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During the development activities of SuperCam Calibration Target, target intended for one of the two first Raman instruments to be deployed on another planetary body, our group developed a laboratory instrument that could simulate to some extent the Raman capabilities of one of such instruments and could provide data with similar quality. The use of this kind of laboratory instruments has demonstrated its utility in the evaluation of potential calibration targets or anticipating the science outcome that an instrument could provide. The present work describes our laboratory setup to support SuperCam, evaluating similarities between both instruments, despite of differences in the hardware. Evaluation of data gathered by SuperCam on Mars and the availability of one replica of SuperCam's Calibration Target allowed the comparison on the same set of targets, demonstrating how similar Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) could be achieved from both instruments. The higher energy per pulse on SimulCam is compensated by a greater analytical footprint and the use of smaller collection optics. The results show how spectra obtained at representative distances of SuperCam are comparable. Operational principles are also comparable in terms of time resolution, and close in terms of spectral resolution. This similarity has allowed different science support works using SimulCam data, as well as the support to Mars detections using our setup. We provide examples of this support that will be shared with the community in different papers, as well as examples of possible operations activities that could benefit from experiments performed with SimulCam. We show how this setup can complement the two laboratory replicas in Los Alamos and Toulouse in providing support data to different experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work,60TeO 2 -(35-x)ZnO-xNb 2 O 5 –5SrF 2 -0.5Dy 2 O 3 glasses was prepared to use a high-temperature melting method, where x represents the Nb 2 O 5 content (x = 0,5,7.5,10).Raman spectra studies revealed that increasing the concentration ratio of Nb 2 O 5 to TeO 2 resulted in the gradual transformation of [TeO 3 ] and [TeO 3+1 ] units in the glass network to [TeO 4 ] units. This transformation also enhanced the stability of the network structure. The emission peaks of the samples were observed at 481 nm (blue), 576 nm (yellow), and 663 nm (red), which is crucial for white light materials. The luminescent intensity increased with the increase of Nb 2 O 5 concentration, reaching its maximum at 7.5% mol. The CIE 1931 chromaticity coordinates fell within the range of white light, with corresponding color temperatures ranging from 5063 K to 5877 K. All the results show that the fluorescent materials used in high-brightness illumination can be obtained by adding an appropriate amount of Nb 2 O 5 to Dy3+-doped tellurate glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the extended direct algebraic approach with the general fractional derivative is employed to attain various novel wave structures of the non-linear fractional Tzitzéica type non-linear evolution equations in the form of kink, singular, periodic singular, dark, bright and dark-bright combine solitons. For the purpose to illustrate the physical behavior of the acquired solutions, some of the extracted results are sketched in the pattern of 3-D and 2-D plots which show the efficiency and authenticity of the proposed method. The under consideration method can also utilize to any other non-linear model appears in optics and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a finite difference scheme for the triple-coupled Schrödinger equations (T-CNLS) in optics. The T-CNLS is approximated by Crank-Nicolson scheme in time and finite difference method in space. Some mathematical characters are investigated, such as structure-preserving properties, unique solvability, convergence in L ∞ norm. Some numerical examples are reported to illustrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regular acquisition and delivery of high-resolution, accurate elevation data has historically been provided by airborne lidar (light detection and ranging) solutions, which are costly and highly localised. Providing similar data sets globally has notable scientific and commercial applications, but comes with challenges around scale. In this work, an investigation into such a service, from low Earth orbit satellites, is presented. The suitability of different space mission architectures is analysed based on platform size and optics mirror design, with the aim of providing true global, high-resolution (5-30 m sample resolution) lidar data, annually. The technical challenges, cost implications and feasible solution sets are presented, suggesting that a small number of large platforms offers a cost-effective solution, with the optimal design (of those evaluated) being that of a micro-satellite (∼ 150 kg class) constellation with deployed optics capability. Solutions offering relatively low spatial resolution (30 m) are lower cost, with the cost rising as a square law with increasing resolution. As platform size continues to decrease, the number of satellites required to maintain global coverage scales exponentially, demanding prohibitively large constellations to ensure global coverage with smaller satellites. [Display omitted] • Global annual lidar coverage from space is technologically and financially feasible. • Deployable optics significantly increase the value potential of a space lidar mission. • Semiconductor (Diode) lasers are more promising than traditional solid-state lasers. • Fewer, larger platforms generally perform better than many, smaller platforms. • Nano-satellite platforms offer limited value due to their constrained aperture area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Optical metasurfaces, i.e., subwavelength planar nanostructures, have attracted increasing attention due to their unprecedented capabilities of molding classical light and revolutionized conventional optics by replacing bulky optical components with ultrathin, lightweight, and ultracompact meta -optics. In addition to controlling classical light, meta -optics demonstrate the potential to efficiently manipulate nonclassical light and start to enter the realm of quantum photonics. Here, we briefly overview recent advances in quantum meta -optics for generation and manipulation of nonclassical light, highlighting innovative approaches, and discuss future opportunities in this burgeoning area, ranging from fundamental research to practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) materials can be applied to suppress thermal expansion of other materials, forming composites with zero thermal expansion (ZTE). However, the shortcomings (e.g., high density, narrow working temperature window) inherited from various NTE materials hinder the applications of corresponding ZTE composites. The modified Cu 2 P 2 O 7 by reducing oxygen deficiencies has a relatively low density and strong NTE over a wide temperature range, which therefore was used to composite with 2024Al. When the volume content of modified Cu 2 P 2 O 7 is about 50%, the composite Cu 2 P 2 O 7 /2024Al shows ZTE effect, and the linear coefficient of thermal expansion is about −0.014 ppm/K at 273–333 K. The ZTE composite also exhibits a high specific thermal conductivity, significantly superior to other existing ZTE materials. Furthermore, due to the matched moduli between Cu 2 P 2 O 7 and 2024Al, the ZTE composite displays good machinability. The current ZTE composite may have great potential applications in the fields of high-precision electronics and optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared novel barium germanium (BaO–GeO 2) glass samples with varying BaO concentrations and investigated their physical and optical properties. We analyzed the refractive indices, glass transition temperatures (T g s), molar volumes, and optical band gaps of the samples, which were measured and plotted against their BaO concentrations. The results showed that refractive indices, T g s, molar volumes, and coefficients of thermal expansion increased with BaO concentration. Raman spectra showed structural network modifications and typical Germanium glass bands. The band at ∼ 529 cm−1 was assigned to vibration bonds of Ge(4)-O-Ge(4), and that at ∼ 823 cm−1 was attributed to stretching vibration of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Interest in 3D (3- dimensional) printed optics and photonics by both industry and academic researchers is burgeoning, due to the unique features availed by 3D printing not achievable by traditional manufacturing techniques. 