Sample Thickness Research Articles

Defect related vortex dynamics behaviors in ‘1144’-type iron-based superconductors

Abstract We have synthesized ‘1144’- type (Ca1–x Pr x KFe4As4 and CaKFe4As4) and ‘122’-type (Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 and Ba0.6Rb0.4Fe2As2) iron-based superconductors. Based on these crystals, we have investigated the vortex dynamics of the ‘1144’- and ‘122’-type iron-based superconductors. The results indicate that the novel flux dynamics behaviors of the ‘1144’-type iron-based superconductors are closely related to their defect structures. First, the intergrowths in ‘1144’-type superconductors can function as columnar defects under an applied magnetic field H∥ab-plane, which results in a dip structure in the magnetization hysteresis loops (MHLs) near zero field due to the self-field effect. Second, the intergrowths, as strong pinning sites, provide a large pulling force on the flux lines and cause a small magnetization peak at temperatures below 10 K under magnetic fields from about 3–7 T in MHLs for the ‘1144’-type superconductors. Third, there may be vortex entanglement due to the presence of strong pinning centers, which impedes the elastic-to-plastic motion of vortices (E–P phase transition) resulting in a weak second magnetization peak (SMP) effect in the bulk ‘1144’-type superconductors. Fourth, the intergrowths introduce disorder into the superconductors and accelerate the magnetic 3D-to-2D transition, which causes the thickness-dependent J c and SMP effects due to the rigidity of flux lines with decreasing sample thickness. The current results are significant for our understanding of the relationship between the flux pinning behaviors and the defect structures for a superconductor.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Mare’s Milk Sublimation Drying

This study presents a combined numerical and experimental analysis of heat and mass transfer in mare’s milk during vacuum sublimation drying, which is a process essential for producing high-quality powdered products. The numerical model was developed using two-dimensional simulations and validated against experimental data obtained for varying sample thicknesses (3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm). Results demonstrated a strong agreement between the model and experimental temperature data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 95% during the sublimation process. The findings revealed that thinner samples (3 mm) exhibited a 20% faster drying rate than thicker samples (7 mm), highlighting the critical role of sample thickness in sublimation dynamics. Additionally, the effects of heat flux distribution and mass loss due to sublimation were analyzed to understand the drying dynamics. This study highlights the importance of optimizing process parameters such as chamber pressure, shelf temperature, and sample thickness to enhance drying efficiency and reduce processing time. The findings provide valuable insights for scaling vacuum sublimation drying of mare’s milk for industrial applications.

Exploring the radiation shielding efficiency of low-impact Portland cement pastes made with barium sulfate, silica fume and fly ash<i></i>

The scope of this work is the development of new composites with low environmental impact to act as radiological shielding in hospital environments. For this purpose, the radioprotection properties of cement pastes containing 20% ​​BaSO4, in addition to 10% fly ash and silica fume as SCM’s were investigated. The samples were characterized by consistency, apparent density and mechanical strength at 7 and 28 days of age. In addition, transmission measurements were performed for different sample thicknesses using a photon beam from a linear accelerator operating at 6 and 10 MV in a radiotherapy room. The barium pastes showed a reduction in sample thickness of approximately 10% compared to the reference paste (without barium) at the highest voltage analyzed to attenuate 90% of the incident radiation (according to current legislation). Among the SCM’s, silica fume stood out as the most suitable substitute when combined with barium in Portland cement matrices. Finally, the apparent density of the samples appears to be decisive for the performance of new materials in terms of radiological shielding.

