Nanosecond Duration Research Articles

High power continuous-wave, Q-switched, and quasi-continuous-wave operation of a diode-pumped Tm,Ho:YAG laser oscillator at 2.09 μm

A high-power diode-pumped 2.09 μm Tm,Ho:YAG laser oscillator with multi-regime operation is demonstrated. In the continuous-wave (CW) regime, it delivers 44.68 W output power with M2 = 3.47, yielding a record-high brightness of 87.57 MW/cm2·sr. In the Q-switched mode, stable laser performance across pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) from 1 kHz to 4 kHz is achieved. At a PRF of 1 kHz, single pulse energy reaches 22.85 mJ with a pulse width of 443.4 ns and M2 = 3.50. In the quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) operation, a pulse energy of 31.85 mJ is obtained at 200 Hz with a 370 μs pulse width and M2 = 4.49. These pulse energies are the highest reported to date for Tm-Ho co-doped laser oscillators at high PRF. This also marks the first demonstration of a versatile 2 μm laser that can operate at room temperature while delivering high-energy, high-repetition-rate pulses in both nanosecond and microsecond durations within a single device, making it highly appealing for scientific and industrial applications.

Comparison of methods for changing the spectrum of radiation of a pulse x-ray source to determine the most effective two-energy image processing

For detecting substances with similar chemical composition and density, one of the promising methods of non-destructive testing is dual-energy processing of X-ray images. In particular, dual-energy transformation algorithms can be used to search for minerals hidden within barren rock. This method is most effective when the conditions for registering X-ray images and energy levels are properly selected. This study compares the effectiveness of image processing using the dual-energy method for three cases of spectral composition variation: firstly, as a result of adjusting the voltage on the X-ray tube; secondly, by attenuating low-energy radiation through the use of a copper filter; and thirdly, by combining these two methods. Beryl particles embedded in ground muscovite are used as samples for detection. The study utilizes a pulsed X-ray radiation source that generates radiation pulses of nanosecond duration. An original high-voltage generator scheme has been implemented for the method of regulating radiation energy by changing the peak voltage on the X-ray tube. The use of X-ray sources of this type enables the acquisition of high-resolution X-ray images of moving objects.

Statistical features of the response of a superconducting hot-electron bolometer to extremely weak terahertz pulses of picosecond and nanosecond duration

We study the statistical distributions of the output signals of a superconducting hot-electron bolometer (HEB) detector exposed to weak photon pulses of 1 THz (terahertz) frequency. Pulses with variable photon numbers were generated through strongly non-degenerate parametric downconversion (PDC) in a LiNbO3 crystal at 4.8 K. Fundamental differences in histograms are found between two PDC pumping modes, with pulse widths of 28 ps and 10 ns. HEB response to a picosecond THz pulse was detected in the form of a single elementary electrical pulse (SEP), with the average amplitude proportional to radiation intensity and dispersion relative to the bolometer's dark current. HEB responses to extremely weak radiation intensities have been recorded using nanosecond pulsed illumination. We found that nanosecond histograms are asymmetrical and broaden as radiation intensity increases, indicating that the nanosecond response consists of several SEPs. Poisson–Gauss approximation of histograms indicates that not only the average number of SEPs increase but also the average amplitude of a SEP increases with increasing power of incident THz radiation.

Vanadium Aluminium Carbide Saturable Absorber in Passively Q-switched Erbium-doped Fibre Laser

Following the success of graphene saturable absorber (SA) in the development of passively Q-switched fibre lasers within the past decade, research on two-dimensional (2-D) nanomaterials SAs have shown a significant rise in demands. Nonetheless, there have been several unavoidable setbacks due to the nature of certain nanomaterials, in terms of optical, electronic and physical properties up until the reveal of transition metal carbide (MXene) nanomaterials. These metal-ceramic materials exhibit excellent optical and electrical properties as well as outstanding physical characteristics. However, their synthesis processes involve hazardous and highly acidic chemicals, which drove the researchers to adopt their precursors— ternary nanolaminate carbides (MAX phases) nanomaterials with a simpler and more exquisite fabrication process. This paper presents a passively Q-switched erbium-doped fibre laser (EDFL) with the utilisation of a MAX phases nanomaterial, vanadium aluminium carbide (V4AlC3) as SA. The V4AlC3 SA was fabricated through the solution casting technique with polyvinyl alcohol as the host polymer. The V4AlC3 SA was then integrated into a passively Q-switched EDFL configuration. The performance of V4AlC3 SA as a Q-switcher was determined with the assistance of an optical spectrum analyser (OSA), mixed domain oscilloscope (MDO), and optical power meter (OPM). The maximum pulse repetition rate and minimum pulse width were 54.37 kHz and 6.43 ms, respectively. The minimum repetition interval was 18.33 ms and the duty cycle was 0.326. The highest attained output power was 2.5 mW. Through calculation, the maximum pulse energy and peak power were identified as 45.246 nJ and 6.602 mW. The extensively gigantic pulses in nanosecond duration at 1560.16 nm was accomplished by the V4AlC3 SA, thus proving its stability which also signifies good applications especially those acquiring stable high power and energy.

