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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens a person’s immune system by destroying cells which are important to fighting the disease and infection. HIV is a major global public health issue with an estimated 38 million people living with HIV at the end of 2019. There is no cure for HIV. However, increased access to effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment has enabled people living with HIV to lead healthy lives. Rapid diagnosis forms an important part of the WHO’s strategy for ensuring those who are HIV positive have immediate access to care. Perhaps more critical however is that effective diagnostic testing informs individuals of their HIV status, reducing the risk of transmission. HIV prevalence within the US is disproportionately high amongst Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino American populations who often have limited access to advanced medical clinics. In this paper, we present a lateral flow device designed to detect miR-150-5p; an emerging biomarker of HIV. Based on our preliminary results shown here, we are capable of detecting the miRNA sequence at sub-ng uL-1 using colorimetric analysis, without prior amplification of the target material. We have also detailed our initial results obtained from surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements made at the device capture line, whilst the standard deviations are large, the technique shows lots of promise for lowering the detection limit in the future.

In the process of knowing and understanding the world, the traditional media of books and paper have always played a very important role. However, with the emergence of new media and the skilled use of digital media technology, the traditional medium of book and paper media has gradually faded away in the eyes of mankind. Stereoscopic paper media is a three-dimensional paper media that can display three-dimensional virtual scenes on the display device based on the traditional paper books by using the camera of the display device to identify the logo card or the real scene, and then collect the virtual information and the real scene. In this paper, under Windows 10 operating system, the program is written by VC++ and ARtoolKit software development kit development tool, and based on augmented reality technology, virtual 3D scenes are built through 3D model modeling to achieve matching and integration with real scenes of paper books and realize 3D interaction. Based on this, a 3D interactive augmented reality system with a high degree of realism is realized. The main research contents include: customizing the paper media markers, reducing the system's misjudgment rate of the markers by combining the single-response matrix and calculating the image matching value with an optimization algorithm, realizing and tracking the recognition of the markers in real time; and optimizing the image segmentation method of the ARtoolKit software development kit, using the marker card to rotate 45° relative to the camera's position to simulate the situation when the scene has changed significantly. We use the minimum error method to calculate the gaps in real time to realize augmented reality; build a 3D model with animation effects based on the ARtoolKit software development tool and Unity development platform; accurately align the recognized markers with the virtual 3D model; add audio to the 3D model to match the content and add interactive functions to realize the control of 3D animation. Stereoscopic paper media breaks the traditional paper book book reading method, no longer just read the content of paper books, you can see and content-related virtual information on the display device of the mobile terminal, such as three-dimensional scenes, videos and so on. Stereoscopic paper media improves the reader's interest in reading and gives the reader a vivid and realistic reading experience.

Colorimetric analysis is being broadly applied in chemical sensing today; however, detection ranges and resolution limits are typically modest. In this paper, we introduce a methodology to quantify the colorimetric chemical response on a paper-based microfluidic device that enables high-resolution colorimetric detection over a broad pH range. We have achieved this by combining data from various indicators displaying sensitivity on partially overlapping small pH ranges and training machine learning classification models to the colorimetric output. The training dataset consists of images taken from the colorimetric response of three different pH indicators previously deposited on circular spots of a multilayer paper-based device, captured with a reference lab-grade camera. Instead of restricting the use of each pH indicator to their linear response regime within the RGB space, the models are trained against data spanning the entire range of pH values, from 3 to 9, in increments of 0.1, exploring the optimum combination of feature engineering and classification model to maximize the overall model accuracy. The combined analysis of image data captured simultaneously with the three indicators resulted in a pH detection accuracy above 85% with over the entire pH range with resolution down to 0.2 pH points. The demonstrated detection range and resolution are well-suited to support various applications in environmental and industrial analysis.

Colorimetric detection using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) and smartphones enable lowcost mobile chemical analysis solutions. However, variable illumination conditions and phone characteristics (i.e. camera hardware and software capabilities) limit the accurate interpretation and reproducibility of quantitative results. In this paper, we describe a method to automatically compensate an image captured by a smartphone camera under variable illumination conditions. By incorporating a two-step algorithm, we approximate the mobile camera picture color distribution to resemble a laboratory-grade measurement under reference illumination conditions. For every test image, the algorithm first applies a color mapping step that performs histogram matching of a set of color reference spots printed on the device to a laboratory reference measurement. After this initial correction step, a transformation matrix is computed via a least-square fit to minimize the differences between the device and the laboratory references. This matrix is then applied to the RGB channel values obtained from a µPAD to correct for illumination variations. The methodology was tested by correcting a test dataset captured using a smartphone to approximate to a calibration dataset acquired using a lab-grade camera. After correction, the relative error between the datasets fell to 10-20%, leading to an increase in classification accuracy between 12-33%. This approach enables colorimetric chemical analysis with smartphones outside the lab, removing the need to control external lighting conditions.

We show photonic responses of selected two-dimensional photonic crystals that are based on a combination of geometrical design and spatial self-similarity. Structures based on multi-layer circles, squares, and triangles are studied, finding a range of local band gaps that can be varied with the self-similarity of the photonic crystal patterns. Selected photonic modes are shown that couple to different geometrical features of the photonic crystal. The role of boundary sharpness between the two dielectric components is emphasized.