Quantitative Modeling of High-Energy Electron Scattering in Thick Samples Using Monte Carlo Techniques

Quantitative Modeling of High-Energy Electron Scattering in Thick Samples Using Monte Carlo Techniques

From Cartilage to Matrix: Protocols for the Decellularization of Porcine Auricular Cartilage

The shortage of tissues and damaged organs led to the development of tissue engineering. Biological scaffolds, created from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of organs and tissues, have emerged as a promising solution for transplants. The ECM of decellularized auricular cartilage is a potential tool for producing ideal scaffolds for the recellularization and implantation of new tissue in damaged areas. In order to be classified as an ideal scaffold, it must be acellular, preserving its proteins and physical characteristics necessary for cell adhesion. This study aimed to develop a decellularization protocol for pig ear cartilage and evaluate the integrity of the ECM. Four tests were performed using different methods and protocols, with four pig ears from which the skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed, leaving only the cartilage. The most efficient protocol was the combination of trypsin with a sodium hydroxide solution (0.2 N) and SDS (1%) without altering the ECM conformation or the collagen architecture. In conclusion, it was observed that auricular cartilage is difficult to decellularize, influenced by material size, exposure time, and the composition of the solution. Freezing and thawing did not affect the procedure. The sample thickness significantly impacted the decellularization time.

Improving the accuracy of temperature measurement on TEM samples using plasmon energy expansion thermometry (PEET): Addressing sample thickness effects.

Advances in analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and in microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS) based microheaters have enabled in-situ materials' characterization at the nanometer scale at elevated temperature. In addition to resolving the structural information at elevated temperatures, detailed knowledge of the local temperature distribution inside the sample is essential to reveal thermally induced phenomena and processes. Here, we investigate the accuracy of plasmon energy expansion thermometry (PEET) as a method to map the local temperature in a tungsten (W) lamella in a range between room temperature and 700 °C. In particular, we address the influence of sample thickness in the range of a typical electron-transparent TEM sample (from 30 nm to 70 nm) on the temperature-dependent plasmon energy. The shift in plasmon energy, used to determine the local sample temperature, is not only temperature-dependent, but in case of W also seems thickness-dependent in sample thicknesses below approximately 60 nm. It is believed that the underlying reason is the high susceptibility of the regions with thinner sample thickness to strain from residual load induced during FIB deposition, together with increased thermal expansion in these areas due to their higher surface-to-volume ratio. The results highlight the importance of considering sample thickness (and especially thickness variations) when analyzing the local bulk plasmon energy for temperature measurement using PEET. However, in case of W, an increasing beam broadening (FWHM) of the bulk plasmon peak with decreasing sample thickness can be used to improve the accuracy of PEET in TEM lamellae with varying sample thickness.

Inhibition of acrylamide and α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in Echium amoenum powder fortified biscuits.

Echium amoenum (borage) powder (EAP) is consumed traditionally and is known to possess health-promoting effects. In this research, application of Echium amoenum (borage) powder (EAP) at levels of zero, 1 and 2% w/w was investigated in the production of biscuit as a widely consumed snack and some characteristics of dough and biscuit samples were evaluated. By adding EAP and increasing its level, water absorption values and dough stability increased (p<0.05) but the development time of the dough and the degree of loosening of the dough decreased (p<0.05); moisture and fiber content of biscuits increased (p<0.05) and their color changed significantly. Also, by increasing the percentage of EAP in biscuit samples, water loss percent (WL), carbohydrate and total energy decreased significantly; acrylamide content (AAC) also decreased (p<0.05) and beneficial effects improved so that antioxidant activity (AA), total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and enzyme (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) inhibitory activity increased in biscuits (p<0.05). With increasing EAP percentage, diameter, thickness, spread ratio, hardness and fracturability of biscuit samples decreased. In general, it is concluded that by adding EAP (maximum 2% w/w) to the biscuit formulation; it can be expected to produce functional biscuit. EAP has shown therapeutic potential (antioxidative and antidiabetic) in vitro; thus, it can be used for the development of functional foods for oxidative stress and diabetes.

