Effect of femtosecond laser induced surface patterns on the flexural strength of monolithic zirconia.

To investigate how patterns generated by femtosecond (fs) laser and femtosecond laser power affect the surface roughness (Ra) and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of monolithic zirconia. Eighty disk-shaped zirconia specimens were divided into eight subgroups (n = 10): Control (C), airborne-particle abrasion (APA), 400 mW fs laser (spiral [SP(400)], square [SQ(400)], circular [CI(400)]), and 700 mW fs laser ([SP(700)], [SQ(700)], [CI(700)]). Ra values were calculated by using a surface profilometer. One additional specimen per group was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry. BFS values were obtained by using the piston-on-3-ball test. One-way ANOVA and either Tukey's HSD (BFS) or Tamhane's T2 (Ra) tests were used to evaluate data (α = 0.05). Regardless of the pattern and power, fs laser groups had higher Ra than C and APA, while SP groups had lower Ra than CI and SQ groups (p ≤ 0.004). For each pattern, Ra increased with higher laser power (p < 0.001), while the laser power did not affect the BFS (p ≥ 0.793). CI and SQ groups had lower BFS than the other groups (p ≤ 0.040), whereas SP groups had similar BFS to C and APA (p ≥ 0.430). Fs laser microstructuring with spiral surface pattern increased the Ra without jeopardizing the BFS of zirconia. Thus, this treatment might be an option to roughen tested zirconia.

Microstrain effects of laser-ablated Au nanoparticles in enhancing CZTS-based 1 Sun photodetector devices.

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin films were synthesized on soda lime glass using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at room temperature. Introducing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a sandwich structure led to increased CZTS particle size and a shift in the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak of the AuNPs, influenced by different laser energy levels. The absorption measurements revealed intriguing behavior across the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, making these films appealing for 1 Sun photodetectors. Furthermore, the presence of AuNPs in the sandwich structure reduced microstrain effects, measuring 1.94 × 10-3 compared to 3.38 × 10-3 in their absence. This reduction directly enhances carrier transport, which is particularly beneficial for accelerating the performance of photodetector devices. This effect of AuNPs also contributed to higher dielectric coefficients, further improving the photodetector performance. Under 1 Sun illumination conditions, this enhancement resulted in a rapid rising time of 95.4 ms, showcasing the potential for faster photodetection.

Utilizing Gold Nanoparticle Decoration for Enhanced UV Photodetection in CdS Thin Films Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition: Exploiting Plasmon-Induced Effects.

UV sensors hold significant promise for various applications in both military and civilian domains. However, achieving exceptional detectivity, responsivity, and rapid rise/decay times remains a notable challenge. In this study, we address this challenge by investigating the photodetection properties of CdS thin films and the influence of surface-deposited gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on their performance. CdS thin films were produced using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on glass substrates, with CdS layers at a 100, 150, and 200 nm thickness. Extensive characterization was performed to evaluate the thin films' structural, morphological, and optical properties. Photodetector devices based on CdS and AuNPs/CdS films were fabricated, and their performance parameters were evaluated under 365 nm light illumination. Our findings demonstrated that reducing CdS layer thickness enhanced performance concerning detectivity, responsivity, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and photocurrent gain. Furthermore, AuNP deposition on the surface of CdS films exhibited a substantial influence, especially on devices with thinner CdS layers. Among the configurations, AuNPs/CdS(100 nm) demonstrated the highest values in all evaluated parameters, including detectivity (1.1×1012 Jones), responsivity (13.86 A/W), EQE (47.2%), and photocurrent gain (9.2).

Rhenium/rhenium oxide nanoparticles production using femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid.

In this study, rhenium/rhenium oxide nanoparticles (Re / ReO3 NPs) have been produced for the first time in ultrapure water by using Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (fsPLAL) method. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements and results obtained for NPs show the existence of well-crystallized peaks and preferred phases. Re NPs have hexagonal structure while ReO3 NPs have the perovskite-like cubic crystal structures. The Re / ReO3 ratio is also determined to be 53 / 47 with ~ 20 nm crystallite size, while pure ReO3 crystallite sizes were measured to be ~ 25 nm. The TEM results have shown that the produced particles have a spherical shape, and particle sizes changes between ~ 20 nm and ~ 60 nm. The crystallite size is similar due to XRD results. Obtained nanoparticles exhibit promising applications for photonic devices with broad bandgap values which have measured to be 4.71 eV for Re / ReO3 NPs mixture and 4.36 eV for pure ReO3 NPs.