Here we report a novel approach to create tunable and reconfigurable microwave metamaterials using metal ink printing on a paper. Our approach enables easy-to-fabricate but still highly functional and tunable elements. An array of asymmetric split ring resonators was printed on a photopaper to induce Fano resonances in the microwave region (~ 10 GHz). Then, the printed paper was cut line by line and folded, so that a step height between neighboring unit cells can be created and tuned. With the varying step height between neighboring cells, our sample demonstrates significant spectral shifts and resonance tuning despite its simple geometry. Depending on the cutting direction, we observe either spectral redshift or blueshift. We explain our experimental observations based on the interactions between electric/magnetic dipoles in the neighboring unit cell. Moreover, we observe phase singularity at the zero amplitude position of the Fano resonance spectrum. The spectral phase exhibits a drastic change at this singularity point, and the phase spectrum can be also largely tuned with the geometry change in our sample. The drastic changes in phase could be very useful for various applications, such as optical sensing and beam steering.

We present an ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification based wireless communication set-up for paper-based point-of-care diagnostic applications, based on a sensing radio frequency identification chip. Paper provides a low-cost, disposable platform for ease of fluidic handling without bulky instrumentation, and is thus ideally suited for point-ofcare applications; however, result communication – a crucial aspect for healthcare to be implemented effectively – is still lacking. Printing of radio frequency identification antennas and electronic circuitry for sensing on paper are presented, with read out of the results using a radio frequency identification reader illustrated, demonstrating the feasibility of developing integrated, all-printed solutions for point-of-care diagnosis in resource-limited settings.

In this study, we demonstrate a novel wax-patterned paper-polymer centrifugal optical system for performing multiple biomedical tests. The system consists of a detector (photodiode, LED), a diagnostic disc (paper, plastic) and a DC motor, allowing monitoring of changes in real time absorbance. Here, a wax printer was used to form hydrophobic channels on paper. The diagnostic disc can be prepared by attaching wax-patterned paper to a plastic disc. After the diagnostic disc is mounted on the dc motor, the fluid first wets the wax-patterned paper by centrifugal force, slowly moves by capillary action, and the reaction proceeds in the reaction zone with enzyme and color indicator. Microfluidic devices prepared in the wax-patterned paper have several attractive features such as low cost, ease of use, disposability and portability. In addition, the centrifugal disk-based platform can provide a solution for high-efficiency analysis that can process multiple reactions in parallel and monitor reactions in real time. To demonstrate the usability of this system, we performed realtime monitoring of glucose, an important indicator of blood glucose. The detection results could be delivered with the calibration curve within 10 seconds and no complex image analysis was required. The developed wax-patterned paperpolymer centrifugal optical system is promising for clinical multianalyte point-of-care testing due to its ease of manufacture, ease of operation, low cost and high sensitivity.

Copyright: 2016 SPIE. Due to copyright restrictions, the attached PDF file only contains the abstract of the full text item. For access to the full text item, please consult the publisher's website.

There are significant challenges in global healthcare delivery at the moment. Some countries have abundant services, but are stuck with a rather nimble and expensive system that focuses on incremental innovations. Other geographies are still in need of basic tools, infrastructure and require completely different, inexpensive, and with that more disruptive solutions to satisfy their healthcare needs. Next Generation Healthcare systems with a focus on prevention / early detection and pro-active therapy will employ exponential technologies (AI, Big Data, Blockchain, Sensor Technology, Synthetic Biology, Tissue Engineering, Robotics, 3D Printing, ...) that will surely lead to significant changes in the way we experience, think about, and deliver healthcare and in which a digitally empowered patient will play a more important role. In the coming years/decades we will experience a shift from the current SICK-CARE provision to real HEALTHCARE to a focus on personal HEALTH, supported by an integration of patient generated health data with other external diagnostic and therapeutic data components creating a digital health twin as a base for prevention and patient centered precision medicine. Education and training of Biomedical Engineers needs to be adjusted to these developments focussing on solving unmet clinical needs, which requires a solid understanding of current health problems (regional, global), future technologies, economic realities and global health markets. The paper will present and discuss some of these future global innovation needs and the subsequent need for a change in the biomedical engineering curriculum that needs to include learning- (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration) and life skills (flexibility, leadership, social), as well as basic economic and entrepreneurial training — all of which are currently not taught or emphasized.

We report the use of a laser-based direct-write (LDW) technique that allows the fabrication of porous barriers, which enable in-line filtration within a paper-based microfluidic device. The barriers were produced within porous substrates, namely nitrocellulose membranes, via local deposition of a photo-polymer that was subsequently polymerised by exposure from a laser source. Adjustment of the photo-polymer deposition parameters determines the porosity of the barriers, which, when carefully designed and integrated within a fluidic channel, can act as filters that enable either complete blocking, selective flow or controlled separation of particles of different sizes within a fluid travelling through the channel. We have successfully identified the fabrication parameters for the creation of barriers that allow the filtration of two different types of particles, Au-nanoparticles with sizes of 40, 100 and 200 nm and latex microbeads with sizes of 200 nm and 1 μm, dispersed within an aqueous solution. We also report the use of a variable-porosity barrier for selective separation of latex microbeads from Aunanoparticles, thereby showing the usefulness of this technique for enabling in-line filtration in such paper-based microfluidic devices.

