Showing 1–50 of 125 results for author: Qin, Z

Transient Chirp Dynamics in Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

Authors: Xianglong Bi, Xuhong Ma, Wenjian Wan, Binbin Liu, Guibin Liu, Ziping Li, Yanming Lu, Zhiwei Qin, Yunxiang Zhu, Ziyu Guo, J. C. Cao, Hua Li

Abstract: Laser frequency chirp is a ubiquitous dynamical process in semiconductor lasers, vital for frequency-modulated photonic systems. In the mid-infrared (MIR) and terahertz (THz) ranges, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are ideal sources with high power, narrow linewidth and compact size. While chirp dynamics in MIR QCLs have been studied, the transient chirp behavior of THz QCLs--particularly the therma… ▽ More Laser frequency chirp is a ubiquitous dynamical process in semiconductor lasers, vital for frequency-modulated photonic systems. In the mid-infrared (MIR) and terahertz (THz) ranges, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are ideal sources with high power, narrow linewidth and compact size. While chirp dynamics in MIR QCLs have been studied, the transient chirp behavior of THz QCLs--particularly the thermal chirp on microsecond to millisecond timescales--remains largely unexplored. Here, we experimentally investigate transient thermal chirp dynamics in single-mode THz QCLs via an on-chip heterodyne scheme. Twin monolithically integrated single-mode QCLs are used: one pulsed QCL as the device under test, and one continuous-wave (CW) QCL serving as both local oscillator (LO) and ultrafast THz detector. The frequency chirp is mapped to the radio-frequency (RF) domain by heterodyne down-conversion. By varying current and temperature, we observe three distinct chirp features: unidirectional down-chirp, V-shaped chirp, and unidirectional up-chirp. A two-node thermal model reproduces the dynamics with good agreement with experiments. Chirp dynamics in the multi-mode regime are also identified, showing the potential for sensitive dynamic spectral characterization. These findings deepen the understanding of THz QCL thermal chirp mechanisms and support applications in THz frequency combs, frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar, and high-speed coherent communications. △ Less

Submitted 14 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Final assessment of radioactive impurities in the JUNO detector

Authors: Thomas Adam, Fengpeng An, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Didier Auguste, Nikita Balashov, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Nikita Bessonov, Daniel Bick, Lukas Bieger, Svetlana Biktemerova, Thilo Birkenfeld, Simon Blyth, Manuel Böhles, Anastasia Bolshakova, Mathieu Bongrand, Matteo Borghesi , et al. (549 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) collaboration has completed the construction of the 20,000-ton liquid scintillator detector and the associated muon veto detector system. To meet the physics objectives, the materials used in the detector must exhibit low radioactive contamination. The single-event rate in the fiducial volume (R $<$ 17.2 m) of the scintillator is required to be… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) collaboration has completed the construction of the 20,000-ton liquid scintillator detector and the associated muon veto detector system. To meet the physics objectives, the materials used in the detector must exhibit low radioactive contamination. The single-event rate in the fiducial volume (R $<$ 17.2 m) of the scintillator is required to be approximately 7 Hz for energies above 0.7 MeV, resulting in an accidental coincidence background of about 1 event per day for reactor neutrino physics analyses. Since the beginning of the construction phase, we have screened the natural radioactivity content of thousands of materials, to select those that meet the design background budget. The radioactive impurity concentrations of the materials ultimately used in the JUNO detector are summarized in this paper. The construction of the entire detector and the subsequent filling of the liquid scintillator were completed in August 2025. From the initial data, the total count rate of natural radioactivity within the detector's fiducial volume has met the requirements and is sufficient to support the reactor antineutrino analysis. △ Less

Submitted 19 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Test of the JUNO 20-inch PMTs during Installation

Authors: Haojie Dong, Zhaoyuan Peng, Zhonghua Qin, Wan Xie, Haoqi Lu, Jun Hu, Lei Fan, Xiaoshan Jiang, Chao Chen, Xiaolu Ji, Fei Li, Shenghui Liu, Xiaochuan Xie, Mei Ye, Hongzhao Yu, Zeyuan Yu

