel beams (CSBBs) and multi-layered chiral particles is investigated. Within the framework of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), the distribution characteristics of the superposition of two beams are studied based on the vector superposition theorem. The near-field, internal field, and far-field radar cross section (RCS) of the dual-layered chiral sphere illuminated by dual CSBBs are obtained according to the boundary conditions. By comparing the results of RCS with those from the references for two cases: first, when CSBBs degenerate into plane waves incident on multi-layered chiral sphere, and second, when Bessel beams illuminate isotropic multi-layer sphere degenerated by chiral multi-layered sphere, the effectiveness of the principle and program exhibited here is confirmed. The impact of various parameters on the distribution of the superposed field, the near-field, internal field, and far-field RCS of the particles are analyzed in detail, such as the order, half-cone angle, incidence angle, and polarization angle. The research results in this paper provide theoretical assistance for understanding the interaction between dual CSBBs and non-uniform chiral multi-layered particles and have important value in realizing optical manipulation of complex chiral layered particles.

Mie scattering theory applied to light scattering of large nonhomogeneous colloidal spheres.

Colloidal suspensions made of smart core-shell structures are of current interest in many fields. Their properties come from the possibility of varying the core and shell materials for modifying the composite particles' chemical, biological, and optical properties. These particles are formed with a material with a constant refractive index core and a shell with a refractive index decaying until it matches the solvent refractive index. Poly(N-IsoPropyl AcrylaMide) (PNIPAM) is a typical example of materials forming shells. In this report, we present how to apply Mie scattering theory to predict and understand the static light scattering of large nonhomogeneous colloidal particles with spherical symmetry whose size is comparable with or larger than the light wavelength used for developing scattering experiments, where the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation is not valid. Here, the refractive index decay was approximated by a Gaussian RI profile numerically evaluated through a multilayer sphere. We calculated the form factor functions of suspensions of PNIPAM microgels previously reported and core-shell suspensions made of polystyrene/PNIPAM at 20 and 40 °C synthesized by us. In all the cases, our method succeeded in providing the scattering intensity as a function of the angle. The software for using the numerical method is fairly straightforward and is accessible as an open-source code. The results can not only help predict and understand the photonic properties of microgels with large core-shell structures but also for any particle with a refractive index distribution with spherical symmetry, as in the case of microgels with super chaotropic agents, hollow microgels, or microparticles.

Chaos-Assisted Production of Micro-Architected Spheres (CAPAS).

Hydrogel droplets with inner compartments are valuable in various fields, including tissue engineering. A droplet-based biofabrication method is presented for the chaos-assisted production of architected spheres (CAPAS) for the rapid generation of multilayered hydrogel spheres (ranging from 0.6 to 3.5mm in diameter) at high-throughput rates (up to 2000 spheres per min). This method is based on the use of chaotic advection generated by a Kenics static mixer (KSM) nozzle. The configuration of the KSM (i.e., the number of mixing elements) determines the number of compartments within the sphere. Sphere size is adjusted by flow rate, printhead outlet diameter, polymer concentration (sodium alginate or gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA)), and crosslinking bath composition. This versatile system operates in dripping and jetting modes, preserving multilayered architecture in both modes. Proof-of-concept experiments with breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), human dermal fibroblast (HDF), and murine myoblast (C2C12) lines show over 80% cell viability immediately post-fabrication, maintained over extended culture (14 or 30 days). CAPAS is used to create a breast cancer model with cancer-tissue-like and healthy-tissue-like micro-niches to test paclitaxel doses. It is envisioned that CAPAS will enable high-throughput fabrication of hydrogel spheres for tissue engineering, chemical engineering, and material sciences applications.

