Stabilization System Research Articles

Comparison of Three Internal Fixation Constructs for AO/OTA 33-A3 Distal Femoral Fractures: A Biomechanical Study

Background: To compare the biomechanical performance of three internal fixation constructs for AO/OTA 33-A3 distal femoral fractures. Methods: Thirty AO/OTA 33-A3 synthetic distal femoral fracture models were constructed and randomly divided into three groups. Group A (dual-plate construct) was fixed with a medial locking plate combined with a less invasive stabilization system (LISS). Group B was fixed with a retrograde femoral nail (RFN) combined with an LISS (RFN + LISS construct), and Group C was fixed with a retrograde tibial nail (RTN) combined with an LISS (RTN + LISS construct). The axial displacement, axial stiffness, torsional displacement, torsional stiffness and maximum failure load of different internal fixation constructs were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: In the axial compression test, the average stiffness of Group C was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B, and the average displacement of Group C was significantly smaller than that of Groups A and B. In the torsion test, the torsion degree of Group C was significantly lower than that of Groups A and B, and Group C had a higher torsional stiffness than Groups A and B. In the axial compression failure test, the average ultimate load (a displacement greater than 5 mm) of Group C was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B. Conclusion: The biomechanical strength of the RTN combined with a plate is higher than that of the RFN combined with plate and dual-plate constructs, which can be used as an internal fixation option for the treatment of comminuted distal femoral fractures.

STEWART PLATFORM MULTIDIMENSIONAL TRACKING CONTROL SYSTEM SYNTHESIS

Context. Creating guaranteed competitive motion control systems for complex multidimensional moving objects, including unstable ones, that operate under random controlled and uncontrolled disturbing factors, with minimal design costs, is one of the main requirements for achieving success in this class devices market. Additionally, to meet modern demands for the accuracy of motion control processes along a specified or programmed trajectory, it is essential to synthesize an optimal control system based on experimental data obtained under conditions closely approximating the real operating mode of the test object. Objective. The research presented in this article aims to synthesize an optimal tracking control system for the Stewart platform’s working surface motion, taking into account its multidimensional dynamic model. Method. The article employs a method of a multidimensional tracking control system structural transformation into an equivalent stabilization system for the motion of a multidimensional control object. It also utilizes an algorithm for synthesizing optimal stabilization systems for dynamic objects, whether stable or not, under stationary random external disturbances. The justified algorithm for synthesizing optimal stochastic stabilization systems is constructed using operations such as addition and multiplication of polynomial and fractional-rational matrices, Wiener factorization, Wiener separation of fractional-rational matrices, and the calculation of dispersion integrals. Results. As a result of the conducted research, the problem of defining the concept of analytical design for a Stewart platform’s optimal motion control system has been formalized. The results include the derived transformation equations from the tracking control system to the equivalent stabilization system of the Stewart platform’s working surface motion. Furthermore, the structure and parameters of the main controller transfer function matrix for of this control system have been determined. Conclusions. The justified use of the analytical design concept for the Stewart platform’s working surface optimal motion control system formalizes and significantly simplifies the solution to the problem of synthesizing complex dynamic systems, applying the developed technology presented in [1]. The obtained structure and parameters of the Stewart platform’s working surface motion control system main controller, which is divided into three components W1, W2, and W3, improve the tracking quality of the program signal vector, account for the cross-connections within the Stewart platform, and increase the accuracy of executing the specified trajectory by increasing the degrees of freedom in choosing the controller structure

Stabilization system for solar loading thermography applied on cultural heritage objects exposed outdoors: the contribution of advanced algorithms and dual-branch U-Net