Abstract: Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are widely used in neutrino experiments. As a new-generation neutrino observatory, JUNO requires an excellent energy resolution of 3% at 1 MeV. This will be realized with a 20 kton liquid scintillator detector instrumented with more than 20000 20-inch PMTs and 25600 3-inch PMTs. These PMTs were successfully installed in JUNO from October 2022 to December 2024. During t… ▽ More Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are widely used in neutrino experiments. As a new-generation neutrino observatory, JUNO requires an excellent energy resolution of 3% at 1 MeV. This will be realized with a 20 kton liquid scintillator detector instrumented with more than 20000 20-inch PMTs and 25600 3-inch PMTs. These PMTs were successfully installed in JUNO from October 2022 to December 2024. During the installation, seven test campaigns were performed to validate the PMT functionality, including measurements dark count rate, gain, waveform, and charge spectrum. In this paper, we present the implementation of these tests and the corresponding results for the 20-inch PMTs throughout the installation process. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 14 pages, 16 figures, accepted by Radiation Detection Technology and Methods

Nuisance-Aware Muon Tomography

Authors: Zhizheng Zhao, Changhao Qin, Rongfeng Zhang, Zibo Qin, Ziyu Xu, Xingyu Xiao, Qiang Li, Qite Li

Abstract: Cosmic-ray muon scattering tomography can image dense, shielded, or inaccessible objects without an artificial radiation source. In a compact magnet-free tracker, however, each accepted muon provides only a few hit positions and no event-by-event momentum measurement. The downstream hit residual is therefore a compound observable: target scattering, muon momentum, detector resolution, support mate… ▽ More Cosmic-ray muon scattering tomography can image dense, shielded, or inaccessible objects without an artificial radiation source. In a compact magnet-free tracker, however, each accepted muon provides only a few hit positions and no event-by-event momentum measurement. The downstream hit residual is therefore a compound observable: target scattering, muon momentum, detector resolution, support material, air scattering, and track extrapolation all enter the same measured displacement. We introduce Nuisance-Aware Muon Tomography (NAMT), a residual-likelihood reconstruction method for magnet-free trackers. The upstream hits define the incident track, downstream hit residuals carry the scattering signal, and a radiation-length density field $λ=1/X_0$ predicts their material-induced variance through a path integral. NAMT marginalizes the unmeasured momentum with a shared event-level scattering scale and uses open-field blank scans to fix detector and environmental residuals before object reconstruction. On eight Geant4 benchmark scenes spanning strong, weak, and negative scattering contrast, NAMT-4P reaches a mean area under the ROC curve (AUC) of $0.916$ at $120$k effective muons and $1$ mm hit error, compared with $0.784$ for ASR, $0.749$ for MLS-EM, and $0.643$ for PoCA. NAMT-3P uses one downstream hit plane in reconstruction and still reaches $0.909$ mean AUC at the reference setting, while giving the highest reference mean contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the best mean AUC at $30$k muons. △ Less

Submitted 9 July, 2026; v1 submitted 18 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 12 pages, 3 figures, 5 tables; code and results at https://github.com/zhizhengzhao/NAMT

Physical design of cold neutron direct geometry inelastic spectrometer at China Spallation Neutron Source

Authors: Qian Zhao, Xiaowen Zhang, Songwen Xiao, Wei Luo, Zecong Qin, Zhuang Xu, Yu Feng, Xin Tong

Abstract: The Cold-Neutron Inelastic Spectrometer (CNIS) is a direct-geometry, time-of-flight instrument designed for China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) and optimized to probe low-energy lattice and magnetic excitations. The instrument integrates a long flight path with bent supermirror guides and an elliptical-focusing geometry to suppress high-energy background while improving cold-neutron delivery to… ▽ More The Cold-Neutron Inelastic Spectrometer (CNIS) is a direct-geometry, time-of-flight instrument designed for China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) and optimized to probe low-energy lattice and magnetic excitations. The instrument integrates a long flight path with bent supermirror guides and an elliptical-focusing geometry to suppress high-energy background while improving cold-neutron delivery to the sample. A flexible multi-disk chopper suite provides pulse shaping, band selection and monochromatization, enabling multi-$E_\textrm{i}$ operation. Modular features, including an interchangeable high-focusing guide insert, radial collimation and a vacuum ``airbox'' for simplified sample-environment integration, enhance signal-to-noise and operational versatility. Through combined flight-path and chopper optimization, CNIS achieves excellent routine-mode energy resolution and can reach approximately $\sim 1\%$ in a dedicated high-resolution configuration. CNIS is planned to commence user operation in 2029, offering a highly flexible platform for cold-neutron inelastic scattering studies. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 10 pages, 9 figures

