Tens Of Μm Research Articles

Fabrication of 60μm-Thick Free-Standing Bilayer Solid Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries Using Solution Processing and Lamination

Development of solid-state batteries with a high voltage cathode and lithium metal anode could enable high energy density while avoiding safety issues of flammable liquid electrolytes. However, the solid electrolyte (SE) should meet multiple requirements, including 1) electrochemical stability at both the cathode and anode side interfaces, 2) small thickness (tens of μm) to maximize energy density of the cell, and 3) fabrication with a scalable manufacturing method. Using bilayer SEs with different electrochemical stability windows could enable stability at both cathode|SE and anode|SE interfaces. In this work, we developed a manufacturing process to fabricate thin (60 μm) free-standing bilayer SE films from slurry casting and lamination, which can be used for large scale manufacturing of SSBs.Halide SE (Li3InCl6) and sulfide SE (Li6PS5Cl) were slurry casted on different substrates, and then were dried in vacuum before being laminated onto each other to make a free-standing bilayer film. The parallel slurry casting approach eliminates cross-compatibility requirements of the solvents used for slurry preparation. The resulting bilayer films after densification were pin-hole free without intermixing between the two phases. The ionic conductivity of the bilayer SE film was ~70% of the bilayer SE pellet (1 mm thickness in total) made with a conventional powder pressing method. However, because the thickness of bilayer SE film (60 μm) was much smaller than the bilayer SE pellet (1 mm), the bilayer SE film had ~10x lower area-specific resistance (ASR) compared to the bilayer SE pellet. Because of the lower total cell resistance, the cell made with the bilayer SE film had a better rate capability compared to the reference cell in pellet geometry.The strategy developed in this work could be integrated into current manufacturing infrastructure of battery fabrication as it is based on slurry casting, which is already a well-established fabrication method for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, it could be used to fabricate multi-layered solid-state architectures in general, which are challenging to manufacture due to solvent compatibility issues during slurry casting. The study will assist the progress of solid-state battery manufacturing by providing a scalable manufacture method to prepare thin free-standing bilayer SEs.

A novel detector for 4D tracking in particle therapy

An innovative beam monitor for particle therapy applications was developed to count protons and carbon ions in clinical beams and was integrated with a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) to add the measurement of particles’ crossing time. The detector exploits strip-segmented planar silicon sensors with an active thickness of a few tens of μm and the front-end electronics is based on a 24-channel ASIC (named ABACUS) for the discrimination of the particles’ signals. The proton counting efficiency shows a dependence on the beam energy because of transversal dimension and pile-up effects, whereas an efficiency between 94 and 98 % with lower energy dependence is found for carbon ions. The time measurements with the TDC allow for the study of the time interval between consecutive particles in one strip, which appears to be compatible with the radio-frequency period of the synchrotron. These results indicate that thin silicon sensors and custom front-end readout with high counting rate capability allow for a full 4D tracking of clinical ion beams, opening the way to future technologies for online monitoring systems.

Influence of calcination temperature and particle size distribution on the physical properties of SrFe12O19 and BaFe12O19 hexaferrite powders

The paper deals with the economic optimisation of ferrite powder preparation during producing hard ferrite magnets. The magnetic properties of ferrites are investigated by replacing feedstock and reducing calcination temperature and particles in the order of tens of microns. The granulates about 8–10 mm in size were calcined for 2 h in the temperature range from 1100 °C to 1300 °C and additionally crushed and milled to an average particle size of about 80–90 µm. The scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the agglomerates of particles with different shapes and sizes in tens of µm. The X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that, besides the SrFe12O19 and BaFe12O19 phases, there was also the presence of 2–39% hematite. The highest values of maximum energy product (BH)max = 930 J/m3 and remanent magnetic induction Br = 72.8 mT were obtained at a calcination temperature of 1300 °C. The Henkel plots confirmed the presence of exchange-coupling and dipolar magnetic interactions at lower and higher magnetic fields, respectively. The strength of interactions was also dependent on the calcination temperature. Replacing strontium with barium led to a deterioration of the magnetic parameters, which were optimal at a lower calcination temperature (1100 °C). This phenomenon was partly overcome by reducing the mean particle size of Ba-based hexaferrites to 45–50 µm.