>2 PW/sr-cm2 highly brightness Micro-MOPA was achieved. This Micro-MOPA can generate 100 mJ-class and PW/sr-cm2-class pulse with the A3 paper size footprint.100 Hz operation of the Micro-MOPA with over 2 PW/sr/cm2 was achieved. Micro-MOPA system can generate 100 mJ-class and PW/sr/cm2-class pulse with paper size footprint. However, previous repetition rate is limited to 10 Hz in spite of the oscillator and the amplifier design for 100Hz operation due to its thermal problem. However, current repetition rate is limited to 10 Hz in spite of the oscillator and amplifier design for 100Hz operation, because tThe laser diode side-pumped Nd:YAG rod of the amplifier for Micro-MOPA causes lens effect in high brightness beam operation and the focused beam from the rod causes damage to optics. We measured the thermal lens effect of the amplifier Nd:YAG rod to optimize the design of 100 Hz and PW/sr-cm2 class Micro-MOPA. Measured thermal lens focal length at 100 Hz is 0.5 m, and we found thermal lens have no significant time dependence in spite of its QCW pumping. From this result, we insert the optics with composite focal length of 0.45 m to cancel thermal focusing. On the other hand, such the optics is designed on the assumption of thermal lensing, therefore, we have to align optics with pumped amplifier. However, unaligned pumped beam already has 100mJ class energy and it is easy to break optics. To keep thermal lensing constant and to avoid this difficulty, we focused that thermal lensing have no significant time dependence and propose procedure for alignment and amplified energy control by using pumping delay timing shift between oscillator and amplifiere. From these improvements, we have demonstrated the 100 Hz operation of the Micro-MOPA with over 2 PW/sr-cm2.

In this paper, we present an industrial application of multispectral imaging, for density measurement of colorants in photographic paper. We designed and developed a 9-band LED illumination based multispectral imaging system specifically for this application in collaboration with FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe B.V., Tilburg, Netherlands. Unlike a densitometer, which is a spot density measurement device, the proposed system enables fast density measurement in a large area of a photo paper. Densities of the four colorants (CMYK) at every surface point in an image are calculated from the spectral reflectance image. Fast density measurements facilitate automatic monitoring of density changes (which is proportional to thickness changes), which helps control the manufacturing process for quality and consistent output. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed system.

In this work, femtosecond pulse generation in Er-doped fiber laser using graphene oxide (GO) paper based saturable absorber (SA) is presented. The article includes the characterization of optical properties of prepared SA material and detailed description of the laser performance. Stable mode-locking operation was achieved, with 515 fs soliton pulses centered at 1559 nm. The GO paper SA is characterized by 5.4% modulation depth and 155 MW/cm 2 of saturation intensity. The nearly wavelength-independent linear absorption combined with straightforward fabrication process make it a suitable material for application as a SA in low-power mode-locked fiber lasers operating in various spectral ranges.

With new detectors that are capable of imaging across multiple wavelength bands, new methods need to be developed to reduce the lens count and improve performance across these multiple bands while minimizing the SWAP-c (Size, Weight, power and cost) of the system. One method that was proposed was using an update to the classical γν-ν diagram. This method which, uses instantaneous Abbe number and minimum dispersion wavelength to select materials that minimize the chromatic and thermal focal shift over the desired spectral region. A MWIR/LWIR lens was designed using this method to minimize the lens count. The lens has a continuous 3x zoom range. The lens was manufactured to determine the validity of the method that was used and to evaluate the new materials that are being developed. A comparison of the nominal design to the manufactured design is discussed. This includes a comparison of MTF performance.

EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography is one of the most promising techniques for imaging 5-nm node and beyond wafer features. Mask defects that matter are the ones that print during exposure at 13.5 nm wavelength. To support EUV development and production schedules, mask defectivity must be reduced to be at or near the optical defect levels. This task is complicated by the fact that actinic EUV mask inspectors are not currently available. In the absence of an actinic EUV inspection tool, all available methods for detecting and characterizing defects must be deployed. Based on extensive deployment and experience in the industry with optical masks, and on its record for reasonable throughput, 19x nm wavelength inspection is one of the strongest candidates available today, for the initial EUV mask inspection approach. However, there are several key challenges with 19x nm optical inspection of EUV masks. One such challenge is defect sensitivity. Another challenge is that EUV mask pattern image contrast changes as a function of pattern size and pitch. This is often referred to as “Tone Reversal”, and it is a phenomenon that occurs for specific features. It is essential to understand the impact of tone reversal on defect sensitivity and overall inspectability, specifically for image sizes and pitches at the point of tone reversal, and for those immediately on either side of the tone reversal. In this study, the relationship between base pattern contrast and absorber defect sensitivity will be discussed through the analysis of programmed defect macros (PDMs). We will also discuss whether we can influence the point at which tone reversal occurs and furthermore, whether that reversal point can be tailored to specific patterns sizes or pitches. We will demonstrate how inspection parameter optimization can be done to tailor 19x inspection to specific layer and specific groundrules to maximize both sensitivity and inspectability.

Mask manufacturers are facing major reticle metrology challenges, driving the need for cost‐effective solutions that provide tighter registration specifications and on‐device registration qualification. E‐beam mask writers’ local registration error may have a critical impact on the error contribution of the reticles to wafer overlay, as it is very local and most likely is not revealed with standard quality control schemes and sampling. The reticle error signatures are, of course, writing‐strategy‐dependent, but may also be caused by residual deflector alignment issues, thus leading to a very local but potentially critical non‐correctable overlay error on the wafer. Since the e‐beam writer strategy does not differ significantly between ArFi masks and EUV masks, we expect a similar error signature for both mask types. We will present data which demonstrates local registration errors that can be correlated to the writing swathes of state‐of‐the‐art e‐beam writers and multi‐pass strategies, potentially leading to systematic device registration errors versus design of close to 2nm. Furthermore, error signatures for local charging and process effects are indicated by local registration measurements resulting in systematic error, also on the order of 2nm. A unique measurement methodology, Local Registration Metrology, is presented that allows for dense sampling of reticle dies to characterize the local e‐beam registration error. Several thousand sites in a region of interest with length and width of a few hundred microns are measured. LMS IPRO metrology algorithms enable parallel registration measurement of all individual sites for fast and accurate metrology. High throughput allows completion of Local Registration measurement within a few minutes instead of exceeding a day of measurement time with conventional registration metrology strategies. This capability enables mask users to add local registration quality control to ensure the local wafer pattern placement error contribution by a mask is within the acceptable tolerance. In addition, based on the results of Local Registration Metrology, e‐beam mask writer corrections via feed forward can now be developed to significantly reduce local overlay error on wafer caused by the reticles.