Journal ref: Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1 May 2026; 97 (5): 053303

Embedded underwater front-end electronics for the 3-inch photomultipliers in the JUNO experiment

Authors: Cédric Cerna, Miao He, Xiaoshan Jiang, Juan Pedro Ochoa-Ricoux, Frédéric Perrot, Angel Abusleme, Thomas Adam, Fengpeng An, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Didier Auguste, Nikita Balashov, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Nikita Bessonov, Daniel Bick, Lukas Bieger, Svetlana Biktemerova , et al. (576 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a 20-kton liquid scintillator-based, low-radioactivity, multi-purpose neutrino detector located 693 meters (1800 m.w.e.) underground in the Guangdong province, China. To detect scintillation light produced in the target, the detector is equipped with 17,612 20-inch photomultipliers (PMTs), forming the Large PMT system (LPMT). In addition, 25,… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a 20-kton liquid scintillator-based, low-radioactivity, multi-purpose neutrino detector located 693 meters (1800 m.w.e.) underground in the Guangdong province, China. To detect scintillation light produced in the target, the detector is equipped with 17,612 20-inch photomultipliers (PMTs), forming the Large PMT system (LPMT). In addition, 25,600 3-inch photomultipliers (the Small Photomultiplier System or SPMT) are deployed in the gaps between the LPMTs. This paper presents the design and performance of the underwater front-end electronics developed for the SPMT system. It details the individual electronics boards and their key components, the inter-board interfaces, the system-level design, and the firmware architecture that supports data acquisition and control. It also outlines mechanical and thermal integration, board validation procedures, and system performance metrics. The readout chain includes digitization of 128 PMT channels per unit, synchronized time-stamping, charge measurement, event packaging, and bandwidth management. Comprehensive validation confirms the system's readiness to meet JUNO's stringent physics goals. The underwater electronics achieve noise levels as low as 0.04 photoelectrons with minimal crosstalk (below 0.4%) and a bandwidth of 57 MB/s, ensuring reliable single photo-electron detection and operation under high-rate conditions. The SPMT system has now been fully integrated and installed in JUNO. Its commissioning and physics performance will be reported in a future publication. △ Less

Submitted 1 June, 2026; v1 submitted 28 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: Submitted to Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A

Complementary-polarity double-layer LiTaO3 resonators for symmetry-selective SH2 excitation with ultrahigh electromechanical coupling (kt^2 = 25.7%)

Authors: Hao Yan, Zhen-hui Qin, Zhi-Wen Wang, Shu-Mao Wu, Chen-Bei Hao, Hua-Yang Chen, Sheng-Nan Liang, Ke Chen, Si-Yuan Yu, Yan-Feng Chen

Abstract: We report a structurally simple double-layer lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) bulk acoustic resonator that enables symmetry-selective excitation of the second-order thickness-shear (SH2) mode with ultrahigh electromechanical coupling. Two 31 deg Y-oriented single-crystal LiTaO3 films are rotation-bonded with complementary polarization (+X/-X) and driven by a longitudinal electric field. Matching between… ▽ More We report a structurally simple double-layer lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) bulk acoustic resonator that enables symmetry-selective excitation of the second-order thickness-shear (SH2) mode with ultrahigh electromechanical coupling. Two 31 deg Y-oriented single-crystal LiTaO3 films are rotation-bonded with complementary polarization (+X/-X) and driven by a longitudinal electric field. Matching between the effective piezoelectric symmetry and the SH2 mode yields an effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of kt^2 = 25.7% at 5.24 MHz. To our knowledge, this is the highest kt^2 reported for a LiTaO3 resonator architecture to date. The measured response is dominated by the target SH2 mode, with only weak parasitic features in the operating band. The structure is also tunable: the resonance frequency and coupling can be adjusted through geometric parameters while maintaining stable modal behavior, indicating good process tolerance. Finite-element analysis further suggests straightforward frequency scaling beyond 5 GHz by reducing the film and electrode thickness while preserving approximately 25% kt^2. In addition, introducing a SiO2 compensation layer is predicted to improve the temperature coefficient of frequency to approximately -25 ppm/deg C. These results establish complementary-polarity double-layer LiTaO3 as a practical platform for high-coupling, spurious-suppressed acoustic resonators and provide a scalable route toward wideband ultrasonic resonators, filters, and related transducers. △ Less