AbstractThis study investigates the use of solar loading thermography (SLT) for thermal non-destructive testing (TNDT) and image stabilization of cultural heritage objects, specifically focusing on a century-old ancient book. The irregular contours and deteriorated areas of the book posed significant challenges for feature extraction due to non-uniform temperature variations. To address these challenges, a convolutional neural network (CNN) based dual-branch network of U-Net was used to stabilize the dataset across three degrees of freedom with the ancient book. The stabilization process involved tracking feature lines across each frame of the time-domain datasets, correcting for frame misalignment caused by sample movement during prolonged data acquisition. The effectiveness of this stabilization technique was evaluated by comparing the results of principal component analysis (PCA), fast Fourier transform (FFT), and fast iterative filtering (FIF) algorithms before and after stabilization. Significant improvements were observed, particularly in the clarity and accuracy of defect detection, indicating that this technique provides a robust foundation for further analysis and processing of SLT datasets in cultural heritage preservation. This research demonstrates the potential of combining advanced image processing techniques with SLT to enhance the quality and reliability of NDT in preserving valuable historical artifacts.

Development of a control algorithm for a boost converter with the possibility of dynamic correction of control system parameters

RELEVANCE of the study lies in the development of an algorithm for controlling a DC voltage converter capable of providing a high-quality transient process with a wide change in the input parameters of the control object, affecting its nonlinear properties. purpose. THE PURPOSE. To consider methods for the development of continuous and discrete control systems for a step-up DC voltage converter and to obtain an analytical dependence of accounting for the nonlinear properties of the converter that affect the quality of regulation of the output voltage of the voltage stabilizer METHODS. The method of the average geometric root was chosen as a method for calculating the coefficients of the DC voltage converter control system, and the current circuit is adjusted using the technical optimum method, and the voltage circuit using the symmetric optimum method. The obtained analytical solutions of mathematical models and simulation models were compared in the SimInTech software environment. results. RESULTS. The simulation results show that the analytical solution of the mathematical model of the voltage stabilization system has a shorter transition time than the simulation results. This is due to the fact that in the mathematical model according to which the continuous control algorithm was synthesized, the presence of a power input filter, as well as the degree of their precharge, is not taken into account. Because of this, the transition time on simulation models is slower, applied 4 times than in the mathematical model. conclusion. CONCLUSION. When comparing the algorithms with each other, it can be seen that the algorithm obtained by converting a continuous algorithm by the Tusten method has the shortest transition time than all other algorithms. The continuous algorithm and the algorithm obtained by the inverse Euler transformation method have a speed close to each other, and the algorithm obtained by the direct Euler transformation turns out to be the slowest.

Novel visible-light-driven antibacterial film grafted with 3,3,4,4-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BPTCA) for chilled meats preservation

To improve long-term stability and low-toxicity active packaging systems, three visible-light-driven antibacterial packaging films from chitosan (CS), silk fibroin (SF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 3,3,4,4-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid (BPTCA) were fabricated in this study. First, CS/PVA, SF/PVA and CS/SF/PVA films by solution casting method, and enhance their water solubility by glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking to obtain CS/PVA-G, SF/PVA-G and CS/SF/PVA-G. Then, BPTCA was covalently immobilized onto CS/PVA-G, SF/PVA-G and CS/SF/PVA-G through the esterification to obtain CS/PVA-B, SF/PVA-B and CS/SF/PVA-B, respectively. The chemical structure, photophysical properties, and antibacterial capacities are characterized. The FTIR revealed that BPTCA is covalently grafted with the polymer matrix via ester bond. Furthermore, grafting of BPTCA enhanced the film's UV-blocking, decreased water contact angle, water vapor permeability, and possessed moderate mechanical properties. Meanwhile, CS/SF/PVA-B has the best reactive oxygen species generation ability and antibacterial activity (against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis), and can recycle four times, overall migration value of BPTCA was within the limits of 10 mg/dm2. We apply CS/SF/PVA-B films combined with palletized packaging to different chilled-meat preservation applications, and measure physicochemical changes and microbial counts. Shelf lives of chilled mutton are extended by 3 d and chicken by 6 d, compared with controls without CS/SF/PVA-B film. A covalent immobilized visible-light-driven antibacterial packaging may improve the long-term quality of chilled meats.