Combined application of femtosecond laser and air-abrasion protocols to monolithic zirconia at different sintering stages: Effects on surface roughness and resin bond strength.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of femtosecond laser (Fs) and/or air-abrasion protocols on surface roughness (Ra) of zirconia and resin bond strength. Eighty zirconia samples were randomly divided into eight subgroups according to surface treatment protocols: Control (C), Air-abrasion before sintering (ABS), Air-abrasion after sintering (AAS), Air-abrasion before and after sintering (ABS + AAS), Fs laser before sintering (FBS), Fs laser before sintering + air-abrasion after sintering (FBS + AAS), Fs laser after sintering (FAS), and Fs laser after sintering + air-abrasion after sintering (FAS + AAS). Measurements of Ra values were obtained using a surface profilometer. Surface morphological properties were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and crystallographic changes were examined by X-Ray diffractometry (XRD). Self-adhesive resin cement was bonded to zirconia samples, and shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tamhane tests. The control group displayed the lowest Ra and SBS values among all groups. The highest Ra and SBS values were found in the FBS and FBS + AAS groups. Air-abrasion applied before sintering significantly increased the Ra of specimens. FAS, FAS + AAS, and ABS + AAS groups exhibited higher SBS values than AAS and ABS (p < .05). Air-abrasion applied after Fs laser did not produce any significant change in the Ra and SBS compared to Fs laser alone (p > .05). Femtosecond laser application may be a promising method to enhance the surface roughness of zirconia and improve resin bond strength. Air-abrasion at pre- and post-sintered stages may also be a viable surface treatment option.

Effect of Ar Gas Pressure on LSPR Property of Au Nanoparticles: Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

In this study, the thin films were produced by using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique from gold (Au) nanoparticles deposited on two kinds of substrates under different argon (Ar) gas pressure. Microscope glass slides and silicon (100) wafers were used as amorphous and crystal substrates. The films were deposited under 2 × 10-3 mbar, 1 × 10-2 mbar, 2 × 10-2 mbar argon (Ar) ambient gas pressure. Effect of the background gas pressure on the plasma plume of the ablated Au nanoparticles was investigated in details. Morphology of Au nanoparticle thin films was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. Absorption spectra of Au nanoparticles were examined by using UV-Vis spectrometry. Extinction spectra of Au nanoparticles were calculated by using metallic nano particles boundary element method (MNPBEM) simulation programme. Both experimental spectra and simulation data for Au nanoparticles were obtained and compared in this work. It was concluded that they are also in good agreement with literature data. The measurements and the simulation results showed that localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peaks for Au nanoparticles were located in the near infrared region (NIR) because of the larger size of the disk-like shape of Au nanoparticles, and the near-field coupling between Au nanoparticles. It was demonstrated that as the ambient gas (Ar) pressure was increased, the size and the density of Au nanoparticles on the substrate were decreased and the LSPR peak shifts toward the short wavelength region in the spectrum. This shift has been explained by the changes in the morphology of produced thin films.

A New Method for Investigation of Different Tissues Using Femtosecond Laser Mass Spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Femtosecond laser mass spectrometry (FLMS) has become an important tool for investigation of chemical and biological materials in many areas from medical to industrial. OBJECTIVE: In medicine, the morphological examination of tissues is determined by performing pathological investigations under microscope. However, some novel improvements or developments must be performed for much faster diagnosis of the tissue during the operation when patient is under anesthesia. METHODS: The information obtained from the tissue under the microscope remains very limited because it cannot reveal characteristics of the whole molecules. For this reason, some novel methods for analysis of tissues are important issues to be achieved. This process can be performed using FLMS much quicker than traditional techniques. The aim of this study is to develop a new procedure for interpretation of mass spectra obtained from different types of muscle tissues, such as lamb, bones, and beef obtained from the butcher. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study are believed to open a new window for these kinds of applications for cancer diagnosis on human tissue studies, as a faster analysis technique to give some concrete contributions to pathological examinations. Both, principal component analysis statistical approach and FLMS technique offer a great opportunity to identify the biological materials from mass spectra. In conclusion, this present study interprets a great data from bone, beef, and lamb, which show that we can distinguish these different types of materials using FLMS data and statistical approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Eventually, the experimental results obtained from our group studies present that these types of tissues can easily be distinguished using small m/q peaks in the lower region (m/z ≤100 amu) of the mass spectra by courtesy of FLMS.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on Porcelain-Resin Bond Strength.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various surface treatments on the surface structure and shear bond strength (SBS) of different ceramics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 192 disk-shaped cores were prepared using two all-ceramic systems, of which 168 were submitted to SBS tests, and 24 were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The ceramics used were IPS Empress e.max (EX) lithium glass-ceramic and Vita In-Ceram Zirconia glass-infiltrated zirconia (ICZ). The specimens were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 12) on the basis of the surface treatment used: control; SB-sandblasting with 50 µm Al2 O3 particles; CJ-chairside silica coating with 30 µm SiO2 particles and silanization (Clearfil Porcelain Bond Activator); HF-etching in 5% hydrofluoric acid and silanization; ER-etching with an Er:YAG laser (10 W); ND-Nd:YAG laser etching (0.8 W); and FS-etching with a femtosecond laser (860 mW). A luting cement (Clearfil Esthetic) was photopolymerized on each treated ceramic disk. After subjecting the specimens to thermocycling (1000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C), SBS tests were performed using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests using a significance limit of 5%. RESULTS: Among the EX ceramics, the CJ (29.10 MPa) and HF (26.07 MPa) specimens had statistically higher SBS values. For the ICZ ceramics, the highest value (28.08 MPa) was obtained for the CJ specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Silanization after coating with silica improves the bond strengths of both EX and ICZ specimens, while HF etching is favorable only for the EX specimens.

