BINA

Raman spectroscopy is an extremely powerful laser-based method for characterizing materials based on their unique inelastic scattering spectrum. Ultimately, the power of the technique is limited by the resolution of the spectrometer. Here we introduce a new method for achieving Super-Spectral-Resolution Raman Spectroscopy (SSR-RS), by angle-tuning a Fabry–Pérot (F-P) etalon filter that we incorporated in a micro-Raman setup. A monolithically coated F-P etalon structure, only 1.686 mm in thickness, was mounted onto an angle-tunable motorized stage, and Raman spectra were automatically acquired for many different angles of the etalon. Using a low-resolution grating of 150 g/mm by itself, without the F-P etalon, we obtained a best-case regular Raman spectral linewidth of 44 cm−1 for the characteristic Raman peak from a diamond sample. When we applied the SSR-RS technique to diamond, we obtained …

Redox-Flow Batteries (RFBs) do match the requirement for long duration energy storage (LDES) and bromine catholyte has attracted a lot of attention with its high abundance and low-cost. However, at high state-of-charge, the bromine vapor pressure is a serious safety concern in the catholyte tank and polybromide species corrode metals present in the stack. Until today, soluble bromine complexing agent (BCA) has been proposed to reduce the concentration of free bromine, with a certain success for safety concerns but with a major drop in power density and durability. Herein, we report on the development of a solid BCA added to the catholyte tank of a hydrogen-bromine RFB (HBRFB). Long-term separation between the bromine rich solid phase and flowing liquid phases enables high and stable performance for more than 250 cycles. Effective complexing – dissociating equilibrium in the electrolyte tank …

A basic feature of superconductors is flux quantization, which leads to periodicity of superconducting parameters with magnetic field. This periodicity is crucial for understanding basic concepts, such as elementary charge, symmetry of the order parameter, etc. In quantum circuit applications the periodicity is utilized for maximizing design performance. These applications rely on the fact that the periodicity is well defined for a given superconducting structure. We use scanning SQUID imaging and numerical simulations to show that, in realistic nanoscale devices, the periodicity depends on the temperature and the actual geometric details of the structure, specifically, the width of the wires that define the superconducting network. This should be taken into account in any experiment or application based on complex superconducting structures.

Producing pure, compressed hydrogen from gas mixtures is a crucial, but expensive, aspect of hydrogen distribution. Electrochemical hydrogen pumps offer a promising energy-efficient solution, but struggle with gas mixtures containing less than 20% hydrogen. Here we show that electrochemical hydrogen pumps equipped with phosphate-coordinated quaternary ammonium ion-pair polymer membranes can overcome this challenge. By using a protonated phosphonic acid ionomer and selective cathode humidification, mass transport of the device is enhanced, boosting hydrogen production from low-concentration hydrogen gas mixtures. A tandem ion-pair electrochemical hydrogen pump system achieves high-purity hydrogen (> 99.999%) from a 10% hydrogen–methane mixture with nearly 100% faradaic efficiency and hydrogen recovery. A techno-economic analysis reveals that electrochemical hydrogen pumps …

BackgroundAngelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder caused by the loss of function of the ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene, affecting approximately 1: 15,000 live births. We have recently shown that mitochondrial function in AS is altered during mid to late embryonic brain development leading to increased oxidative stress and enhanced apoptosis of neural precursor cells. However, the overall alterations of metabolic processes are still unknown. Hence, as a follow-up, we aim to investigate the metabolic profiles of wild-type (WT) and AS littermates and to identify which metabolic processes are aberrant in the brain of AS model mice during embryonic development.MethodsWe collected brain tissue samples from mice embryos at E16. 5 and performed metabolomic analyses using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) spectroscopy. Multivariate and Univariate analyses …

A basic feature of superconductors is flux quantization, which leads to periodicity of superconducting parameters with magnetic field. This periodicity is crucial for understanding basic concepts, such as elementary charge, symmetry of the order parameter, etc. In quantum circuit applications the periodicity is utilized for maximizing design performance. These applications rely on the fact that the periodicity is well defined for a given superconducting structure. We use scanning SQUID imaging and numerical simulations to show that, in realistic nanoscale devices, the periodicity depends on the temperature and the actual geometric details of the structure, specifically, the width of the wires that define the superconducting network. This should be taken into account in any experiment or application based on complex superconducting structures.

Weak values and Kirkwood--Dirac (KD) quasiprobability distributions have been independently associated with both foundational issues in quantum theory and advantages in quantum metrology. We propose simple quantum circuits to measure weak values, KD distributions, and spectra of density matrices without the need for post-selection. This is achieved by measuring unitary-invariant, relational properties of quantum states, which are functions of Bargmann invariants, the concept that underpins our unified perspective. Our circuits also enable experimental implementation of various functions of KD distributions, such as out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOCs) and the quantum Fisher information in post-selected parameter estimation, among others. An upshot is a unified view of nonclassicality in all those tasks. In particular, we discuss how negativity and imaginarity of Bargmann invariants relate to set coherence.

