Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Quantum Beam Science (ISSN 2412-382X), it is my pleasure to announce the launch of a new Special Issue entitled “Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024”. QuBS is an international, open access journal publishing reviews and original research focusing on the application of quantum beams to the study and characterization of materials in their widest sense, as well as developments in quantum beam sources, instrumentation, and facilities. In this Special Issue, we will publish outstanding contributions in the primary fields covered by the journal, something which we believe will make a great contribution to this research community. The entire Issue will be published in book format after its completion.

Quantum beams include synchrotron radiation, X-rays, gamma rays, neutron beams, electrons, lasers, muons, positrons, ions, and extremely strong lasers, while materials can be crystalline, amorphous, magnetic, metallic, ceramic, biologic, hard or soft matter, warm dense matter, functional, structural, and so on. Quantum beam science covers a broad range of disciplines including, but not limited to, solid-state physics, chemistry, crystallography, materials science, biology, geology, earth and planetary materials, and engineering. Examples of investigation topics include phase transformations in alloy development, modulated structures in spintronic systems, crystalline order and disorder, stresses in engineering specimens, changes in amorphous structure, excitations in functional materials, the interior of stars, electrochemistry in ion battery systems, imaging in life sciences, and the propagation of dislocations in crystals.

Submissions are encouraged to present multiple quantum beams for complementary studies, such as neutron and synchrotron radiation or muons and neutrons. Instrumental publications should cover large user facilities, novel developments, sources, spectrometers, diffractometers, functionality, physical- and optical-based backgrounds, scattering, and interaction theories with respect to the application and the fundamentals of the probe.

Submitted papers will be evaluated by the Editors first. Please note that all papers will be subjected to a thorough and rigorous peer review.

Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Liss
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Quantum Beam Science is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • synchrotron radiation
  • X-rays
  • gamma rays
  • neutron scattering
  • free electron lasers
  • muons
  • positrons
  • electron scattering
  • high-strength lasers
  • protons, ions
  • extremely strong lasers

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

20 pages, 6840 KiB  
Article
Does the Maximum Initial Beam Energy for Proton Therapy Have to Be 230 MeV?
by Chris J. Beltran, Alvaro Perales and Keith M. Furutani
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030023 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 950
Abstract
Proton therapy is increasingly widespread and requires an accelerator to provide the high energy protons. Most often, the accelerators used for proton therapy are cyclotrons and the maximum initial beam energy (MIBE) is about 230 MeV or more to be able to achieve [...] Read more.
Proton therapy is increasingly widespread and requires an accelerator to provide the high energy protons. Most often, the accelerators used for proton therapy are cyclotrons and the maximum initial beam energy (MIBE) is about 230 MeV or more to be able to achieve a range of approximately 30 cm in water. We ask whether such a high energy is necessary for adequate dosimetry for pathologies to be treated with proton beams. Eight patients of different clinical sites (brain, prostate, and head and neck cancers) were selected to conduct this study. We analyzed the tumor dose coverage and homogeneity, as well as healthy tissue protection for MIBE values of 120, 160, 180, 200 and 230 MeV. For each patient, a proton plan was developed using the particular MIBE and then using multifield optimization (MFO). In this way, 34 plans in total were generated to fulfill the unique clinical goals. This study found that MIBE of 120 MeV for brain tumors; 160 MeV for head and neck cancer; and remarkably, for prostate cancer, only 160 MeV for one patient case and 180 MeV for the remainder satisfied the clinical goals (words: 187 < approx. 200 words or less) Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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17 pages, 10560 KiB  
Article
Multi-Technique Characterization of Cartonnage and Linen Samples of an Egyptian Mummy from the Roman Period
by Francis Sanches, Isis Franzi, Josiane Cavalcante, Roberta Borges, Anderson de Paula, Alessandra Machado, Raysa Nardes, Ramon Santos, Hamilton Gama Filho, Renato Freitas, Joaquim Assis, Marcelino Anjos, Ricardo Lopes and Davi Oliveira
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030022 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1032
Abstract
The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical [...] Read more.
The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical compositions. In this context, our work focused on the multi-analytical characterization of samples derived from fragments of a Roman-era Egyptian mummy named Kherima, dating back to around 200 AD. To identify the layers and elemental composition of the pigments used in the decoration, various techniques were employed: X-ray microfluorescence (µXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray computed microtomography (microCT). This multi-analytical approach facilitated the identification of the original pigments in the analyzed mummy fragments, along with insights into the materials used in the ground layer and the techniques applied in artifact manufacturing, indicating their accordance with the historical period and region to which they originally belonged. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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16 pages, 4422 KiB  
Article
Coulomb Spike Model of Radiation Damage in Wide Band-Gap Insulators
by Jean-Marc Costantini and Tatsuhiko Ogawa
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030020 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 840
Abstract
A novel Coulomb spike concept is applied to the radiation damage induced in LiF and SiO2 with about the same mass density (~2.65 g cm−3) by Ni2860 and Kr3684 ions of 1.0-MeV u−1 [...] Read more.
A novel Coulomb spike concept is applied to the radiation damage induced in LiF and SiO2 with about the same mass density (~2.65 g cm−3) by Ni2860 and Kr3684 ions of 1.0-MeV u−1 energy for about the same electronic energy loss (~10 MeV µm−1). This is an alternative concept to the already known models of the Coulomb spike and inelastic thermal spike for the damage induced by swift heavy ion irradiations. The distribution of ionizations and electrostatic energy gained in the electric field by the ionized atoms is computed with the PHITS code for both targets. Further, the atomic collision cascades induced by these low-energy hot ions of about 500 eV are simulated with the SRIM2013 code. It is found that melting is reached in a small volume for SiO2 due to the energy deposition in the subthreshold events of nuclear collisions induced by the Si and O ions. For LiF, the phonon contribution to the stopping power of the lighter Li and F ions is not sufficient to induce melting, even though the melting temperature is lower than for SiO2. The formation of amorphous domains in SiO2 is likely after fast quenching of the small molten pockets, whereas only point defects may be formed in LiF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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16 pages, 1814 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Two Analytical Functions for the Microdosimetry of Ions from 1H to 238U
by Alessio Parisi, Keith M. Furutani, Tatsuhiko Sato and Chris J. Beltran
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030018 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1246
Abstract
The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based [...] Read more.
The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based on the results of track structure calculations. Recently, a newer version of the AMF was proposed, incorporating an improved description of the energy loss at the microscopic scale. This study compares the older and the newer AMFs in computing microdosimetric probability distributions, mean values, and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). To this end, 16000 microdosimetric lineal energy probability density distributions were simulated with PHITS for ions from 1H to 238U over a broad energy range (1–1000 MeV/n). The newer AMF was found to offer superior performance, particularly for very heavy ions, producing results that align more closely with published in vitro clonogenic survival experiments. These findings suggest that the updated AMF provides a more reliable tool for microdosimetric calculations and RBE modeling, essential for ion radiation therapy and space radiation protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 3584 KiB  
Review
Tracking Detectors in Low-Energy Nuclear Physics: An Overview
by Jelena Vesić
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030024 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1272
Abstract
Advances in accelerator technology have enabled the use of exotic and intense radioactive ion beams. Enhancements to tracking detectors are necessary to accommodate increased particle rates. Recent advancements in digital electronics have led to the construction or planning of next-generation detectors. To conduct [...] Read more.
Advances in accelerator technology have enabled the use of exotic and intense radioactive ion beams. Enhancements to tracking detectors are necessary to accommodate increased particle rates. Recent advancements in digital electronics have led to the construction or planning of next-generation detectors. To conduct kinematically complete measurements, it is essential to track and detect all particles produced as a result of the reaction. Furthermore, the need for high-precision physics experiments has led to significant developments in the detector field. In recent years, highly efficient and highly granular tracking detectors have been developed. These detectors significantly enhance the physics programme at dedicated facilities. An overview of charged-particle tracking detectors in low-energy nuclear physics will be given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