Numerical Optimization of Functionally Graded Ti-HAP Material for Tibial Bone Fixation System

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are heterogeneous composites characterized by outstanding properties. They are built from two or more components with a gradient distribution of chemical composition along a given direction. A promising graded material for biomedical engineering as an implant could be a FGM made of titanium (Ti) and hydroxyapatite (HAP). It would allow us to counteract the difference between the stiffness modulus of pure titanium and bone tissue. Moreover, it can be a good solution to the problem of stress shielding for bone fixation plates made of conventional titanium or steel. The presented paper aims to perform micromechanical modeling and optimization of a functionally Ti-HAP graded plate, followed by numerical analysis of a fractured tibia stabilization system under specific boundary conditions. Finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS Workbench 2021 software. The models of the FGM plate and tibial fixation system were made using the Space Claim tool. The ANSYS software allowed the optimization of the model considered and the selection of the appropriate structural parameters of the FGM Ti-HAP material. In general, the results proved that the osteosynthesis plate built of graded Ti-HAP material resulted in lower bone stress compared to titanium and steel plates. The results obtained confirmed the validity of the design and the possibility to use functionally graded Ti-HAP bone fixation plates.

The phosphodiester dissociative hydrolysis of a DNA model promoted by metal dications.

Phosphodiester bonds, which form the backbone of DNA, are highly stable in the absence of catalysts. This stability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of genetic information. However, when exposed to catalytic agents, these bonds become susceptible to cleavage. In this study, we investigated the role of different metal dications (Ca2⁺, Mg2⁺, Zn2⁺, Mn2⁺, and Cu2⁺) in promoting the hydrolysis of phosphodiester bonds. A minimal DNA model was constructed using two pyrimidine nucleobases (cytosine and thymine), two deoxyribose units, one phosphate group, and one metallic dication coordinated by six water molecules. The results highlight that Cu2⁺ is the most efficient in lowering the energy barrier for bond cleavage, with an energy barrier of 183kJ/mol, compared to higher barriers for metals like Zn2⁺ (202kJ/mol), Mn2⁺ (202kJ/mol), Mg2⁺ (210kJ/mol), and Ca2⁺ (223kJ/mol). Understanding the interaction between these metal ions and phosphodiester bonds offers insight into DNA stability and organic data storage systems. DFT calculations were employed using Gaussian 16 software, applying the B3LYP hybrid functional with def2-SVP basis sets and GD3BJ dispersion corrections. Full geometry optimizations were performed for the initial and transition states, followed by identifying energy barriers associated with phosphodiester bond cleavage. The optimization criteria included maximum force, root-mean-square force, displacement, and energy convergence thresholds.

Vitamin B Complex Encapsulation in Bacterial Nanocellulose: A Novel System for Heat and Chemical Stabilization in Food Products

Bacterial nanocellulose has been commonly used as a gelling or stabilizing agent in the food industry and as an excipient in pharmacology. However, due to its physical and chemical properties, such as its high degradation temperature and the ease with which it can interact with other molecules, bacterial nanocellulose has been established as a material with great potential for the protection of bioactive compounds. This research shows the capacity of bacterial nanocellulose to establish interactions with B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and B12) through different sorption isotherms, mainly by means of the BET, GAB and TSS models. First, the degradation of the vitamin B complex, which mostly occurs upon heating, is minimized in the presence of BNC, herein proposed as a thermal stabilizer. Secondly, BNC is shown to bind to micronutrients and act as dietary fiber. BNC acts as a thickening and water-binding agent. The effects of BNC are determined to occur as an encapsulation system that facilitates affinity adsorption in mono- and multilayers. Finally, bacterial nanocellulose was used as an encapsulating agent for the vitamin B complex by spray drying. It is demonstrated that BNC is a very successful new nanomaterial for encapsulation, with a high level of adsorption, and for the protection of hydro-soluble vitamins. BNC has shown great potential to adsorb vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B12 owing to their hydroxyl groups, which are responsible for its water or vitamin sorption. Due to the features of bacterial nanocellulose, it is possible to use it as a raw material in the food industry to protect micronutrients during the thermal process.