Selective nanosecond laser removal of retinal pigment epithelium for cell therapy

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play a crucial role in the health of the retina, and their dysfunction is associated with various ocular diseases. The transplantation of RPE cells has been proposed as a potential treatment for numerous degenerative diseases, including geographic atrophy from macular degeneration. However, current models to induce RPE damage in animal models prior to transplantation involve mechanical scraping, chemical administration, or laser photocoagulation techniques, which can damage the overlying neurosensory retina. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of nanosecond duration laser treatment to safely remove large areas of RPE cells without causing damage to the adjacent tissue or affecting the retinal architecture. Twelve pigmented rabbits were treated with a nanosecond laser on each eye at a laser energy ranging from 200 to 800 nJ with a treated area of 5 × 5 mm2. Human induced pluripotent stem cells-differentiated to RPE (hiPSC-RPE) cells labeled with indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA approved dye, were transplanted subretinally into the damaged RPE areas at day 14 post-laser treatment. The RPE atrophy and hiPSC-RPE cell survival was evaluated and monitored over a period of 14 days using color photography, fluorescein angiography (FA), photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. All treated eyes demonstrated focal RPE loss with a success rate of 100%. The injured RPE layers and the transplanted hiPSC-RPE cells were visualized in three dimensions using PAM and OCT. By performing PAM at an optical wavelength of 700 nm, the location of hiPSC-RPE cells were identified and distinguished from the surrounding RPE cells, and the induced PA signal increased up to 18 times. Immunohistochemistry results confirmed the grafted hiPSC-RPE replaced regions of RPE damage. This novel technique has the potential to serve as an animal model of RPE degeneration, to improve models of RPE transplantation, and may help accelerate translation of this therapeutic strategy for clinical use.

(Invited) Preparation of N-Type and P-Type Doped Single Crystal Diamonds with Laser-Induced Doping and Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition

In this study, n-type doped single crystal diamonds were successfully prepared under normal temperature and pressure conditions using laser-induced doping. 248nm pulsed laser beams with nanosecond duration were irradiated on the single crystal diamond substrate immersing in an 85% phosphoric acid solution and it introduced phosphorus doping to form an n-type doped thin layer. The resistivity of the doped region significantly decreased compared to that of the single crystal diamond. After depositing a titanium electrode, the resistivity of the doped film obtained by Van der Pauw Technique was determined to be 1.3×10-6 Ω·m. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the absence of carbon or graphite phases in the laser-induced doped diamond, indicating that the enhanced conductivity was due to phosphorus incorporation.Furthermore, p-type doped single crystal diamonds were successfully prepared by introducing boron during the growth process using Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition（MPCVD）. It was demonstrated that the proposed technique can introduce impurities into single crystal diamonds to form doped conductive thin layers, which has potential applications in the field of microdevices and integrated circuits.

Effects of buffer composition and plasmid toxicity on electroporation-based non-viral gene delivery in mammalian cells using bursts of nanosecond and microsecond pulses.

Gene electrotransfer (GET) is non-viral gene delivery technique, also known as electroporation-mediated gene delivery or electrotransfection. GET is a method used to introduce foreign genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) into cells by applying external pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to create temporary pores in the cell membrane. This study was undertaken to examine the impact of buffer composition on the efficiency of GET in mammalian cells Also, we specifically compared the effectiveness of high-frequency nanosecond (ns) pulses with standard microsecond (µs) pulses. For the assessment of cell transfection efficiency and viability, flow cytometric analysis, luminescent assays, and measurements of metabolic activity were conducted. The efficiency of electrotransfection was evaluated using two different proteins encoding plasmids (pEGFP-N1 and Luciferase-pcDNA3). The investigation revealed that the composition of the electroporation buffer significantly influences the efficacy of GET in CHO-K1 cell line. The different susceptibility of cell lines to the electric field and the plasmid cytotoxicity were reported. It was also shown that electroporation with nanosecond duration PEF protocols ensured equivalent or even better transfection efficiency than standard µsPEF. Additionally, we successfully performed long-term transfection of the murine 4T1 cell line using high-frequency nanosecond PEFs and confirmed its' applicability in an in vivo model. The findings from the study can be applied to optimize electrotransfection conditions.

