Submillimeter Range Research Articles

Generation of Electromagnetic Oscillations of Submillimeter Range by GazIn1 – zAs Diodes Using Impact Ionization

Generation of Electromagnetic Oscillations of Submillimeter Range by GazIn1 – zAs Diodes Using Impact Ionization

Physiological invitro sacroiliac joint motion: a study on three-dimensional posterior pelvic ring kinematics.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a well-known source of low back and pelvic pain, of increasing interest for both conservative and surgical treatment. Alterations in the kinematics of the pelvis have been hypothesized as a major cause of SIJ-related pain. However, definitions of both the range and the extent of physiological movement are controversial, and there are no clear baseline data for pathological alterations. The present study combined a novel biomechanical setup allowing for physiological motion of the lumbosacral transition and pelvis without restricting the SIJ movement invitro, combined with optical image correlation. Six fresh human pelvises (81±10years, three females, three males) were tested, with bodyweight-adapted loading applied to the fifth lumbar vertebra and both acetabula. Deformation at the lumbopelvises was determined computationally from three-dimensional image correlation data. Sacroiliac joint motion under the loading of 100% bodyweight primarily consisted of a z-axis rotation (0.16°) and an inferior translation of the sacrum relative to the ilium (0.32mm). Sacroiliac joint flexion-extension rotations were minute (<0.02°). Corresponding movements of the SIJ were found at the lumbosacral transition, with an anterior translation of L5 relative to the sacrum of -0.97mm and an inferior translation of 0.11mm, respectively. Moreover, a flexion of 1.82° was observed at the lumbosacral transition. Within the innominate bone and at the pubic symphysis, small complementary rotations were seen around a vertical axis, accounting for -0.10° and 0.11°, respectively. Other motions were minute and accompanied by large interindividual variation. The present study provides evidence of different SIJ motions than reported previously when exerted by physiological loading. Sacroiliac joint kinematics were in the sub-degree and sub-millimeter range, in line with previous invivo and invitro findings, largely limited to the sagittal rotation and an inferior translation of the sacrum relative to the ilium. This given physiological loading scenario underlines the relevance of the lumbosacral transition when considering the overall motion of the lumbopelvis, and how relatively little the other segments contribute to overall motion.

Enhanced diffraction efficiency of two-dimensional phase gratings.

Phase gratings are used as beam multiplexers in the submillimeter and Terahertz spectral range. Two-dimensional beam arrangements can often be obtained most easily by the superposition of two one-dimensional grating structures. We show that in general this approach does not yield the maximum grating efficiency and propose a method to obtain significantly higher efficiencies for this grating class.

New Frontiers in Modern Resonator Spectroscopy

New opportunities due to the advancements in the techniques and methods of broadband resonator spectroscopy in the millimeter and submillimeter range (also known as the terahertz region) are considered in this paper. An upgraded variant of the spectrometer produced at the Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) possessing a sensitivity to the absorption coefficient of approximately 4 × 10−9 cm−1 is presented. The spectrometer allows the continuous recording of gas spectra in the 45–500 GHz frequency range (six waveguide subbands) at pressures of 10–1000 torr. A fully automated spectrum recording within the waveguide subband reduces the overall time required for the experiment by almost an order of magnitude. Examples of recording the spectra of oxygen and water vapor resonance lines, as well as of continuum absorption, including the rotationally resolved water dimer spectrum, are presented. It is demonstrated that the uncertainty of measuring the broadening parameter of diagnostic atmospheric lines may be reduced to 0.1%, which meets the stringent present-day requirements of remote sensing of the atmosphere. The physically attainable ultimate sensitivity of broadband microwave resonator spectrometers of various types is discussed. Prospects for further development of the spectrometer and its application for solving fundamental and applied problems of spectroscopy are analyzed.