Enlargement of the localized resonant band gap by using multi-layer structures

Multi-layer structures possess highly geometrically tunable optical resonances to change the surface plasmon frequencies in the wide range. A simple analytic model is presented to describe the plasmon hybridization of multi-layer metamaterial structures with multipole resonances. We theoretically demonstrate that the number of plasmon modes increases with the number of layers, which results in the enlargement of the localized resonant optical band gap. To explore the interaction between incident fields and multi-layer structures, we derive the closed-form perturbed field in terms of a generalized polarization matrix, whose dimension matches the number of layers. This enables us to obtain the eigenmode frequencies and their corresponding eigenfunctions for three-dimensional multi-layer concentric spheres and two-dimensional multi-layer concentric cylinders in a vacuum setting. These findings offer nanoscientists a general design principle that can be applied to facilitate the proper selection of the metamaterial parameters, thereby inducing the desired resonance and enabling customized applications to be realized.

Three-dimensional transient multilayer heat conduction sphere comprising metallic particles

A numerical approach employing finite element methodology is utilized to analyze the thermal behavior of a three-dimensional multilayer sphere composed of copper, single-wall, and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The study investigates the external heat flux, temperatures within the three spherical layers, and their associated contours. Notably, this research diverges from prior studies by opting for copper, single-wall, and multiwall carbon nanotubes instead of generic metallic layers. Graphs are generated to illustrate the relationships between various effects and profiles. Analysis of temperature contours and distributions under non-uniform heat flux reveals that temperatures are more concentrated towards the center when the initial temperature is non-zero compared to scenarios where the inner surface starts at zero temperature. Temperature contours at t = 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 27, 35, and 45 s with non-zero initial temperature are calculated. For non-zero initial temperature contours are drawn for t = 2, 45 s temperature contours are drawn. Temperature in radial azimuthal and tangential directions for t = 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 s and steady state are drawn. The initial temperature of the ith surface is kept at fi(r,θ,ϕ), where ro≤r≤r3,0≤θ≤π,0≤ϕ≤2π. It has been concluded that for zero initial temperatures after 45 s, the temperature is at 0.005K and Temperature contours for non-zero inner layer temperature t = 5 s shows 10.7K.

Scattering properties of dual Bessel beams on chiral layered particle

The paper investigates the scattering analytical solution of arbitrary direction double zero-order Bessel beams (ZOBBs) incident on a non-uniform layered chiral sphere. Using the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), the electromagnetic field expansion expression of the double ZOBBs is obtained through the vector superposition of the spherical vector wave functions (SVWFs). Analytical solutions of the scattering on chiral layered particles by dual Bessel beams are derived based on the boundary condition. The iterative coefficient equations are constructed to obtain the expansion coefficients of the SVWFs in each region of the multi-layer chiral sphere. The variation of radar cross section (RCS) with angular distribution is numerically simulated, and the scattering results of layered chiral spheres degenerated into isotropic layered spheres are compared with the literature, which verifies the correctness of the theory and program. The effects of incident angle, polarization angle, cone angle and chiral parameters on the scattering characteristics of far region and internal field of the layered chiral particle are analyzed in detail. The theory and results can offer significant assistance in studying the optical properties of non-uniform chiral particles and complex biological cells irradiated by multiple beams and may also provide important practical value in the micromanipulation of multi-layered biological structures.

WOx boosted hollow Ni nanoreactors for the hydrodeoxygenation of lignin derivatives

Reasonable design of non-noble metal catalysts with hollow open structure for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin derivatives to value-added chemicals is of great significance but challenging. Herein, a novel MOF-derived multilayer hollow sphere coated nickel‑tungsten bimetallic catalyst (Ni2-WOx@CN-700) was fabricated via by confined pyrolysis strategy using bimetallic MOFs as a self-sacrificial template, which exhibits robust activity for the typical model HDO of vanillin to 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (Yield of 100 % at 140 °C for no less than 10 cycles). The characterizations revealed that WOx facilitated the dispersion of Ni nanoparticles and adjusted the acidic capacity of the catalyst through the formed Ni-WOx heterojunction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirms that WOx species enhanced the electron-rich nature of the active sites, while the adsorption energies of H2 and vanillin on Ni-WOx decreased from −0.572 eV and − 0.622 eV on Ni to −3.969 eV and − 4.922 eV, respectively. These results further indicated that the high activity of Ni2-WOx@CN-700 was attributed to the Ni-WOx heterojunction. Based on the characterizations and the thermodynamic calculations, the reaction mechanism was proposed. In addition, the catalyst shows good substrate universality, which enables its good commercial application prospect.

