Line Spacing Research Articles

Elucidating the effects of surface wettability on boiling heat transfer using hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces with laser-etched microchannels

This study explores the nuanced interplay between surface wettability and morphology in nucleate boiling heat transfer. Surfaces with identical microstructures but varying wettability are created on copper substrates using laser texturing and a hydrophobic agent. The spacing between laser-etched microchannels is adjusted to achieve different contact angles and percentages of laser-textured areas. Boiling performance is assessed with variations in channel spacing and surface coverage, revealing significant differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The critical heat flux (CHF) enhancement mechanisms are identified, emphasizing either enhanced liquid replenishment or separate boiling and liquid-supply regions. A critical laser line spacing of 100 μm is determined, where hydrophobic and hydrophilic variants exhibit similar CHF. Interestingly, hydrophilic surfaces show a weak correlation between the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and contact angle, while hydrophobic surfaces demonstrate a strong correlation. This separation of surface morphology and wettability confirms that lower wettability promotes early nucleate boiling and high HTC, whereas hydrophilic variants contribute to enhanced CHF with lower HTC. These distinctions are most prominent at high coverage with laser-textured areas and diminish as coverage decreases. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing surface properties for efficient boiling heat transfer applications.

Simultaneously achieving excellent heat aging resistance and grip performance in carbon black/glass flake/EPDM rubber composite for overhead line spacers

The preparation of wire clamp rubber with semiconductivity, low compression set (C-Set), high mechanical strength, heat aging resistance, and high grip strength is vital for overhead line spacers. This study delves into the formulation design of high-performance ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) composite materials for wire clamp rubber. The effects of the vulcanization system, carbon black type, and loading on the essential material properties of EPDM rubber were investigated. The results showed that a hybrid vulcanization system containing peroxide and sulfur simultaneously endowed EPDM rubber with high elasticity and tear strength. N330 carbon black-filled EPDM rubber had the advantages of semiconductivity and high tensile strength, and N774 carbon black-filled EPDM rubber exhibited low C-Set and high heat aging resistance. When EPDM rubber was reinforced with the mixture of 50 phr N330 and 20 phr N774 carbon black, the rubber synchronously exhibited semiconductivity (2.64×106 Ω·cm), high tensile strength (20.2 MPa), low C-Set (32.5%, 150°C×3d), and high heat aging resistance (maintaining 98% of its initial tensile strength after aging at 150°C for 3d). In addition, introducing a 10-phr glass flake into EPDM wire clamp rubber improved the grip force by 83%. The improvement mechanism may be attributed to the increased compression stress of wire clamp rubber on cable and the restricted slippage of rubber molecular chains.

Flexible Electromagnetic Tactile Sensor Based on Double‐Layer High‐Density MEMS Coils and Tilted Magnetic Column Array

AbstractWith the rapid development of wearable devices, tactile sensors have received extensive attention as supplements to vision and hearing. However, it remains challenging for a single tactile sensor to generate distinguishable electrical signals when receiving mechanical stimuli in different directions. Herein, a novel flexible electromagnetic tactile sensor (FETS) prepared by combining flexible double‐layer coils and a flexible tilted magnetic column array (TMCA) is presented. Flexible double‐layer high‐density coils are fabricated using the micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) technology. The turns of the coil (1 × 1 cm) are 100, while both the line width and spacing of turns are 40 µm. TMCA is prepared using a template and magnetized along the axis direction. When a pulling force or pressure is applied to the TMCA, the magnetic flux decreases or increases correspondingly, allowing the FETS to accurately distinguish stimuli and produce different signals (−/+ or +/−). The FETS presents a sensitivity of up to 21.7 µV kPa−1 (0.05–10 kPa), a minimal magnetic field detection limit of 10 mT, a low‐pressure detection limit of 5 g, and good repeatability (5000 cycles). Additionally, the FETS is applied in robotic tactile testing, Morse code, and noncontact magnetic field recognition. It has potential applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and information communication.

THz active modulation device by electric field turned modulation characteristics of titanium sulfide nanofilm device

AbstractAn effective approach to manipulate terahertz (THz) waves involves the utilization of a device structure. In this particular investigation, we have successfully fabricated a SnS2 nanofilm device using femtosecond laser direct ablation. The passive and active polarization‐sensitive characteristics of the SnS2 nanofilm device were examined within the THz frequency range, employing different line spaces of 500, 600, and 700 μm. The combination of the device effect and SnS2 absorption led to an enhanced passive polarization modulation. Moreover, when an external electric field was applied to the SnS2 nanofilm device along the device line, persistent switching and linear modulation of THz wave transmission were observed. These findings indicate that the integration of material properties and device structure in this SnS2 device renders it highly suitable for applications in ultrafast THz switches, filters, and modulation devices.