Digital compensation of the sideband-rejection ratio in a fully analog 2SB sub-millimeter receiver

Context. In observational radio astronomy, sideband-separating receivers are preferred, particularly under high atmospheric noise, which is usually the case in the sub-millimeter range. However, obtaining a good rejection ratio between the two sidebands is difficult since, unavoidably, imbalances in the different analog components appear. Aims. We describe a method to correct these imbalances without making any change in the analog part of the sideband-separating receiver, specifically, keeping the intermediate-frequency (IF) hybrid in place. This opens the possibility of implementing the method in any existing receiver. Methods. (i) We have built hardware to demonstrate the validity of the method and tested it on a fully analog receiver operating between 600 and 720 GHz. (ii) We have tested the stability of calibration and performance versus time and after full resets of the receiver. (iii) We have performed an error analysis to compare the digital compensation in two configurations of analog receivers, with and without intermediate-frequency hybrid. Results. (i) An average compensated sideband-rejection ratio of 46 dB is obtained. (ii) Degradation of the compensated sideband rejection ratio on time and after several resets of the receiver is minimal. (iii) A receiver with an IF hybrid is more robust to systematic errors. Moreover, we have shown that the intrinsic random errors in calibration have the same impact for configuration without IF hybrid and for a configuration with IF hybrid with analog rejection ratio better than 10 dB. Conclusions. We demonstrate that compensated rejection ratios above 40 dB are obtained even in the presence of high analog rejection. Further, we demonstrate that the method is robust allowing its use under normal operational conditions at any telescope. We also demonstrate that a full analog receiver is more robust against systematic errors. Finally, the error bars associated with the compensated rejection ratio are almost independent of whether IF hybrid is present or not.

Fabrication of Bevel Structures by Means of the Spatial Gradient of Ion Dose in Ar Gas Cluster Ion Beam and Its Unique Characteristics

AbstractFor the accurate characterization of organic layered structures, a novel methodology to fabricate the bevel structure is suggested by utilizing the argon cluster ion‐beam sputtering (Ar GCIB), namely, little chemical damage to the organic material and a spatial gradient of ion dose in the sub‐millimeter range. The Ar GCIB sputtering settings are elaborately tuned on the basis of the Faraday/target current, and its optimization condition for preparing the bevel structure is determined. As a standard sample, an organic bevel structure is manufactured from the organic layered structure of C60/boron subphthalocyanine chloride/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) films, and their molecular distributions and chemical/electronic structures are investigated using various analytical techniques, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and matrix‐free ultraviolet‐laser desorption/ionization. Every experimental result demonstrates clearly that the bevel structure prepared by the method keeps its original molecular distribution and chemical structure. On the contrary, conventional etching techniques such as Ar+ ion beam, focused ion beam, and ion milling cause critical distortion in chemical information without exception. Ultimately, the suggested method, a unique way to prepare a damage‐free organic bevel structure, widens the availability of analytical techniques that have limitations in spatial or depth resolution.

An atlas of larval organogenesis in the European shore crab Carcinus maenas L. (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae)

BackgroundThe life history stages of brachyuran crustaceans include pelagic larvae of the Zoea type which grow by a series of moults from one instar to the next. Zoeae actively feed and possess a wide range of organ systems necessary for autonomously developing in the plankton. They also display a rich behavioural repertoire that allows for responses to variations in environmental key factors such as light, hydrostatic pressure, tidal currents, and temperature. Brachyuran larvae have served as distinguished models in the field of Ecological Developmental Biology fostering our understanding of diverse ecophysiological aspects such as phenotypic plasticity, carry-over effects on life-history traits, and adaptive mechanisms that enhance tolerance to fluctuations in environmental abiotic factors. In order to link such studies to the level of tissues and organs, this report analyses the internal anatomy of laboratory-reared larvae of the European shore crab Carcinus maenas. This species has a native distribution extending across most European waters and has attracted attention because it has invaded five temperate geographic regions outside of its native range and therefore can serve as a model to analyse thermal tolerance of species affected by rising sea temperatures as an effect of climate change.ResultsHere, we used X-ray micro-computed tomography combined with 3D reconstruction to describe organogenesis in brachyuran larvae. We provide a detailed atlas of the larval internal organization to complement existing descriptions of its external morphology. In a multimethodological approach, we also used cuticular autofluorescence and classical histology to analyse the anatomy of selected organ systems.ConclusionsMuch of our fascination for the anatomy of brachyuran larvae stems from the opportunity to observe a complex organism on a single microscopic slide and the realization that the entire decapod crustacean bauplan unfolds from organ anlagen compressed into a miniature organism in the sub-millimetre range. The combination of imaging techniques used in the present study provides novel insights into the bewildering diversity of organ systems that brachyuran larvae possess. Our analysis may serve as a basis for future studies bridging the fields of evolutionary developmental biology and ecological developmental biology.

