Metrology for sub-Rayleigh-length target positioning in~10^(22)W/cm^(2)laser-plasma experiments

Tight focusing with very small f-numbers is necessary to achieve the highest at-focus irradiances.However,tight focusing imposes strong demands on precise target positioning in-focus to achieve the highest on-target irradiance We describe several near-infrared,visible,ultraviolet and soft and hard X-ray diagnostics employed in a~10^(22)W/cm^(2)laser±plasma experiment.We used nearly 10 J total energy femtosecond laser pulses focused into an approximately1.3-μm focal spot on 5±20μm thick stainless-steel targets.We discuss the applicability of these diagnostics to determine the best in-focus target position with approximately 5μm accuracy(i.e.,around half of the short Rayleigh length)and show that several diagnostics(in particular,3ωreflection and on-axis hard X-rays)can ensure this accuracy.We demonstrated target positioning within several micrometers from the focus,ensuring over 80%of the ideal peak laser intensity on-target.Our approach is relatively fast(it requires 10±20 laser shots)and does not rely on the coincidence of low-power and high-power focal planes.

Precise Modulation Strategies for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation:Advances and Future Directions

Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)is a popular modulatory technique for the noninvasive diagnosis and therapy of neurological and psychiatric diseases.Unfortunately,current modulation strategies are only modestly effective.The literature provides strong evidence that the modulatory effects of TMS vary depending on device components and stimulation protocols.These differential effects are important when designing precise modulatory strategies for clinical or research applications.Developments in TMS have been accompanied by advances in combining TMS with neuroimaging techniques,including electroencephalography,functional nearinfrared spectroscopy,functional magnetic resonance imaging,and positron emission tomography.Such studies appear particularly promising as they may not only allow us to probe affected brain areas during TMS but also seem to predict underlying research directions that may enable us to precisely target and remodel impaired cortices or circuits.However,few precise modulation strategies are available,and the long-term safety and efficacy of these strategies need to be confirmed.Here,we review the literature on possible technologies for precise modulation to highlight progress along with limitations with the goal of suggesting future directions for this field.

A portable high precision three dimensional trace measuring system for underwater target with high speed

The paper describes a portable high precision three-dimensional trace measuring system for underwater target with high speed. The mathematical model for location, the main error sources, the calibration method for the underwater array and the way to correct its state are discussed. Problems about the distance ambiguity and multi-path interference are also analyzed. Part of experimental results on lake and at sea are given as well.