3D printing offers tremendous opportunities for developing new integrated systems in optics and photonics. Although a variety of manufacturing approaches have been developed, no single method can satisfy the requirement of small features, low roughness, and high speed simultaneously, thus opening up vast opportunities for innovations in 3D printed photonics. Besides the availability of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, printable materials for the fabrication of 3D printed optics and photonics devices are also crucial. In this comprehensive review, we highlight the latest developments in 3D printing techniques, as well as developments in innovative practical technologies used for optics and photonics. In addition, we cover the latest progress in the materials used for 3D printed optics and photonics and future prospects in applications of 3D printed optics and photonics. The purpose of this review is to discuss technological and material advances, and potential future opportunities in the field of 3D printed optics and photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcogenide and chalcohalide glasses have been considered promising host materials for thermal imaging lenses and mid-infrared (MIR) optical fibers. In this paper, a novel Ga 2 S 3 -SnS 2 -CsI chalcohalide glass system, with environment-friendly constituent elements, was proposed. The glass forming region was explored, and the physical properties were investigated. The glasses show high transmittance (>60%) over the 1–12 μm spectral range and exhibit relatively high microhardness, making them competitive candidates for manufacturing thermal imaging lenses. Furthermore, the MIR emission property of Dy3+-doped Ga 2 S 3 -SnS 2 -CsI glass was also studied. With strong emissions and high quantum efficiencies at 3.00 μm and 4.38 μm wavelengths, the glass can be potentially used as gain media for MIR lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Integration of chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) with planar multilayer structures, metasurfaces, waveguides and photonic integrated circuits has sparked extensive research in non-volatile tunable optical devices. The optical performances of these devices are determined not only by the light interference or localization using layered or patterned device structures, but also by the change in dielectric function of PCMs upon phase transition. In this review, we summarize latest progress on high-performance tunable optical PCM devices, which are promoted by the successful designs of both new materials and novel device structures. First, we present an in-depth understanding of the optical properties of PCMs at the atomic level and discuss how to tailor the optical properties via materials design. Then we discuss multiple emerging non-volatile optical applications utilizing the tunable transmission, color, absorption, emission and phase shift of PCM optical devices that are enabled by waveguide integration, multilayer deposition as well as metasurface patterning. Recent progress on microheater fabrication that enables electronic-photonic integration is also highlighted. Finally, we outline the opportunities that lie ahead for optical PCMs and non-volatile nanophotonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses are an excellent solution for multispectral imaging. Here, we present a method to establish a series of gradient glasses with large refractive index differences (Δn) as well as similar thermal properties (glass transition temperature, T g). A series of selenium-based gradient glasses were developed by tailoring the Ge-As-Se composition and external doping with different amounts of silver. These sulfur-free and tellurium-free selenium-based glasses cover an ultra-wide high transmission spectrum from 0.8 to 15 μm and possess a large Δn of 0.23 and a small T g difference of 9 °C. These gradient glasses also exhibit excellent refractive index linearity. The evolution pattern of the glass network structure and its corresponding properties are analyzed in detail with the variation of the composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-imaging optics was proved effective for LWPT receiver. • Optical efficiency is the biggest factor to explain the advantages of CPV. • Experiments and non-linear regression was used to extract I-V parameters. • Multi-field characteristics of the CPV module under laser power were investigated. • Rotation, distance and misalignment remain the dominance of LWPT output power. Laser Wireless Power Transmission (LWPT) systems have an extensive prospect in the field of wireless energy transmissions such as the space control on-orbit, spacecraft sensor networks, satellites to satellite communication and power transmission, ground to ground, ground to air, ground to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), etc. Previously, Concentrated Photovoltaics(CPV) has been used in solar energy as a solution to lower the size of the photovoltaics and yet increase efficiency. As is known laser beam spot normally presents a Gaussian distribution and laser somehow must match the size of the PV cell or array, that is how lens and concentrators are important to reshape and guide the laser beam towards the photovoltaics and in case of misalignment. The current research aims at improve the output performance of LWPT receiver by typical non-imaging optical device-Cross Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CCPC), which helps to improve the transmission of laser beam from different incident directions. Multi-field characteristics of the CPV module under laser power would be solved based on parameters from non-linear regression and experimental study. The multi-field performances of CPV module and single solar cell as the LWPT receivers have been compared. We have found that transmission distance d, divergence half-angle β, rotation angle θ and misalignment distance d mis are most important parameters for multi-field performances and LWPT conversion. The current research provides important references for LWPT system design and optimizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PolyX is a compact bending magnet beamline under construction at National Synchrotron Radiation Centre SOLARIS, which will be available to users in mid-2023. The beamline is focused on X-ray microimaging and microspectroscopy in the tender/hard (4–15 keV) X-ray energy range. The name PolyX comes from polycapillary X-ray optics that will be extensively used for efficient X-ray focusing and from the possibility of using polychromatic or broadband X-rays to increase the rather low flux from the SOLARIS bending magnet in the hard X-ray energy range. Polycapillary optics will provide focal spots with sizes of 8–200 μ m. Single bounce ellipsoidal capillary is expected to provide a ∼ 2 μ m focal spot size. The main experimental techniques at PolyX will be X-ray absorption and phase-contrast imaging and microtomography, micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging and micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy. This paper presents the concept of PolyX beamline and preliminary "white" beam commissioning results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Inertial Confinement Fusion facilities, single-point diamond fly-cutting and micro ball-end milling are the main techniques to fabricate the large-aperture KDP (KH 2 PO 4) optics and repair the surface defects on KDP, respectively. These machining processes inevitably generate various surface textures on the machined optics while the effect of these surface textures on the optical performance of machined optics has not been clarified yet. In this work, the light intensity modulation inside KDP machined by single-point diamond fly-cutting and micro ball-end milling processes was firstly analyzed and the characterizing methods of these machined surface textures were then investigated. It is found that the machining-caused surface textures with higher amplitude and smaller spatial period could result in more severe light intensity modulation inside KDP optic which has been acknowledged as one of the most important factors causing laser-induced damage to KDP. Moreover, the relative directions (i.e., parallel or perpendicular) between these textures on the front and rear surfaces of KDP could have a