Quantitative study of thickness debit effect on the microstructure and elemental segregation characteristics in as-cast and heat-treated nickel-based single crystal superalloys

Reducing blade wall thickness has become essential with advancements in blade cooling technologies such as air film cooling, impact cooling, and transient cooling. Heat dissipation is improved by this reduction, which significantly extends the lifespan of the blades. The impact of thickness variations on the microstructure and elemental segregation of as-cast and heat-treated nickel-based single crystal superalloys is investigated in this study. Thin-walled specimens of four different thicknesses (1.513mm, 2.370mm, 3.060mm, and 5.790mm) were directly cast using a shell mold equipped with varying cavity thicknesses. The microstructure and elemental segregation of these samples were quantitatively analyzed using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This research not only involves thin-walled specimens of various thicknesses but also includes specimens of the same thickness positioned at different distances from the casting core. Experimental data demonstrate that the size of the γ′ phase follows the log-normal distribution, and its circularity conforms to the four-parameter Dagum distribution. In the as-cast specimens, increases of the thickness from 1.513mm to 5.790mm led to 33.7% increase in the average primary dendrite arm spacing, 86% increase in the average percentage of the eutectic structure, 44.2% increase in the average γ′ phase size, and 8% decrease in the average circularity of the γ′ phase. The degree of elemental segregation also increases, particularly for elements such as W and Re that exhibit significant increases in segregation as the sample thickness increases. The differences in casting thickness lead to initial state differences. Approximately 95% of the eutectic structures are eliminated during heat treatment, but the efficacy of the process is constrained by differences in the initial state of the alloy. The greater the initial state heterogeneity, the more stringent the required heat treatment time and conditions, and the more limited the effectiveness of the heat treatment. The final microstructure and elemental distribution are the results of the coupled effects of the initial state and heat treatment. In the heat-treated samples, as the thickness increases from 1.513mm to 5.790mm, the average primary dendrite arm spacing increases by 33.5%, the average percentage of eutectic structures increases by 275%, the average size of the strengthening phase (γ′ phase) increases by 66.7%, and the average circularity of the γ′ phase decreases by 33%. The variations in microstructural parameters for specimens at different distances from the casting core also show regular patterns. Key findings indicate that decrease in casting thickness significantly affects γ' phase characteristics, elemental segregation, and microstructural uniformity. These findings can provide valuable guidance for optimizing the design and manufacturing processes of the nickel- based single crystal alloys.

Feasibility study of scapula bone as a next-generation material for biomedical applications

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of material thickness on the mechanical properties, specifically flexural and tensile properties, of scapula bone specimens from Deccani breed sheep in India. A three-point bending test and a tensile test were conducted on samples with varying thicknesses (1, 2 and 5 mm), and the flexural strength, flexural modulus, ultimate load, tensile deformation and von Mises stress were measured. Thicker specimens exhibited higher flexural properties than thinner counterparts. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed that material thickness significantly impacted the flexural and tensile properties of the samples. Additionally, a simulation analysis was performed using ANSYS Workbench to validate the experimental results and provide insights into the tensile and flexural behaviour of the specimens. The findings suggest that thicker samples are better equipped to handle bending stresses and tensile loads and are more suitable for applications requiring resistance to bending loads, stiffness, load-bearing capacity and tensile strength.

Distinguishing local photoinduced forces from global photoacoustic interactions in homodyne infrared photoinduced force microscopy

The rise of tip-based optical force microscopy has transformed nanoscale optical and chemical imaging, enabling sub-10 nm spatial resolution by integrating optical excitation with atomic force microscopy. Photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) stands out as a key technique, with applications in single-molecule imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and near-field electromagnetic characterization. However, the contrast mechanisms underlying homodyne PiFM, particularly in the infrared regime, remain underexplored. This study provides novel insights into the interpretation of PiF signals, focusing on homodyne IR-PiFM. Contrary to previous assumptions, we demonstrate that the linear dependence of the PiF signal on sample thickness in homodyne mode originates from global photoacoustic forces rather than localized photothermal effects. By minimizing global interactions through power reduction and tip–sample proximity, we achieve a spatial resolution of 11 nm, comparable to heterodyne PiFM. Our findings reveal that both homodyne and heterodyne modes are fundamentally sensitive to tip-enhanced near-field optical intensity, with similar dependencies on sample thickness. This work advances the understanding of the contrast mechanism of PiFM and demonstrates that both homodyne and heterodyne modes can achieve high-resolution imaging, paving the way for broader applications in nanoscale optical and chemical analysis.