Methods of investigation the polarization characteristics of certain types of polygraph paper were described. The most effective method for estimation of the characteristic features of optical heterogeneities of polygraph paper was proposed. The greatest sensitivity to the structural organization of optical heterogeneities of paper was observed for linearly polarized light beams with 90 degree polarization azimuth.

In this paper, we demonstrate an automatic image analysis for Micro Total Analysis Systems (μTAS) or Lab-on-Paper (LoP). By placing fiducial markers on μTAS, application can crop image and remove bending distortions, also it can perform colorimetric analysis. With previously taken photo of μTAS device with applied reagents, user can determine ie. illness presence by uploading photo into the program. In the paper was prepared μTAS sheet, algorithm for finding fiducial points and software for colorimetric analysis written in Matlab.

In this paper, we demonstrate a combination of foil and InkJet printed structures in Lab-on-Paper device. Such a device can be used to analyze a concentration of salt in water (or any other substance) by measuring the impedance of the analyte. Lab-on-Paper can perform an analysis on a microscopic volume of substances. Their advantages is low price, small size or can be easy disposable or stored. In the paper was presented manufacturing and testing of device with colorimetric pH testers and impedance measurement.

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are unique materials able to undergo a thermomechanically induced, reversible phase transformation. Additionally, SMA are subject to two types of fatigue, that is structural fatigue due to cyclic loading as experienced by most materials, as well as actuation fatigue due to repeated thermally induced phase transformation. The evolution of multiple material characteristics is presented over the actuation fatigue lifetime of NiTiHf actuators, including the accumulation of irrecoverable strain, the evolution of internal voids, and the evolution of the effective modulus of the actuator. The results indicate that all three of these material characteristics are clearly interconnected and careful analysis of each of these characteristics can help to understand the evolution of the others, as well as help to understand how actuation fatigue leads to ultimate failure of the actuator.

Research on affordable point-of-care health diagnostics is rapidly advancing1. Colorimetric biosensor applications are typically qualitative, but recently the focus has been shifted to quantitative measurements2,3. Although numerous qualitative point-of-care (POC) health diagnostic devices are available, the challenge exists of developing a quantitative colorimetric array reader system that complies with the ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment-free, Deliverable to end-users) principles of the World Health Organization4. This paper presents a battery powered 8-bit tonal resolution colorimetric sensor circuit for paper microfluidic assays using low cost photo-detection circuitry and a low-power LED light source. A colorimetric 3×3-pixel array reader was developed for rural environments where resources and personnel are limited. The device sports an ultralow-power E-ink paper display. The colorimetric device includes integrated GPS functionality and EEPROM memory to log measurements with geo-tags for possible analysis of regional trends. The device competes with colour intensity measurement techniques using smartphone cameras, but proves to be a cheaper solution, compensating for the typical performance variations between cameras of different brands of smartphones. Inexpensive methods for quantifying bacterial assays have been shown using desktop scanners, which are not portable, and cameras, which suffer severely from changes in ambient light in different environments. Promising colorimetric detection results have been demonstrated using devices such as video cameras5, digital colour analysers6, flatbed scanners7 or custom portable readers8. The major drawback of most of these methods is the need for specialized instrumentation and for image analysis on a computer.

This Conference Presentation was recorded at SPIE Photonics West 2017 held in San Francisco, California, United States.

We built a hyperspectral imaging apparatus using middle-infrared light of 8–14 μm, which has a strong ability to identify organic materials, and attempted visualization of the distribution of organic materials that could not be identified by a naked eye. For this purpose, we utilized a low-cost bolometer camera (Nippon Avionics co., ltd. C100V, Japan) for its easy availability rather than an expensive mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) array sensor. To compensate for the low sensitivity of this bolometer, we adopted a Fourier-type spectroscopic system (Aoi Electronics co. ltd., Japan) using an imaging interferometer devised by the Kagawa University, Japan; this interferometer has higher light-utilization efficiency than Michelson interferometers, which are used in popular interferometry techniques. In this study, 4 types of adhesives, 9 types of varnishes and more than 50 types of inks were put on Al plates of size 10 cm × 10 cm and were used as samples. Glossy paper for printing photos with an inkjet printer was also used as a sample. A 300 °C black body of size 15 cm × 15 cm was used as a light source. Spectra of 320 × 240 points were measured at a wavelength resolution of approximately 9 cm−1. The mirror was scanned only once. The measurement time was approximately 30 s. Hyperspectral images of adhesives, varnishes and inks on Al plate and paper were successfully measured. Spectra over a 5 × 5-pixel neighborhoods were averaged, and the averaged spectra were compared with those measured by a commercially available Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The averaged and measured spectra had absorption peaks at the same wavelengths. Furthermore, by analyzing the measured spectra, the distribution of substances invisible to the naked eye was visualized. Our results show that if low-absorbance organic materials are put on a high-reflectance surface such as an Al plate, the middle-infrared hyperspectral imaging could be measured using a bolometer. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging of high-reflectance paper, such as glossy paper, could also be measured. Because a bolometer camera is much cheaper than an MCT array, hyperspectral imaging with such a camera has many potential applications. Moreover, an imaging interferometer, with its high efficiency of light utilization, is very suitable for the purpose.