distinct effect on their light intensity modulation. For characterizing the texture structures, especially, texture direction, power spectrum density (PSD), and fractal dimension were adopted. The PSD analysis results indicate that the dominated textures on single-point diamond fly-cutting surfaces are mainly along the feed direction while the dominated textures on micro ball-end milling surfaces are perpendicular to the feed direction. These textures on micro ball-end milling surfaces have been identified as the residual tool marks whose period equals the step over of the milling process. The fractal dimension can precisely evaluate the machined surface roughness and texture directions. But in comparison, the angular spectrum of PSD has higher characterizing accuracy than the circumferential profile of the fractal dimension approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of research in two-photon polymerization (TPP) additive manufacturing (AM) focuses on 2.5D systems. Consequently, the advantages known from other multi-axis AM (MAAM) processes, such as printing on non-planar surfaces, are unexplored. To experimentally examine the transferability of these to TPP AM, a printer and related software need to be developed. For the testing of our printing system, we focus on manufacturing aspheric lenses, using spherical glass lenses as blanks and printing the aspheric contour onto these non-planar substrates. The presented concept details how the existing process chain needs to be adapted, thus providing a prototype 5D TPP system for printing on specific non-planar surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The images help in the different processes where a visual interpretation of a scene is required, in this sense we find many applications where images are used to analyze, interpret and classify certain objects within the image, there are different types of images generated by different sensors, in this paper describes a method to analyze the behavior of the muscle, mainly of the knee, when performing rehabilitation exercises, coupled with an optical image where you can see the state of the muscle and the location, the method proposed as a super position between optical and thermal images, with the intention of being able to know the state of the optical image and to have the same image with information of the behavior of the temperature, the super position that we propose is to have as a base the optical image and on placing the thermal image, the results that are presented are oriented in proposing a new way of analyzing data with thermal information of the behavior of the muscles, by means of a complex image with optical and thermal information, the method is an aid in the treatment of muscular recovery, with the benefits of being scalable and applicable to other muscles and parts of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Newly identified high-concentration linear solar concentrator configurations. • Analytic evaluation of all optical losses for linear dual-mirror aplanats. • Superior intercept factors and concentration compared to prior studies. • Rapid capability for optical evaluations and hence ascertaining optimal designs. • Practical high-performance optics. Linear Aplanatic Fresnel Reflectors (LAFRs) were recently presented as a novel and viable dual-mirror solar concentrator. Within a vast parameter space, a few promising designs were identified and evaluated via raytracing. This cumbersome, time-intensive exploration left unresolved whether configurations with superior optical performance remained undiscovered. Here, we present analytic methods for all inherent optical losses for the LAFR - results that are equally valid for almost all sources of optical loss in all linear Fresnel reflector solar concentrators. The loss modes include the separate contributions linked to the transverse and longitudinal projected incidence angles. This permits exact rapid comparisons among the wide range of possible aplanatic designs in a physically transparent manner that quantifies each mode of optical loss. These analytic derivations subsume blocking of rays reflected from the primary mirror segments, radiation that misses the primary and strikes the ground, shading of the primary by the secondary, end losses, and rays reflected from the primary that either miss the secondary (spillage) or enter it and miss the absorber tube (ray rejection). LAFR designs superior to those determined previously, in terms of higher intercept factor and higher concentration, are found and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metasurfaces are planar optical elements that provide much greater freedom in manipulating light than conventional optics. This article explores the potential for miniaturised metasurface-based optical sensors. We consider the realisation of a chromatic confocal sensor for position measurement, where a conventional hyperchromatic lens is replaced by a metasurface. The design and fabrication process for a metasurface based on truncated-waveguide type meta-atoms is described. Experimental evaluation of the sensor performance confirms the potential for metasurface-based optical sensors to form the basis of a new generation of miniature, lightweight, low-cost optical sensors to support the data-driven manufacturing technologies of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wien filter is one of the key components in ion optics to improve the mass separation performance. The KoBRA Wien filter will be installed at the low-energy beamline KoBRA of RAON in Korea. The specifications of the KoBRA Wien filter were determined based on the ion beams expected in the KoBRA beamline, especially, beam energies less than about 5 MeV/nucleon suitable for nuclear astrophysics experiments. The Wien filter is designed to have the maximum field intensities of 0.2 T for the magnetic field and 2.0 kV/mm for the electric field in the ± 75 (H) × ± 50 (V) × 2500 (L) mm 3 good-field region. Performance of the Wien filter was estimated by the ion optics calculations of the KoBRA beamline for 40Ar beams at 18.5 MeV/nucleon and 14O beams at 2.5 MeV/nucleon. The mass resolving powers are 42.65 and 517, respectively. Currently, the KoBRA Wien filter is being manufactured, and will perform a factory acceptance test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The break-up of molecules in the stripper of an AMS facility induces an energy and angular spread in the beam. This can cause beam losses, thereby reducing the performance of an AMS facility. With an appropriate design, these effects can be minimised and the efficiency enhanced. As an example, the break-up of BeO molecules is discussed here. First the basic physics is described and corresponding models and computer codes are explained. Then experimental data are shown and compared with the models. For gas stripping, beam profiles are available for small and large facilities. All show tails which can be attributed to the dissociation of the molecules. The size of the effect depends on various parameters such as beam energy, selected charge state, stripping gas type and ion optics. Foil stripping leads to energy distributions which are much wider, and show typically a double peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the human eye, a transparent cornea and lens combine to form the "refracton" to focus images on the retina. This requires the refracton to have a high refractive index "n," mediated largely by extracellular collagen fibrils in the corneal stroma and the highly concentrated crystallin proteins in the cytoplasm of the lens fiber cells. Transparency is a result of short-range order in the spatial arrangement of corneal collagen fibrils and lens crystallins, generated in part by posttranslational modifications (PTMs). However, while corneal collagen is remodeled continuously and replaced, lens crystallins are very long-lived and are not replaced and so accumulate PTMs over a lifetime. Eventually, a tipping point is reached when protein aggregation results in increased light scatter, inevitably leading to the iconic protein condensation-based disease, age-related cataract (ARC). Cataracts account for 50% of vision impairment worldwide, affecting far more people than other well-known protein aggregation-based diseases. However, because accumulation of crystallin PTMs begins before birth and long before ARC presents, we postulate that the lens protein PTMs contribute to a "cataractogenic load" that not only increases with age but also has protective