Use of a lensed fiber for a large-field-of-view, high-resolution, fiber-scanning microendoscope

We report the application of a lensed fiber to a miniaturized fiber raster scanner in order to reduce the fiber's output beam size, thereby allowing for a compact and flexible endoscope capable of a large field of view (FOV) and high spatial resolution. For a proof of principle, the fabricated lensed fiber scanner is paired with a miniaturized gradient-index assembly to achieve a one-photon lateral resolution of 1.1 μm with a FOV that has a diameter of 440 μm.     

Titan

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Chemically specific coarse-graining of polymers: Methods and prospects

Coarse-grained (CG) modeling is an invaluable tool for the study of polymers and other soft matter systems due to the span of spatiotemporal scales that typify their physics and behavior. Given continuing advancements in experimental synthesis and characterization of such systems, there is ever greater need to leverage and expand CG capabilities to simulate diverse soft matter systems with chemical specificity. In this review, we discuss essential modeling techniques, bottom-up coarse-graining methodologies, and outstanding challenges for the chemically specific CG modeling of polymer-based systems. This methodologically oriented discussion is complemented by representative literature examples for polymer simulation; we also offer some advisory practical considerations that should be useful for new researchers. Given its growing importance in the modeling and polymer science community, we further highlight some recent applications of machine learning that enhance CG modeling strategies. Overall, this review provides comprehensive discussion of methods and prospects for the chemically specific coarse-graining of polymers.     

ChemInform Abstract: Site Specific X-Ray Anomalous Dispersion of the Geometrically Frustrated Kagome Magnet,Herbertsmithite, ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2.

A single crystal of (Zn_0.85Cu_0.15)Cu₃ (OH)₆Cl₂ is obtained from a mixture of CuO, ZnCl₂, and H₂O (185 °C, 2 d) followed by recrystallization of the microcrystalline product.     

Halide Chemistry in Tin Perovskite Optoelectronics: Bottlenecks and Opportunities

Tin halide perovskites (Sn HaPs) are the top lead-free choice for perovskite optoelectronics, but the oxidation of perovskite Sn²⁺ to Sn⁴⁺ remains a key challenge. However, the role of inconspicuous chemical processes remains underexplored. Specifically, the halide component in Sn HaPs (typically iodide) has been shown to play a key role in dictating device performance and stability due to its high reactivity. Here we describe the impact of native halide chemistry on Sn HaPs. Specifically, molecular halogen formation in Sn HaPs and its influence on degradation is reviewed, emphasising the benefits of iodide substitution for improving stability. Next, the ecological impact of halide products of Sn HaP degradation and its mitigation are considered. The development of visible Sn HaP emitters via halide tuning is also summarised. Lastly, halide defect management and interfacial engineering for Sn HaP devices are discussed. These insights will inspire efficient and robust Sn HaP optoelectronics.     

Physical Models from Physical Templates Using Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Morphologically Programmable Inks For 3D Printing

Advanced manufacturing has received considerable attention as a tool for the fabrication of cell scaffolds however, finding ideal biocompatible and biodegradable materials that fit the correct parameters for 3D printing and guide cells to align remain a challenge. Herein, a photocrosslinkable smectic-A (Sm-A) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) designed for 3D printing is presented, that promotes cell proliferation but most importantly induces cell anisotropy. The LCE-based bio-ink allows the 3D duplication of a highly complex brain structure generated from an animal model. Vascular tissue models are generated from fluorescently stained mouse tissue spatially imaged using confocal microscopy and subsequently processed to create a digital 3D model suitable for printing. The 3D structure is reproduced using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer. Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXD) data reveal a strong alignment of the LCE layering within the struts of the printed 3D scaffold. The resultant anisotropy of the LCE struts is then shown to direct cell growth. This study offers a simple approach to produce model tissues built within hours that promote cellular alignment.