Submitted 27 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 13 pages, 5 figures

Realistic Detector Geometry Modeling and Its Impact on Event Reconstruction in JUNO

Authors: Zhaoxiang Wu, Miao He, Wuming Luo, Ziyan Deng, Wei He, Yuekun Heng, Xiaoping Jing, Bo Li, Xiaoyan Ma, Xiaohui Qian, Zhonghua Qin, Yifang Wang, Peidong Yu

Abstract: JUNO is designed to determine the neutrino mass ordering with an energy resolution of 3% at 1 MeV. In the real detector, however, deformations of the central stainless-steel structure during installation lead to deviations of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) positions from their design values. Based on the limited survey data of the PMTs and the stainless-steel truss, we perform a correlation analys… ▽ More JUNO is designed to determine the neutrino mass ordering with an energy resolution of 3% at 1 MeV. In the real detector, however, deformations of the central stainless-steel structure during installation lead to deviations of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) positions from their design values. Based on the limited survey data of the PMTs and the stainless-steel truss, we perform a correlation analysis of the measured points and propose a method to predict the positions of all PMTs. Using the resulting realistic geometry, we demonstrate that the detector deformation has a negligible effect on the energy reconstruction. In contrast, inaccuracies in the assumed geometry can introduce vertex biases of up to 40 mm. Incorporating the realistic geometry into the calibration-based PMT response model removes this bias and preserves the stability of the reconstruction algorithms. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 10 pages, 12 figures

Superbunched random fiber laser

Authors: Qiang Ji, Yuxi Pang, Weiming Zhang, Xian Zhao, Zengguang Qin, Zhaojun Liu, Yanping Xu

Abstract: Photon superbunching, distinguished by second-order coherence values far exceeding the Gaussian thermal limit, represents a highly desirable resource for quantum optics and correlation-based imaging technologies. However, existing approaches typically rely on fragile experimental platforms, inefficient nonlinear conversion processes, or mechanically complex optical architectures. Here, we demonstr… ▽ More Photon superbunching, distinguished by second-order coherence values far exceeding the Gaussian thermal limit, represents a highly desirable resource for quantum optics and correlation-based imaging technologies. However, existing approaches typically rely on fragile experimental platforms, inefficient nonlinear conversion processes, or mechanically complex optical architectures. Here, we demonstrate a fully fiber-integrated superbunched random fiber laser (SRFL) in which intrinsic Rayleigh scattering cooperatively interacts with cascaded stimulated Brillouin scattering and quasi-phase-matched four-wave mixing to tailor extreme photon statistics. The SRFL generates a multi-wavelength comb, in which individual spectral components exhibit widely tunable photon bunching, with the second-order coherence g(2)(0) continuously controlled from ~1 to ~26 by tuning the pump power, spectral order and diffusion length. Moreover, we establish a direct correlation between photonic phase transitions (quantified by the Parisi overlap order parameter) and the emergence of superbunching, thereby bridging macroscopic disorder physics and microscopic photon statistics. Finally, we employ the superbunched emission for temporal ghost imaging, realizing high-fidelity temporal object reconstruction with a substantial reduction in required ensemble averaging. These findings validate random fiber lasers as a robust, scalable, and integrated platform for generating extreme photon statistics and unlock new avenues for correlation-enhanced photonic sensing and quantum optics investigations in complex photonic systems. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2026; v1 submitted 23 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Projection-shifted particle-flow imaging with cosmic-ray muons