Enhanced emergent electromagnetic inductance in Tb5Sb3 due to highly disordered helimagnetism

In helimagnetic metals, ac current-driven spin motions can generate emergent electric fields acting on conduction electrons, leading to emergent electromagnetic induction (EEMI). Recent experiments reveal the EEMI signal generally shows a strongly current-nonlinear response. In this study, we investigate the EEMI of Tb5Sb3, a short-period helimagnet. Using small angle neutron scattering we show that Tb5Sb3 hosts highly disordered helimagnetism with a distribution of spin-helix periodicity. The current-nonlinear dynamics of the disordered spin helix in Tb5Sb3 indeed shows up as the nonlinear electrical resistivity (real part of ac resistivity), and even more clearly as a nonlinear and huge EEMI (imaginary part of ac resistivity) response. The magnitude of the EEMI reaches as large as several tens of μH for Tb5Sb3 devices on the scale of several tens of μm, originating to noncollinear spin textures possibly even without long-range helimagnetic order.

Shaped liquid drops generate MeV temperature electron beams with millijoule class laser

MeV temperature electrons are typically generated at laser intensities of 1018 W cm−2. Their generation at non-relativistic intensities (~1016 W cm−2) with high repetition rate lasers is cardinal for the realization of compact, ultra-fast electron sources. Here we report a technique of dynamic target structuring of micro-droplets using a 1 kHz, 25 fs, millijoule class laser, that uses two collinear laser pulses; the first to create a concave surface in the liquid drop and the second, to dynamically-drive electrostatic plasma waves that accelerate electrons to MeV energies. The acceleration mechanism, identified as two plasmon decay instability, is shown to generate two beams of electrons with hot electron temperature components of 200 keV and 1 MeV, respectively, at an intensity of 4 × 1016 Wcm−2, only. The electron beams are demonstrated to be ideal for single shot high resolution (tens of μm) electron radiography.

Double-slit asymmetrical dynamical diffraction of X-rays in ideal crystals.

The theoretical investigation of double-slit asymmetrical dynamical diffraction of X-rays in perfect crystals establishes that Young's interference fringes on the exit surface are formed. The position of the fringes in the cross section of the beam depends on deviation from the Bragg exact orientation and asymmetry angle. An equation for the period of the fringes is presented, according to which the period is polarization sensitive. The period increases with increasing the absolute value of the asymmetry angle. In its turn, the size of the interference region also increases with increasing the absolute value of the asymmetry angle. However, the ratio of interference region size to period, i.e. the number of observed fringes, decreases with increasing the absolute value of the asymmetry angle. The size of the interference region can be of the order of a few tens of mm, which can be used for obtaining Fourier dynamical diffraction holograms of a large size. This type of diffraction can also be used for obtaining double-slit dynamical diffraction contrast of defects and deformations. Due to the phase difference information, in comparison with single-slit diffraction, double-slit diffraction is more sensitive to the existence of objects and deformations in the path of the wave.

Photon Diagnostics for the High-Gain THz FEL at PITZ

Research and development of an accelerator-based THz source prototype for pump-probe experiments at the European XFEL are ongoing at the Photo Injector Test Facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ). Proof-of-principle experiments have been performed to generate a high-gain THz Free-electron Laser (FEL) based on the Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission scheme. The FEL radiation pulses with a central wavelength of about 100 μm (3 THz) and single pulse energy of several tens μm can be generated. In this paper, we present and discuss the photon diagnostic setup for the THz FEL together with examples of diagnostic results, including pulse energy and an FEL gain curve. The upgraded photon diagnostic setup, capable of measuring pulse energy, transverse distribution, and spectral distribution, is expected to be operational in the spring of 2023.

Engineering the Outcoupling Pathways in Plasmonic Tunnel Junctions via Photonic Mode Dispersion for Low-Loss Waveguiding.