The hexatic phase is an intermediate stage in the melting process of a 2D crystal due to topological defects. Recently, this exotic phase was experimentally identified in the vortex lattice of 2D weakly disordered superconducting MoGe by scanning tunneling microscopic measurements. Here we study this vortex state by the Nernst effect, which is an effective and sensitive tool to detect vortex motion, especially in the superconducting fluctuation regime. We find a surprising Nernst sign reversal at the melting transition of the hexatic phase. We propose that they are a consequence of vortex dislocations in the hexatic state which diffuse preferably from the cold to hot.

In this comprehensive review, we delve into super-resolution optical imaging techniques and their diverse applications. Our primary focus is on linear optics super-resolution methods, encompassing a wide array of concepts ranging from time multiplexing, ptychography, and deep learning-based microscopy to compressive sensing and random phase encoding techniques. Additionally, we explore compressed sensing, non-spatial resolution improvement, and sparsity-based geometric super-resolution. Furthermore, we investigate various methods based on field of view, wavelength, coherence, polarization, gray level, and code division multiplexing, as well as localization microscopy. Our review extends to stimulated emission depletion microscopy via pump-probe super-resolution techniques, providing a detailed analysis of their working applications. We then shift our attention to near-field scanning optical …

The quest for renewable energy storage solutions highlights the need for systems prioritizing safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility of materials and compartments. Unlike traditional flow systems requiring frequent upkeep and extensive space, the static setup of rechargeable zinc-bromide batteries (RZBBs) in an aqueous environment emerges as a promising option due to its component abundance, secure setup, and compact storage volume. This study focuses on the interplay between zinc-bromide complexes and the pores of the carbon cathodes' scaffold. We uncover noteworthy insights by meticulously controlling the porous structure of the carbon scaffold and the ZnBr2 concentration in the electrolyte while upholding a high Coulombic efficiency (≥96 %). In materials with small pore volumes, even relatively low concentrations and the highest conductivity (3M) lead to space occupation by the complexes …

Developing a durable multifunctional superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that can be industrially scalable is a challenge in the field of surface engineering. This article presents a novel method for a scalable technology using a simple single-step fabrication of a superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that exhibits excellent water-repelling and UV-blocking properties, along with impressive wear resistance and chemical robustness. A mixture of titanium precursors, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), hydrophobic silanes and silica nano/micro-particles is polymerized directly on a corona-treated polymeric film which reacts with the surface via siloxane chemistry. The mixture is then spread on polymeric films using a Mayer rod, which eliminates the need for expensive equipment or multistep processes. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles along with titanium precursor and TEOS results in the formation of a silica–titania network around the silica nanoparticles. This chemically binds them to the activated surface, forming a unique dual-scale surface morphology depending on the size of the silica nanoparticles used in the coating mixture. The coated films were shown to be superhydrophobic with a high water contact angle of over 180° and a rolling angle of 0°. This is due to the combination of dual-scale micro/nano roughness with fluorinated hydrocarbons that lowered the surface free energy. The coatings exhibited excellent chemical and mechanical durability, as well as UV-blocking capabilities. The results show that the coatings remain superhydrophobic even after a sandpaper abrasion test under a pressure of 2.5 kPa for a distance of …

A basic feature of superconductors is flux quantization, which leads to periodicity of superconducting parameters with magnetic field. This periodicity is crucial for understanding basic concepts, such as elementary charge, symmetry of the order parameter, etc. In quantum circuit applications the periodicity is utilized for maximizing design performance. These applications rely on the fact that the periodicity is well defined for a given superconducting structure. We use scanning SQUID imaging and numerical simulations to show that, in realistic nanoscale devices, the periodicity depends on the temperature and the actual geometric details of the structure, specifically, the width of the wires that define the superconducting network. This should be taken into account in any experiment or application based on complex superconducting structures.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in optical data processing, driven by the demand for high-speed and high-bandwidth data handling in data centers. One of the key milestones for enabling effective all-optical data processing systems is the development of efficient optical memory. Previously, we introduced a novel approach for establishing nonvolatile optical memory, based on the classification of scattering fields generated by gold nanoparticles. In this ongoing research, we apply advanced machine learning techniques to enhance the performance of the proposed nonvolatile memory element. By utilizing Random Forest and t-SNE algorithms, we successfully classified and analyzed the scattered images obtained from the optical memory device. The classification model presented in this study achieved an accuracy and average F1-score of 0.81 across nine distinct classes.

The quest for renewable energy storage solutions highlights the need for systems prioritizing safety, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility of materials and compartments. Unlike traditional flow systems requiring frequent upkeep and extensive space, the static setup of rechargeable zinc-bromide batteries (RZBBs) in an aqueous environment emerges as a promising option due to its component abundance, secure setup, and compact storage volume. This study focuses on the interplay between zinc-bromide complexes and the pores of the carbon cathodes' scaffold. We uncover noteworthy insights by meticulously controlling the porous structure of the carbon scaffold and the ZnBr2 concentration in the electrolyte while upholding a high Coulombic efficiency (≥96 %). In materials with small pore volumes, even relatively low concentrations and the highest conductivity (3M) lead to space occupation by the complexes …

