Using convolutional neural network denoising to reduce ambiguity in X-ray coherent diffraction imaging.

The inherent ambiguity in reconstructed images from coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) poses an intrinsic challenge, as images derived from the same dataset under varying initial conditions often display inconsistencies. This study introduces a method that employs the Noise2Noise approach combined with neural networks to effectively mitigate these ambiguities. We applied this methodology to hundreds of ambiguous reconstructed images retrieved from a single diffraction pattern using a conventional retrieval algorithm.

Preferred penetration of active nano-rods into narrow channels and their clustering.

In a channel connected to a reservoir, passive particles prefer staying in the reservoir than the channel due to the entropic effect, as the size of the particles is comparable to that of the channel. Self-propelled rods can exhibit out-of-equilibrium phenomena, and their partition behavior may differ from that of passive rods due to their persistent swimming ability. In this work, the distribution of active nano-rods between the nanoscale channel and reservoir is explored using dissipative particle dynamics.

Size-dependence and interfacial segregation in nanofilms and nanodroplets of homologous polymer blends.

The size-dependent behavior of nanofilms and nanodroplets of homologous polymer blends was explored by many-body dissipative particle dynamics. Although a homologous blend can be regarded as a completely miscible and athermal system, enrichment of the surface in short polymers always takes place. First, liquid-gas and solid-liquid interfacial tensions of polymer melts were acquired.

Size-dependent behavior and failure of young's equation for wetting of two-component nanodroplets.

Hypothesis: For macroscopic systems, the interfacial properties are size-independent and Young's equation is generally valid for smooth substrates. For nanoscale systems, however, size-dependence and failure of Young's equation may emerge.

Experiments: The wetting behavior of a nanodroplet containing two miscible liquids on a smooth substrate is explored by many-body dissipative particle dynamics simulations.

Favorable partition of nanoswimmers toward a confined slit.

The partition of nanoswimmers between a narrow channel and a reservoir is explored by dissipative particle dynamics. In contrast to passive colloids, nanoswimmers prefer to stay in the slit rather than in the reservoir for sufficiently large active force (F_{a}) or run time (τ). The partition ratio (φ) increases with F_{a} and τ.

Pressure-gated capillary nanovalves based on liquid nanofilms.

Hypothesis: Nanoscale valving is essential to expand the potentiality of the nanodevices. However, it is difficult to fabricate valves with movable control elements in nanoscale systems and thus it is desirable to design a nanovalve which can manipulate opening and blocking a gate without moving parts.

Experiments: A pressure-gated capillary valve which contains a nanoscale liquid layer sandwiched between two plates with two aligned orifices was designed and the proof-of-concept demonstration was achieved by Many-body Dissipative Particle Dynamics.

Strong competition between adsorption and aggregation of surfactant in nanoscale systems.

Hypothesis: The size-dependent behavior including surface tension, surface density (Γ), and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of a nanoscale liquid film containing surfactant has not been investigated until now.

Experiments: Strong competition between surface adsorption and bulk aggregation of surfactant in nanoscale systems was explored by Many-body Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations.

Findings: In nanoscale systems, as the surfactant concentration increases, Γ continues rising even after CMC is exceeded.

Penetration dynamics through nanometer-scale hydrophilic capillaries: Beyond Washburn's equation and extended menisci.

Hypothesis: Recently, the naoncapillary devices with the channel width about 2-3 water molecules have been fabricated. Water transport through these nanoslits showed unexpectedly fast flow, revealing the failure of Washburn's equation.

Experiments: Liquid penetration into a nanocapillary made of two parallel walls is explored by many-body dissipative particle dynamics.

Hydrodynamic interaction induced breakdown of the state properties of active fluids.

The mechanical pressure of active fluids in which swimmers are modeled by soft run-and-tumble spheres is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The incremental pressure (Π) with respect to the system pressure with inactive swimmers comprises the direct contribution of the swimmers (π) and the indirect contribution of fluids associated with hydrodynamic interactions (HIs). The pressure can be determined from the bulk and confining wall and the former is always less than the latter.