TMS-induced neuronal plasticity enables targeted remodeling of visual cortical maps

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become a popular clinical method to modify cortical processing. The events underlying TMS-induced functional changes remain, however, largely unknown because current noninvasive recording methods lack spatiotemporal resolution or are incompatible with the strong TMS-associated electrical field. In particular, an answer to the question of how the relatively unspecific nature of TMS stimulation leads to specific neuronal reorganization, as well as a detailed picture of TMS-triggered reorganization of functional brain modules, is missing. Here we used real-time optical imaging in an animal experimental setting to track, at submillimeter range, TMS-induced functional changes in visual feature maps over several square millimeters of the brain's surface. We show that high-frequency TMS creates a transient cortical state with increased excitability and increased response variability, which opens a time window for enhanced plasticity. Visual stimulation (i.e., 30 min of passive exposure) with a single orientation applied during this TMS-induced permissive period led to enlarged imprinting of the chosen orientation on the visual map across visual cortex. This reorganization was stable for hours and was characterized by a systematic shift in orientation preference toward the trained orientation. Thus, TMS can noninvasively trigger a targeted large-scale remodeling of fundamentally mature functional architecture in early sensory cortex.

Searching for metastable particles with sub-millimeter displaced vertices at hadron colliders

A variety of new-physics models predict metastable particles whose decay length is ≲ 1 mm. Conventional displaced-vertex searches are less sensitive to this sub-millimeter decay range, and thus such metastable particles have been looked for only in usual prompt decay searches. In this paper, we show that an additional event-selection cut based on the vertex reconstruction using charged tracks considerably improves the sensitivity of ordinary searches which rely only on kinematic selection criteria, for particles with a decay length of ≳ 100 μm. To that end, we consider a metastable gluino as an example, and study the impact of this new event-selection cut on gluino searches at the LHC by simulating both the signal and Standard Model background processes. Uncertainty of the displaced-vertex reconstruction due to the limited resolution of track reconstruction is taken into account. We also discuss possibilities for optimization of the kinematic selection criteria, which takes advantage of significant reduction of background through the requirement of displaced vertices. In addition, we demonstrate that using the method discussed in this paper it is possible to measure the lifetime of metastable particles with an mathcal{O}(1) accuracy at the high-luminosity LHC. Implications for a future 100 TeV collider are also studied, where produced particles tend to be more boosted and thus it is easier to detect the longevity of metastable particles.

High-resolution multimodal flexible coherent Raman endoscope

Coherent Raman scattering microscopy is a fast, label-free, and chemically specific imaging technique that shows high potential for future in vivo optical histology. However, the imaging depth in tissues is limited to the sub-millimeter range because of absorption and scattering. Realization of coherent Raman imaging using a fiber endoscope system is a crucial step towards imaging deep inside living tissues and providing information that is inaccessible with current microscopy tools. Until now, the development of coherent Raman endoscopy has been hampered by several issues, mainly related to the fiber delivery of the excitation pulses and signal collection. Here, we present a flexible, compact, coherent Raman, and multimodal nonlinear endoscope (4.2 mm outer diameter, 71 mm rigid length) based on a resonantly scanned hollow-core Kagomé-lattice double-clad fiber. The fiber design enables distortion-less, background-free delivery of femtosecond excitation pulses and back-collection of nonlinear signals through the same fiber. Sub-micrometer spatial resolution over a large field of view is obtained by combination of a miniature objective lens with a silica microsphere lens inserted into the fiber core. We demonstrate high-resolution, high-contrast coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and second harmonic generation endoscopic imaging of biological tissues over a field of view of 320 µm at a rate of 0.8 frames per second. These results pave the way for intraoperative label-free imaging applied to real-time histopathology diagnosis and surgery guidance.