Параметрическая оптимизация асимметричных многопроводных линий передачи с учетом комбинационных импульсов

Transmission lines are significant elements and play an important role in determining the performance, reliability and functionality of radio electronics. A number of factors appearing in the use of transmission lines can lead to problems in the field of electromagnetic compatibility. One such factor is the appearance of asymmetry due to inhomogeneities, PCB manufacturing errors, dense tracing, mismatch, etc. The paper considers the effect of asymmetry on the characteristics of transmission lines with inhomogeneous dielectric filling. It is found that asymmetry of cross section and/or boundary conditions leads to the appearance of combinational pulses. Combination pulses are of interest because their arrival times do not correspond to the per-unit-length delays of the modes propagating in the transmission lines, but consist of their combinations. Their level may be comparable to the level of information signals, which may result in distortion or loss of useful information. Meanwhile, asymmetry and the resulting combinational pulses represent a new resource for improving the performance of devices based on transmission lines, which can be used to protect radio electronics from electromagnetic interference of picosecond and nanosecond duration. For the first time the optimization of parameters taking into account combinational pulses is carried out on the example of three diagrams of symmetric multiconductor transmission lines with asymmetry of termination loads: reflection symmetric and with a reference conductor in the form of side polygons. Using the genetic algorithm, the optimal parameters are obtained, which allow to reduce the value of the maximum amplitude by 1.5 times, as well as the parameters allowing to increase in 2 times the minimum value of the time interval between the decomposition pulses, on which depends the possibility of complete decomposition of the interference pulse, compared to the value obtained in the initial diagram with optimized parameters, where there are no combinational pulses at the same device dimensions. The optimization results demonstrate the efficiency of using the resource of combinational pulses to improve protective structures based on transmission lines with inhomogeneous dielectric filling.

Efficacy of a surgical cardiac ablation clamp using nanosecond pulsed electric fields: An acute porcine model

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of a recently developed nonthermal technology, nanosecond pulse-field ablation (nsPFA), for surgical ablation of the atria in a beating heart porcine model. MethodsSix pigs underwent sternotomy and ablation using an nsPFA parallel clamp. The ablation electrodes (53 mm long) were embedded in the jaws of the clamp. Nine lesions per pig were created in locations chosen to be representative of the Cox-maze procedure. Four lesions were intended to electrically isolate parts of the atrium: the right atrial appendage, left atrial appendage, right pulmonary veins, and left pulmonary veins. For these lesions, exit block testing was performed both after ablation and before euthanasia; the time between the 2 tests was 3.3 ± 0.5 hours (range, 2-4 hours). Using purse string sutures, 5 more lesions were created up to the superior vena cava, down to the inferior vena cava, across the right atrial free wall, and at 2 distinct locations on the left atrial free wall. The clamp delivered a train of nanosecond duration pulses, with a total duration of 2.5 seconds, independent of tissue thickness. The heart tissue was stained with 1% triphenyltetrazolium chloride after a dwelling period of 2 hours. Subsequently, each lesion was cross sectioned at 5-mm intervals to assess the ablation depth and transmurality. In some sections, transmurality could not be established on the basis of triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining alone; for these lesions, Gomori-trichrome stains were used, and the histologic sections were evaluated for transmurality. ResultsThe ablation time was 2.5 seconds per lesion, for a total of only 22.5 seconds ablation time to create 9 lesions. A total of 53 lesions were created, resulting in 388 separate histologic sections. Transmurality was established in 386 sections (99.5%). Mean tissue thickness was 3.1 ± 1.5 mm (range, 0.2-8.6 mm). Exit block was confirmed in 23 of the 24 lesions (96%) postablation and 23 of 24 (96%) before the animals were humanely killed. Over the course of the procedure, neither pulse-induced arrhythmias nor any other complications were noted. ConclusionsThe novel nsPFA clamp device was effective in creating acute conduction block and transmural lesions in both the right and left atria in an acute porcine model. This nonthermal energy source has great potential to both shorten procedural time and enable effective ablation in the beating heart.