Experimental study on the influence of flexible structure and gas supply method on the characteristics of aerostatic tilting-pad bearing

Purpose This paper aims to propose novel flexible structure-supported tilting-pad aerostatic bearings and to improve operational stability and vibration reduction of aerostatic bearings. Design/methodology/approach The authors established an aerostatic bearing-rotor test rig and designed two aerostatic tilting-pad bearings with different flexible support structure and an ordinary aerostatic tilting-pad bearing and then examined their effects in dynamic performance to assess the vibration reduction performance of different flexible structures. Furthermore, the authors proposed three gas supply methods and conducted experiments to study the influence of gas supply methods in the performance of bearings. Findings The experimental results show that among the three structures, the double-layer flexible structure-supported tilting-pad bearing demonstrates outstanding vibration damping performance and it significantly enhances the operational stability of the bearing-rotor system. Furthermore, the experimental results indicate that the gas supply method has a significant impact on the performance of the aerostatic bearing. There is a certain pressure difference between the gas supply pressure for the loading pads and that for the nonloading pads, which is advantageous for increasing the operational stability and reducing system vibration. Originality/value The authors designed novel flexible aerostatic tilting-pad journal bearing structures, which can enhance the operational stability and reduce vibrations of the bearing. Additionally, this article proposes an air supply method advantageous for increasing the stability of the bearing and reducing system vibrations.

Advancing Multi-Ion Sensing with Poly-Octylthiophene: 3D-Printed Milker-Implantable Microfluidic Device.

On-site rapid multi-ion sensing accelerates early identification of environmental pollution, water quality, and disease biomarkers in both livestock and humans. This study introduces a pocket-sized 3D-printed sensor, manufactured using additive manufacturing, specifically designed for detecting iron (Fe2+), nitrate (NO3 -), calcium (Ca2+), and phosphate (HPO4 2-). A unique feature of this device is its utilization of a universal ion-to-electron transducing layer made from highly redox-active poly-octylthiophene (POT), enabling an all-solid-state electrode tailored to each ion of interest. Manufactured with an extrusion-based 3D printer, the device features a periodic pattern of lateral layers (width = 80µm), including surface wrinkles. The superhydrophobic nature of the POT prevents the accumulation of nonspecific ions at the interface between the gold and POT layers, ensuring exceptional sensor selectivity. Lithography-free, 3D-printed sensors achieve sensitivity down to 1ppm of target ions in under a minute due to their 3D-wrinkled surface geometry. Integrated seamlessly with a microfluidic system for sample temperature stabilization, the printed sensor resides within a robust, pocket-sized 3D-printed device. This innovation integrates with milking parlors for real-time calcium detection, addressing diagnostic challenges in on-site livestock health monitoring, and has the capability to monitor water quality, soil nutrients, and human diseases.

Advanced Model with a Trajectory Tracking Stabilisation System and Feasible Solution of the Optimal Control Problem

In this study, we consider the extended optimal control problem and search for a control function in the class of feasible functions for a real control object. Unlike the classical optimal control problem, the control function should depend on the state, not time. Therefore, the control synthesis problem for the initial-state domain should be solved, instead of the optimal control problem with one initial state. Alternatively, an optimal trajectory motion stabilisation system may be constructed. Both approaches—control and trajectory motion stabilisation system syntheses—cannot be applied to real-time control, as the task is too complex. The minimum threshold of quality criteria is searched for in the space of mathematical expression codes. Among other problems, the search space is difficult to define and the gradient is hard to determine. Therefore, the advanced control object model is used to obtain a feasible control function. The advanced model is firstly obtained before solving the optimal control problem and it already includes a trajectory motion stabilisation system; in particular, this stabilisation system is synthesised in advance at the control system design stage. When the optimal control problem appears, it is solved in real time in the classical statement, and a control function is searched for as a function of time. The advanced control object model also uses the reference model to generate the optimal trajectory. The search for the optimal control function is performed in real time and considers the synthesised stabilisation system of motion along a determined trajectory. Machine learning control via symbolic regression, namely, the network operator method, is used to directly solve the control synthesis problem. An example solution of the optimal control problem, with an advanced model moving in the environment with obstacles for a group of two mobile robots, is presented. The obtained solution is a control function for a reference model that generates a trajectory from a class of trajectories stabilised with the object’s control system.