effects on optical function by stabilizing lens crystallins until a tipping point is reached. In this review, we highlight decades of experimental findings that support the potential for PTMs to be protective during normal development. We hypothesize that ARC is preventable by protecting the biochemical and biophysical properties of lens proteins needed to maintain transparency, refraction, and optical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obtaining the optimal cluster number and generating reliable clustering results in nonlinear manifolds are necessary but challenging tasks. Most existing clustering algorithms have considerable limitations in dealing with local and nonlinear data patterns, while graph-based clustering has shown impressive performance in identifying clusters in such data patterns. In this paper, we propose a robust clustering method with noise cutting based on directed k-nearest neighbor graph (CDKNN) to identify the desired cluster number automatically and produce reliable clustering results simultaneously on nonlinear, non-overlapping but locally tight-connected data patterns. This method draws support from the k-nearest neighbor graph to represent the complex nonlinear datasets and applies parameter adaptive process to make the proposed clustering method better adapt to specific data patterns. The proposed method is robust to the noises of arbitrary shape datasets because it uses a directed K-nearest neighbor to cut out sparse nodes. We use simulation and UCI real-world datasets to prove the validity of the innovatory method by comparing it to k-means, DBSCAN, OPTICS, AP, SC, and CutPC algorithms in terms of clustering ACC, ARI, NMI, and FMI. The experimental results confirm that the proposed method outperforms the alternative nonlinear clustering methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of dust particles on solar collectors can gradually degrade optical performance in solar systems — a phenomenon known as soiling. Additionally, the formation of dew on collectors during early mornings introduces new mechanisms that can impact the soiling process. This study investigates the influence of dew on soiling for uncoated solar mirrors using an artificial soiling station. Several experiments were performed changing testing parameters (e.g. sample tilt, dust amount, dew quantity) and monitoring the outcomes with a range of devices including reflectometers, microscopy, scales, and a luminance camera. The outcomes indicated that condensation becomes relevant for condensation loads above 60 g m−2 and its impact is significantly affected by the tilt angle of the samples. When samples are flat or with low tilt, condensation cycles cause particle dispersion, reducing cleanliness by up to 2 %. On the contrary, for high tilt angles, a honeycomb-like soiling patterns with highly reflective regions appear, enhancing cleanliness restoration by 2.3 %. These findings suggest tilting dewy collectors as a passive self-cleaning strategy. [Display omitted] • Evaluated dew impact on solar collectors through artificial soiling experiments. • Correlation among specular reflectance, microscopy, mass, and luminance records. • High condensation loads can agglomerate particles; improving optical performance. • Dew cycling at low tilt angles can disperse particles; reducing optical performance. • High tilt angle dew cycling improves optics due to honeycomb soiling pattern sagging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present the development of a mathematical model profile for a light reflector that generates a uniform irradiance distribution from a point light source on a flat region at a fixed distance. The mathematical model is based on the theory of geometric optics, particularly the concepts of reflection, ray tracing, point light sources, spherical caps, and elliptical curvatures. Numerical simulations illustrate that the mathematical model is adequate because its geometry produces a uniform irradiance from a point source. This model allows manufacturers reflectors smaller than parabolic reflectors, which are currently used to generate this type of uniform light irradiance distribution, allowing these devices to be used in smaller optoelectronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The front surface, rear surface, thickness variation, and refractive index inhomogeneity information of the transparent multi-surface optics to be tested can be reconstructed simultaneously from a set of interferograms; • Two convolutional fitted windows have been redesigned which have explicit function expressions and better window performance, they can be stretched to free lengths; • The factors which affect the performance of multi-surface reconstruction are fully analyzed, which provides a solid foundation for the analysis of sampling validity during multi-surface interferometry; • A phase-shift matching method without strict limitation of cavity lengths is developed, and four-surface detection in flexible positions is realized. Consisting of the front and rear surfaces of the measured optics and two reference surfaces, the four-surface interferometry system can obtain parameters of the measured surface profiles and refractive index inhomogeneity by acquiring and decoding the fringe patterns of the measured plate and the rear reference plate respectively. However, the difficulty of such measurement comes from the complex superposition of at least six interference sub-signals, and the setting of the phase-shift interval determines whether the harmonics can be reconstructed or not. To improve the measurement accuracy, two kinds of convolutional fitting window functions are redesigned based on the Hanning window to enhance the function performance. Then, by analyzing the reconstruction errors of each wavefront under different combinations of sampling intervals and cavity lengths during four-surface measurements, an error quantization matrix obtained by triple iteration is constructed. By setting a threshold condition, the optimal phase-shifts under different cavity lengths can be matched adaptively. The multi-surface measurement accuracy and reliability of adaptive phase-shift matching are verified in the simulation. The interferogram acquisition and phase demodulation of two transparent flats were performed using a Fizeau wavelength-tuning interferometer, and the reconstruction errors of the surfaces in the repetitive measurements further verified the reliability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of multiply-scattered light has greatly boosted the understanding of optics in complex photonic systems, leading to many applications including imaging, information processing, random lasing, to name just a few. Here, we demonstrate a real-time feedback approach to realize multiple focusing of multiply-scattered light, which is more robust to the inherent background field compared to the time reversal approach. Our method retrieves the optimized wavefront by aligning the high-dimensional vector of the measured pattern with that of the target pattern. Our theoretical simulations and experimental results show that the feedback approach is capable of constructing homogeneous diffraction-limited spots at predefined positions. Moreover, the peak-to-background ratio exhibits a sub- 1 / m decay with m being the number of focuses, indicating the excellent capability of the proposed approach to focus scattered light at multiple positions. This efficient approach provides a promising avenue toward complex control on scattered light in complex photonic media, and therefore would be useful in relevant applications such as optical imaging and optical manipulation. • A real-time feedback approach is developed for realizing diffraction-limited spots at a few predefined positions with multiply-scattered light. • The realized multiple focuses are robust to the random perturbation caused by inherent background light. • The peak-to-background ratio exhibits ∼ 1 / m 0. 