Topographic Scanning Research Articles

Self-assembled triangular graphene nanostructures: Evidence of dual electronic response

Structural and electronic properties of bilayer graphene films and nanostructures obtained through the graphitization of SiC(0001) were investigated in this work using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. We report on the observation of triangular nanostructures which result from extended stacking faults in the SiC substrate and their effects on graphene layers that are formed on top of them. Spectroscopic measurements revealed distinct electronic responses as a function of the local hydrogen intercalation. Spectroscopic signatures ranging from single- to double-layer graphene, as well as intermediate states were observed as a consequence of the (in)complete hydrogen intercalation process. High resolution topographic scanning tunneling microscopy images at resonant bias voltages inside triangular nanostructures reveal that the bottom layer of the bilayer graphene film is still bonded to the substrate. Therefore, the triangular nanostructures present edges and facets with the coexistence of carbon atoms in sp3 and sp2 hybridizations. Using atomistic calculations we have modeled the local density of states of these objects reproducing their electronic response. The generation of regions with distinct electronic responses is potentially interesting for high-density data storage with hidden bit capabilities.

Monitoring Retreat of Coastal Sandy Systems Using Geomatics Techniques: Somo Beach (Cantabrian Coast, Spain, 1875–2017)

The dynamics and evolution of a coastal sandy system over the last 142 years (1875–2017) were analyzed using geomatics techniques (historical cartography, photogrammetry, topography, and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)). The continuous beach–dune system is a very active confining sand barrier closing an estuarine system where damage is suffered by coastal infrastructures and houses. The techniques used and documentary sources involved historical cartography, digitalizing the 5-m-level curve on the maps of 1875, 1908, 1920, 1950, and 1985; photogrammetric flights of 1985, 1988, and 2001 without calibration certificates, digitalizing only the upper part of the sandy front; photogrammetric flights of 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2014, using photogrammetric restitution of the 5-m-level curve; topo-bathymetric profiles made monthly between 1988 and 1993 using a total station; a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) since 2011 by means of two annual measurements; and the meteorological data for the period of 1985–2017. The retreat of the sandy complex was caused by winter storms with large waves and swells higher than 6 m, coinciding with periods demonstrating a high tidal range of over 100 and periods with a large number of strong storms. The retreat was 8 m between December 2013 and March 2014. The overall change of the coastline between 1875 and 2017 was approximately 415 m of retreat at Somo Beach. The erosive processes on the foredune involved the outcrop of the rock cliff in 1999 and 2014, which became a continuous rocky cliff without sands. To know the recent coastal evolution and its consequences on the human environment, the combined geomatic techniques and future TLS data series may lead to the improvement in the knowledge of shoreline changes in the context of sea level and global changes.

HOT CORROSION OF CERIA-YTTRIA STABILIZED ZIRCONIA PLASMA SPRAYED THERMAL BARRIER COATING BY EUTECTIC VANDIUM PENTAOXIDE-SODIUM SULFATE

The high temperature corrosion behavior of thermal barrier coating (TBC) systemconsisting of IN-738 LC superalloy substrate, air plasma sprayed Ni24.5Cr6Al0.4Y (wt%)bond coat and air plasma sprayed ZrO2-20 wt% ceria-3.6 wt% yttria (CYSZ) ceramic coatwere characterized. The upper surfaces of CYSZ covered with 30 mg/cm2 , mixed 45 wt%Na2SO4-55 wt% V2O5 salt were exposed at different temperatures from 800 to 1000 oC andinteraction times from 1 up to 8 h. The upper surface plan view of the coatings wereidentified for topography, roughness, chemical composition, phases and reaction productsusing scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, talysurf, and X-raydiffraction. XRD analyses of the plasma sprayed coatings after hot corrosion confirmed thephase transformation of nontransformable tetragonal (t') into monoclinic phase, presence ofYVO4 and CeVO4 products. Analysis of the hot corrosion CYSZ coating confirmed theformation of high volume fraction of YVO4, with low volume fractions of CeOV4 and CeO2.The formation of these compounds were combined with formation of monoclinic phase (m)from transformation of nontransformable tetragonal phase (t').