Line-Spacing-Multiplied Optical Frequency Comb Generation Using an Electro-Optic Talbot Laser and Cross-Phase Modulation in a Fiber

An optical frequency comb (OFC) generator based on an electro-optic Talbot laser and cross-phase modulation (XPM) in a high nonlinear fiber (HNLF) is designed and demonstrated. The Talbot laser is an electro-optic frequency shifting loop that is used to produce repetition rate-multiplied pulses, and these pulses work as a pump signal that induces the XPM process in the HNLF to modulate the phase of a probe signal. At the output of the HNLF, OFCs with a multiplied line spacing can be generated. The effects of the pump power and the HNLF length on the performance of the generated OFCs are theoretically analyzed. In the experiments, the line spacing of the generated OFCs is multiplied to be 10 GHz, 15 GHz, and 20 GHz with a factor of 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The center of the OFCs is tuned in a 4 nm range by adjusting the wavelength of the probe signal.

Modern digital hydrography and the new international hydrographic organisation bathymetric survey standards

The current state of the International Hydrographic organization bathymetric survey Standards S44 (6.1.0) is examined in this study. The introduction of the S44 survey Standards fourth edition in 1998 heralded the beginning of a new era of modern digital hydrography based on the concept of the survey orders resulting from implementation of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems of positioning and hydrographic information systems. The fundamental changes between the 4th and 6th editions of the Standards for Hydrographic Surveys (S-44) are described. The differences between the 5th and 6th editions of the Standards for Hydrographic Surveys (S-44) are evaluated. Particular attention is paid to the conceptual evolution of such definitions as “bathymetric model” and “ features detection”. The main new S44 (6.1.0) survey Standards paradigm became the concept of “bathymetric coverage” and the rejection of the “ full sea floor coverage” concept which was introduced in the previous 5th edition. Introducing the “bathymetric coverage” and “ feature search” notions in the 6th S44 (2022) survey Standards provides the possibility to avoid the implementation of such previously important hydrographic definition as “line spacing”. It is especially emphasized that the introduction and combined application of such definitions as “bathymetric coverage”, “ feature detection” and “ feature search” necessitate the usage in the 6th S44 (2022) survey Standards of the new special tool named “specification matrix”. This tool is important for hydrographic survey drafting taking into consideration the various stakeholder requirements as well as providing a short hydrographic survey description. The introduction of gridding concept in hydrography provided in the S44 (6.1.0) survey Standards for the first time is also mentioned. Critical comments on the interpretation of gridding methods provided in the annex D which are not considered as the part of the Standards are presented. Some recommendations concerning general quality control requirements and survey posteriori quality control provided in the annex C and B are also commented on. It should be especially emphasized that three last editions of S44 Standards use the “standard deviation” term without specifying its confidence level for position uncertainty (Total Horizontal Uncertainty — THU) calculation. The position uncertainty (2D) quantities are stated as “standard deviation” multiplied by coefficient 2.45. The “standard deviation” term needs additional explanation and clarification; it should not be confused with the widely used term «position standard deviation =distance root mean squared». It is also pointed out the insufficient study of the 3D hydrographic technology provisions presented in the 6th S44 survey Standards edition associated with the alternative method of sea level correction determination based on the precise ellipsoid (geodetic) heights measurements of the tide gauges benchmarks and chart datum using GNSS observations. The necessity of inclusion of the requirements for survey posteriori quality control as the result of survey data post-processing, using statistical comparison of check lines crossing the regular lines, is substantiated. Finally, the urgency of developing new Russian hydrographic standards and specifications based on IHO S44 (6.1.0) on the basis of modern technology is emphasized.

Parallel Grooved Microstructure Manufacturing on the Surface of Si3N4 Ceramics by Femtosecond Laser.