Outcoupling of plasmonic modes excited by inelastic electron tunneling (IET) across plasmonic tunnel junctions (TJs) has attracted significant attention due to low operating voltages and fast excitation rates. Achieving selectivity among various outcoupling channels, however, remains a challenging task. Employing nanoscale antennas to enhance the local density of optical states (LDOS) associated with specific outcoupling channels partially addressed the problem, along with the integration of conducting 2D materials into TJs, improving the outcoupling to guided modes with particular momentum. The disadvantage of such methods is that they often involve complex fabrication steps and lack fine-tuning options. Here, we propose an alternative approach by modifying the dielectric medium surrounding TJs. By employing a simple multilayer substrate with a specific permittivity combination for the TJs under study, we show that it is possible to optimize mode selectivity in outcoupling to a plasmonic or a photonic-like mode characterized by distinct cutoff behaviors and propagation length. Theoretical and experimental results obtained with a SiO2-SiN-glass multilayer substrate demonstrate high relative coupling efficiencies of (62.77 ± 1.74)% and (29.07 ± 0.72)% for plasmonic and photonic-like modes, respectively. The figure-of-merit, which quantifies the tradeoff between mode outcoupling and propagation lengths (tens of μm) for both modes, can reach values as high as 180 and 140. The demonstrated approach allows LDOS engineering and customized TJ device performance, which are seamlessly integrated with standard thin film fabrication protocols. Our experimental device is well-suited for integration with silicon nitride photonics platforms.

Efficient adsorption of CO2 by amino-functionalized short pore SBA-15: Influence of pore length on adsorption capacity and amino efficiency

Amino-functionalized SBA-15 (AS) with different pore lengths (short pore: 300 nm, SAS and long pore: several tens μm, LAS) were synthesized and applied for CO2 adsorption. The adsorption capacity and amino efficiency affected by pore length, temperature and amino-functionalization were systematically investigated. It was found that CO2 adsorption behavior strongly depended on the pore length, amino-functionalization and adsorption temperature. With decreasing pore length, the adsorption capacity and amino efficiency increased. The amino efficiency increased and the adsorption capacity decreased with increasing temperature. The obtained SAS with short pore exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (1.58, 1.26 and 0.96 mmol CO2/g) and amino efficiency (0.07, 0.19 and 0.27 mol CO2/mol N) under 273, 298 and 323 K at 1 bar, respectively, owing to the high utilization of internal pores. Furthermore, the obtained adsorbents showed good temperature adaptability and reusability. The results demonstrated the potential of the obtained adsorbents for CO2 adsorption.

Coronal bright point statistics

Context. The corona of the Sun is the part of the solar atmosphere with temperatures of over one million Kelvin, which needs to be heated internally in order to exist. This heating mechanism remains a mystery; we see large magnetically active regions in the photosphere lead to strong extreme UV (EUV) emission in the corona. On much smaller scales (on the order of tens of Mm), there are bipolar and multipolar regions that can be associated with evenly sized coronal bright points (CBPs). Aims. Our aim was to study the properties of CBPs in a statistical sense and to use continuous data from the SDO spacecraft, which makes it possible to track CBPs over their whole lifetime. Furthermore, we tested various rotation-speed profiles for CBPs in order to find out if the lower corona is co-rotating with the photosphere. Then we compiled a database with about 346 CBPs together with information of their sizes, shapes, appearance and disappearance, and their visibility in the EUV channels of the AIA instrument. We want to verify our methods with similar previous studies. Methods. We used the high-cadence data of the largest continuous SDO observation interval in 2015 to employ an automated tracking algorithm for CBPs. Some of the information (e.g., the total lifetime, the characteristic shape, and the magnetic polarities below the CBPs) still requires human interaction. Results. In this work we present statistics on fundamental properties of CBPs along with some comparison tables that relate, for example, the CBP lifetime with their shape. CBPs that are visible in all AIA channels simultaneously seem to be brighter in total and also have a stronger heating, and hence a higher total radiation flux. We compared the EUV emission visibility in different AIA channels with the CBP’s shape and lifetime. From the tracking algorithm we confirm a strict co-rotation of the CBPs with the photospheric differential rotation. Conclusions. The tracked CBPs have a typical lifetime of about 1–6 h, while the hottest and brightest ones seem to exist for significantly longer time, up to 24 h. Furthermore, the merging of two CBPs seems not to have an influence on the overall size of the persisting CBP. Finally, fainter and cooler CBPs tend to have only weaker magnetic polarities, which clearly supports a coronal bright point heating mechanism based on magnetic energy dissipation.