16 pages, 588 KiB  
Technical Note
Optimizing the Automated Analysis of Inorganic Gunshot Residue Particles by SEM-EDX: From Synthetic Particle Standards to More Time-Efficient Settings for Daily Casework
by Zuzanna Brożek-Mucha and Iga Klag
Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040028 - 6 Nov 2024
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Gunshot residues deposited on all surfaces in the nearest vicinity of the shooting incident, when revealed, can contribute to the explanation of various aspects of such an incident for forensic purposes. Examinations of gunshot residue, mainly inorganic particles, at forensic laboratories are expected [...] Read more.
Gunshot residues deposited on all surfaces in the nearest vicinity of the shooting incident, when revealed, can contribute to the explanation of various aspects of such an incident for forensic purposes. Examinations of gunshot residue, mainly inorganic particles, at forensic laboratories are expected to be reliable and fast. This primarily depends on the performance of the used scanning electron microscope integrated with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and the automatic program searching for particles of defined characteristics. Among the milestones on the pathway towards quality assurance in examinations of gunshot particles, the invention of the synthetic gunshot residue specimen ought to be named. Such a specimen with particles of known chemical content, size, and location is now used for proficiency testing, which is a condition for a forensic laboratory to obtain accreditation in this subject matter. In this publication, the need for optimization of the procedure for the examination of a synthetic specimen, in alignment with the necessary modifications for real gunshot particles, has been addressed. The presented process of validation resulted in two procedures. The first demonstrates the full capacity of the instrument for detecting all particles present in the synthetic specimen, including the 0.5 micrometer particle at the magnification of 250×. The other procedure is the modification of the first, however aiming at 1-micrometer particles or bigger (at the magnification of 120×) and allowing the necessary backscattered signal threshold changes depending on the actual composition of gunshot residue as well as the abundance of light element debris in the case of real gunshot particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Recent Advances in Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetectors for SWIR/MWIR/LWIR
Authors: Lijing Yu; Le Yuan; Kun Liang
Affiliation: Xihua University; Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology & Engineering; Chinese Academy of Sciences
Abstract: /

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