Machining special microstructures on the surface of silicon nitride ceramics helps improve their service performance. However, the high brittleness and low fracture toughness of silicon nitride ceramics make it extremely difficult to machine microstructures on their surface. In this study, a femtosecond laser is used to machine parallel grooved microstructures on the surface of silicon nitride ceramics. The effects of the laser polarization angle, laser single pulse energy, scanning line spacing, and laser scan numbers on the surface morphology and geometric characteristics of grooved microstructures are researched. It is found that a greater angle between the direction of the scanning path and laser polarization is helpful to obtain a smoother surface. As the single pulse energy increases, debris and irregular surface structures will emerge. Increasing the laser scan line spacing leads to clearer and more defined parallel grooved microstructures. The groove depth increases with the increase in the scan numbers. However, when a certain number of scans is reached, the depth will not increase further. This study serves as a valuable research foundation for the femtosecond laser processing of silicon nitride ceramic materials.

Improving Electromigration Resistance of Fine‐Pitch Redistributed Layer Using Graphene‐Doped Twinned Copper Composites

The electromigration (EM) behavior of graphene‐doped twinned copper composite (GC–Cu) and nanotwinned copper (NT–Cu) redistributed layers (RDLs) are investigated. Firstly, the GC–Cu has longer lifetimes under various test conditions. For example, the GC–Cu RDL took 291 h to reach a 20% resistance increase, while the NT–Cu RDL took 117 h under the same condition of 120 °C and 106 A cm−2. Secondly, thinner oxidation layer and slighter voiding phenomena are detected on GC–Cu RDLs. When the line width and spacing (L/S) of RDL decreased from 20/20 μm to 10/10 μm, new failure modes, i.e., fracture of oxide layer, separation between the oxide layer and copper matrix are also detected, demonstrating the increasing thermal mismatch. Combined with the finite element analysis (FEA), there is simultaneous current aggregation and stress concentration around the voids, which should further cause the degradation of RDL. Above all, this study gives insights into the material design in the fine‐pitch RDL structure.

Agent-Based Principal Strips Modeling for Freeform Surfaces in Architecture

The principal curvature (PC) of a freeform surface, as an important indicator of its fundamental features, is frequently used to guide their rationalization in the field of architectural geometry. The division of a surface using its PC lines into principal strips (PSs) is an innovative way to break down a freeform surface for construction. However, the application of PC networks in architectural design is hindered by the difficulty to generate them and flexibly control their density. This paper introduces a method for PS-based reconstruction of freeform surfaces with different umbilical conditions in the early stages of design. An agent-based modeling approach is developed to find the umbilics and increase the degree of control over the spacing of PC lines. This research can effectively expand the application range of PS-based surface reconstruction methods for freeform architectures.

Effect of process parameters on the corrosion kinetics and mechanism of nanosecond laser surface structured titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V)

In this study, laser surface structuring (LSS) of Ti6Al4V was carried out using an Nd:YLF laser with a second harmonic wavelength of 527 nm and a pulse duration of 100 ns at varied laser fluence, scan speed, and line spacing. A detailed study of the effect of process parameters on surface topography, microstructure, composition, phase, contact angle, electrochemical behavior, and bioactivity was undertaken. Nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation with overlapping resulted in the formation of linear continuous grooves on the surface due to ablation/evaporation of materials. There is the formation of oxides of titanium (TiO2 and Ti2O3) whose mass fractions varied with process parameters. The average microhardness of the laser-structured region was improved (393 VHN - 535 VHN) as compared to the as-received Ti6Al4V (303 VHN). The contact angle of simulated body fluid (SBF) against the structured surface (58°- 123°) showed increased contact angle as compared to as-received samples (50°). The laser surface structuring exhibited a superior corrosion resistance property (in SBF) as compared to as-received Ti6Al4V. The mechanism of corrosion behavior was established by electrochemical impedance spectroscopic study (in SBF). The optimum process parameter for the LSS of Ti6Al4V with enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance was derived. The LSS surface processed under the optimum parameters measured by immersing in SBF revealed a higher deposition of calcium phosphate as compared to the as-received Ti6Al4V.