(Invited) Preparation of N-Type and P-Type Doped Single Crystal Diamonds with Laser-Induced Doping and Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition

In this study, n-type doped single-crystal diamonds were successfully prepared under normal temperature and pressure conditions using laser-induced doping. 248nm pulsed laser beams with nanosecond duration were irradiated on the single crystal diamond substrate immersing in an 85% phosphoric acid solution and it introduced phosphorus doping to form an n-type doped thin layer. The resistivity of the doped region significantly decreased compared to that of the single-crystal diamond. After depositing a titanium electrode, the resistivity of the doped film obtained by Van der Pauw Technique was determined to be 1.5×10-4 Ω·cm. Furthermore, p-type doped single-crystal diamonds were successfully prepared by introducing boron during the growth process using Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition（MPCVD）. It was demonstrated that the proposed technique can introduce impurities into single crystal diamonds to form doped conductive thin layers.

Integrated Time Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation (INSPIRE): Assessment of Dose, Temperature, and Voltage on Experimental and Clinical Treatment Outcomes.

This study sought to investigate a novel strategy using temperature-controlled delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields as an alternative to the 50-100 microsecond pulses used for irreversible electroporation. INSPIRE treatments were carried out at two temperatures in 3D tumor models using doses between 0.001 s and 0.1 s. The resulting treatment zones were quantified using viability staining and lethal electric field intensities were determined numerically. Computational modeling was then used to determine parameters necessary for INSPIRE treatments to achieve equivalent treatment zones to clinical electroporation treatments and evaluate the potential for these treatments to induce deleterious thermal damage. Lethal thresholds between 1109 and 709 V/cm were found for nominal 0.01 s treatments with pulses between 350 ns and 2000 ns at physiological temperatures. Further increases in dose resulted in significant decreases in lethal thresholds. Given these experimental results, treatment zones comparable to clinical electroporation are possible by increasing the dose and voltage used with nanosecond duration pulses. Temperature-controlled simulations indicate minimal thermal cell death while achieving equivalent treatment volumes to clinical electroporation. Nanosecond electrical pulses can achieve comparable outcomes to traditional electroporation provided sufficient electrical doses or voltages are applied. The use of temperature-controlled delivery may minimize thermal damage during treatment. Intense muscle stimulation and the need for cardiac gating have limited irreversible electroporation. Nanosecond pulses can alleviate these challenges, but traditionally have produced significantly smaller treatment zones. This study suggests that larger ablation volumes may be possible with the INSPIRE approach and that future in vivo studies are warranted.

Breakdown insensitive acceleration regime in a metamaterial accelerating structure

A new regime in radiofrequency (rf) breakdown, named the breakdown insensitive acceleration regime (BIAR), was observed in an 11.7 GHz metamaterial structure for wakefield acceleration driven by rf pulses with a duration of a few nanoseconds. In the BIAR, rf breakdown occurs without interrupting potential beam acceleration, resulting in greater resilience to breakdown. We have investigated the possibility that BIAR can support higher gradients by characterizing the breakdown in a high-power test. The peak gradient reached 190 MV/m when the structure was powered by 6 ns long rf pulses with 115 MW peak power. The short rf pulses were extracted from 65 MeV electron bunch trains with a total charge of up to 210 nC. This work has revealed the benefits of short-pulse acceleration by characterizing rf breakdown in the previously unexplored parameter space. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Effects of laser pretreatment on the formation of nanostructured carbon on the surface of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride under high-power ion beam irradiation

The features of formation of surface morphology of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (pure and with the addition of the catalyst - ferrocene) under the influence of a high-power ion beam of nanosecond duration after the preliminary pulsed laser treatment of the polymer surface have been investigated. It was found that the morphology of the irradiated surface of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride after pulsed laser surface pretreatment differs significantly from the morphology of the irradiated surface of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride after a preliminary stationary heat treatment. For pure chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, pulsed laser pretreatment with increasing power leads to an increase in the porosity of the surface layer after high-power ion beam irradiation, whereas different surface morphologies, including fibers (including polymer fibers) of different diameters, can be obtained for the pre-stationary post-irradiation thermal treatment of this polymer. Pre-stationary thermal pretreatment of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride with the addition of ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) leads to a decrease in the diameter of formed carbon nanofibers (with an increase in the treatment temperature). During the pulsed laser pretreatment, an increase in the porosity of the treated layer and a slight increase in the proportion of nanofibers of larger diameter are observed. To explain the obtained differences for pulsed laser and stationary thermal pretreatment, the effect of polymer heating rate on the features of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride decomposition was analyzed.