Heat Transfer Analysis of Copper Stave in Blast Furnace Based on Slag Crust Characteristics

As a protective layer for the copper stave in the blast furnace, the characteristics of the slag crust have a non‐negligible influence on the heat transfer of the copper stave. Combined with the characteristics of slag crust thermal conductivity, flowing temperature, and thickness, the influence of slag crust on heat transfer from copper stave under different operating conditions is investigated, and the potential of slag crust thickness regulation to reduce carbon consumption in blast furnaces is assessed. It is found that the slag crust thicknesses calculated by the model are consistent with the range of thicknesses of the actual slag crust samples, validating the correctness of the model. To ensure the operational safety of the copper stave, in the actual production process of the blast furnace, the slag crust thickness should be controlled between 30 and 60 mm, and the corresponding thermocouple temperatures, water velocities, and heat flux intervals are calculated. In addition, when the slag crust thickness is increased from 10 to 30 mm, the 2650 m3 blast furnace can reduce the coke ratio by a maximum of about 14 kg t−1.

Three-dimensional single-cell transcriptome imaging of thick tissues.

Multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) allows genome-scale imaging of RNAs in individual cells in intact tissues. To date, MERFISH has been applied to image thin-tissue samples of ~10 µm thickness. Here, we present a thick-tissue three-dimensional (3D) MERFISH imaging method, which uses confocal microscopy for optical sectioning, deep learning for increasing imaging speed and quality, as well as sample preparation and imaging protocol optimized for thick samples. We demonstrated 3D MERFISH on mouse brain tissue sections of up to 200 µm thickness with high detection efficiency and accuracy. We anticipate that 3D thick-tissue MERFISH imaging will broaden the scope of questions that can be addressed by spatial genomics.

Engineered Polystyrene‐Zirconium Dioxide Nanocomposite With Enhanced Optical Properties

ABSTRACTThe demand for transparent polymers with high‐refractive indices (RIs) is increasing due to their versatility; however, low RIs also hold significance. Engineering the RI of polymer nanocomposites is crucial which benefits industry and research. The study investigates the influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the optical and surface properties of the polystyrene matrix. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirms that transparency is maintained with a light transmittance of 90 even with a ZrO2 loading of 16 wt%, while ellipsometry shows a steady increase in the RI due to the incorporation of nanoparticles. The RI of composites exceeds that of pure polystyrene (RI: 1.3–1.7) and utilizes the RI of ZrO2 (&gt; 2.00) without altering the sample thickness. The microscopic image shows uniform distribution of particles up to 8 wt%, with slight agglomeration at higher contents. Scanning electron microscopy examination shows that the ZrO2 nanoparticles (20–150 nm) form loose agglomerated structures, while atomic force microscopy examination shows aggregate formation at 16 wt%. The addition of ZrO2 increases the surface roughness and water contact angle up to 4 wt%, which is related to the concentration of the nanofiller and the minimal interaction between ZrO2 and water. The results demonstrate the potential of ZrO2‐loaded nanocomposites for applications requiring high RIs and optical transparency.

CTFFIND5 provides improved insight into quality, tilt, and thickness of TEM samples.