Persepsi Masyarakat Kelurahan Rungkut Kidul terhadap Layanan Kelas Parenting Puspaga Balai Rw

Cases of violence against women and children are a public problem that must be answered by the government. The Surabaya City Government together with DP3APPKB Surabaya in 2017 formed the PUSPAGA program with a service center on Floor II of the former Siola Building and in 2022 it developed into PUSPAGA Balai RW with a program for prevention, risk reduction and handling of cases related to families, women and children. One of the services of the prevention program by PUSPAGA Balai RW is Parenting Classes. In implementing parenting classes there are several challenges, such as in Rungkut Kidul Village where there are still few participants attending parenting classes. So the target of this parenting class has not been achieved. This research aims to describe the perceptions of the people of Rungkut Kidul Subdistrict regarding the PUSPAGA Balai RW parenting class services. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and literature studies that are relevant to this research. The results of the research show that the perception of the Rungkut Kidul Village Community consists of 60% agreeing and 40% disagreeing with the existence of Parenting Class services. These results are deepened by public perceptions based on the 5 attributes of public service innovation according to Rogers which shows that parenting class services implemented in Rungkut Kidul Subdistrict have relative advantages, suitability, complexity and are not easy to try and easy to observe. (10pt, single line spacing, Palatino Linotype font).

Extraction of proteins and location of the L-ype Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ channel (CaV1.2 α1c) in pig sperm extracted from fresh, frozen and permeated semen

Ion channels are protein structures located in the cell plasma membrane. Sperm cells require calcium ions (Ca2+) to carry out fundamental physiological processes, such as hypermotility, capacitation and acrosomal reaction. Protein extraction is the first, and most critical, stage of molecular tests (Western Blot, proteomic tests, etc). The implementation of these techniques in the study of sperm cells will allow us to understand their physiology (biomarkers) and ways of manipulation (refrigeration, cryopreservation, permeation using streptolysin O (SLO), etc.). The goal of this project was to determine whether if changes in the plasma membrane, brought on by cryopreservation or permeation with SLO, modify the Ca2+ CaV1.2 α1C channel in pig sperm cells. 2 ½ pig ejaculates were taken as working simples, and they were treated as follows: -Control (C): refrigerated semen (SR) 16°/24h; Treatment 1 (T1): SR with SLO T2: cryopreserved semen (SC); T3: SC, previously treated with SLO. It was determined that a better quantitation of proteins from the samples (p<0.001) is obtained with a (total) protein extraction buffer composed of SDS 2% + β-Mercaptoethanol 3%. The detection of the CaV 1.2 α1C protein was done through Western Bloting, using the Rabbit anti-CaV 1.2 α1C (USA, Sigma-AldrichTM) antigen. Better visibility of the protein band of the Ca2+ channel was achieved in the C and T1 experimental groups; whereas its’ presence was not observed in T2 and T3. It was determined that the Ca2+ CaV 1.2 α1C was present in the sperm cells, and that it deteriorates once the sperm cell is frozen and permeated with SLO, which is linked to the decrease of cell viability percentages. alibri font, size 10, and single line spacing.

CrossTx: Cross-Cell-Line Transcriptomic Signature Predictions

Predicting the cell response to drugs is central to drug discovery, drug repurposing, and personalized medicine. To this end, large datasets of drug signatures have been curated, most notably the Connectivity Map (CMap). A multitude of in silico approaches have also been formulated, but strategies for predicting drug signatures in unseen cells—cell lines not in the reference datasets—are still lacking. In this work, we developed a simple-yet-efficacious computational strategy, called CrossTx, for predicting the drug transcriptomic signatures of an unseen target cell line using drug transcriptome data of reference cell lines and unlabeled transcriptome data of the target cells. Our strategy involves the combination of Predictor and Corrector steps. The Predictor generates cell-line-agnostic drug signatures using the reference dataset, while the Corrector produces target-cell-specific drug signatures by projecting the signatures from the Predictor onto the transcriptomic latent space of the target cell line. Testing different Predictor–Corrector functions using the CMap revealed the combination of averaging (Mean) as a Predictor and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by Autoencoder (AE) as a Corrector to be the best. Yet, using Mean as a Predictor and PCA as a Corrector achieved comparatively high accuracy with much lower computational requirements when compared to the best combination.

A versatile beamline for soft x-ray reflectivity, absorption, and fluorescence measurements at Indus-2 synchrotron source.