62 decay (m: the number of focuses), slower than the well-known 1/m decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a straightforward theoretical approach for the direct observation of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) charge inherent in structured light. Our method involves utilizing phase-shift interference of beams to discern the sign and magnitude of the topological charge associated with Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams. Specifically, we demonstrate that the topological charge of an LG beam can be ascertained through the interference with a corresponding helical wavefront beam possessing an opposite charge due to the reflection in Mach–Zehnder-like interferometer. The determination of the topological charge magnitude is facilitated by examining the interference pattern's half number of petals. Additionally, our study reveals that the petal-like interference pattern undergoes azimuthal shift, with the direction of rotation being contingent upon the sign of the topological charge of the beam. Notably, for a negative phase shift, a anti-clockwise azimuthal shift corresponds to a positive topological charge, while an clockwise rotation is associated with a negative topological charge. This work contributes to the advancement of methods for characterizing structured light based on OAM charge, with potential applications in diverse fields such as optics, telecommunications and topological photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article thoroughly explores the electromagnetic behavior in silver metal at optical regime. Along the way, it uncovers some intriguing wave behaviors in terms of novel phenomenon – counterposition, negative phase velocity (NPV), orthogonal phase velocity (OPV) and/or negative refraction (NR), versus wavelength are investigated which is not previously deeply discussed in a silver configuration. Additionally, Minkowski momentum densities, revealing complex wave dynamics versus optical wavelength are studied first time for silver metal. Moreover, the influence on wave in silver metal due to L -nihility is notified fruitfully. These findings provide deeper insights platform for potential applications in diverse scientific and technological domains in condense matter physics, engineering and optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocular depth estimation is an important computer vision task widely explored in fields such as autonomous driving, robotics, and more. Recently, deep optics approaches that optimize diffractive optical elements (DOEs) with differentiable frameworks have improved depth estimation performance. However, they only consider on-axis point spread functions (PSFs) and are highly dependent on system calibration. We propose a precise end-to-end paradigm combining ray tracing and angular spectrum diffraction. With this approach, we jointly trained a DOE and a reconstruction network for depth estimation and image restoration. Compared with conventional deep optics approaches, we accurately simulate both on-axis and off-axis PSFs, eliminating the need for calibration. We have validated the high similarity between captured PSFs and simulated ones at 19.4 ∘ field-of-view (FOV). Our optimized phase mask and network achieve state-of-the-art performance among semantic-based monocular depth estimation and existing deep optics methods. During real-world experiments, our prototype camera shows depth distributions similar to the Intel D455 infrared structured light camera. • We propose a calibration-free deep optics model that jointly optimizes the DOE and the depth estimation network. • The precise simulation for on-axis and off-axis PSFs of hybrid optical systems is integrated in an end-to-end formulation. • Our framework achieves state-of-the-art performance in monocular depth estimation. • We build a DOE camera prototype with a FOV up to 20 degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal noise sources are relevant for future gravitational wave detectors due to the foreseen increase in sensitivity, especially at frequencies below ▪. As most thermal noise sources scale with the square root of the temperature, cooling critical optical components and their suspension system is essential. This also requires a much wider range of temperature compatibility from all technology deployed in the last suspension stages, including displacement and inertial sensors. We demonstrate and characterize a setup for stable light sources and light intensity sensing for temperatures from 300 to ▪. Commercial collimators and fibers were tested to use light from stabilized laser sources in the cryogenic environment. We also investigated multiple semiconductor compositions of photodiodes and identified a solution with high and stable responsivity at ▪. • Study of the cryogenic compatibility of commercial optical components for 1550 nm. • Identification of collimators with stable light throughput from 8 to 300 K. • Investigation of different InGaAs photodiode semiconductor compositions. • Characterization of responsivity and dark current of photodiodes from 12 to 300 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This review summarises for the first time the NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging probe. • This review summarises the design strategy of the NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging probe. • This review summarises the material classification of NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging probes. • This review summarises activatable NIR-II FL/PA dual-modality imaging probes. • This review summarises the biomedical applications of the NIR-II FL/PA dual-modal imaging probe. The second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging (FLI) has been widely studied for its advantages of low self-fluorescence, strong tissue penetration, and high resolution. In recent years, photoacoustic imaging (PAI), an emerging imaging modality that combines the advantages of both optics and acoustics, has become a hot research topic that has attracted much attention. On this basis, the NIR-II probes, which is capable of simultaneous fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) dual-modality imaging, was developed, opening a new path for the development of probe technology. At the same time, it also provides new ideas for the multimodal joint application of other imaging methods. On the one hand, this review details the current status of the development of NIR-II FL/PA dual-modality imaging probes, including probe design strategies, classification of probes, development of activatable probes, and applications in biomedicine. On the other hand, the development of such probes is summarized and future prospects and challenges are envisioned. We hope that this review can stimulate readers' thinking and help them better apply NIR-II FL/PA dual-modality imaging probes in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, defect state of photonic crystal regarding parity time known as PT-symmetric is explored thoroughly. For this purpose, transfer matrix technique in setting Bloch theorem is employed to characterize the dispersion relation regarding PT-symmetric defect state. The study uncovers the norteworthy wave phenomenon entitle "non-reciprocity" is exhibited. Moreover, an increasing the in-plane component of wavevector contributes two or more branches in the short wavelength boundary of the stop-band which is not observed in conventional structures. The reflectance of structure is conducted across the optical regime leads to minimum point that aligns with the wavelength of the eigen mode for wavevector value (k x = 0). These findings of research may have significant applications in various areas of photonics and optics likes filters, modern optical photonic cavity resonators and thermo-photovoltaic devices etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conformal optics arose from the need for better aerodynamic performance. The Haack curve has the lowest air drag under given conditions. It has superior aerodynamic properties compared to hemispherical domes and quadric conformal domes. Most in line with the concept of conformal optics. But aberration correction is also the most difficult. At present, there is no research on this conformal dome with the best aerodynamic performance. Therefore, a new design method for the internal surface is proposed in this paper to reduce the fluctuation range of aberrations. This method can eliminate the position error on the detector, reduce the fluctuation range of coma and spherical aberration, and even suppress the sensitivity of the defocus-field curvature to the parameters change. A condition for eliminating astigmatism is also proposed for the conformal dome. The fluctuation range of astigmatism and the difficulty of corrector design are reduced by reasonably choosing the rotation center. The research of this paper is of great significance in improving the aerodynamic performance of conformal optical systems. • The aberration correction method for the Haack conformal dome is proposed, which has never