Positions of Ocular Geometrical and Visual Axes in Brazilian, Chinese and Italian Populations

ABSTRACTPurpose: To identify the relative positions of geometrical and visual axes of the eye and present a method to locate the visual center when the geometrical axis is taken as a reference.Methods: Topography elevation data was collected using a Pentacam HR ® topographer from 2040 normal eyes of 1020 healthy participants in Brazil, China and Italy. A three-dimensional, rotation algorithm, a first-order Zernike polynomial fit and a nonlinear least-squares error function was used within an optimization function to locate the geometrical axis and the visual center of each eye.Results: The right eyes of participants were significantly more tilted than left eyes throughout the topography scanning process (p < 0.001). The visual centers were always located in the nasal-superior quadrant, although the visual centers of fellow eyes were not symmetrically located. Mean distances between the visual center and the geometrical center in right eyes were 0.8 ± 0.29 mm, 0.56 ± 0.18 mm and 0.91 ± 0.34 mm among Brazilian, Chinese and Italian participants, respectively, and located at angular positions of 38.7 ± 24.5°, 23.0 ± 29.8° and 23.1 ± 28.1° from the nasal side. However, in left eyes, mean distances were 0.76 ± 0.33 mm, 0.45 ± 0.12 mm and 0.75 ± 0.33 mm at polar angles from the nasal side of 59.3 ± 29.0°, 50.6 ± 44.5° and 61.8 ± 34.1°, respectively.Conclusions: Fellow eyes do not perform similarly during the fixation process, with right eyes tending to tilt more than left eyes, and the visual centers of the fellow eyes positioned differently relative to the geometrical centers.

The number of measurements of a surface’s topography and the expected variation in adhesion to the surface

Variations in roughness on a surface spawn variations in adhesion force between the surface and any particles that contact the surface. To fully characterize the adhesion that will be exhibited when a particle contacts any location on the surface, it is desirable to map the surface with nanoscale detail. Since it is impractical to make nanoscale roughness measurements over the entirety of a surface with a characteristic dimension on the order of centimeters, a relationship between the number of surface measurements and the likely variation in the expected adhesion force is similarly desirable. In this work, the predicted van der Waals force was used to describe the particle adhesion force. The bootstrap statistical method was employed to estimate the error associated with the predicted mean adhesion force between a smooth spherical particle and a rough surface as a function of the number of locations on the surface where the roughness was measured. Specifically, 40 atomic force microscope (AFM) topographical scans (5 × 5 μm) were taken of three different surfaces and used as model surface inputs to an existing van der Waals adhesion force simulator. The simulator described the expected adhesion force resulting from 1200 contacts between the smooth, spherical particle (10 μm diameter) and random locations on each scanned area. After analyzing the results using the bootstrap method, it was determined that the adhesion between the particle and 10–15 scanned areas (out of 40) optimizes the accuracy of the predicted adhesion with respect to the researcher’s labor.

Dielectric properties of thin Cr2O3 films grown on elemental and oxide metallic substrates

In an attempt to optimize leakage characteristics of \ensuremath{\alpha}-$\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ thin films, its dielectric properties were investigated at local and macroscopic scale. The films were grown on Pd(111), Pt(111), and ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (0001), supported on $\mathrm{A}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ substrate. The local conductivity was measured by conductive atomic force microscopy mapping of $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ surfaces, which revealed the nature of defects that formed conducting paths with the bottom Pd or Pt layer. A strong correlation was found between these electrical defects and the grain boundaries revealed in the corresponding topographic scans. In comparison, the $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ film on ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ exhibited no leakage paths at similar tip bias value. Electrical resistance measurements through e-beam patterned top electrodes confirmed the resistivity mismatch between the films grown on different electrodes. The x-ray analysis attributes this difference to the twin free $\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{r}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ growth on ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ seeding.