The availability of robust and accessible active sites in iron–nitrogen-carbon (Fe–Nx-C) electrocatalysts is essential to optimize the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is the main obstacle in the commercial realization of fuel cells. Herein, a modified hard templating method to develop efficient Fe–Nx-C has been presented that not only ensured the generation of a porous architecture but also helped in the homogeneous distribution of Fe throughout the structure. First, silica nanoparticles (NPs) were grown via the Stöber process and then functionalized atomically with iron through two different types of silane chains, i.e., (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) and N-(2-Aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (EDTMS). The Fe-functionalized silica simultaneously acting as a sacrificial template as well as an iron source was then impregnated with nicarbazin, which was a carbon and nitrogen precursor. The …

Acoustic-directed assembly is a modular and flexible bottom-up technique with the potential to pattern a wide range of materials. Standing acoustic waves have been previously employed for patterning preformed metal particles, however, direct patterning of metallic structures from precursors remains unexplored. Here, we investigate utilization of standing waves to exert control over chemical reaction products, while also exploring their potential in the formation of multi-layered and composite micro-structures. Periodic metallic micro-structures were formed in a single step, simplifying microstructure fabrication. Concentric structures were obtained by introducing a metal precursor salt and a reducing agent into a cylindrical piezoelectric resonator that also served as a reservoir. In addition, we introduce an innovative approach to directly fabricate metallic multi-layer and composite structures by reducing different metal ions or adding nanoparticles during the reduction step. Fewer steps are needed, compared with other methods, and there is no need to stabilize the nanoparticles or to ensure chemical affinity between the metallic matrix and inorganic nanoparticles. This innovative approach is promising for production of complex microstructures with enhanced functionality and controlled properties.

The closed topology of spherical crystals renders the presence of topological defects inevitable. These defects can organize in a plethora of different structures, such as “clouds” or grain boundary “scars”, challenging for theoretical modeling and experimental visualization. Visualizing the defects by fluorescent dye adsorption, we reveal ion concentration control of a clouds-to-scars transition, which we attribute to commonly neglected defects' core energy. The consequent line tension energy probes the defects' molecular scale energetics, enabling pattern tuning for future applications.

Optical spectroscopy the measurement of electromagnetic spectra is fundamental to various scientific domains and serves as the building block of numerous technologies. Computational spectrometry is an emerging field that employs an array of photodetectors with different spectral responses or a single photodetector device with tunable spectral response, in conjunction with numerical algorithms, for spectroscopic measurements. Compact single photodetectors made from layered materials are particularly attractive, since they eliminate the need for bulky mechanical and optical components used in traditional spectrometers and can easily be engineered as heterostructures to optimize device performance. However, compact tunable photodetectors are typically nonlinear devices and this adds complexity to extracting optical spectra from the device response. Here, we report on the training of an artificial neural network (ANN) to recover the full nonlinear spectral photoresponse of a nonlinear problem of high dimensionality of a single GeSe-InSe p-n heterojunction device. We demonstrate the functionality of a calibrated spectrometer in the spectral range of 400-1100 nm, with a small device footprint of ~25X25 micrometers, and we achieve a mean reconstruction error of 0.0002 for the power-spectrum at a spectral resolution of 0.35 nm. Using our device, we demonstrate a solution to metamerism, an apparent matching of colors with different power spectral distributions, which is a fundamental problem in optical imaging.

In the original published version of this article, the graphical abstract was omitted. The authors wish to update the article with the graphical abstract included. The authors apologize for the error. Both the HTML and PDF versions of the article have been updated to correct the error.

Natural and anomalous diffusion are widely observed and used to explore causes and consequences of movement across organisms, resulting in extensive use of the mean and mean-squared displacement (MSD). Using high-resolution data from over 70 million localizations of young and adult free-ranging Barn Owls (\textit{Tyto alba}), we demonstrate the necessity of a broad spectrum of displacement moments to characterize bird movement across scales. The mean and MSD -- interchangeable with moments and 2 -- are insufficient special cases. We reveal empirical strong anomalous diffusion as a nonlinear growth of displacement moments according to . The moment spectrum function displays piecewise linearity with a critical moment marking the crossover point between two scaling regimes, linked to a combination of age-specific behavioral modes. A critical timescale of five minutes marks an unexpected transition from a convex to a concave , related to environmental and behavioral constraints. Using two stochastic models of varying ecological complexity, we demonstrate that strong anomalous diffusion may be widespread in animal movement, underscoring the importance of expanding analysis beyond the average and MSD.

The formation of stable interphases on the electrodes is crucial for rechargeable lithium (Li) batteries. However, next-generation high-energy batteries face challenges in controlling interphase formation due to the high reactivity and structural changes of electrodes, leading to reduced stability and slow ion transport, which accelerate battery degradation. Here, we report an approach to address these issues by introducing multicomponent grain-boundary-rich interphase that boosts the rapid transport of ions and enhances passivation toward prolonged lifespan. This is guided by fundamental principles of solid-state ionics and geological crystallization differentiation theory, achieved through improved solvation chemistry. Demonstrations showcase how the introduction of the interphase substantially impacts the Li-ion transport across the interphase and the electrode–electrolyte compatibility in cost-effective electrolyte …