Ordered Three Dimensional Electrodes for Enhanced Mass Transfer

Over the last decade, the use of nanotechnology in electrochemical catalysis has become extreme popular [1]. Sole electrocatalytic nanoparticles, however, do not yet constitute an electrode. Hence, deposition on a conducting support structure is indispensable. While the electrocatalytic activity is in general well understood using typical electrochemical techniques such as cyclic and linear voltammetry whether or not coupled with controlled mass transfer conditions like rotating disk electrodes, the impact of concentration polarization is often neglected. Operating under current limiting regime, mass transfer enhancement in electrochemical reactors is a key factor not only for current density but also for the selectivity and stability [2]. Inducing convective transport, however, is limited to the incorporation of turbulence promoters. Either stating an increase in inter-electrode distance or a large power dissipation to pump the feed. Looking at electrochemical reactors (e.g. fuel cell, chloor-alkali process, water electrolyzer) the conductive support typically consist of a flat substrate with the electrolyte flowing sideways along the electrode [3]. Inevitably a stagnant boundary layer arises which reacting species have to surpass to reach the electrocatalytic surface, even when using turbulence promotors. As transport across this stagnant layer is solely due to diffusion it has a major impact on the mass transfer resistance and concomitantly on the position of the limiting current plateau. However, when the electrode is no longer considered as a flat substrate a plethora of options arise, where not only the surface area can be increased, but also where the electrode itself can provoke mixing effects, reducing this boundary layer. In the present work such integrated mixer and electrode configurations have been constructed and evaluated using additive manufacturing technology. Doing so these electrode mixers shift the limiting current plateau with over 70%. At the one hand this is attributed due to shear forces reducing the stagnant boundary layer, at the other hand as no longer a turbulence promotor or even a spacer is required the inter-electrode distance can be reduced to sub-millimeter range, having a beneficial impact on the ohmic resistance.

Photosensitive naturally derived resins toward optical 3-D printing

Recent advances in material engineering have shown that renewable raw materials, such as plant oils or glycerol, can be applied for synthesis of polymers due to ready availability, inherent biodegradability, limited toxicity, and existence of modifiable functional groups and eventually resulting to a potentially lower cost. After additional chemical modifications (epoxidation, acrylation, double bonds metathesis, etc.), they can be applied in such high-tech areas as stereolithography, which allows fabrication of three-dimensional (3-D) objects. “Autodesk’s” 3-D optical printer “Ember” using 405-nm light was implemented for dynamic projection lithography. It enabled straightforward spatio-selective photopolymerization on demand, which allows development of various photosensitive materials. The bio-based resins’ photosensitivity was compared to standard “Autodesk” “PR48” and “Formlabs” “Clear” materials. It turned out that the bioresins need a higher energy dose to be cured (a least 16 J · cm − 2 for a single layer varying from 100 to 130 μm). Despite this, submillimeter range 2.5-D structural features were formed, and their morphology was assessed by optical profilometer and scanning electron microscope. It was revealed that a higher exposition dose (up to 26 J · cm − 2) results in a linear increase in the formed structures height, proving controllability of the undergoing process. Overall, the provided results show that naturally derived resins are suitable candidates for tabletop gray-tone lithography.

Accurate millimetre and submillimetre rest frequencies for cis- and trans-dithioformic acid, HCSSH

Context. A better understanding of sulphur chemistry is needed to solve the interstellar sulphur depletion problem. A way to achieve this goal is to study new S-bearing molecules in the laboratory, obtaining accurate rest frequencies for an astronomical search. We focus on dithioformic acid, HCSSH, which is the sulphur analogue of formic acid. Aims. The aim of this study is to provide an accurate line list of the two HCSSH trans and cis isomers in their electronic ground state and a comprehensive centrifugal distortion analysis with an extension of measurements in the millimetre and submillimetre range. Methods. We studied the two isomers in the laboratory using an absorption spectrometer employing the frequency-modulation technique. The molecules were produced directly within a free-space cell by glow discharge of a gas mixture. We measured lines belonging to the electronic ground state up to 478 GHz, with a total number of 204 and 139 new rotational transitions, respectively, for trans and cis isomers. The final dataset also includes lines in the centimetre range available from literature. Results. The extension of the measurements in the mm and submm range lead to an accurate set of rotational and centrifugal distortion parameters. This allows us to predict frequencies with estimated uncertainties as low as 5 kHz at 1 mm wavelength. Hence, the new dataset provided by this study can be used for astronomical search.