Characterization of double Shockley-type stacking faults formed in lightly doped 4H-SiC epitaxial films

Double Shockley-type stacking faults (2SSFs) formed in 4H-SiC epitaxial films with a dopant concentration of 1.0 × 1016 cm−3 were characterized using grazing incident X-ray topography and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The origins of 2SSFs were investigated, and it was found that 2SSFs in the epitaxial layer originated from narrow SFs with a double Shockley structure in the substrate. Partial dislocations formed between 4H-type and 2SSF were also characterized. The shapes of 2SSFs are related with Burgers vectors and core types of the two Shockley partial dislocations.

Measurement of the Casimir Force between Two Spheres.

Complex interaction geometries offer a unique opportunity to modify the strength and sign of the Casimir force. However, measurements have traditionally been limited to sphere-plate or plate-plate configurations. Prior attempts to extend measurements to different geometries relied on either nanofabrication techniques that are limited to only a few materials or slight modifications of the sphere-plate geometry due to alignment difficulties of more intricate configurations. Here, we overcome this obstacle to present measurements of the Casimir force between two gold spheres using an atomic force microscope. Force measurements are alternated with topographical scans in the x-y plane to maintain alignment of the two spheres to within approximately 400nm (∼1% of the sphere radii). Our experimental results are consistent with Lifshitz's theory using the proximity force approximation (PFA), and corrections to the PFA are bounded using nine sphere-sphere and three sphere-plate measurements with spheres of varying radii.

Clinical, morphologic, and demographic characteristics of bipartite patella in patients referred to Iranian academic clinics

In a descriptive cross-sectional study, we evaluated clinical, morphologic, and demographic characteristics of bipartite patella (BP) in 20 patients referred to clinics affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2015. Simple radiography, computerized topography scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of BP plus demographic data include age, gender, co-morbidities, and side of involvement were recorded. Male to female ratio was 17:3 (5.6) with total mean age of 39.1 ± 13.4 years. Sixteen patients (80%) had unilateral involvement, and among them right- and left-side involvements were seen in 11 and 5 patients, respectively. The BP position included superolateral (8 patients, 40%), lateral (5 patients, 25%), and inferomedial (7 patients, 35%). Knee pain, joint stiffness, and decrease the motion range were seen in 13 (65%), 7 (35%), and 11 (55%) patients, respectively. Chondromalacia (7 patients, 35%) and bone marrow edema (7 patients, 35%) were the most common co-morbidities. The mean diameter of the cartilage that covered the segment in right and left sides were 8.92 ± 3.63 and 9.01 ± 2.22 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). The right and left sides distance of segment to patella were 2.50 ± 0.86 and 3.17 ± 1.45 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). No significant associations were detected between age, gender, decrease the motion range, pain, and joint stiffness with sides of involvement (P > 0.05). Just patients with bone marrow edema had significant higher diameter of cartilage that covered the segment in comparison to patients without bone marrow edema (P = 0.010). In summary, higher percentage of male, existence of pain, and decrease the motion range plus superolateral position of the bipartite segment were noticeable which must be considered in the future research.

A low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope capable of microscopy and spectroscopy in a Bitter magnet at up to 34 T.

We present the design and performance of a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (STM) which operates inside a water-cooled Bitter magnet, which can attain a magnetic field of up to 38 T. Due to the high vibration environment generated by the magnet cooling water, a uniquely designed STM and a vibration damping system are required. The STM scan head is designed to be as compact and rigid as possible, to minimize the effect of vibrational noise as well as fit the size constraints of the Bitter magnet. The STM uses a differential screw mechanism for coarse tip-sample approach, and operates in helium exchange gas at cryogenic temperatures. The reliability and performance of the STM are demonstrated through topographic imaging and scanning tunneling spectroscopy on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at T = 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 34 T.

Hand Rejuvenation by Targeted Volume Restoration of the Dorsal Fat Compartments.