Impact Evaluation of an External Point Source to a Generalized Model of the Human Neck

A methodical approach for assessing the effects of an external point source to a non-spherical model of the human neck is presented in this paper. The neck model consists of multilayered spheres to represent the skin, fat, muscle tissues, thyroid, and esophagus. The novel geometry enables the formulation of dyadic Green’s functions to accurately calculate the electric fields, considering the suitable surface boundary conditions and the superposition principle. Numerical outcomes for a Hertz dipole (i.e., a wireless network antenna) at the frequency of 2.4 GHz certify the benefits of the technique and elaborately describe the responsiveness of the neck/thyroid to the selected source.

Radiation force characteristics of non-uniform chiral stratified particles in standing wave field

<sec> <b>Objective</b> With the development of optical technology, the investigation of light-field-particle interactions has gained significant momentum. Such studies find widespread applications in optical manipulation, precision laser ranging, laser gas spectroscopy, and related fields. In optical manipulation techniques, employing two or more laser beams proves more effective for capturing and manipulating particles than using a single beam alone. In addition, with the increasing demand for manipulating particles with complex structures, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the radiation force characteristics of double Gaussian beams on non-uniform chiral particles. This research aims to deepen our understanding of how optical fields influence particles, thereby offering fresh perspectives in manipulating and utilizing non-uniform chiral layered particles on both a microscale and a nanoscale.</sec><sec> <b>Method</b> Based on the generalized Lorentz-Mie theory (GLMT) and spherical vector wave functions (SVWFs), the total incident field of a double Gaussian beam can be expanded by using the coordinate addition theorem. The incident field coefficient and scattering coefficient of each region of the multilayer chiral sphere are obtained by enforcing boundary continuity and employing multilayer sphere scattering theory. The radiation force acting on non-uniform chiral layered particles within a double Gaussian beam is then derived through application of the electromagnetic momentum conservation theorem.</sec><sec> <b>Results and Discussions</b> The theory and programs in this paper is compared with those in existing literature. The influence of various parameters on the radiation force is analyzed in detail, such as the incident angle, polarization angle, beam waist width, beam center position, and internal and external chiral parameters. These results indicate that compared with a single Gaussian beam, counter-propagating Gaussian standing waves exhibit significant advantages in capturing or confining inhomogeneous chiral layered particles, offering enhanced particle manipulation capabilities. Additionally, by selecting an appropriate polarization state of the incident light, a delicate balance can be achieved among these parameters, effectively stabilizing the capture of inhomogeneous chiral particles.</sec><sec> <b>Conclusions</b> This study employs the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory and the principle of electromagnetic momentum conservation to derive analytical expressions for the transverse and axial radiation forces exerted by dual Gaussian beams on multi-layered chiral particles propagating in arbitrary directions. The research provides an in-depth analysis of how standing wave beams affect the radiation force behavior of non-uniform chiral particles. Numerical analysis reveals significant influences of beam waist, particle size, chiral parameters, polarization angle and mode, as well as particle refractive index on both transverse and axial radiation forces. This research is important in analyzing and understanding the optical properties of complex-shaped multilayer biological cells and realizing the applications in the micromanipulation of multilayer biological structures.</sec>

Analysis of the scattering of chiral layered particle by dual beams

The present study investigates the interaction between a chiral multilayer dielectric sphere and dual laser beams. Using the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), we extend the theory of single laser beam expansion to dual laser beam expansion. Analytical solutions of the scattering on chiral layered particles by dual laser beams are derived based on the boundary continuum condition. To validate the efficiency of our theory and methodologies proposed in this paper, we conduct a comparative analysis between our findings and the simulation results reported in existing literature. The numerical outcomes presented on the scattering pattern of far region and near-surface fields are analyzed in detail with the impact of various parameters, such as the incident angle, polarization angle, waist width, beam center position, inner and outer chiral parameters. The investigations are of significant importance for the analytical understanding of the optical scattering properties of multilayered biological cells with complex shapes and possess important application values in micro-manipulation of multilayered biological structures.