Bond strengths of brackets bonded to enamel surfaces conditioned with femtosecond and Er:YAG laser systems.

The aim of this study was to compare femtosecond and Er:YAG laser systems with regard to enamel demineralization and bracket bond strength. Human-extracted premolars were randomized to three groups (n = 17) depending on the conditioning treatment used for the buccal surfaces: 37 % orthophosphoric acid, Er:YAG laser etching (MSP mode 120 mJ, 10 Hz, 1.2 W), and femtosecond laser etching (0.4 W, 800 nm, 90 fs/pulse, 1 kHz). Metal brackets were bonded with Transbond XT to the conditioned surfaces and light cured for 20 s. The samples were thermocycled (5000 cycles, 5-55 °C) and subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) testing using a universal testing machine. Failure types were analyzed under an optical stereomicroscope and SEM. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was evaluated to assess residual adhesive on the enamel surface. The results revealed no significant differences in SBS between the Er:YAG laser (7.2 ± 3.3 MPa) and acid etching groups (7.3 ± 2.7 MPa; p < 0.05), whereas a significant difference was observed between the femtosecond laser etching group (3.3 ± 1.2 MPa) and the other two groups (p < 0.01). ARI scores were significantly different among the three groups. The results of our study suggest that laser conditioning with an Er:YAG system results in successful etching, similar to that obtained with acid. The sole use of a femtosecond laser system may not provide an adequate bond strength at the bracket-enamel interface.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic to the Zirconia Core.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments [sandblasting, Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Er:YAG), and femtosecond lasers] on the shear bond strength (SBS) of the CAD-on technique. BACKGROUND DATA: Although demand for all-ceramic restorations has increased, chipping remains one of the major problems for zirconia-based restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (Y-TZP) zirconia plates (IPS e.max ZirCAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were cut, sintered (12.4 × 11.4 × 3 mm) and divided into four groups according to the surface treatments (n = 10): a control group with no surface treatment (Group C), sandblasting with 50 µm Al2O3 (Group S), Er:YAG laser irradiation (Group E), and femtosecond laser irradiation (Group F). Also, 40 cylindrical (5 mm diameter, 2 mm height) lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) veneer ceramics were cut and fused to all zirconia cores by a glass-fusion ceramic and crystallized according to the CAD-on technique. Specimens were subjected to shear force using a universal testing machine. The load was applied at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until failure. Mean SBS (MPa) were analyzed with one way ANOVA (p < 0.05). The failed specimens were examined under a stereomicroscope at ×20 to classify the mode of failure. RESULTS: The highest SBS was observed in Group F (36 ± 3.31 MPa), followed by Group S (33.03 ± 5.05 MPa), and Group C (32.52 ± 10.15 MPa). The lowest SBS was observed in Group E (31.02 ± 4.96 MPa), but no significant differences were found between the control and surface treated groups (p = 0.377). All the specimens showed a mixed type of failure. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser application increased the bond strength between zirconia-veneer specimens. However, the novel CAD-on technique with no surface treatment also showed high bonding strength. Thus, this technique could prevent ceramic chipping without additional surface treatments.