Given monochromatic infrared LED (light emitting diode) device best modulation current, frequency, distance to reach its maximum output power and improve the measuring accuracy of quantifier. Design a wavelength of 2.12 μm, 1.89 μm monochromatic infrared emissions and detection optical path, two monochromatic infrared lights which the photo source sends out after transmits the analyte across the same point to achieve the same point detection and improve the accuracy of the measurement. After the paper samples basis weight have carried out nondestructive testing, which was improved from the aspects of structure. By using the light source, halogen tungsten lamp, filter wheel, electrical equipment can be saved, and it can simplify the measuring system. The experimental results show that when measuring the thickness of the paper in the range, the relative error is within 1%.

The UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology is one of four flagship initiatives in the UK National of Quantum Technology Program. As part of a 20-year vision it translates laboratory demonstrations to deployable practical devices, with game-changing miniaturized components and prototypes that transform the state-of-the-art for quantum sensors and metrology. It brings together experts from the Universities of Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, Southampton, Strathclyde and Sussex, NPL and currently links to over 15 leading international academic institutions and over 70 companies to build the supply chains and routes to market needed to bring 10–1000x improvements in sensing applications. It seeks, and is open to, additional partners for new application development and creates a point of easy open access to the facilities and supply chains that it stimulates or nurtures.

Laser ablation offers cleaning method for historical and art works effectively. Difference between ablation threshold of contamination layer and the surface yields to remove contaminants from surface without detriment to historical material. In particular, lasers with ultrashort pulse duration are very convenient for brittle historical papers, fibers of which should be intact after cleaning treatment. Since duration of laser irradiation and material interaction is very short, the possibility of damage to the paper is very low. One of the other crucial issues after paper cleaning treatment is color variation on the surface. Authentic color of the historical paper has to be preserved after the procedure. In this paper, we present results of paper cleaning via femtosecond (fs) laser running at a wavelength of 1030 nm. In the first stage of this experimental study, we determined optimum laser parameters on artificially soiled and aged paper samples, then cleaned a handwritten manuscript with ‘sizing’. In calligraphy, ornamentation and miniature arts, sizing is applied on paper as a protective layer which increases strength of paper and renders it more useful. Papers with sizing have been prevalently used in Islamic or Ottoman culture. We observed that after laser irradiation, artificial soling layer is effectively removed, while original color of the subs-layers did not alter. We used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine fiber integrity, and determined that the sizing layer was not removed when optimized parameters were used, thus the fibers were not damaged.

Rapid and inexpensive virus detection and quantification at the point -of -care is of paramount importance for HIV management in resource -limited settings . Here, we report on an eas y-to-fabricate, cellulose paper -based microchip with printed graphene -modified electrode s for rapid detection of HIV -1 through electrical sensing . We evaluated the effect of electrode material and geometry on the performance of the microchip to detect serially diluted , electrically conductive samples . We evaluated the optimized microchip with HIV -spiked samples . 1. Introduction Effective, rapid , and inexpensive detection of virus es in biological samples at the point -of -care (POC) is an urgent need for infectious disease detection and treatment monitoring in resource -limited settings . Of particular interest is the detection and quantificatio n of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in fingerprick volume s of biological samples at the POC for early detection of the disease and treatment monitoring in developing countries . According to UNAIDS , 35.3 million people are HIV infected globally , of whic h 25.0 million of them (equivalent to 70% of total HIV patients) live in sub -Saharan African countries [1]. T he t otal medical expenditure for HIV/AIDS in 20 12 was 18.9 b US $ and it is estimated that the annual expense will reach 22 -24 b US $ by the end of 2015 [1] . Expanding access globally to antiretroviral therapy (A RT) has been highly effective in reducing mortality in developing countries, however, a significant percentage of HIV -infected individuals do not yet receive ART , and those who have access to the treatment may not receive an effective therapy due to limited access to the appropriate treatment monitoring assays [2, 3] . Current rapid HIV tests, including OraQuick HIV test, lack the ability to detect HIV infection in the early stage as they d etect antibodies utilizing the principles of enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow test (LFT) . Further, these tests cannot detect virological failure that is critical for treatment monitoring and diagnosis of ART failure . Antibodies against HIV -1 start to appear after 3 -8 weeks from the initial infection . HIV -infected individuals have the potential to be substantial sources for transmission of the infection at the acute stage, when maximum vir al replication takes place . Although nucle ic acid tests (NAT) provide sensitive and accurate results for HIV detection and viral load measurement, these assays are laboratory -based, expensive, time consuming, and require skilled personnel [3]. Microfluidics has shown great promise in developing diagnostic assays for disease detection and treatment monitoring at the POC [3, 4] . Electrical sensing also provides robust , sensitive, and rapid detection of analytes in biological samples without the need for bulky equipment in optical -based sensing mechanisms [5 -11] . We have previously shown that electrical sensing modalit ies can be integrated with microfluidics to detect viruses in HIV -spiked samples [5, 10] . HIV was captured and isolated from samples off -chip using magnetic beads conjugated with ant i gp -120 antibody , and captured viruses were detected on -chip through electrical sensing of viral lysate . Here, for the first time, we present a cellulose paper -based microchip with printed graphene/silver electrodes for on -chip HIV capture and detection u sing electrical sensing of viral lysate.