Mie scattering with 3D angular spectrum method.

Mie theory is a powerful method to model electromagnetic scattering from a multilayered sphere. Usually, the incident beam is expanded to its vector spherical harmonic representation defined by beam shape coefficients, and the multilayer sphere scattering is obtained by the T-matrix method. However, obtaining the beam shape coefficients for arbitrarily shaped incident beams has limitations on source locations and requires different methods when the incident beam is defined inside or outside the computational domain or at the scatterer surface. We propose a 3D angular spectrum method for defining beam shape coefficients from arbitrary source field distributions. This method enables the placement of the sources freely within the computational domain without singularities, allowing flexibility in beam design. We demonstrate incident field synthesis and spherical scattering by comparing morphology-dependent resonances to known values, achieving excellent matching and high accuracy. The proposed method has significant benefits for optical systems and inverse beam design. It allows for the analysis of electromagnetic forward/backward propagation between optical elements and spherical targets using a single method. It is also valuable for optical force beam design and analysis.

A green, one-step and general engineering platform for high-adhesion superhydrophobic surfaces

The development of simple, low-cost and universal surface modification strategy toward superhydrophobic materials with high adhesion is greatly desired due to its wide applications. Herein, we developed a one-step and general method to achieve the high-adhesion superhydrophobic transformation of various materials by simply depositing the natural urushiol and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) in ethanol solution. Owing to the self-polymerization of urushiol and the hydrolysis of APTES, a hierarchical structure could be constructed with multi-layered submicron spheres. The resulting urushiol/APTES coating exhibited a water contact angle of 151.2 ± 3° and an adhesive force as high as 142.7 μN with water benefiting from the hierarchical structure and the long alkyl chains of urushiol. As a result, this high-adhesion superhydrophobic surface could easily realize efficient microdroplet manipulation, hemostasis, and oil/water separation. Moreover, the urushiol/APTES coating showed outstanding stability after repeatedly tore with an adhesive tape for 300 times, ultrasonic treated for 300 s, or immersed in strong acidic or alkaline solutions for 24 h. Based on the easy fabrication, high property, and good stability, this surface modification strategy can be a powerful platform to engineer various materials to be high-adhesion superhydrophobic for wide potential applications.

Progressive algorithm for the scattering of electromagnetic waves by a multilayered eccentric sphere.

This paper presents a general progressive algorithm for the computational study of electromagnetic wave scattering by a multilayered eccentric nanoparticle. The presented methodology is based on a combination of the vector addition theorem for spherical wave functions and an efficient progressive algorithm that matches the boundary conditions of every two adjacent shell layers from the outmost to the innermost layer. As a result, only a solution of small-sized matrices is required rather than solving a large set of system equations as reported in other works. With the developed approach, explicit expressions of the Mie scattering coefficients of the eccentric particle can be obtained. Moreover, the Mie coefficients of a specific inner layer could be calculated selectively, instead of having to compute those of all layers of the entire particle as required by other algorithms. The presented methodology can be used to study practically any type of spherical particle inclusions and the most widely studied cases such as scattering by solid particles, concentric particles, and inclusions with centers displaced along a straight line are just special cases of the algorithm presented. Computed results are also presented, illustrating that the eccentric structure allows extra freedom in the design of multilayered nanoparticles for optical applications.