Effect of femtosecond laser treatment on the shear bond strength of a metal bracket to prepared porcelain surface.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of femtosecond laser treatment (Group FS) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a metal bracket to prepared porcelain surface, and to compare it with other surface treatment techniques [50 µm Al2O3 sandblasting (Group SB), 9.6% hydrofluoric acid gel (Group HF), and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG laser) (Group NY)]. BACKGROUND DATA: Because of the increasing number of adult patients in current orthodontic practice, achieving sufficient bond strength of composite resin to porcelain restorations without bond failure during the treatment is a challenge for orthodontists. METHODS: In total, 80 glazed feldspathic porcelain samples were prepared and randomly assigned to four groups of 20. Treated surfaces were treated with a silane agent. Brackets were bonded to porcelain samples. The specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h and then thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5° and 55°C. The SBS of the brackets was tested with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, until bonding failure occurred. The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane multiple comparisons tests. The results of ANOVA indicated that the SBS values varied according to the surface treatment method (p<0.001). RESULTS: Results of the Tamhane post-hoc tests indicated that the bond strength in Group NY (5.11±1.53) was significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among Groups SB (9.07±3.76), HF (9.09±3.51), and FS (11.58±4.16) (p=0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that FS treatment produced high SBS of the processes assessed; therefore, it appears to be an effective method for bonding orthodontic metal brackets to prepared porcelain surfaces.

Effect of various lasers on the bond strength of two zirconia ceramics.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the effects of various laser systems on surface roughness and shear bond strengths of zirconia ceramics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two ceramic discs (10 mm×2 mm) obtained from two sintered zirconia ceramics (Zirkonzahn, Zirkonzahn Prettau(®)) were divided into two groups (n=36) according to the computer-aided design (CAD)-computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technique and then further divided into three groups (n=12). Each group was treated with one of the following: (1) femtosecond (FS), (2) Nd:YAG (NY), and (3) Er:YAG (EY) lasers. After laser irradiation, a scanning electron micrograph (SEM) was taken at 500× magnification for qualitative examination. Following surface roughness measurement by profilometry, resin cement (Rely X U200) was bonded to the ceramic specimens using Teflon tubes (3 mm height, 4 mm diameter). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h and then thermal cycled for 5000 cycles. A shear bond strength (MPa) test was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Data were analyzed by two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) tests for pairwise comparisons among groups (p=0.05). RESULTS: MPa and roughness were significantly affected by laser type (p<0.001), and there was no significant interaction between the two zircon ceramics. The group irradiated with FS laser had significantly higher (p<0.05) roughness and MPa mean values than those of the other groups. No significant difference was found between the groups irradiated with NY and EY laser (p>0.05). In the SEM, the surfaces of the FS group were rougher than those of the NY and EY groups. NY and EY surfaces were nearly smooth. CONCLUSIONS: FS laser is an effective surface treatment for roughening surfaces of zirconia ceramics. Furthermore, it reveals the highest MPa.

Femtosecond laser induced photodynamic therapy on 5-ALA treated SKMEL-30 cells: an efficient theranostic strategy to combat melanoma.

PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of photo-chemotherapy that is based on the application of photosensitizer and irradiation of the region by laser sources. Photosensitizer and light interaction will develop reactive oxygen radicals ((1)O2) in the cells and elimination of cells by apoptosis or necrosis. METHODS: Metastatic skin cancer cells SKMEL-30 were treated by 5-ALA in dark and then they were irradiated by 90-femtosecond (fs) laser with different pulse powers for different durations. The effects of 5-ALA mediated photodynamic therapy on the cells were determined by XTT proliferation kit and by flow cytometry measurements of Annexin V, 7-AAD and mitochondrial membrane potential alterations. Fluorescent accumulation of protoporphyrin IX was investigated by fluorometry and confocal laser microscope. RESULTS: The viability tests for SKMEL-30 cells treated with different 5-ALA doses and femtosecond laser power and durations demonstrated that 635 nm, 45 mW pulse energy at 90 fs laser pulse applications for 60 sec to 1mM 5-ALA exposed cells decreased the cell proliferation by 30%. Flow cytometric measurements exhibit that PDT caused 63% of mitochondria membrane potential alteration, 30% of cell death in the population by apoptosis and 39% of cells by necrosis. There was 1mM 5-ALA exposure that also exhibited about 32% accumulation of fluorescence in the cells. CONCLUSION: The pretreatment of the cells with the precursor 5-ALA lets the imaging due to increased protoporphyrin IX fluorescence. This treatment method may be proposed as an effective theranostic strategy for melanoma because of its rapid and effective anticancer consequences.