Carbon nanotube paper (CNP) based multi-functional composite material is an attractive candidate for deicing, flame retardancy, thermal insulation and lighting strike protection due to the excellent conductivity, light weight and thin dimensions. In this article, multi-functional carbon nanotube paper was fabricated successfully by using commercial carbon nanotube. As a deicing composite material, carbon nanotube was used directly without pretreatment in fabricating carbon nanotube paper. The conductivities of the carbon nanotube paper and deicing composite were 77.8S/cm and 64.9S/ respectively. Electrical heating and deicing performance were test by infrared camera with deicing time less than 220s and 450s to melt a certain amount of ice under different ambient condition. CNT was grafted by zirconium (IV) butoxide solution and dimethyl dichlorosilicane to form co-oligomers on the tube surface while oligomers decompose under a certain temperature to develop an inorganic layer of silicon zirconium oxide. The oxidizing temperature of carbon nanotube increases more than 20°C and the weight loss rate decreases 20% than the untreated carbon nanotube. Lightning protection material required high electro conductivity, due to the utmost high current in a short time. Therefore, silver nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of carbon nanotube with the diameter around 100nm. The conductivity increased sharply from 84s/cm to1756s/cm with the mount of 5.9wt% Ag of the modified carbon nanotube paper because the silver nanoparticles deposited on the surface. In addition, the silver modified also can be used as thermal insulation material decreasing the infrared radiation.

In this work we have investigated the use of laser sintering of different ink-jet printed nano-particle links (NPIs) on paper substrates. Laser sintering is shown to offer a fast and non-destructive way to produce paper based printed electronics. A continuous wave fiber laser source at 1064 nm is used and evaluated in combination with a galvo-scanning mirror system. A conductivity in order of 2.16 * 107 S/m is reached for the silver NPI structures corresponding to nearly 35 % conductivity compared to that of bulk silver and this is achieved without any observable damage to the paper substrate.

This work addresses the study of repeatability of an optical laser system, previously implemented by our research team, for characterization of the fiber distribution and mass density of two paper samples with different characteristics. In the experiment that has been carried out in the current work, both paper samples were laser scanned by the system on a total of 16 times (4 times per day in 4 different days). The data acquired and registered during the experimental work, associated to both tested samples, were then processed and the obtained results showed that the optical system is precise.

On the basis of the hydrochemical data available for the period of 1996-2019, the changes in the chemical composition of snowmelt and river waters on the southeast coast of Lake Baikal, that were under the long-term influence of industrial emission impact, are assessed. The study shows that the closure of the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mill in 2013 resulted in the decrease in the concentrations of metal cations in snow cover and in their neutralization capacity. Snow water pH value decreased, and the relative composition of major ions changed as well. In the catchment area of the Khara-Murin and Pereemnaya Rivers, hydrogen became the dominant cation during snowmelt. Further reduction of river water (especially low mineralized river water) resistance to acid components is registered.

Significance: The reliability of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measurements is reduced by systemic physiology. Short-channel regression algorithms aim at removing systemic “noise” by subtracting the signal measured at a short source–detector separation (mainly scalp hemodynamics) from the one of a long separation (brain and scalp hemodynamics). In literature, incongruent approaches on the selection of the optimal regressor signal are reported based on different assumptions on scalp hemodynamics properties. Aim: We investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of scalp hemodynamics over the sensorimotor cortex and evaluated its influence on the effectiveness of short-channel regressions. Approach: We performed hand-grasping and resting-state experiments with five subjects, measuring with 16 optodes over sensorimotor areas, including eight 8-mm channels. We performed detailed correlation analyses of scalp hemodynamics and evaluated 180 hand-grasping and 270 simulated (overlaid on resting-state measurements) trials. Five short-channel regressor combinations were implemented with general linear models. Three were chosen according to literature, and two were proposed based on additional physiological assumptions [considering multiple short channels and their Mayer wave (MW) oscillations]. Results: We found heterogeneous hemodynamics in the scalp, coming on top of a global close-to-homogeneous behavior (correlation 0.69 to 0.92). The results further demonstrate that short-channel regression always improves brain activity estimates but that better results are obtained when heterogeneity is assumed. In particular, we highlight that short-channel regression is more effective when combining multiple scalp regressors and when MWs are additionally included. Conclusion: We shed light on the selection of optimal regressor signals for improving the removal of systemic physiological artifacts in fNIRS. We conclude that short-channel regression is most effective when assuming heterogeneous hemodynamics, in particular when combining spatial- and frequency-specific information. A better understanding of scalp hemodynamics and more effective short-channel regression will promote more accurate assessments of functional brain activity in clinical and research settings., Neurophotonics, 7 (03)

Three dimensional structures made of sugar based materials can be utilized in tissue engineering since sugar serves as a nutrient for growing cells. It can also be applied in other areas of life like food industry or art. Following paper describes preparation of a material based on commonly used sucrose and proteins contained in chicken eggs. Furthermore a method of additive manufacturing with use of the mentioned material is also described. Method is based on a direct write 3D printing technology and was implemented by utilizing a low cost commercial 3D printer alongside with an industrial glue dispenser. The printed parts are then dried using UV light or a common oven and presented results are discussed.

Over the past five years, Switzerland has undergone major changes in the field of photonics. Thanks to a well-positioned photonics industry and dedicated professional associations, new milestones were set in the area of training and further education, but also in research and development. The main reason for the shortage of skilled workers in Switzerland was identified as the lack of education for qualified photonics engineers at bachelor and master level. Some years ago, the majority of the Swiss photonics companies syndicated under the patronage of Swissmem as its Photonics Division. In 2015 the members defined their requirements for young skilled workers and prepared a position paper "Bachelor in Photonics" in which Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) were specifically asked to offer application-oriented bachelor programs. The NTB with its long tradition in photonics R&D decided to go for such a program. A team developed a curriculum for a photonics profile and implemented it as part of the “Bachelor in Systems Engineering”. In autumn 2018 the first bachelor students graduated in photonics and were ready for an industrial career. The next step on the education roadmap in Switzerland was a specific profile in photonics as part of a nationwide Master Program in Engineering (MSE) for bachelor graduates of UAS. Here again the momentum came from the Swiss photonics industry. The planning and implementation of this unique master program is currently underway and is scheduled to start in September 2020.