More Than One “Double Life”: Artistic Conceptions, Networks, and Negotiations in Benny Goodman's Commissions to Paul Hindemith and Darius Milhaud

AbstractBeginning around the mid-1930s, clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman engaged with classical music, adding standard solo pieces to his regular performance and record portfolio. He also stimulated the emergence of a modern clarinet repertoire by granting commissions to composers, such as Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith, Darius Milhaud, and others. In this article, I explore why and how these projects evolved and how the collaborations unfolded. My focus is on the commissions to Hindemith (1941/47) and Milhaud (1941). The newly found correspondence of Eric Simon, a Viennese-born clarinetist who advised Goodman and initiated contact with Hindemith and Milhaud, reveal Goodman's “double life” as a multilayered sphere for various actors, each with their own specific background and agenda. My analysis follows three topics that decisively shaped the investigated projects: Goodman's relationship with classical music, which I discuss in light of the intersectionally biased structures of U.S. musical life; the situation of European émigré artists experienced by Hindemith, Milhaud, and Simon; and the promotion of new music, which linked the lives, networks, and agendas of the aforementioned protagonists and even defined their relationships. By highlighting Goodman taking center stage as a performer-commissioner, I argue for more serious attention to performers’ impact on musical production and repertoire formation, given that they represent the ultimate gatekeepers to the living repertoire.

Design of Novel Tricaprylin-Incorporated Multi-Layered Liposomal System for Skin Delivery of Ascorbic Acid with Improved Chemical Stability.

L-ascorbic acid (Vit C) possesses a variety of dermatological functions in maintaining skin health and anti-aging properties. However, its topical application is challenging owing to its liability to light, oxygen, or heat. Therefore, in this study, a novel liposomal system, including a lipophilic neutral oil named a lipo-oil-some (LOS), was designed to improve the chemical stability and aid the skin absorption of Vit C. The vesicular systems were prepared using the ethanol injection method, employing phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoglycerol, and tricaprylin as neutral oil. The optimized LOS was characterized as follows: shape, multi-layered sphere; size, 981 nm; zeta potential, -58 mV; and Vit C encapsulation efficiency, 35%. The encapsulation of the labile compound into the novel system markedly enhanced photostability, providing over 10% higher Vit C remaining compared to Vit C solution or Vit C-loaded conventional liposome under a light intensity of 20,000 lx. On the other hand, the ex vivo skin permeation and accumulation of Vit C with the LOS system were comparable to those of smaller conventional liposomes (198 nm) in a Franz diffusion cell model mounted with porcine skin. Based on these findings, we concluded that the novel liposomal system could be utilized for skin delivery of Vit C with enhanced chemical stability.

Multilayered MoS2 Sphere-Based Triboelectric–Flexoelectric Nanogenerators as Self-Powered Mechanical Sensors for Human Motion Detection

High-performance, wearable, and self-powered mechanical sensors for human health monitoring, motion detection systems, and human–machine interfaces are attracting attention owing to the increased interest in green energy. Piezoelectric and triboelectric effects are being exploited to develop various types of self-powered mechanical sensors; however, unresolved issues such as complicated processes and limitations in material selection and practical applications remain. A type of effective self-powered mechanical sensor based on the hybrid triboelectric–flexoelectric effect of multilayered MoS2 hollow spheres is reported herein. This triboelectric–flexoelectric mechanical sensor (TFMS) exhibits superior sensing characteristics, including wide-range pressure detection and superior stability, owing to the remarkable hybrid triboelectric–flexoelectric effect of optimized MoS2 hollow spheres under stress. In addition, the operating mechanism of the fabricated TFMS is discussed based on the size and number of the multilayered MoS2 spheres using finite element method (FEM) simulations of the effective stress under pressure changes. Furthermore, the effective operation of the sensor in detecting various human physiological motions from the wrist pulse to walking/running is demonstrated. These results are expected to promote the development of advanced mechanical sensors for applications such as next-generation prostheses and human–machine interfaces.

Optimization of Initial Drug Distribution in Spherical Capsules for Personalized Release.