Charged Atmospheric Aerosols from Charged Saltating Dust Aggregates

Grain collisions in aeolian events, e.g., due to saltation, result in atmospheric aerosols. They may regularly be electrically charged, but individual charge balances in collisions including small grains are not easily obtained on the ground. We therefore approach this problem in terms of microgravity, which allows for the observation of collisions and the determination of small charges. In a drop tower experiment, ∼1 mm dust aggregates are traced before and after a collision within the electric field of a plate capacitor. The sum of the electric charge of two particles (total charge) before and after the collision often strongly deviates from charge conservation. Due to the average low collision velocities of 0.2 m/s, there is no large scale fragmentation. However, we do observe small charged particles emerging from collisions. The smallest of these particles are as small as the current resolution limit of the optical system, i.e., they are at least as small as tens of µm. In the given setting, these small fragments may carry 1 nC/m2–1 µC/m2 which is between 1% and ten times the surface charge density of the large aggregates. These first experiments indicate that collisions of charged aggregates regularly shed charged grains into the atmosphere, likely down to the suspendable aerosol size.

Magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve using an implantable high-inductance coil with low-intensity current

Objective. Magnetic stimulation using implantable devices may offer a promising alternative to other stimulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or electric stimulation using implantable devices. This alternative may increase the selectivity of stimulation compared to TMS, and eliminate the need to expose tissue to metals in the body, as is required in electric stimulation using implantable devices. However, previous studies of magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve used large coils, with a diameter of several tens of mm, and a current intensity in the order of kA. Approach. Since such large coils and high current intensity are not suitable for implantable devices, we investigated the feasibility of using a smaller implantable coil and lower current to elicit neuronal responses. A coil with a diameter of 3 mm and an inductance of 1 mH was used as the implantable stimulator. Main results. Before in vivo experiments, we used 3D computational models to estimate the minimum stimulus intensity required to elicit neuronal responses, resulting in a threshold current above 3.5 A. In in vivo experiments, we observed successful nerve stimulation via compound muscle action potentials elicited in hind-limb muscles when the applied current was above 3.8 A, a significantly reduced current than that used in conventional magnetic stimulation. Significance. We report the feasibility of magnetic stimulation using an implantable millimeter-sized coil and low current of a few amperes to elicit neural responses in peripheral nerves. The proposed method is expected to be an alternative to TMS, with the merit of improved selectivity in stimulation, and to electrical stimulation based on implantable devices, with the merit of avoiding the exposure of conducting metals to neural tissues.

Ion microsource integrated with scanning electron microscope for sample preparation

The authors developed the Ar+ ion microsource, which can generate a filamentary ion beam of a few tens of µm at its half-power diameter with a target current up to 50 µA at − 4 kV extracting voltage. This comprises a ceramic discharge capillary of 1 mm in inner diameter and 10 mm long with a very small copper anode and a cathode outlet aperture of 0.5 mm in diameter at its ends. The arrangement has been examined in three alternative designs equipped with cathodes of different shapes and materials and two extraction voltage supply schemes, i.e., with the negatively biased sample and the earthed cathode or the earthed sample and the cathode at a floating positive potential (recommended solution). Numerous other factors were considered that can affect the standard SEM operation, such as excessive working gas leakage and jamming with discharge interferences, e.g., streamers. The microsource makes a compact structure that can be positioned above the sample inside a standard SEM without any changes to its original structure and collisions with standard modes of the SEM operation. Such a tool enables the removal of target microvolumes in chosen places, so it can be used for some technological purposes, such as making small apertures. However, its main goal is to uncover the bulk internal structure of the specimen, imaging it in a 3D form. Therefore, the microsource is placed on the movable arm and coupled with the semiconductor four-quadrant backscattered electron (BSE) detector, which enables 3D imaging of the uncovered structure with the multidetector method. This implies taking in one scan a set of images from four or five directions, using both material- and topography-sensitive channels of information (BSE and secondary electron SE), which facilitates their interpretation.

