Compact high-flux source of cold sodium atoms

We present a compact source of cold sodium atoms suitable for the production of quantum degenerate gases and versatile for a multi-species experiment. The magnetic field produced by permanent magnets allows to simultaneously realize a Zeeman slower and a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT) within an order of magnitude smaller length than standard sodium sources. We achieve an atomic flux exceeding 4 x 10(9) atoms/s loaded in a MOT, with a most probable longitudinal velocity of 20 m/s, ...

Combined optical system for dimensional and thermal measurements and operating method thereof

Monitoring of laser metal deposition height by means of coaxial laser triangulation

Laser metal deposition (LMD) is an additive manufacturing technique, whose performances can be influenced by several factors and parameters. Monitoring their evolution allows for a better comprehension and control of the process, hence enhancing the deposition quality. In particular, the deposition height is an important variable that, if it does not match the process growth, can bring to defects and geometrical inaccuracies in the deposited structures. The current work presents a system base...

Cell instructive Liquid Crystalline Networks for myotube formation

Development of biological tissues in vitro is not a trivial task and requires the correct maturation of the selected cell line. To this aim, many attempts were done mainly by mimicking the biological environment using micro/nanopatterned or stimulated scaffolds. However, the obtainment of functional tissues in vitro is still far from being achieved. In contrast with the standard methods, we here present an easy approach for the maturation of myotubes toward the reproduction of muscular tissue...