Facile large-area autofocusing Raman mapping system for 2D material characterization.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted tremendous research interests due to their intriguing properties and promising applications. As one of the most typical 2D material characterization methods, however, the conventional Raman mapping only works within few-hundreds micrometers range at a time due to the focus depth constraint and the non-ideal level of the substrate. To implement wafer-scale Raman scanning, large-area autofocusing Raman mapping (LARM) is highly desirable. Here, we present a modified centroid method to build a facile LARM system in which the Raman excitation laser is employed as the focus laser, reducing the system cost and complexity. Based on identifying the shape of the semicircle laser reflection image, a self-written autofocusing algorithm allows a real-time adjusting the focus position during the large-scale scanning. As a state-of-the-art demonstration, the thickness distribution of both few layer WS2 triangle domains sparsely located in sub-millimeter range and polycrystalline continuous MoS2 film up to 2-inch scale can be well-revealed. Our results may shed light on wafer-scale nondestructive optical characterization of 2D materials.

Recent progress in testing Newtonian inverse square law at short range

Many theoretical speculations assume that the Newtonian inverse square law (ISL) needs to be modified in short range, such as the modifications due to gravitation propagating in extra dimensions and the hypothetical interactions mediated by bosons predicted by the physics beyond the standard model. High precision tests of the non-Newtonian gravitational forces are important for verifying the proposed models and help us to further understand gravity. Scientists have performed many tests in different interaction ranges by using different techniques and have not find any nonNewtonian gravitational force up to now. Adopting a gap modulation scheme, the experimental group in Huazhong University of Science and Technology had accomplished the tests of ISL in the millimeter and submillimeter range with torsional balance. The experiment in the millimeter range set the strongest constraints on the Yukawa-type violation from ISL. Recently, they have conducted two other tests in the submillimeter and micrometer range by modulating the density of the source attractor. In the submillimeter range, torsional balance is used to measure the torque acting on the pendulum by a rotating density modulated source attractor. The Newtonian gravitational torque at the frequency of interest is suppressed below the thermal noise of the pendulum by a dual compensation design, whereas the nonNewtonian gravitational torque is preserved if it exists, so that a “Null” test can be realized. The experimental system is verified by comparing the theoretical torque with the measured one when intentionally shifting the attractor away from the position for “Null” test. The strongest constraints on the Yukawa-type violation are achieved in a range of 70-300 μm in this experiment. In the micrometer range, an isoelectronic test of the non-Newtonian forces is performed by sensing the lateral force between a gold sphere and a density modulated source attractor by using a soft cantilever. The attractor is fabricated based on silicon-on-insulator wafer to make its surface isoelectronic and possess a density modulated structure underneath. Two-dimensional (2D) mapping of the force signal indicates that the experimental sensitivity is mainly limited by the electrostatic force arising from the surface patch charges. We analyze the 2D mapping data by using maximum likelihood estimation method and set constraints on the Yukawa-type non-Newtonian gravitational forces without subtracting the model-dependent Casimir force or electrostatic force background. Both experiments show no sign of the non-Newtonian gravitational force, and further experiments with high precision are required to explore the unconstrained parameter space.

Motion capture system validation with surveying techniques

Motion capture systems are widely used in biomechanics, thus users must consider system errors when evaluating their results. The usually applied validation techniques of these systems are based on relative distance measurements. In contrast, our study aimed to analyse the absolute volume accuracy of an optical motion capture system composed of 18 OptiTrack Flex13 cameras with external reference points that were calibrated using surveying methods. Calibration was based on a geodetic reference network. We demonstrated the benefits of using this method compared to the validation based on relative distance measurements, and we determined the absolute accuracy that describes the difference between the reference and measured coordinates of the markers from the geodetic and OptiTrack coordinate systems, respectively. Camera number dependency of precision expressed by the static detection noise of the marker coordinates was also quantified. The absolute accuracy provided a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.735 mm owing to improper extrinsic calibration, a scaling error that is undetected by conventional validation techniques. The observed noise was in a sub-millimeter range, and showed progressive improvement up to 15 cameras.