МЕТОДИКА ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ СПРОЩЕНОЇ МОДЕЛІ БПЛА ТИПУ БІКОПТЕР

Modern aircraft are usually statically unstable objects. Due to this, increased maneuverability and controllability is achieved. One of the promising directions is the development and implementation of UAVs of the bicopter or convertible type. Their movement is provided by two screw electric drives. The non-identity of the engine parameters and the peculiarities of the movement of UAVs of this type cause special requirements for the control systems. To ensure sustainability, modeling and conducting research with the help of various tools is necessary. The most available models of unstable movements are pendulum devices of various types, which allow studying stabilization processes. The purpose of the work is to use a computer stabilization system of a simplified bicopter UAV model by changing the thrust of the engines. The tasks of the work are: development of a computer stabilization system for the angle of pitch or roll, creation and verification of stabilization algorithms on a laboratory bench using an ARDUINO controller, research of the functional capabilities of angular stabilization circuits. The object of the study: a computer control system of an aircraft that performs the task of stabilizing a UAV. Subject of research: processes of stabilization of the angular position of a simplified bicopter model. When performing the work, a control law using angular and angular velocity feedback was chosen. A variant of aircraft stabilization when using engine thrust control is proposed. The control law of the computer stabilization system, which is implemented on the ARDUINO controller, was selected and tested. The applied value of the work is the further use of the obtained results in modern samples of bicopters.

Objectives for the use of raw materials and component composition for the production of low-lactose ice cream from goat milk

A huge number of people all over the world suffer from lactose intolerance. The second problem is an allergy to cow milk protein. People with lactose intolerance, as well as those who suffer from cow milk allergies, are forced to significantly limit their choice of ice cream or give it up completely. The article describes a solution to the problem of eating ice cream by children and adults suffering from lactose intolerance and an allergy to cow milk protein, and presents ways to overcome it.The goal of the research. Objectives for the use of raw materials and component composition for the production of low-lactose ice cream from goat milk. During the research, the quality indicators of the selected raw materials have been studied, the characteristics of the main ingredients for the production of low-lactose ice cream have been substantiated and given. Goat milk, in terms of its quality indicators, is most suitable for the production of ice cream, because it contains more protein, fat, solids, less lactose and does not cause allergies, and therefore it has been chosen as the main raw material for the production of ice cream. A theoretical and practical analysis of the chemical composition and properties of goat milk has been carried out, and compared with cow. To reduce the lactose content, a dual method of lactose hydrolysis has been chosen - the use of probiotic starter cultures and the lactase enzyme. In the process of combined hydrolysis at a temperature of 37-39⁰ C for 4-6 hours, a reduction in lactose content of less than 0.9% is achieved, while the concentration of cells of probiotic microorganisms in active form reaches 108 CFU/cm3. It is proposed to use the “Lactomix KM” stabilization system, which is usually used in the production of fermented milk products.

Numerical and experimental study of thermal stabilization system for satellite electronics with integrated phase-change capacitor

In this paper experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to analyze the application of phase change material (PCM) for temperature stabilization of small satellite electronics. The reference electronic equipment is a data processing unit generating a nominal power of 9.6 W during its operation. To stabilize its temperature, an integrated PCM module was designed, built, and tested experimentally in a thermal–vacuum chamber. The experimental results were then used to validate a numerical model, developed using commercial software Simcenter FloEFD. The results showed good agreement between measured and predicted temperature evolution in critical locations of the unit. The model predictions were further improved by conducting analysis of uncertain input data, model settings, and by inclusion of the effect of natural convection in the PCM. The improved model showed better agreement between the model predictions and experiments. The comparison showed that the maximum difference between the measured and calculated temperature at the most important location (the heater) was 1.6 °C and difference of the peak values was 0.8 °C. Finally, the model was used to compare the constructed module containing the PCM with a system consisting of an aluminum block of the same volume as PCM. The comparison showed that the use of PCM allows for a reduction of the maximum temperature by 6.2 °C while reducing the mass almost 3.5 times. The results demonstrate that the developed numerical model allows for accurate predictions of temperature distributions in the designed device, and can be effectively used to design PCM modules dedicated to in-space electronics, thereby increasing their peak capabilities and lifetime.