Recent anatomic findings suggest aging-related changes of the complex fat distribution in the hand. To rejuvenate the aging hand, we developed a targeted fat grafting technique based on the physiologic fat distribution of the hand. The dorsum of both hands was examined in 30 healthy volunteers of different age utilizing B-mode ultrasound to determine physiological changes of the aging hand. Additional anatomic dissection was performed in 10 hands of five fresh cadavers to establish the anatomic basis for the targeted restoration technique. A total of 17 patients were treated for hand rejuvenation utilizing this technique and followed up for at least 6 months. The posttreatment outcome was assessed through B-mode ultrasound, 3-dimensional (3D) topography scanning, and a patient satisfaction survey. According to the fat distribution of the dorsum, hand aging was divided into three grades: (1) mild atrophy with rhytides; (2) moderate atrophy with exposed veins; and (3) serious atrophy with exposed tendons. Anatomic findings showed the existence of distinct superficial and deep fat compartments. The average fat grafting volume was 25.5 ml per hand dorsum administered in one or two procedures. Patients were monitored for 8.3 ± 2.6 months. After 6 months, a volume gain was found in all patients. The degree of aging was significantly reduced. The majority of patients (94.1%) were satisfied with their results. This study provides the anatomic and clinical basis for targeted restoration of the physiological fat volume in the hand dorsum with high satisfaction rates. 4.

Fluorescence Imaging Topography Scanning System for intraoperative multimodal imaging.

Fluorescence imaging is a powerful technique with diverse applications in intraoperative settings. Visualization of three dimensional (3D) structures and depth assessment of lesions, however, are oftentimes limited in planar fluorescence imaging systems. In this study, a novel Fluorescence Imaging Topography Scanning (FITS) system has been developed, which offers color reflectance imaging, fluorescence imaging and surface topography scanning capabilities. The system is compact and portable, and thus suitable for deployment in the operating room without disturbing the surgical flow. For system performance, parameters including near infrared fluorescence detection limit, contrast transfer functions and topography depth resolution were characterized. The developed system was tested in chicken tissues ex vivo with simulated tumors for intraoperative imaging. We subsequently conducted in vivo multimodal imaging of sentinel lymph nodes in mice using FITS and PET/CT. The PET/CT/optical multimodal images were co-registered and conveniently presented to users to guide surgeries. Our results show that the developed system can facilitate multimodal intraoperative imaging.

Fabrication and characterization of mesopores in a silica gel matrix

The sol–gel synthesis of a silica (SiO2) matrix that surrounds ZnO nanoparticles was studied using atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques prior to and just after removal of the nanoparticles. The open silica matrix allows acids to penetrate and cause dissolution and removal of the ZnO nanoparticles. The nanoparticles serve as nanotemplates that allow the formation of cavities (mesopores) inside the silica matrix with comparable shape and size of the nanoparticles. AFM topographic scans revealed the presence of dome-like structures at the surface of the acid-treated silica matrix. Electrostatic force images of these near-surface, dome-like features revealed they have a low dielectric constant relative to the silica matrix, suggesting they are domes over empty cavities. Taken together, these results are consistent with the formation of a novel material consisting of nanotemplated cavities having a volume of ~0.1 attolitres embedded in a silica matrix.

Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering of MoS2

Detailed structural characterization of novel two-dimensional materials plays a key role in understanding their properties and designing optoelectronic devices. High resolution spatial imaging is important for characterizing defects, edges, and grain boundaries. We use tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) to obtain nanoscale vibrational images of monolayer and few-layer MoS2. We compare near-field and far-field Raman maps and demonstrate high spatial resolution and signal enhancement for various vibrational modes and peak ratios. We observe different spectral behavior and enhancement of edges and inner areas. We show that TERS provides valuable complementary nanoscale information to topographic scanning probe microscopy.

Morphometric parameters of the optic disc in normal and glaucomatous eyes based on time-domain optical coherence tomography image analysis