Cu Metallization of Al2O3 Ceramic by Coating Deposition from Cooled- and Hot-Target Magnetrons

We examined the feasibility of alumina substrate metallization by magnetron deposition of copper coatings with thickness of several tens µm for its prospective applications in production of ceramic PCBs and packaging. The films were prepared in magnetron sputtering systems with cooled and thermally insulated (hot) targets. Substrates with different geometries were used, including those with through-holes. Thickness, adhesive properties, and electrical resistivity of produced coatings were analyzed. If the film thickness exceeded ~20 µm, we observed its systematic delamination, unless the dedicated CuxOy sub-layer of was introduced between the substrate and the main Cu film. Intermediate copper oxide films were investigated separately by SEM, EDS, and XRD methods, and deposition conditions for predominant growth of favorable tenorite CuO were determined. Prepared composite two-layer CuO + Cu coatings with total thickness of ~100 µm demonstrated good adhesion to alumina substrates in scratch-testing and performed much better than Cu-only films both in soldering and thermal cycling tests. We discuss an approach for constructing a reliable metallizing coating by plasma-assisted PVD methods that could be beneficial for complex-shaped ceramic PCBs and packaging.

Enhancing the NMR signals of plant oil components using hyperpolarisation relayed via proton exchange.

In this work, the limited sensitivity of magnetic resonance is addressed by using the hyperpolarisation method relayed signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE-Relay) to transfer latent magnetism from para-hydrogen, a readily isolated spin isomer of hydrogen gas, to components of key plant oils such as citronellol, geraniol, and nerol. This is achieved via relayed polarisation transfer in which an [Ir(H)2(IMes)(NH2R)3]Cl type complex produces hyperpolarised NH2R free in solution, before labile proton exchange between the hyperpolarisation carrier (NH2R) and the OH-containing plant oil component generates enhanced NMR signals for the latter. Consequently, up to ca. 200-fold 1H (0.65% 1H polarisation) and 800-fold 13C NMR signal enhancements (0.65% 13C polarisation) are recorded for these essential oils in seconds. Remarkably, the resulting NMR signals are not only diagnostic, but prove to propagate over large spin systems via a suitable coupling network. A route to optimise the enhancement process by varying the identity of the carrier NH2R, and its concentration is demonstrated. In order to prove utility, these pilot measurements are extended to study a much wider range of plant-derived molecules including rhodinol, verbenol, (1R)-endo-(+)-fenchyl alcohol, (-)-carveol, and linalool. Further measurements are then described which demonstrate citronellol and geraniol can be detected in an off-the-shelf healthcare product rose geranium oil at concentrations of just a few tens of μM in single scan 1H NMR measurements, which are not visible in comparable thermally polarised NMR experiments. This work therefore presents a significant expansion of the types of molecules amenable to hyperpolarisation using para-hydrogen and illustrates a real-world application in the diagnostic detection of low concentration analytes in mixtures.

Front-end Electronics for Timing with pico-second precision using 3D Trench Silicon Sensors

The next generation of collider experiments require tracking detectors with extreme performance capabilities in terms of spatial resolution (tens of µm), radiation hardness (1017 1 MeV neq/cm2) and timing resolution (tens of ps). 3D silicon sensors, recently developed within the TimeSPOT initiative, offer a viable solution to cope with such demanding requirements. In order to accurately characterize the timing performance of these new sensors, several read-out boards, based on discrete active components, have been designed, assembled, and tested. The same electronics is also suitable for characterization of similar pixel sensors whenever timing performance in the order and below 10 ps is a requirement. This paper describes the general characteristics needed by front-end electronics to exploit solid-state sensors with fast timing capabilities and in particular, showcases the performance of the developed electronics in the testing and characterization of fast 3D silicon sensors.

Phase Transfer of Inorganic Nanosheets in a Water/2-Butanone Biphasic System and Lateral Size Fractionation via Stepwise Extractions.