Correlation of the single-segment dynamic stabilization with different segmental mobility and zygapophysial (facet) joint degeneration: a retrospective study in northern China

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of single-segment posterior decompression combined with two different non-fusion dynamic stabilization systems, Isobar EVO and Isobar TTL, in the context of facet joint degeneration and segmental mobility.MethodA retrospective study was conducted on 47 patients who underwent single-segment surgery at the L4/5 level using either the Isobar EVO (n = 23) or Isobar TTL (n = 24) systems. We assessed facet joint degeneration on both sides of the fixed (L3/4, L4/5) and superior adjacent (L2/3) segments using the Fujiwara MRI grading system. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively.ResultBoth groups exhibited significant facet joint degeneration at the fixed segments (L3/4 and L4/5) at 24 months. The TTL group also showed significant degeneration at the superior adjacent segment (L2/3), whereas the EVO group did not. Restoration of lumbar lordosis was significantly better in the EVO group. Pain and disability scores improved more in the EVO group than in the TTL group at both 12 and 24 months postoperatively.ConclusionThe Isobar EVO system, with its enhanced mobility, may delay facet joint degeneration in the superior adjacent segment compared to the Isobar TTL system. However, both systems result in degeneration at the fixed segment, indicating a need for further improvements to mimic the natural biomechanics of the spine more closely.

Asymmetry in strength training: Investigating the Impact of offset training on the deep stabilisation system, strength/performance, and maximal power in Female Softball Players

PurposeThis study aims to fill a significant gap in sports science research by examining the underexplored effects of asymmetric load training on the deep stabilisation system (DSS), strength, and maximal power in female softball players.MethodsFourteen participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CON), which exercised with a symmetrically weighted bar, and an experimental group (EXP), which used a bar with asymmetrically distributed weight. The asymmetric load with a distribution of weight that was gradually increased during the 8-week intervention program. The assessment included a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for deadlift, flat bench press, front squat, and 4RM tests for single-leg leg press for both legs, along with evaluations of DSS and strength/performance, before and after a resistance training program. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-intervention performance on the DSS and 1RM strength tests.ResultsThe results showed significant improvements in all 1RM and 4RM tests for both groups in all exercises (<i>p</i> > 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, a dependent <i>t</i>-test in the EXP group revealed significant improvements in DSS strength/performance from pre- to post-measurements in all tests, with large effect sizes. In contrast, the CON group showed significant improvements only in trunk extension, side plank, and prone tests.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that asymmetric training may provide superior benefits in strengthening the DSS, while still achieving comparable gains in maximal strength.

Impact of transpedicular fixation on thoracolumbar junction burst fracture stability: a biomechanical perspective