High-repetition-rate source of nanosecond duration kA-current pulses driven by relativistic laser pulses

High-repetition-rate source of nanosecond duration kA-current pulses driven by relativistic laser pulses

Laser-driven quasi-static B-fields for magnetized high-energy-density experiments

We present measurements of magnetic fields generated in laser-driven coil targets irradiated by laser pulses of nanosecond duration, 1.053 μm wavelength, 500 J energy, and ∼1015 W/cm2 intensity, at the LULI2000 facility. Using two perpendicular probing axes, proton deflectometry is used to characterize the coil current and static charge at different times. Results reveal various deflection features that can be unambiguously linked to a looping quasi-steady current of well-understood polarity or to a static charging of the coil surface. Measured currents are broadly consistent with predictions from a laser-driven diode-current source and lumped circuit model, supporting the quasi-steady assessment of the discharges. Peak magnetic fields of ∼50 T at the center of 500-μm-diameter coils, obtained at the moderate laser intensity, open up the use of such laser-driven coil targets at facilities worldwide to study numerous phenomena in magnetized high-energy-density plasmas, and its potential applications.

Design, development and characterization of Blumlein Pulse Forming Line based pulsed power system for High Power Microwave source research

This paper describes a complete cycle of designing, developing, and characterising a Pulsed Power System (PPS) and generating microwaves using the relativistic source. For low impedance relativistic High Power Microwave (HPM) sources, Blumlein Pulse Forming Line (BPFL) based high voltage pulsed power systems are the most suited. An HPM source such as a virtual cathode oscillator (VIRCATOR) operating in nanosecond durations consists of a primary voltage source that charges a Marx pulse generator’s capacitor bank over a long time. The requirements of a diode load are met by compressing the output pulse width of a Marx generator by a BPFL. This article describes the novel design, construction and characterization of a circulating De-Ionized (DI) water insulated BPFL pulsed power system. A novel approach of insulating gas filled Marx generator of this class/rating is attempted. A pulse power system consisting of high pressure gas insulated Marx generator and circulating DI water-based BPFL was developed and experimented with the resistive load as well as HPM source. The PSPICE simulation of the Blumlein circuit for various load conditions is described. Criticalities in the design of end bushings are elaborated along with the development and testing of a compact BPFL-based pulsed power system.

Pulsed Field Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A Review and a Look into its Future

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel technology to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) utilizing electric fields to induce nonthermal irreversible electroporation of electrically active cardiac tissue to induce cardiac cell death. PFA offers improved safety benefits compared to traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation by specifically ablating only cardiac tissue. However, there are avenues for further optimization including neurological risk associated with microbubble formation and left atrial function post ablation. Various PFA devices with different electric pulse waveforms have been studied and tested in human trials, with the majority utilizing microsecond duration pulses. Shorter nanosecond duration pulses, or nanosecond PFA, is beginning to be studied for AF ablation. In this review we will delve into current waveforms used for PFA, areas for improvement, mechanisms behind nanosecond PFA, and its clinical impact for cardiac ablation.

Характеристики рассеяния уголкового отражателя с поляризационной трансформацией при облучении СВЧ радиосигналами микросекундной и наносекундной длительности

The potential capabilities of a waveguide type resonator forming compressed microwave pulses are considered. The uncertainty function of the radio signals generated by the resonance compression method is analyzed. The influence of the pre-pulse and post-pulse on the potential range resolution has been studied. The results of experimental studies of the scattering characteristics of a corner reflector with polarization transformation when irradiated with microwave radio signals of microsecond and nanosecond duration are presented.

Irradiation modes and phase explosion during ablation of steel targets with a scanning beam of pulsed radiation of a nanosecond duration Yb:YAG laser

Irradiation modes and phase explosion during ablation of steel targets with a scanning beam of pulsed radiation of a nanosecond duration Yb:YAG laser

GENERATION OF RECTANGULAR NANOSECOND ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSES WITH A PICOSECONDS RISE FRONT

A method for generation of ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses with a nanosecond duration and a picosecond rise time has been studied. The emitter is a horn antenna with a photoconductive switch irradiated by laser pulses. It has been shown that the duration of ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses is determined by the length of the antenna and the semiconductor material, and the rising front is determined by the front of the laser pulses used to initiate the photoconductive switch. The work shows typical pulse durations of ~1 ns with a rising edge of up to ~34 ps.