Background and objectiveAssessment of optic disc morphology is essential in diagnosis and management of visual impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between optic disc morphometric parameters, i.e., size and shape, and age, gender, and ocular axial length in normal and glaucomatous eyes based on time-domain optical coherence tomography image analysis. Materials and methodsIt was a case–control study of 998 normal and 394 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma that underwent an ophthalmological examination and time-domain optical coherence topography scanning. Areas and shapes of the disc, cup, and neuroretinal rim were analyzed. ResultsThe shape of the optic disc did not differ between the study groups, i.e., normal and glaucomatous case groups, but the disc area of the primary open angle glaucoma group was significantly larger. The shape of the small disc was significantly different, but the shape of the medium and the large disc did not differ between the study groups. The central area of the disc, i.e., cup area was significantly larger in the case group and its shape was significantly different between the study groups. No significant differences in the area of the cup and its shape, nerve fibers on the edge of the disc, i.e., neuroretinal rim area, were found between the study groups of the small discs. There were significant associations between age, gender, and ocular axial length and morphometric parameters of the optic disc. ConclusionsInformative results with regard to the size and shape due to various ocular characteristics between the healthy control group and patients suffering with primary open angle glaucoma were obtained. Both study groups were significant in size, which makes the findings interesting and important contribution in the field.

Tunable wettability and tensile strength of chitosan membranes using keratin microparticles as reinforcement

ABSTRACTKeratin particles with microscale are prepared by ball mill and its influences on the chitosan membrane is evaluated. Composite membranes with various content of keratin are fabricated, and their physical and chemical properties such as morphology, wettability, crystallization, thermal stability, tensile strength, and break elongation are investigated. Optical microscope and situ topographic scan mode of nano‐test system are used to examine the dispersion and aggregation of keratin on the surface of chitosan membrane. The result of contact angle (CA) and mechanical testing show that the incorporation of keratin particles decrease the CA from 98.1° to 58.2°. Tensile strength and break elongation of the composite membrane reaches a maximum of 65 ± 8 MPa and 15% when the keratin content is 6%, an increase of 80% and 88% compared with the pristine chitosan membrane. Both the increase in tensile strength and break elongation is result of the incorporation of keratin particles known for their excellent compatibility between keratin and chitosan matrix. These kind of composite material combines the antibacterial properties of chitosan with cell culture preference of keratin which may have potential biomedical application. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44667.

INTEND, DEPICTION IN VITRO AND IN VIVO APPRAISAL OF GLIPIZIDE FLOATING MICROSPHERES USING ETHYL CELLLULOSE AND HYDROXYL PROPYL METHYL CELLULOSE AS POLYMER BY SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED METHOD

ABSTRACTObjective: The purpose of this research was to formulate and evaluate floating microsphere of glipizide.Methods: Glipizide microsphere containing ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) were prepared by solvent evaporationmethod. Polymer to drug ratio affected characteristics of microspheres. Microspheres were discrete, spherical, and perforated form. The microspheresexhibited good floating property and achieved good gastric retention.Result: In vitro performance was evaluated by the usual pharmacopoeial and other tests such as drug polymer compatibility (Fourier transforminfrared scan), yield (%), micrometric properties such as tapped density (%). Compressibility particle size analysis (by optical microscopy), drugentrapment efficiency, surface topography (scanning electron microscope), and in vitro release study. On the basis of results, increasing the polymerratio increased the particle size (195.6±20.24 to 200.89±16.61), increased tapped density (maximum 0.29.60±0.00037 HGF4, batch), and decreased% compressibility (2.13±0.188). Drug loaded floating microspheres were found to be float more than 12 hrs on simulated gastric fluid (pH-1.2).Maximum drug entrapment was found in batch HGF3 (Drug:HPMC:EC) (1:1:3). Electron microscopy showed its perforated surface with hollowness.After 10 hrs, maximum release was found to be 78.0% (batch-GF1).Conclusion: The release study was performed in simulated gastric fluid with 0.02% tween80. The best release result was obtained at the ratio ofdrug: polymer (1:1).Keywords: Floating microspheres, Glipizide, Gastrorentensive system, In vitro release.