Lateral size fractionation of niobate nanosheets derived from K4Nb6O17·3H2O was achieved via phase transfer from the aqueous phase to the 2-butanone phase in a water/2-butanone biphasic system, in which tetra-n-dodecylammonium (TDDA+) bromide was used as a phase transfer reagent. Phase transfer of the nanosheets was observed when the TDDA+/[Nb6O17]4- molar ratios were 0.6 and 1.0, and the phase transfer ratios were 41 and 97%, respectively. FT-IR and thermogravimetry results showed that the extracted nanosheets contained TDDA+ ions. These results indicate that adsorption of TDDA+ likely induced an increase in the hydrophobicity of the nanosheet surface, leading to phase transfer. In the AFM image of the original nanosheets in the aqueous phase, their lateral sizes were in the range from several hundreds of nm to several tens of μm, while those of the nanosheets after phase transfer at a molar ratio of 0.6 were in the range from several hundreds of nm up to 2 μm, indicating that nanosheets with smaller lateral sizes were preferentially extracted into the 2-butanone phase. In addition, the phase transfer ratio of the fragmentated nanosheets with a much smaller lateral size distribution compared with the original nanosheets was 79% when the TDDA+/[Nb6O17]4- molar ratio was 0.6, indicating that phase transfer for the nanosheets with smaller lateral sizes proceeded efficiently. Following this extraction cycle, the nanosheets with a TDDA+/[Nb6O17]4- molar ratio of 0.6 remaining in the aqueous phase after extraction were extracted stepwise again through dilution of the aqueous phase with water and the addition of a fresh 2-butanone solution of tetra-n-dodecylammonium bromide to form a new biphasic system. The lateral sizes of the nanosheets increased as the extraction cycles were repeated. Completion of the three extraction cycles allowed formation of the three classes of the nanosheets with different lateral size ranges of 0.68 ± 0.5, 2.8 ± 1.9, and 6.6 ± 3.1 μm.

A Solvent-Free, Thermally Curable Low-Temperature Organic Planarization Layer for Thin Film Encapsulation.

Thin film encapsulation (TFE) is an essential component to ensure reliable operation of environmentally susceptible organic light-emitting diode-based display. In order to integrate defect-free TFE on display with complex surface structures, additional planarization layer is imperative to planarize the surface topography. The thickness of conventional planarization layer is as high as tens of µm, but the thickness must be reduced substantially to minimize the light leakage in smaller devices such as micro light-emitting diodes. In this study, a thin-less than 2 µm-planarization is achieved via solvent-free process, initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). By adapting copolymer from two soft, but curable monomers, glycidyl acrylate (GA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, excellent planarization performance is achieved on various nano-grating patterns. With only 1.5 µm-thick iCVD planarization layer, a 600 nm-deep trench polyurethane acrylate pattern is flattened completely. The TFE fabricated on planarized pattern exhibits excellent barrier property as fabricated on flat glass substrate, which strongly suggests that iCVD planarization layer can serve as a promising planarization layer to fabricate TFE on various types of complicated device surfaces.

Proline, hydroxyproline, and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid derivatives as highly efficient but reversible transdermal permeation enhancers

Overcoming the skin barrier properties efficiently, temporarily, and safely for successful transdermal drug delivery remains a challenge. We synthesized three series of potential skin permeation enhancers derived from natural amino acid derivatives proline, 4-hydroxyproline, and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, which is a component of natural moisturizing factor. Permeation studies using in vitro human skin identified dodecyl prolinates with N-acetyl, propionyl, and butyryl chains (Pro2, Pro3, and Pro4, respectively) as potent enhancers for model drugs theophylline and diclofenac. The proline derivatives were generally more active than 4-hydroxyprolines and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid derivatives. Pro2–4 had acceptable in vitro toxicities on 3T3 fibroblast and HaCaT cell lines with IC50 values in tens of µM. Infrared spectroscopy using the human stratum corneum revealed that these enhancers preferentially interacted with the skin barrier lipids and decreased the overall chain order without causing lipid extraction, while their effects on the stratum corneum protein structures were negligible. The impacts of Pro3 and Pro4 on an in vitro transepidermal water loss and skin electrical impedance were fully reversible. Thus, proline derivatives Pro3 and Pro4 have an advantageous combination of high enhancing potency, low cellular toxicity, and reversible action, which is important for their potential in vivo use as the skin barrier would quickly recover after the drug/enhancer administration is terminated.

Opportunities of Si-microstrip LGAD for next-generation space detectors

Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) is a consolidated technology developed for particle detectors at colliders which allows for simultaneous and accurate time (<100 ps) and position (tens of μm) resolutions. It is a candidate technology that could enable for the first time 5D tracking in space using LGAD Si-microstrip tracking systems. The intrinsic gain of LGAD sensors may also allow to decrease the sensor thickness while achieving signal yields similar to those of Si-microstrips currently operated in Space. In this document we discuss the possible applications and breakthrough opportunities in next generation large area cosmic ray detectors and sub-GeV gamma-ray detectors that could be enabled by LGAD Si-microstrip tracking detectors in Space. We propose the design of a cost-effective instrument demonstrator on a CubeSat platform to enable and qualify the operations of LGAD Si-microstrip detectors in space.