been studied before. • An internal surface design method is proposed to eliminate the position error of the detector and reduce the aberration. • The rotation center of the smallest astigmatism fluctuation in the asymmetric conformal optical systems is derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With over a billion adults worldwide currently affected, presbyopia remains a ubiquitous, global problem. Despite over a century of study, the precise mechanism of ocular accommodation and presbyopia progression remains a topic of debate. Accordingly, this narrative review outlines the lenticular and extralenticular components of accommodation together with the impact of age on the accommodative apparatus, neural control of accommodation, models of accommodation, the impact of presbyopia on retinal image quality, and both historic and contemporary theories of presbyopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative cooling with eco-friendly and zero-energy advantages is considered one of the most viable solutions to address the conflict between traditional energy-intensive cooling systems and global decarbonization. Despite significant advances, the development of radiative cooling still faces many challenges, such as fine-engineering of materials and structures to enhance solar reflection and mid-infrared emission, solar absorption caused by coloring for colorful radiative cooling, and spectral modulation for environmental-adaptative dynamic radiative cooling. Over millions of years of natural selection, utilizing a limited set of biomaterial palettes, optimized strategies, and micro-nano structural design, natural organisms have demonstrated fine control over light-matter interactions at different wavelength scales. Including broadband reflection of the sunlight to prevent solar heating, narrowband reflection of visible light to display brilliant colors, strong emission of mid-infrared wave to complete its cooling, and environmental-adaptative spectral modulation to achieve camouflage or thermal regulation. These biological structures and strategies provide extremely valuable inspiration for the development of advanced radiative cooling techniques. In this review, we systematically summarized the research progress of bioinspired radiative cooling technologies. Emphatically introducing the mechanism of key biological structures to achieve several optical functions, and discussing the various bioinspired radiative coolers and their application potential in different fields. Finally, we present the remaining challenges and outlook on the possible research directions in the future. It is hoped that this review will contribute to further research on bioinspired radiative cooling technology and make exciting progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A measurement model of optical fiber probe is constructed based on wave optics simulation. • The effective field of view for the probe and the detectable interface inclination are revealed. • The sensitivity of the probe to different droplet sizes, eccentricities, and trajectories is investigated. • Characteristics of the pre-signal are verified by simulation and experimental results. Fiber optical reflectometer (FOR) is a novel technique for dense droplet detection that combines conventional phase detection with non-invasive velocity measurement capabilities. In this study, the mechanism of FOR technique and its sensitivity to droplet trajectory are investigated by wave optics simulation and experiment. This paper first describes the simulation method and analyzes the dynamic response of probe during the droplet piercing process. Next, an exploration is conducted on the effective field of view for the probe and the detectable interface inclination. Afterwards, by precisely controlling the droplet size, eccentricity, and trajectory, the simulation reveals the sensitivity of FOR technique to droplet parameters and quantifies the accuracy of measurement on droplet velocity, which provides specific guidance for the design and application of FOR technique. Finally, in the static experiment, the measurement error of the droplet axial velocity is controlled within 13 %, which verifies the reliability of the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This work is the first to present how to measure birefringence effect (fast axis and phase retardation) by completely spatial solution in the whole configuration. • It is the first to solve the following three problems. • Birefringence variation when illuminated by radially-polarized light. • Visualization of spatially-distributed birefringence variation by the designed 'Radial Analyzer'. • How to perform the measurement via a single-shot cross-shaped pattern. Due to complexity and bulky configuration of conventionally mechanical rotation approaches, a more convenient approach is to measure the birefringence effect (phase retardation and fast axis) by nano-fabricated spatial devices. Previous literature introduced radially-polarized illumination and eliminated the need for rotation mechanics in the illumination optics but still required rotation devices in the analyzer part. This work aims to achieve a compact and one-shot birefringence measurement by introducing spatial concepts in both the modulator and analyzer. By proposing a novel birefringence measurement by the combination of radial illumination and radial analyzer, this work is the first time to integrate no-mechanical motion and one-shot birefringence measurement in a single light path. What's more, we are the first to introduce Fourier analysis in birefringence measurement, replacing the previous average intensity calculation, which is easily influenced by light source fluctuations. Based on our one-shot & non-mechanical measurement design and Fourier analysis algorithm, our birefringence measurement achieved very stable phase retardation measurement (standard deviation < 0.3°) and high accuracy fast axis measurement (average absolute error < 0.04°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In infantile abusive head injury (AHT), subdural haemorrhage (SDH) is commonly held to result from traumatic damage to bridging veins traversing from the surface of the brain to the dura and dural venous sinuses. However, there are limited published radiological or autopsy demonstrations of ruptured bridging veins and several authors also assert that bridging veins are too large to rupture due to the forces associated with AHT. There have been several studies on the size, locations and numbers of adult bridging veins and there is one small study of infant bridging veins. However, there are no microscopic studies of infant bridging veins and only a select few ultrastructural investigations of adult bridging veins. Hitherto, it has been assumed that bridging veins from infants and younger children will display the same anatomical characteristics as those in adulthood. At 19 neonatal, infant and young child post-mortem examinations, we macroscopically examined and sampled bridging veins for microscopy. We compared the histology of those samples with bridging veins from an older child and two adults. We demonstrate that adult bridging veins are usually surrounded by supportive meningeal tissue that appears to be lacking or minimally present around the bridging veins of younger children. Neonatal, infant and young children's veins had a free 'bridging' section. Neonatal and infant bridging veins had smaller diameter ranges and thinner walls (some only 5–7 µm) than those seen in older children and adults. Bridging vein walls contained both fine strands of elastic fibers and a more pronounced elastic lamina. The presence of an elastic lamina occurred more frequently in the older age groups These anatomical differences between the veins of adults and young children may help to explain apparent increased vulnerability of neonatal/infant bridging veins to the forces associated with a shaking-type traumatic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiroptical sensing with real-time colorimetrical detection has been emerged as quantifiable properties, enantioselective responsiveness, and optical manipulation in environmental monitoring, food safety and other trace identification fields. However, the sensitivity of chiroptical sensing materials remains an immense challenge. Here, we report a dynamically crosslinking strategy to facilitate highly sensitive chiroptical sensing material. Chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were co-assembled with amino acid by a