ABRASIVE EROSION STUDY ON S45C CARBON STEEL USING SAND BLASTING TECHNIQUE

Hydrocarbon fluids recovered from the reservoir are inevitably polluted with sand particles. Sanding is a source of several flow assurance problems in oil and gas industry. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of sand size and impact angle on the mild steel erosion by using a laboratory built sand blasting technique. S45C mild steel coupons were eroded with 45 [Formula: see text]m and 150[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m sand particles for fixed exposure time of 1 h. Although in-depth analysis revealed an increase in surface erosion with the particle size, the fine sand also notably damaged the metal surface. Topographic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and universal scanning electron microscopy (USPM) micrographs of the steel coupons showed significantly large difference between the peak and bottom of the eroded samples as compared to the blank coupon. The erosion rates calculated for 45 and 150 [Formula: see text]m sand particles were found in the range of 6.47[Formula: see text]mm/year to 6.84 mm/year and 8.31 mm/year to 8.79 mm/year, respectively. Additionally, a good agreement was seen among the erosion rates calculated using USPM and weight loss methods. The erosion rates calculated for coarse sand at 45[Formula: see text] and 90[Formula: see text] were found in the range of 4.58 mm/year to 4.72 mm/year and 8.31 mm/year to 8.79 mm/year, respectively. A large difference between the angle dependent erosion rates revealed a strong influence of the impact angle on erosion of the flow-lines.

THE FLORENCE BAPTISTERY: 3-D SURVEY AS A KNOWLEDGE TOOL FOR HISTORICAL AND STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS

Abstract. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the most important pieces of architecture in Florence. It is an octagonal building, encrusted with marble both internally and externally (including the pyramidal roof) and covered inside by a magnificent dome with sparkling gold mosaics. During Dante’s time, it appeared much older than the other monuments, so its origins were considered as hailing straight from Florence’s most remote and mythical history. Even though we have much more data now, scholars still disagree over the interpretations on the origin and construction sequence of the monument. Survey has always been considered a main instrument for understanding historical architecture, mostly from constructional and structural points of view. During the last century, the Baptistery was surveyed using both traditional techniques and the most up-to-date instruments available at the time, such as topography, close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning. So, a review of those early applications, even if partial or isolated, can significantly attest to the state of the art and evolution of survey techniques. During recent years, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore promoted new research and a wide range of diagnostic investigations aimed at acquiring greater knowledge of the monument in anticipation of the cleaning and restoration of the outer wall surfaces during 2015. Among this research, GeCo Lab carried out a new systematic and complete laser scanner survey of the whole Baptistery, acquiring data for the more inaccessible parts that were given little attention during other survey campaigns. First of all, the paper analyses recent contributions given by instrumental surveys in advancing knowledge of the building, with references to the cutting-edge techniques and measurement tools used at the time. Then, it describes the new survey campaign, illustrating the approach followed in the planning, data acquisition and data elaboration phases; finally, it gives examples of some interpretations of the structure stemming from the new acquisitions.

THE FLORENCE BAPTISTERY: 3-D SURVEY AS A KNOWLEDGE TOOL FOR HISTORICAL AND STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATIONS

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the most important pieces of architecture in Florence. It is an octagonal building, encrusted with marble both internally and externally (including the pyramidal roof) and covered inside by a magnificent dome with sparkling gold mosaics. During Dante’s time, it appeared much older than the other monuments, so its origins were considered as hailing straight from Florence’s most remote and mythical history. Even though we have much more data now, scholars still disagree over the interpretations on the origin and construction sequence of the monument. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; Survey has always been considered a main instrument for understanding historical architecture, mostly from constructional and structural points of view. During the last century, the Baptistery was surveyed using both traditional techniques and the most up-to-date instruments available at the time, such as topography, close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning. So, a review of those early applications, even if partial or isolated, can significantly attest to the state of the art and evolution of survey techniques. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; During recent years, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore promoted new research and a wide range of diagnostic investigations aimed at acquiring greater knowledge of the monument in anticipation of the cleaning and restoration of the outer wall surfaces during 2015. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; Among this research, GeCo Lab carried out a new systematic and complete laser scanner survey of the whole Baptistery, acquiring data for the more inaccessible parts that were given little attention during other survey campaigns. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; First of all, the paper analyses recent contributions given by instrumental surveys in advancing knowledge of the building, with references to the cutting-edge techniques and measurement tools used at the time. Then, it describes the new survey campaign, illustrating the approach followed in the planning, data acquisition and data elaboration phases; finally, it gives examples of some interpretations of the structure stemming from the new acquisitions.