Images taken by transmission electron microscopes are usually affected by lens aberrations and image defocus, among other factors. These distortions can be modeled in reciprocal space using the contrast transfer function (CTF). Accurate estimation and correction of the CTF is essential for restoring the high-resolution signal in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM). Previously, we described the implementation of algorithms for this task in the cisTEM software package (Grant et al., 2018). Here we show that taking sample characteristics, such as thickness and tilt, into account can improve CTF estimation. This is particularly important when imaging cellular samples, where measurement of sample thickness and geometry derived from accurate modeling of the Thon ring pattern helps judging the quality of the sample. This improved CTF estimation has been implemented in CTFFIND5, a new version of the cisTEM program CTFFIND. We evaluated the accuracy of these estimates using images of tilted aquaporin crystals and eukaryotic cells thinned by focused ion beam milling. We estimate that with micrographs of sufficient quality CTFFIND5 can measure sample tilt with an accuracy of 3° and sample thickness with an accuracy of 5 nm.

CTFFIND5 provides improved insight into quality, tilt, and thickness of TEM samples

Images taken by transmission electron microscopes are usually affected by lens aberrations and image defocus, among other factors. These distortions can be modeled in reciprocal space using the contrast transfer function (CTF). Accurate estimation and correction of the CTF is essential for restoring the high-resolution signal in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM). Previously, we described the implementation of algorithms for this task in the cisTEM software package (Grant et al., 2018). Here we show that taking sample characteristics, such as thickness and tilt, into account can improve CTF estimation. This is particularly important when imaging cellular samples, where measurement of sample thickness and geometry derived from accurate modeling of the Thon ring pattern helps judging the quality of the sample. This improved CTF estimation has been implemented in CTFFIND5, a new version of the cisTEM program CTFFIND. We evaluated the accuracy of these estimates using images of tilted aquaporin crystals and eukaryotic cells thinned by focused ion beam milling. We estimate that with micrographs of sufficient quality CTFFIND5 can measure sample tilt with an accuracy of 3° and sample thickness with an accuracy of 5 nm.

Sample Thickness Effect on Quantitative Analysis by Hand‐Held X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometers

ABSTRACTCommercially available hand‐held X‐ray fluorescence (HH‐XRF) spectrometers have their own quantitative analysis software. When the elements Se and Cd in soil samples are measured and quantified, the calculated concentrations sometimes fail by a factor of 1/2 for Cd, although the values obtained for Se are accurate. This is because of the escape depth length of fluorescent X‐rays. Easy ways to overcome this problem are presented; two point calibration, or at least one point and one blank is enough. Problems associated with mercury evaporation from the sample is also discussed. Filter paper analysis is used as an example for the present work, and a five‐filter pile of ash‐less paper is concluded to have better sensitivity than a single paper filter analysis.

Emergent Skyrmions in Cr0.85Te nanoflakes at Room Temperature.

Chiral noncollinear magnetic nanostructures, such as skyrmions, are intriguing spin configurations with significant potential for magnetic memory technologies. However, the limited availability of 2D magnetic materials that host skyrmions with Curie temperatures above room temperature presents a major challenge for practical implementation. Chromium tellurides exhibit diverse spin configurations and remarkable stability under ambient conditions, making them a promising platform for fundamental spin physics research and the development of innovative 2D spintronic devices. Here, domain structures of Cr0.85Te nanoflakes synthesized via chemical vapor deposition are investigated, using magnetic force microscopy at room temperature. The results reveal that the domain width of the as-grown nanoflakes scales with the square root of their thicknesses. Notably, the emergence and annihilation of skyrmions are observed, which can be reversibly controlled by external magnetic fields and thermal excitation in ambient air. Micromagnetic simulations suggest that the emergence of skyrmions in Cr0.85Te nanoflakes arises from inversion symmetry breaking due to compositional gradients across the sample thickness, rather than the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying skyrmion formation in 2D ferromagnets and open exciting possibilities for manipulating domain structures at room temperature, offering practical pathways for developing next-generation spintronic devices.

A Quantitative Chemometric Study of Pharmaceutical Tablet Formulations Using Multi-Spectroscopic Fibre Optic Probes.