Customization of the rate of drug delivered based on individual patient requirements is of paramount importance in the design of drug delivery devices. Advances in manufacturing may enable multilayer drug delivery devices with different initial drug distributions in each layer. However, a robust mathematical understanding of how to optimize such capabilities is critically needed. The objective of this work is to determine the initial drug distribution needed in a spherical drug delivery device such as a capsule in order to obtain a desired drug release profile. This optimization problem is posed as an inverse mass transfer problem, and optimization is carried out using the solution of the forward problem. Both non-erodible and erodible multilayer spheres are analyzed. Cases with polynomial forms of initial drug distribution are also analyzed. Optimization is also carried out for a case where an initial burst in drug release rate is desired, followed by a constant drug release rate. More than 60% reduction in root-mean-square deviation of the actual drug release rate from the ideal constant drug release rate is reported. Typically, the optimized initial drug distribution in these cases prevents or minimizes large drug release rate at early times, leading to a much more uniform drug release overall. Results demonstrate potential for obtaining a desired drug delivery profile over time by carefully engineering the drug distribution in the drug delivery device. These results may help engineer devices that offer customized drug delivery by combining advanced manufacturing with mathematical optimization.

Generalization and stabilization of exact scattering solutions for spherical symmetric scatterers

In a previous work the authors described a fast high-fidelity computer model for acoustic scattering from multi-layered elastic spheres. This work is now extended with a scaling strategy significantly mitigating the problem of overflow and thus expanding the useful frequency range of the model. Moreover, new boundary conditions and loads are implemented. Most important are the fluid–fluid and solid–solid couplings, which allow a completely general layering of the scattering object. Sound hard and sound soft boundary conditions are implemented for solids and fluids respectively. In addition to the existing acoustic excitation, mechanical excitation in the form of point-excitation and surface excitation are implemented. Attenuation in the form of hysteresis damping as well as viscous fluid layers are also included. Several numerical examples are included, with the purpose of validating the code against existing reference solutions. The examples include air bubbles, a coated steel shell and a point-exited steel shell.

Born approximation of acoustic radiation force used for acoustofluidic separation

Acoustofluidic separation often involves biological targets with specific acoustic impedance similar to that of the host fluid, and with dimensions on the order of the acoustic wavelength. This parameter range, combined with the use of standing waves to separate the targets, lends itself to use of the Born approximation for calculating the acoustic radiation force. Considered here is the configuration analyzed by Peng et al. [J. Mech. Phys. Solids 145, 104134 (2020)], in which two intersecting plane waves radiated into the fluid by a standing surface acoustic wave exert a force on a eukaryotic cell modeled as a multilayered sphere. The angle of intersection is determined by the velocity of the surface wave and the sound speed in the fluid. The acoustic field in this case is a standing wave parallel to the substrate and a traveling wave perpendicular to the substrate. For all parameter values considered by Peng et al., including spheres several wavelengths in diameter, the Born approximation of the acoustic radiation force parallel to the substrate is in good agreement with a full theory based on spherical wave expansions of the incident and scattered fields. [C.A.G. and T.S.J. were supported by ARL:UT McKinney Fellowships in Acoustics.]

The Stress Induced by the Epoxy Bonding Layer Changing in the Layered Hollow Spheres

In order to solve the problem of the instability of the layered hollow spherical structure caused by the epoxy bonding layer cracking, peeling and destruction, an exact analytical solution of the multi-layered hollow sphere with epoxy bonding layer under point load is obtained. The influence of the epoxy bonding layer change on the stress of the layered hollow sphere is studied by using the methods of analytical solution and numerical calculation. Numerical calculation results show that the stress of the bonded layered structure is affected by the Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and the thickness of the bonding material without changing the overall size of the bonded layered hollow spheres. The use of the bonding materials can cause stress concentration at the bonding material interface. And the increase of Young’s modulus and the thinning of thickness of the bonding material can reduce the stress at the interface between the epoxy bonding layer and the outer layer. Moreover, the change of Poisson’s ratio of the bonding material cannot substantially reduce the interface stress. The research results provide theoretical guidance for the material selection and thickness setting of the bonding layer for layered hollow sphere.