two-step esterification, of which a precisely tunable helical pitch, a unique spiral conformation with hierarchical and numerous active sites in sensing performance could be trigged by dynamic covalent bond on amines. Such a CNC/amino acid chiral optics features an ultra-trace amount of 0.08 mg/m3 and a high sensitivity of 60 nm/(mg/m3) for formaldehyde gas at a molecule level detection, which is due to the three synergistic adsorption enhancement of dynamic covalent bonded interaction, hydrogen bonded interaction and van der Waals interaction. Meanwhile, an enhancement hierarchical adsorption of CNC/amino acid chiral materials can be readily representative to the precise helical pitch and colorimetrical switch for sensitive visualization reorganization. [Display omitted] • A dynamically crosslinking strategy facilitates highly sensitive sensing material. • Chiroptical materials display a precise helical pitch and a vivid iridescence. • Such chiral optics features dramatic photonic-responsiveness toward VOCs. • Ultralow detection limit, sensitivity, and reversibility is endowed synchronously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finite depth of focus (DOF) of a focusing lens gives rise to the degradation of lateral resolution at defocused positions. Consequently, the generation of a needle-shaped beam with sub-diffraction size and extended DOF can break through this limitation, but few studies have effectively balanced these two characteristics. In this paper, we propose a method based on the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm for designing multi-ring diffractive optical elements (DOEs) to produce the needle-shaped beam, which maintains a super-resolution and uniform spot within a large extended DOF range. Numerical simulations and experimental results have validated that our method can extend the DOF by 14 times longitudinally and reduce the lateral resolution to 73% of Airy spot, while maintaining up to 92% uniformity of the beam diameter. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the DOF of the needle-shaped beam extends with the increase of the number of rings and phase levels within the DOE. Our work provides an effective strategy for the design of DOF-extended DOE and it is anticipated to find potential applications in microscopy and three-dimensional imaging, photolithography, and optical manipulation. • Needle-shaped beam with super-resolution spot and large depth of focus. • Stochastic parallel gradient descent algorithm based optimization for diffractive optics. • Extremely high uniformity of the beam diameter within the extended depth of focus range. • Tunability of the needle-shaped beam through varying parameters within the diffractive optical element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The phenomena of laser energy deposition and light-field enhancement caused by ripple structures was cleared through FEM simulation. • A combined technique of low–stress CCOS and IBF was used to polishing ripple–structure optical surface, and its suitability was verified for fused silica laser optics. • The changes of anti-laser damage characteristics at different processing stage were studied. The correlation between processing parameters, photo-thermal absorption, laser induced damage threshold was cleared. In AMRF (arrayed magnetorheological finishing) process of fused silica laser optics, ripple structures would generate on the optical surface. The ripple structures could cause nonlinear self-focusing and localized energy deposition, finally induced laser damage. In this work, the removal of ripple structures and the improvement of anti-laser damage characteristics were studied. First, the heat deposition and light-field enhancement induced by ripple structures were analyzed by finite element simulation method, and the negative impact of ripple structures was clarified. Then, the ripple-structure surface was polished by a combined technique of low-stress CCOS (computer control optical surfacing) and ion beam finishing (IBF). After the combined polishing process, the ripple structures and the hydrolyzed layer on the surface were removed, the photo-thermal absorption decreased from 0.736 ppm to 0.124 ppm, and the laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) increased from 6.3 J/cm2 to 7.4 J/cm2. In this work, the combined technique was able to remove the ripple structures while maintaining the processing efficiency, and it also could improve the anti-laser damage characteristics of the optics. The relative research results had important reference value for ultra-precision manufacturing of large-aperture laser optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper proposes a multi-wavelength point diffraction interferometry and a two-step phase extraction method based on the interferometric intensity information. • MPPDI uses three different wavelengths of red, green and blue laser as the light source, we can choose different wavelength combinations to select the most suitable synthetic wavelength according to the asphericity of the tested mirror. • MPPDI is a non-null measurement method, retains the advantages of the PPDI's high accuracy while providing a larger measurement range, suitable for large-aperture and high-order aspheric surface measurement. • We propose a two-step phase-shifting method, compared with the four-step phase-shifting method, the present method reduces the number of phase shifts from 9 to 3, reducing the accumulation of errors caused by too many phase shifts and improving the efficiency. In this paper, we propose a multi-wavelength pinhole point diffraction interferometry (MPPDI) and a two-step phase extraction method based on the interferometric intensity information. MPPDI is mainly used to extend the dynamic measurement range of traditional pinhole point diffraction interferometry (PPDI) to realize the measurement of large-aperture and high-order aspheric surface. Spherical/aspherical optics will be test under three different wavelengths, and the corresponding interferograms are recoded by 3CMOS detector at the same moment. By combining different wavelengths, MPPDI can obtain a synthetic wavelength with a larger measuring range and greater flexibility. In interferometry, the choice of the wavelength of the light source has a great influence on the measurement range and accuracy. In MPPDI, we can choose different wavelength combinations to select the most suitable synthetic wavelength according to the asphericity of the tested mirror. To enhance efficiency and reduce the impact of air disturbances during phase shifts, we propose a new phase extraction method based on interferometric intensity to interpret the phase map of surface information. The background intensity of diffraction wavefront is firstly pre-recorded by 3CMOS, then phase-shift interferograms of test mirror is acquired with two-step piezoelectric ceramic driver (PZT) movement. From the analysis, it can be found that fringe modulation has tiny influence on the interferograms intensity. Therefore, based on global intensity distribution of fringe pattern and grayscale information, phase map can be retrieval using proposed two-step processing method (only single phase-shift). The two-step phase extraction method can reduce the number of phase shifts from 9 to 3, which improves the efficiency and reduces errors due to multiple phase shifts. MPPDI and two-step phase extraction we proposed have a larger measurement while reducing the number of phase shifts and avoiding error accumulation due to too many phase shifts. Suitable for large-aperture and high-order aspheric surface measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-fast optical pulses are the most ephemeral sensing paradigm ever devised, examining events over incredibly brief timescales with broadband illumination. A consequence of sensing at timescales lower than a picosecond is that pulse characterization cannot be done with traditional analog-to-digital samplers and must be ascertained from integrating intensity sensors. Techniques for pulse characterization have been constructed using combinations of time-invariant and time-variant filter responses to create non-linear but invertible intensity datasets (Walmsley & Dorrer, 2009). In this paper, we develop a novel high-order phase retrieval technique to perform pulse characterization from a single-pixel integrating sensor measuring integrated intensity of auto-convolution (IIAC). We examine gradient descent's ability to recover signals as a function of signal dimension and