All-inorganic cesium lead bromine (CsPbBr₃) perovskites have gained a tremendous potential in optoelectronics due to interesting photophysical properties and much better stability than the hybrid counterparts. Although pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is a promising alternative to solvent-based and/or thermal deposition approaches due to its versatility in depositing multi-elemental materials, deep understanding of the implications of both target composition and PLD mechanisms on the properties of CsPbBr₃ films is still missing. In this paper, we deal with thermally assisted preparation of mechano-chemically synthesized CsPbBr₃ ablation targets to grow CsPbBr₃ films by PLD at the fluence 2 J/cm². We study both Cs rich- and stoichiometric PbBr₂-CsBr mixture-based ablation targets and point out compositional deviations of the associated films resulting from the mass distribution of the PLD-generated plasma plume. Contrary to the conventional meaning that PLD guarantees congruent elemental transfer from the target to the substrate, our study demonstrates cation off-stoichiometry of PLD-grown CsPbBr₃ films depending on composition and thermal treatment of the ablation target. The implications of the observed enrichment in the heavier element (Pb) and deficiency in the lighter element (Br) of the PLD-grown films are discussed in terms of optical response and with the perspective of providing operative guidelines and future PLD-deposition strategies of inorganic perovskites.

Proton therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in cancer radiotherapy, leveraging the unique spatial energy distribution of protons to deliver precise, high-dose radiation to tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Despite its clinical success, proton therapy faces challenges in optimizing its therapeutic precision and efficacy. Recent research has highlighted the potential of gold nanoparticles to enhance proton therapy outcomes. Due to their high atomic number and favorable biological properties, gold nanoparticles act as radiosensitizers by amplifying the generation of secondary electrons and reactive oxygen species upon proton irradiation. This enhances DNA damage in tumor cells while preserving healthy tissues. Additionally, functionalization of gold nanoparticles with tumor-targeting ligands offers improved precision, making proton therapy more effective against a broader range of cancers. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization, preclinical evidence, and the technological hurdles that must be addressed to integrate this promising approach into clinical practice, aiming to advance the efficacy and accessibility of proton therapy in cancer therapy.

This paper presents an innovative exploration of advanced configurations for enhancing the efficiency of metallic and superconducting photocathodes (MPs and SCPs) produced via pulsed laser deposition (PLD). These photocathodes are critical for driving next-generation free-electron lasers (FELs) and plasma-based accelerators, both of which demand electron sources with improved quantum efficiency (QE) and electrical properties. Our approach compares three distinct photocathode configurations, namely: conventional, hybrid, and non-conventional, focusing on recent innovations. Hybrid MPs integrate a thin, high-performance, photo-emissive film, often yttrium or magnesium, positioned centrally on the copper flange of the photo-injector. For hybrid SCPs, a thin film of lead is used, offering a higher quantum efficiency than niobium bulk. This study also introduces non-conventional configurations, such as yttrium and lead disks partially coated with copper and niobium films, respectively. These designs utilize the unique properties of each material to achieve enhanced photoemission and long-term stability. The novelty of this approach lies in leveraging the advantages of bulk photoemission materials like yttrium and lead, while maintaining the electrical compatibility and durability required for integration into RF cavities. The findings highlight the potential of these configurations to significantly outperform traditional photocathodes, offering higher QE and extended operational lifetimes. This comparative analysis provides new insights into the fabrication of high-efficiency photocathodes, setting the foundation for future advancements in electron source technologies.

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the quantum efficiency (QE) of metallic photocathodes used in modern high-performance radio frequency (RF) and superconducting radio frequency (SRF) guns. The study specifically examines how laser cleaning treatment impacts the QE of these photocathodes, providing detailed insights into their performance and potential improvements for accelerator applications, and assesses the chemical and environmental factors affecting the surface composition of metallic laser-photocathodes used in modern high-performance radio frequency (RF) and superconducting radio frequency (SRF) electron guns. This paper overviews the photocathode rejuvenation effects of laser cleaning treatment. Laser cleaning removes the oxides and hydrides responsible for the deterioration of photocathodes, increases the photoelectron emission quantum efficiency (QE) and extends the operational lifetime of high-brightness electron injectors. QE enhancement is analyzed with the aim of parametric cleaning process optimization. This study excludes semiconductor and thermionic cathodes, focusing solely on the widely used bulk and thin-film photocathodes of Cu, Mg, Y, Pb and Nb. Laser cleaning enhancement of QE in Cu from 5 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.2 × 10⁻⁴, in Mg from 5.0 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.8 × 10⁻³, in Y from 10⁻⁵ to 3.3 × 10⁻⁴, in Pb from 3 × 10⁻⁵ to 8 × 10⁻⁵, and in Nb from 2.1 × 10⁻⁷ to 2.5 × 10⁻⁵ is demonstrated. The analysis concludes with a specialized practical guide for improving photocathode efficacy and lifetime in RF and SRF guns.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents due to their unique properties and broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. However, their interaction with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the bloodstream can lead to their oxidation, thereby reducing their antimicrobial effectiveness and potentially posing threats to human health. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the oxidation resistance of AgNPs by integrating them with carbon dots (CDs) to form an AgNPs/CDs hybrid system. CDs, with their exceptional biocompatibility and functionalized surface, can interact with AgNPs to provide a protective layer. Our green synthesis method employed microwave-assisted techniques using only three reagents: silver nitrate, L-tryptophan, and glucose. The characterization of the hybrid system was conducted using Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution TEM (HRTEM), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed a red shift in the absorption peak of the hybrid system compared to pure AgNPs, confirming the interaction between CDs and AgNPs. TEM and HRTEM analyses, supported by the PASAD plug-in and Image Pro‐Plus software, respectively, elucidated the structural arrangement and interaction of these nanoparticles. Additionally, FEA computations using FreeFEM software platform forecasted the resonant wavelengths.

In view of the demand for high-quality thermal neutron detectors, boron films have recently attracted widespread research interest because of their special properties. In this work, we report on the deposition of boron films on silicon substrates by sub-picosecond pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature. Particular emphasis was placed on the investigation of the effect of the laser energy density (fluence) on the ablation process of the target material, as well as on the morphological properties of the resulting films. In addition, based on the study of the ablation and deposition rates as a function of the fluence, the ablation/deposition mechanisms are discussed. We show that well-adherent and stable boron films, with good quality surfaces revealing a good surface flatness and absence of cracks, can be obtained by means of the PLD technique, which proves to be a reliable and reproducible method for the fabrication of thick boron coatings that are suitable for neutron detection technology.