A versatile beamline for performing reflectivity, fluorescence, and absorption experiments in the soft x-ray region of 100-1500eV is commissioned on a bending magnet port of the Indus-2 synchrotron source. A high vacuum 2-axis reflectometer with x, y, and z sample scanning stages is installed. This reflectometer is used to measure the reflectivity of large samples up to 300mm in length and 5kg in weight. This feature is useful for characterizing x-ray optical elements, such as mirrors, gratings, and multilayers. A flange mounted silicon drift detector is installed in the downstream of the reflectometer for soft x-ray fluorescence measurements. The soft x-ray absorption measurements are carried out in the total electron yield and partial fluorescence yield modes. Integration of three different experimental techniques in the experimental station makes the beamline versatile for materials science applications as it provides structural, chemical, and electronic state information by performing the required experiments in an identical environment. The beamline uses a varied line spacing plane grating monochromator and gives a high flux (∼109 to 1011 photon/s) with a moderate resolution (λ/Δλ ~1000-5000). A three-mirror-based higher harmonic setup is incorporated to get rid of harmonics and to get a high spectral purity monochromatic beam with less than 0.1% harmonic content. In the present article, the beamline optical scheme, mechanical configuration, and details of the experimental setups are presented, along with a few representative results of each experimental mode.

Lower-level oculomotor deficits in schizophrenia during multi-line reading: Evidence from return-sweeps.

Reading fluency deficits in schizophrenia (Sz) have been attributed to dysfunction in both lower-level, oculomotor processing and higher-level, lexical processing, according to the two-hit deficit model. Given that prior work examining reading deficits in individuals with Sz has primarily focused on single-line and single-word reading tasks, eye movements that are unique to passage reading, such as return-sweep saccades, have not yet been examined in Sz. Return-sweep saccades are large eye movements that are made when readers move from the end of one line to the beginning of the next line during natural passage reading. Examining return-sweeps provides an opportunity to examine lower-level, oculomotor deficits during reading under circumstances when upcoming higher-level, lexical information is not available for visual processing because visual acuity constraints do not permit detailed lexical processing of line-initial words when return-sweeps are programmed. To examine the source of reading deficits in Sz, we analysed an existing data set in which participants read multi-line passages with manipulations to line spacing. Readers with Sz made significantly more return-sweep targeting errors followed by corrective saccades compared with healthy controls. Both groups showed similar effects of line spacing on return-sweep targeting accuracy, suggesting similar sensitivities to visual crowding during reading. Furthermore, the patterns of fixation durations in readers with Sz corroborate prior work indicating reduced parafoveal processing of upcoming words. Together, these findings suggest that lower-level visual and oculomotor dysfunction contribute to reading deficits in Sz, providing support for the two-hit deficit model.

A Superhydrophobic Surface on a Superalloy Substrate with Properties of High Mechanical Strength and Self-Cleaning of Carbon Deposition.

Laser processing is an efficient method for fabricating a superhydrophobic surface and has attracted much attention due to its multifunctionality. However, excessive laser processing, such as laser beam overlap and multiple scans, generates both a thick, brittle recast layer and a thin material thickness, thereby greatly reducing the mechanical strength of the substrate. In addition, there is no report on fabricating a superhydrophobic surface on a superalloy substrate whose application includes a self-cleaning property. This work proposes the fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface on a superalloy substrate with high mechanical strength by optimizing the laser processing parameters including laser power, scanning speed, line spacing, and number of scans. We found that the microstructures required by superhydrophobicity could be constructed with a single laser scan. which could guarantee a minimal loss of the mechanical strength. The fabricated superhydrophobic surface on the superalloy substrate exhibited excellent self-cleaning of carbon deposition, showing good application potential in the aero engine field.

Identification of kynurenine and quinolinic acid as promising serum biomarkers for drug-induced interstitial lung diseases

BackgroundDrug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD) is a lung injury caused by various types of drugs and is a serious problem in both clinical practice and drug development. Clinical management of the condition would be improved if there were DILD-specific biomarkers available; this study aimed to meet that need.MethodsBiomarker candidates were identified by non-targeted metabolomics focusing on hydrophilic molecules, and further validated by targeted approaches using the serum of acute DILD patients, DILD recovery patients, DILD-tolerant patients, patients with other related lung diseases, and healthy controls.ResultsSerum levels of kynurenine and quinolinic acid (and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) were elevated significantly and specifically in acute DILD patients. The diagnostic potentials of these biomarkers were superior to those of conventional lung injury biomarkers, Krebs von den Lungen-6 and surfactant protein-D, in discriminating between acute DILD patients and patients with other lung diseases, including idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and lung diseases associated with connective tissue diseases. In addition to identifying and evaluating the biomarkers, our data showed that kynurenine/tryptophan ratios (an indicator of kynurenine pathway activation) were positively correlated with serum C-reactive protein concentrations in patients with DILD, suggesting the potential association between the generation of these biomarkers and inflammation. Our in vitro experiments demonstrated that macrophage differentiation and inflammatory stimulations typified by interferon gamma could activate the kynurenine pathway, resulting in enhanced kynurenine levels in the extracellular space in macrophage-like cell lines or lung endothelial cells. Extracellular quinolinic acid levels were elevated only in macrophage-like cells but not endothelial cells owing to the lower expression levels of metabolic enzymes converting kynurenine to quinolinic acid. These findings provide clues about the molecular mechanisms behind their specific elevation in the serum of acute DILD patients.ConclusionsThe serum concentrations of kynurenine and quinolinic acid as well as kynurenine/tryptophan ratios are promising and specific biomarkers for detecting and monitoring DILD and its recovery, which could facilitate accurate decisions for appropriate clinical management of patients with DILD.