Petroleum products are the largest source of energy in the world, accounting for over 30% [1]. The amount of oil production increases annually, as does the production of petroleum products. In 2015, 4181 million tons of petroleum products were manufactured, and in 2018, 4350 million tons were produced [2]. It becomes necessary to analyze oil and oil products to determine their quality. The traditional chemical method for analyzing crude oil and petroleum products requires a large number of instruments, as well as a lot of time and consumables [3-5]. To speed up the process of determining the quality of oil products, it is possible to perform spectral analysis using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The optical properties obtained using terahertz spectroscopy in the time domain of a petroleum product can be used to analyze its quality. At the moment, there are studies of crude oil for the presence of asphaltenes and their effect on the optical properties of crude oil [6]. The absorption coefficient spectrum of crude oil shows moderate absorption due to asphaltene with no clear indications, except for some narrow absorption lines, which are caused by water molecules adsorbed on the asphaltene. Other research focuses on petroleum products, namely oils, gasoline and diesel [7]. As a result, oils have a high absorption coefficient at high frequencies, the same results were observed for gasoline and diesel fuel. This work is devoted to the spectral analysis of a mixture of gasoline with an octane rating of 98 and diesel fuel, depending on the concentration of gasoline, using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

The goal of understanding the architecture of neural circuits at the synapse level with a brain-wide perspective has powered the interest in high-speed and large field-of-view volumetric imaging at subcellular resolution. Here, we developed a method combining tissue expansion and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy to allow extended volumetric super resolution high-speed imaging of large mouse brain samples. We demonstrate the capabilities of this method by performing two color fast volumetric super resolution imaging of mouse CA1 and dentate gyrus molecular-, granule cell-, and polymorphic layers. Our method enables an exact evaluation of granule cell and neurite morphology within the context of large cell ensembles spanning several orders of magnitude in resolution. We found that imaging a brain region of 1 mm 3 in super resolution using light-sheet fluorescence expansion microscopy is about 17-fold faster than imaging the same region by a current state-of-the-art high-resolution confocal laser scanning microscope.

New increasingly complex in vitro cancer cell models are being developed. These new models seem to represent the cell behavior in vivo more accurately and have better physiological relevance than prior models. An efficient testing method for selecting the most optimal drug treatment does not exist to date. One proposed solution to the problem involves isolation of cancer cells from the patients' cancer tissue, after which they are exposed to potential drugs alone or in combinations to find the most optimal medication. To achieve this goal, methods that can efficiently quantify and analyze changes in tested cell are needed. Our study aimed to detect and segment cells and structures from cancer cell cultures grown on vascular structures in phase-contrast microscope images using U-Net neural networks to enable future drug efficacy assessments. We cultivated prostate carcinoma cell lines PC3 and LNCaP on the top of a matrix containing vascular structures. The cells were imaged with a Cell-IQ phase-contrast microscope. Automatic analysis of microscope images could assess the efficacy of tested drugs. The dataset included 36 RGB images and ground-truth segmentations with mutually not exclusive classes. The used method could distinguish vascular structures, cells, spheroids, and cell matter around spheroids in the test images. Some invasive spikes were also detected, but the method could not distinguish the invasive cells in the test images. publishedVersion

Although the mortality rate of breast cancer has been reduced with the introduction of screening mammography, many women undergo unnecessary subsequent examinations due to inconclusive diagnoses. Therefore, spatial resolution and soft tissue contrast must meet very high standards. The former is necessary in order to be able to detect and distinguish closely spaced microcalcifications from each other. Thus, a high spatial resolution is demanded. Superposition of anatomical structures especially within dense breasts in conjunction with the inherently low soft tissue contrast of absorption images compromises image quality. This can be overcome by phase-contrast imaging. In this study, we analyze the spatial resolution of grating-based multimodal mammography dose-dependently using a mammographic phantom and one freshly dissected mastectomy specimen at an inverse Compton X-ray source. Here, the main focus was on estimating the spatial resolution with the sample in the beam path and discussing benefits and drawbacks of the method used as well as the estimation of the mean glandular dose. Finally, the possibility of improving the spatial resolution is investigated by comparison of the monochromatic grating-based mammography with the standard one. In almost all cases, the spatial resolution is higher in our proposed approach while the dose can be significantly reduced. Additionally, phase-contrast imaging helps to improve the detection of tumor lesions

Significance: Parallel phase-shifting digital holographic microscope (PPSDHM) is powerful for three-dimensional (3D) measurements of dynamic specimens. However, the PPSDHM reported previously was directly fixed on the optical bench and imposed difficulties case, thus it is required to modify the specification of the microscope or transport the microscope to another location. Aim: We present a modularized PPSDHM. We construct the proposed PPSDHM and demonstrate the 3D measurement capability of the PPSDHM. Approach: The PPSDHM was designed as an inverted microscope to record transparent objects and modularized by integrating the optical elements of the PPSDHM on an optical breadboard. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the PPSDHM, we recorded a 3D motion-picture of moving Volvoxes at 1000 frames/s and carried out 3D tracking of the Volvoxes. Results: The PPSDHM was practically realized and 3D images of objects were successfully reconstructed from holograms recorded with a single-shot exposure. The 3D trajectories of Volvoxes were obtained from the reconstructed images. Conclusions: We established a modularized PPSDHM that is capable of 3D image acquisition by integrating the optical elements of the PPSDHM on an optical breadboard. The recording capability of 3D motion-pictures of dynamic specimens was experimentally demonstrated by the PPSDHM.

