A Sinusoidally Architected Helicoidal Biocomposite.

A fibrous herringbone-modified helicoidal architecture is identified within the exocuticle of an impact-resistant crustacean appendage. This previously unreported composite microstructure, which features highly textured apatite mineral templated by an alpha-chitin matrix, provides enhanced stress redistribution and energy absorption over the traditional helicoidal design under compressive loading. Nanoscale toughening mechanisms are also identified using high-load nanoindentation and in situ transmission electron microscopy picoindentation.

Theory and New Applications of Ex Situ Lift Out.

The ex situ lift out (EXLO) adhesion forces are reviewed and new applications of EXLO for focused ion beam (FIB)-prepared specimens are described. EXLO is used to manipulate electron transparent specimens on microelectromechanical systems carrier devices designed for in situ electron microscope analysis. A new patented grid design without a support film is described for EXLO.

A unique approach to accurately measure thickness in thick multilayers.

X-ray optics called multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs) provide a promising path to focusing hard X-rays with high focusing efficiency at a resolution between 5 nm and 20 nm. MLLs consist of thousands of depth-graded thin layers. The thickness of each layer obeys the linear zone plate law.

Examining the impact of excipient material property variation on drug product quality attributes: a quality-by-design study for a roller compacted, immediate release tablet.

A quality-by-design study examining the impact of variability in excipient material properties on the quality attributes of an immediate release tablet was performed. A literature review and risk analysis identified particle size of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), spray-dried lactose (SDL), and magnesium stearate (MgSt), and polymorph and specific surface area of MgSt as potential high-risk material properties. The following results were obtained with laboratory-scale processing equipment: (1) a 32-µm increase in d(50) (mean particle diameter) of MCC and SDL led to a ∼ 30-µm increase in blend and granulation d(50) and a statistically significant increase in the blend and granulation flow function coefficients, and (2) a 32-µm increase in d(50) of MCC and SDL, a 4.

Sectioning of multilayers to make a multilayer Laue lens.

We report a process to fabricate multilayer Laue lenses (MLL's) by sectioning and thinning multilayer films. This method can produce a linear zone plate structure with a very large ratio of zone depth to width (e.g.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of a solid-oxide fuel-cell anode.

The drive towards increased energy efficiency and reduced air pollution has led to accelerated worldwide development of fuel cells. As the performance and cost of fuel cells have improved, the materials comprising them have become increasingly sophisticated, both in composition and microstructure. In particular, state-of-the-art fuel-cell electrodes typically have a complex micro/nano-structure involving interconnected electronically and ionically conducting phases, gas-phase porosity, and catalytically active surfaces.

Subwavelength focusing and guiding of surface plasmons.

The constructive interference of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) launched by nanometric holes allows us to focus SPP into a spot of high near-field intensity having subwavelength width. Near-field scanning optical microscopy is used to map the local SPP intensity. The resulting SPP patterns and their polarization dependence are accurately described in model calculations based on a dipolar model for the SPP emission at each hole.