Analysis of contact mechanics in micro flexible rolling

Micro flexible rolling is a new microforming method by online controlling and adjusting the roll gap to make various strip thickness in the submillimeter range. The micro flexibly rolled strips can be divided into three zones of the thicker zone, the thinner zone and the transition zone after experiencing the upward and downward rolling processes. However, it is tough to achieve the final target thickness especially in the transition zone due to a number of issues relating to the contact mechanics such as the change in the central neutral point/zone, the touch at the edges of the work rolls, the elastic deformation of the work rolls, the roll bite arc modifications in real time and the tribological conditions. All of these factors have significant influences on flatness, profile and surface finish of the rolled products, as well as the rolling forces. In the current work, a new model has been developed in order to clarify the micro flexible rolling process. This model considers a non-circular contact arc which includes an elastic loading region at the start of the roll gap, a plastic reduction region with backward slip, a central flattened region without slip, the plastic reduction region with forward slip, and an elastic unloading region at the end of the roll gap. In this study, the effect of speed ratio (the ratio of the lifting speed and the rolling speed) on the dimensions and the rolling forces along the transition zones is investigated. The contact mechanics in the micro flexible rolling are systematically analysed. The simulation results are found to be in line with the experimental ones, which means that the developed model with high precision is suitable for the analysis of the micro flexible rolling process.

Development and application of methods to characterize micro semi-finished products and micro components

In the production of semi-finished products for the production of microcomponents and the components themselves, the characterization of their physical properties is of particular importance. Due to the often oligocrystalline character of these semi-finished products and components, it is necessary to use a suitable testing technique for static and dynamic investigations, as the mechanical properties are not transferable from the macroscopic point of view. In addition, the micro semi-finished products and components often show inhomogeneities induced by the manufacturing process. On the one hand, these are directly reflected in the microstructure and on the other hand they have an effect on quantities such as hardness or residual stresses, which play a decisive role in the application. Mechanical testing, conventional metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), ultra-microhardness testing and X-ray residual stress analysis were used as measuring and analysis techniques suitable for the sub-millimeter range. In the following, the possibilities and limitations of two these methods are illustrated using the example of mechanical testing and EBSD. In this paper several examples for possible characterization techniques are given.

Achievable tolerances in robotic feature machining operations using a low-cost hexapod

Portable robotic machine tools potentially allow feature machining processes to be brought to large parts in various industries, creating an opportunity for capital expenditure and operating cost reduction. However, robots lack the machining capability of conventional equipment, which ultimately results in dimensional errors in parts. This work showcases a low-cost hexapod-based robotic machine tool and presents experimental research conducted to investigate how the widely researched robotic machining challenges, e.g. structural dynamics and kinematics, translate to achievable tolerance ranges in real-world production to highlight currently feasible applications and provide a context for considering technology improvements. Machining trials assess the total dimensional errors in the final part over multiple geometries. A key finding is error variation which is in the sub-millimetre range, although, in some cases, upper tolerance limits < 100 μ m are achieved. Practical challenges are also noted. Most significantly, it is demonstrated that dimensional machining error is mainly systematic in nature and therefore that the total error can be dramatically reduced with in situ measurement and compensation. Potential is therefore found to achieve a flexible, high-performance robotic machining capability despite complex and diverse underlying scientific challenges. Overall, the work presented highlights achievable tolerances in low-cost robotic machining and opportunities for improvement, also providing a practical benchmark useful for process selection.

Far-infrared observations of a massive cluster forming in the Monoceros R2 filament hub⋆.

We present far-infrared observations of Monoceros R2 (a giant molecular cloud at approximately 830 pc distance, containing several sites of active star formation), as observed at 70 μm, 160 μm, 250 μm, 350 μm, and 500 μm by the Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS) and Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) instruments on the Herschel Space Observatory as part of the Herschel imaging survey of OB young stellar objects (HOBYS) Key programme. The Herschel data are complemented by SCUBA-2 data in the submillimetre range, and WISE and Spitzer data in the mid-infrared. In addition, C18O data from the IRAM 30-m Telescope are presented, and used for kinematic information. Sources were extracted from the maps with getsources, and from the fluxes measured, spectral energy distributions were constructed, allowing measurements of source mass and dust temperature. Of 177 Herschel sources robustly detected in the region (a detection with high signal-to-noise and low axis ratio at multiple wavelengths), including protostars and starless cores, 29 are found in a filamentary hub at the centre of the region (a little over 1% of the observed area). These objects are on average smaller, more massive, and more luminous than those in the surrounding regions (which together suggest that they are at a later stage of evolution), a result that cannot be explained entirely by selection effects. These results suggest a picture in which the hub may have begun star formation at a point significantly earlier than the outer regions, possibly forming as a result of feedback from earlier star formation. Furthermore, the hub may be sustaining its star formation by accreting material from the surrounding filaments.