Introduction. The treatment of burst fractures at the thoracolumbar junction remains a contentious issue in vertebrology. Despite a broad array of surgical interventions available, many surgeons favor isolated posterior stabilization, which can be performed using either minimally invasive or open approaches. However, the biomechanical properties of these methods have not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical stability of the thoracolumbar junction following transpedicular stabilization of a burst fracture at the Th12 vertebra, under different system configurations influenced by lateral flexion. Materials and Methods: A mathematical finite element model of the human thoracolumbar spine, featuring a burst fracture at the Th12 vertebra, was developed. The model included a transpedicular stabilization system with eight screws, simulating “long” stabilization. We examined four variants of transpedicular fixation using both mono- and bicortical screws, with and without the inclusion of two cross-links. Results: The study found that the load borne by the damaged Th12 vertebral body varied depending on the fixation system employed. Specifically, stress levels were 24.0 MPa, 27.3 MPa, 18.4 MPa, and 25.8 MPa for models with short screws without cross-links, long screws without cross-links, short screws with cross-links, and long screws with cross-links, respectively. At the screw entry points in the vertebral arch, the highest stress values were recorded at the L2 vertebra, showing 11.8 MPa, 14.0 MPa, 9.4 MPa, and 13.4 MPa for each respective model. Among the metal construct elements, the connecting rods consistently exhibited the highest stress, with values of 226.7 MPa, 313.4 MPa, 212.4 MPa, and 293.98 MPa, respectively. Conclusion: The results underscore that utilizing cross-links in the stabilization of burst fractures at the thoracolumbar junction, which is only feasible through an open installation, somewhat mitigates stress within the stabilized spinal segment. Meanwhile, the modeling of lateral flexion revealed only minimal differences in stress values between open and minimally invasive installations.

Synchronous achievement of laser frequency stabilization and tunability via modulation transfer spectroscopy on the rubidium D1 line

In the Spin Exchange Relaxation Free (SERF) magnetometer, the laser frequency must be stabilized at the alkali D1 line and tunable within a range of several gigahertz (GHz). We theoretically and experimentally analyzed the modulated sideband and resonant frequencies on the D1 transition line of rubidium (Rb) atoms using a modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) frequency stabilization system. The laser's self-estimated frequency stability shows the Allan deviation of 1.5 × 10−12/τ for resonance peak stabilization and 1.4 × 10−12/τ for sideband stabilization. The spectrum of the modulated laser interacting with the rubidium D1 line exhibits several absorption peaks and MTS signals across a 6 GHz scanning frequency range, which can be used to lock and tune the laser. This method enhances the application of distributed feedback semiconductor lasers in Rb atom-based magnetometers.

Focus control of a concave–convex ultrasonic gel lens in the radial direction

Optical image stabilization (OIS) systems maintain the three-dimensional focal position of a lens through mechanical actuation systems. This paper examines an optical lens for OIS that utilizes ultrasound vibration to alter the focal position, not only in the depth direction but also in the radial direction. The lens has a simple structure with no mechanical moving parts and consists of an ultrasound transducer divided into four pieces, a glass disk, and a transparent viscoelastic gel film that functions as a lens. The acoustic radiation force generated by the resonant flexural vibration of the glass disk can alter the surface profile of the gel film, allowing for a variable-focus function. The concave and convex lenses can be interchanged using two resonant vibration modes: the standing-wave mode, in which the vibration loop appears at the center, and the traveling-wave mode, in which the vibration node appears at the center. The positions of ultrasound vibrations on the lens can be controlled in a two-dimensional plane by adjusting the driving amplitudes of each channel, thereby achieving focus control in the radial direction. The focusing characteristics of the lens are evaluated through ray-tracing simulation.

Experimental demonstration of frequency- downconverted arm-length stabilization for a future upgraded gravitational wave detector.

Ground-based laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors (GWDs) consist of multiple optical cavity systems whose lengths need to be interferometrically controlled. An arm-length stabilization (ALS) system has played an important role in bringing these interferometers into an operational state and enhancing their duty cycle. The sensitivity of these detectors can be improved if the thermal noise of their test mass mirror coatings is reduced. Crystalline AlGaAs coatings are a promising candidate for this. However, the current ALS system with a frequency-doubled 532 nm light is no longer an option with AlGaAs coatings because the 532 nm light is absorbed by AlGaAs coatings due to the narrow bandgap of GaAs. Therefore, alternative locking schemes must be developed. In this Letter, we describe an experimental demonstration of a novel ALS scheme, to the best of our knowledge, which is compatible with AlGaAs coatings. This ALS scheme will enable the use of AlGaAs coatings in current and future terrestrial gravitational wave detectors.