Using graphic psychology and spatial design to intervene in balance coordination in patients with balance disorders

ABSTRACT Although there have been reports of potential correlations between balance function and the visual nerve, or between the visual nerve and the spatial environment, the interrelationship between the three remains blurred, particularly in terms of “how the spatial environment acts on human balance through its effects on visual and psychological states.” This study constructs the relationship between gait abnormalities, postural sway of balance disorder patients, and the environment using a qualitative study of literature analysis, and discusses the potential and possibilities of spatial intervention in assisting human balance. Findings: 1) most elderlies rated their sense of self-balance as moderate or poor, while fewer reported themselves as very poor; 2)it is possible to compensate for human dynamic equilibrium by grasping the relationship between spatial composition (visual space of points, lines, and surfaces) acting on the demand for visual and psychological equilibrium and may do so by influencing the relationship between the dominance of spatial elements (spatial planes, facades, floors, and furnishing combinations) on visual and psychological regulation. However, the complexity of the scene increases the visual cognitive load, which will increase the difficulty of visual involvement in equilibrium regulation, which in turn may affect the equilibrium mechanisms based on behavioral responses.

Low‐Roughness 3D‐Printed Surfaces by Ironing for the Integration with Printed Electronics

The roughness of 3D‐printed surfaces poses a challenge when integrating fused filament fabrication (FFF) printing with printed electronics, leading to inconsistencies and breaks in the circuit traces. To improve the surface roughness, an ironing toolpath is proposed. The ironing toolpath involves the hot nozzle going over the printed surface with finer line spacing, remelting the surface to fill gaps, and creating a smooth finish. For further optimization, various ironing parameters are investigated including flow, speed, line spacing, and temperature. A wide range of materials is tested, including commonly used low‐temperature filaments (polylactic acid, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and high‐temperature filaments (polysulfone, polyetherimide, polyether ether ketone) suitable for integration with printed electronics and medical applications. To collect the extensive datasets, an automated measurement system is deployed. With this method, surface roughness reductions of up to 96.6% are achieved and significant trends are identified. Lastly, the integration of 3D printing with electronics is demonstrated by printing a high‐resolution strain gauge structure on top of an ironed surface and embedding it into fully printed tweezers which can be used in medical robotics. The insights on ironing extend beyond electronics and can also be valuable in other areas where low surface roughness of FFF‐printed parts is required.

Highly efficient and aberration-free off-plane grating spectrometer and monochromator for EUV—soft X-ray applications

We demonstrate a novel flat-field, dual-optic imaging EUV—soft X-ray spectrometer and monochromator that attains an unprecedented throughput efficiency exceeding 60% by design, along with a superb spectral resolution of λ/Δλ > 200 accomplished without employing variable line spacing gratings. Exploiting the benefits of the conical diffraction geometry, the optical system is globally optimized in multidimensional parameter space to guarantee optimal imaging performance over a broad spectral range while maintaining circular and elliptical polarization states at the first, second, and third diffraction orders. Moreover, our analysis indicates minimal temporal dispersion, with pulse broadening confined within 80 fs tail-to-tail and an FWHM value of 29 fs, which enables ultrafast spectroscopic and pump-probe studies with femtosecond accuracy. Furthermore, the spectrometer can be effortlessly transformed into a monochromator spanning the EUV—soft X-ray spectral region using a single grating with an aberration-free spatial profile. Such capability allows coherent diffractive imaging applications to be conducted with highly monochromatic light in a broad spectral range and extended to the soft X-ray region with minimal photon loss, thus facilitating state-of-the-art imaging of intricate nano- and bio-systems, with a significantly enhanced spatiotemporal resolution, down to the nanometer–femtosecond level.