measurement count, and we demonstrate the effective use of iterative hard tensor thresholding as an initializer. Finally, we demonstrate IIAC recovery in a laboratory setting to recover the time profile of a complex laser pulse. We assert that the IIAC recovery solution demonstrated here simultaneously provides the optics community with a pulse characterization technique that scales to low-power microscopy systems and provides the optimization community with a physically motivated high-order phase retrieval problem enhanced by low-rank tensor processing. • Ultrafast pulse characterization is built largely on auto-correlation datasets. • Tensor iterative hard thresholding and gradient techniques demonstrate algorithmic superiority. • These methods are applied to a condensed measurement not previously studied in optics or optimization. • New measurement type relieves requirement in optical systems for spectral or 2D sensor. • Wirtinger gradient descent and tensor IHT are used to effectively invert new data type in simulation and lab data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Materials combination for enhanced reflectivity for large-m 11B 4 C-based Ni/Ti supermirror neutron optics. • Design optimization for low and high scattering vector regions. • Simultaneous optimization of neutron scattering length density contrast and interface width. • Lateral and vertical interface roughness using neutron and X-ray reflectivity and synchrotron-based GISAXS. • Ion-assisted magnetron sputtering for improved interface roughness. • Depth-graded hybrid supermirror with 11B 4 C incorporation via co-sputtering and interlayers. State-of-the-art Ni/Ti supermirror neutron optics have limited reflected intensity and a restricted neutron energy range due to the interface width. Incorporating low-neutron-absorbing 11B 4 C enhances reflectivity and allows for thinner layers to be deposited, with which more efficient supermirrors with higher m-values can be realized. However, incorporating 11B 4 C reduces the optical contrast, limiting the attainable reflectivity at low scattering vectors, making this approach infeasible. This study explores various approaches to optimize the material design of 11B 4 C-containing Ni/Ti supermirrors to maintain high reflectivity at low scattering vectors and achieve low interface widths at large scattering vectors. The scattering length density contrast versus interface width is investigated for multilayer periods of 30 Å, 48 Å, and 84 Å, for designs involving pure Ni/Ti multilayers, multilayers with 11B 4 C co-deposited in Ni and Ti layers, multilayers with 11B 4 C co-deposited only in Ni layers, and multilayers with 11B 4 C as thin interlayers between Ni and Ti layers. Our results suggest that a depth-graded hybrid material design by incorporating 11B 4 C inside the Ni and Ti layers, below approximately 26 Å, and introducing 1.5 Å 11B 4 C interlayers between the thicker Ni and Ti layers can achieve a higher reflectivity than state-of-the-art Ni/Ti multilayers over the entire scattering vector range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A host glass matrix composed of potassium bismuth borosilicate that has been reinforced with 2, 4, 8, and 16 mol% La 2 O 3 to act as a gamma-ray shield. Thermal, optical, and shielding qualities have been impacted by the penetration of La 2 O 3 into the suggested host glass, which fills the interstitial spaces. The density increases from 4.304 g/cm3 to 6.384 g/cm3 with an increase in La 2 O 3 while (V m) decrease. The glass under consideration demonstrated a high degree of thermal stability as the content of La 2 O 3 increased. When La3+ ions are added, the resulting glasses' optical transparency improves to above 77 %. The origin of these glasses is non-metallic. Gamma-ray attenuation of the glasses was developed with increasing amounts of La 2 O 3. The glass containing 16 mol% La 2 O 3 is a promising candidate for protective shields in various nuclear applications due to its high thermal stability, transparency, and effective capability to reduce gamma rays. • Potassium bismuth borosilicate glasses containing La 2 O 3 that were manufactured. • The density increases from 4.304 g/cm3 to 6.384 g/cm3 V m). • The glass containing 16 mol% La 2 O 3 is a promising candidate for protective shields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glasses with the composition (15-x) Na 2 O–45B 2 O 3 –20Bi 2 O 3 –20SiO 2 – x La 2 O 3 , where, x = (0 ≤ x ≥ 15) were successfully manufactured with a fast melt-quenching method. The density (ρ) of the glasses ranged from 4.913 to 6.497 g/cm3 and the molar volume (V m) ranged from 29.68 to 28.54 cm3/mol. FTIR spectroscopy to achieve further understanding of the structure of the synthesized glasses was performed. FT-IR spectra confirmed that the addition of La 2 O 3 modifies the glasses and broadens the absorption bands. The indirect and direct energy gaps increased as the amount of La 2 O 3 in the sample increased, according to UV–visible spectroscopic data. It was discovered that the refractive index ranged from 2.249 to 2.275. The study employed the DTA to explore the thermal features of synthesized glasses. The study employed the Phy-X/PSD code to explore the radiation-shielding properties of these samples. At low (E) of 0.015 MeV, the values of M A C were found to be 67.624, 67.739, 67.845, 68.032, and 68.193 cm2/g, while at (E) (15 MeV), which were 0.040, 0.041, 0.0413, 0.0418, and 0.042 cm2/g, in increasing order for the glasses BBSNLa-0, BBSNLa-2.5, BBSNLa-5, BBSNLa-10, and BBSNLa-15. Moreover, the values of μ m at (E) (15 MeV), which were 0.040, 0.041, 0.0413, 0.0418, and 0.042 cm2/g, for BBSNLa-0, BBSNLa-2.5, BBSNLa-5, BBSNLa-10, and BBSNLa-15 respectively. The combination of superior γ -radiation protection and favorable optical properties makes the BBSNLa-15 glass sample a promising candidate for applications in both optoelectronics and radiation protection. • The (15-x) Na 2 O–45B 2 O 3 –20Bi 2 O 3 –20SiO 2 – x La 2 O 3 , glasses were prepared. • Density increased from 4.913 to 6.497 g/cm3. • The glass thermal stability increased. • The BBSNLa-15 sample a promising candidate for applications in both optoelectronics and radiation protecting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical design of the RIXS beamline for the Shenzhen Innovation Light Facility (SILF) was reported. The beamline will cover an energy range from 200 to 1500 eV, with three endstations: a Q-RIXS for momentum-dependent high-resolution resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, an e-RIXS for high-throughput resonant inelastic x-ray scattering and an APXPS. All endstations share the same undulator, front end optics and the main branch of beamline until the deflecting mirrors after the monochromator. The Q-RIXS and e-RIXS will be located in two separate branches, while the APXPS endstation is mounted on a free port located right between the exit slit and the refocusing optics for the e-RIXS endstation. This design allows for the mounting of different techniques and the preparation of sample environments without disrupting the operation of the other branch, thus maximizing the utilization of beamtime. The combined energy resolution is expected to be better than 50 meV for Q-RIXS and better than 100 meV for e-RIXS. Once available, it will provide in-demand, versatile and high-quality soft x-ray spectroscopy techniques to users in fields of quantum, energy and surface science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The developments of POM-based macrocycles including their syntheses, structures, properties, and related applications are summarized. • The interesting modular hierarchical assembly of POM-based macrocycles was summarized. • The structure–property/application relationships of POM-based macrocycles are summarized. • The development prospects and the present challenges in the study of POM-based macrocycles are discussed. Polyoxometalate (POM) macrocycles have been extensively investigated due to their potential applications in various fields, including sensing, optics, magnetism, proton conduction, catalysis, and host–guest chemistry, leveraging the advantages offered by their unique wheeled structures. In this review, the recent progress of POM macrocycles, including their assembly strategies, crystal structures, properties, and various applications, is reviewed. Additionally, the current obstacles and challenges regarding the design and construction of POM macrocycles are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]