This paper summarizes our results of S-on-1 testing carried out over the last few years. Our experimental data sets were taken with nanosecond laser pulse durations. An attempt was made to use the same scaling laws with femtosecond pulse widths but it was not successful. The conclusion was made: there is no single model than can universally applied to all kinds of survivability curves. We present this summary with a particular goal of making recommendations to those involved in the periodic review of ISO 21254. A preliminary review of models, describing damage threshold Evolution with respect to incident laser pulses, is made.

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (SLOs) have the potential to perform high speed, high contrast, functional imaging of the human retina for diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases. Commercial SLOs typically use a monochromatic laser source or a superluminescent diode for imaging. Multispectral SLOs using an array of laser sources for spectral imaging have been demonstrated in research settings, with applications mainly aiming at retinal oxygenation measurements. Previous SLO-based oximetry techniques are predominantly based on wavelengths that depend on laser source availability. We describe an SLO system based on a supercontinuum (SC) source and a double-clad fiber using the single-mode core for illumination and the larger inner cladding for quasi-confocal detection to increase throughput and signal-to-noise ratio. A balanced detection scheme was implemented to suppress the relative intensity noise of the SC source. The SLO produced dual wavelength, high-quality images at 10 frames / s with a maximum 20 deg imaging field-of-view with any desired combination of wavelengths in the visible spectrum. We demonstrate SLO-based dual-wavelength oximetry in vessels down to 50 μm in diameter. Reproducibility was demonstrated by performing three different imaging sessions of the same volunteer, 8 min apart. Finally, by performing a wavelength sweep between 485 and 608 nm, we determined, for our SLO geometry, an approximately linear relationship between the effective path length of photons through the blood vessels and the vessel diameter..

United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) recently published a white paper describing the “Gray Zone”, security challenges characterized by “ambiguity about the nature of the conflict, opacity of the parties involved…competitive interactions among and within state and non-state actors that fall between the traditional war and peace duality.”1 Ambiguity and related uncertainty about actors, situations, relationships, and intent require new approaches to information collection, processing and fusion. General Votel, the current SOCOM commander, during a recent speech on “Operating in the Gray Zone” emphasized that it would be important to get left of the next crises and stated emphatically, “to do that we must understand the Human Domain.”2 This understanding of the human domain must come from making meaning based on different perspectives, including the “emic” or first person/participant and “etic” or third person/observer perspectives. Much of the information currently collected and processed is etic. Incorporation and fusion with the emic perspective enables forecasting of behaviors/events and provides context for etic information (e.g., video).3 Gray zone challenges are perspective-dependent; for example, the conflict in Ukraine is interpreted quite differently by Russia, the US and Ukraine. Russia views it as war, necessitating aggressive action, the US views it as a security issue best dealt with by economic sanctions and diplomacy and the Ukraine views it as a threat to its sovereignty.4 General Otto in the Air Force ISR 2023 vision document stated that Air Force ISR is needed to anticipate strategic surprise.5 Anticipatory analysis enabling getting left of a crisis inherently requires a greater focus on information sources that elucidate the human environment as well as new methods that elucidate not only the “who’s” and “what’s”, but the “how’s and “why’s,” extracting features and/or patterns and subtle cues useful for forecasting behaviors and events; for example discourse patterns related to social identity and integrative complexity.6 AFRL has been conducting research to enable analysts to understand the “emic” perspective based on discourse analysis methods and/or text analytics.7 Previous results demonstrated the value of fusion of emic and etic information in terms of improved accuracy (from 39% to 86%) in forecasting violent events.8 This paper will describe new work to extend this to anticipatory analysis in the gray zone.

Electrowetting control of liquid lenses has emerged as a novel approach for solar tracking and concentration. Recent studies have demonstrated the concept of steering sunlight using thin electrowetting cells without the use of any bulky mechanical equipment. Effective application of this technique may facilitate designing thin and flat solar concentrators. Understanding the behavior of liquid-liquid and liquid-solid interface of the electrowetting cell through trial and error experimental processes is not efficient and is time consuming. In this paper, we present a simulation model to predict the liquid-liquid and liquid-solid interface behavior of electrowetting cell as a function of various parameters such as applied voltage, dielectric constant, cell size etc. We used Comsol Multiphysics simulations incorporating experimental data of different liquids. We have designed both two dimensional and three dimensional simulation models, which predict the shape of the liquid lenses. The model calculates the contact angle using the Young-Lippman equation and uses a moving mesh interface to solve the Navier-stokes equation with Navier slip wall boundary condition. Simulation of the electric field from the electrodes is coupled to the Young-Lippman equation. The model can also be used to determine operational characteristics of other MEMS electrowetting devices such as electrowetting display, optical switches, electronic paper, electrowetting Fresnel lens etc.

In this paper key challenges posed on metrology by feature dimensions of 20nm and below are discussed. In detail, the need for software-based tools for SEM image acquisition and image analysis in environments where CD-SEMs are not available and/or not flexible enough to cover all inspection tasks is outlined. These environments include research at universities as well as industrial R and D environments focused on non-IC applications. The benefits of combining automated image acquisition and analysis with computational techniques to simulate image generation in a conventional analytical SEM with respect to the overall reliability, precision and speed of inspection will be demonstrated using real-life inspection tasks as demonstrators.