Background/Objectives: Two fibre optic probes were custom designed to perform Raman and near-infrared spectroscopic measurements. Our long-term objective is to develop a non-destructive tool able to collect data in hard-to-access locations for real-time analysis or diagnostic purposes. This study evaluated the quantitative performances of Probe A and Probe B using model pharmaceutical tablets. Methods: Measurements were performed using pharmaceutical tablets containing hydroxyl propylcellulose, titanium dioxide (anatase), lactose monohydrate, and indomethacin (γ form). Material content and thickness of bilayer samples (samples consisting of a top layer and a bottom layer of differing materials) were also assessed using Probe A to evaluate its capabilities to collect sub-surface information. Principal component analysis and partial least squares regression models were using individual and fused data to evaluate the performances of the different probe configurations. Results: Hydroxymethyl cellulose (RP2=0.98, RMSEP = 2.27% w/w) and lactose monohydrate (RP2=0.97, RMSEP = 2.96% w/w) content were most effectively estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy data collected using Probe A. Titanium dioxide (RP2=0.99, RMSEP = 0.21% w/w) content was most effectively estimated using a combination of 785 nm Raman spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy using Probe B. Indomethacin (RP2=0.97, RMSEP = 1.01% w/w) was best estimated using a low-level fused dataset collected using 0 mm, 2.5 mm, and 5.0 mm lateral offsets of 785 nm spatially offset Raman spectroscopy using Probe A. Conclusions: The different probe configurations were able to reliably collect data and demonstrated robust quantitative performances. These results highlight the advantage of using multiple techniques for analysing different structures.

Crossover from Conventional to Unconventional Superconductivity in 2M-WS2.

Leveraging the reciprocal-space proximity effect between superconducting bulk and topological surface states (TSSs) offers a promising way to topological superconductivity. However, elucidating the mutual influence of bulk and TSSs on topological superconductivity remains a challenge. Here, we report pioneering transport evidence of a thickness-dependent transition from conventional to unconventional superconductivity in 2M-phase WS2 (2M-WS2). As the sample thickness reduces, we see clear changes in key superconducting metrics, including critical temperature, critical current, and carrier density. Notably, while thick 2M-WS2 samples show conventional superconductivity, with an in-plane (IP) upper critical field constrained by the Pauli limit, samples under 20 nm exhibit a pronounced IP critical field enhancement, inversely correlated with 2D carrier density. This marks a distinct crossover to unconventional superconductivity with strong spin-orbit-parity coupling. Our findings underscore the crucial role of sample thickness in accessing topological states in 2D topological superconductors, offering pivotal insights into future studies of topological superconductivity.

Influence of clinical risk factors for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) on the elastic strength of fetal membranes at term: A prospective study.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) before 37 weeks of gestation is a common obstetrical event, whose pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Our objective was to study the mechanical strength of fetal membranes in women with a clinical risk factor for preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). We included, in a prospective, descriptive, single-center study, patients scheduled for cesarean section at term (≥ 37 weeks of gestation). For each patient, we performed uniaxial tensile tests on fetal membranes with a universal testing machine equipped with a force sensor (EZ20®, Lloyds), allowing the recording of an applied force/time curve. We collected maximum force (Fmax), maximum stress (σMax), and Young's modulus of elasticity. The thickness of each membrane sample was also measured. We compared the values obtained according to certain clinical risk factors for PPROM such as age, body mass index, gravidity, parity, a history of PPROM or preterm birth, smoking, gestational diabetes, geographic origin, and socioeconomic level. We analyzed 31 patients and found no association between the studied risk factors and σMax. Fmax was lower in primiparous patients (p = 0.02) but increased with patient parity (p = 0.005). Gestational diabetes was associated with a higher Fmax (p = 0.033) and sub-Saharan geographical origin with a greater thickness (p = 0.0043). As membrane thickness increased, σMax (p = 0.009) and Young's modulus decreased (p = 0.037). Primiparous patients have lower membrane mechanical strength than patients who have had one or more deliveries. Mechanically, the thicker membranes are less rigid and less resistant.