Authors: Zibo Qin, Qite Li, Rongfeng Zhang, Pei Yu, Cheng-en Liu, Liangwen Chen, Feng Zhang, Qiang Li

Abstract: Cosmic-ray muons are natural probes for non-destructive imaging, but reaching sub-millimetre resolution with realistic exposure times has long been hindered by a fundamental limitation: the stochastic nature of multiple Coulomb scattering defies deterministic reconstruction of particle trajectories inside matter. Here we introduce Projection-shifted MUon transMission tomogrAphy (P$μ$MA). Rather th… ▽ More Cosmic-ray muons are natural probes for non-destructive imaging, but reaching sub-millimetre resolution with realistic exposure times has long been hindered by a fundamental limitation: the stochastic nature of multiple Coulomb scattering defies deterministic reconstruction of particle trajectories inside matter. Here we introduce Projection-shifted MUon transMission tomogrAphy (P$μ$MA). Rather than localizing individual scattering points, P$μ$MA records how material perturbations statistically shift the projected transmission tracks of a muon flux onto a virtual imaging plane. Near density boundaries, asymmetric projection-shift statistics naturally produce steep undershoot-overshoot profiles, sharpening edges without additional filtering. Crucially, the method operates robustly even with only two detector planes, a configuration where conventional scattering tomography cannot be applied. Cosmic-ray simulations with a lead knife-edge target yield edge widths as narrow as 1.196 mm, while monoenergetic-beam simulations reach 48 $μ$m. Using a prototype system, we resolve 2-mm copper letters within two days---a feat unattainable by standard approaches under equivalent conditions. The projection-shift concept can be extended to accelerator- or laser-driven muon beams and to other ions, establishing a generalisable strategy for high-resolution particle-flow imaging. △ Less

Submitted 2 August, 2026; v1 submitted 18 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 21 pages, 5 figures

Initial performance results of the JUNO detector

Authors: Angel Abusleme, Thomas Adam, Kai Adamowicz, David Adey, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Timo Ahola, Sebastiano Aiello, Fengpeng An, Guangpeng An, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Burin Asavapibhop, Didier Auguste, Margherita Buizza Avanzini, Andrej Babic, Jingzhi Bai, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Roberto Barbera, Andrea Barresi , et al. (1114 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) started physics data taking on 26 August 2025. JUNO consists of a 20-kton liquid scintillator central detector, surrounded by a 35 kton water pool serving as a Cherenkov veto, and almost 1000 m$^2$ of plastic scintillator veto on top. The detector is located in a shallow underground laboratory with an overburden of 1800 m.w.e. This paper present… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) started physics data taking on 26 August 2025. JUNO consists of a 20-kton liquid scintillator central detector, surrounded by a 35 kton water pool serving as a Cherenkov veto, and almost 1000 m$^2$ of plastic scintillator veto on top. The detector is located in a shallow underground laboratory with an overburden of 1800 m.w.e. This paper presents the performance results of the detector, extensively studied during the commissioning of the water phase, the subsequent liquid scintillator filling phase, and the first physics runs. The liquid scintillator achieved an attenuation length of 20.6 m at 430 nm, while the high coverage PMT system and scintillator together yielded about 1785 photoelectrons per MeV of energy deposit at the detector centre, measured using the 2.223 MeV $γ$ from neutron captures on hydrogen with an Am-C calibration source. The reconstructed energy resolution is 3.4% for two 0.511 MeV $γ$ at the detector centre and 2.9% for the 0.93 MeV quenched Po-214 alpha decays from natural radioactive sources. The energy nonlinearity is calibrated to better than 1%. Intrinsic contaminations of U-238 and Th-232 in the liquid scintillator are below 10$^{-16}$ g/g, assuming secular equilibrium. The water Cherenkov detector achieves a muon detection efficiency better than 99.9% for muons traversing the liquid scintillator volume. During the initial science runs, the data acquisition duty cycle exceeded 97.8%, demonstrating the excellent stability and readiness of JUNO for high-precision neutrino physics. △ Less

Submitted 18 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 38 pages, 23 figures

Prospects for geoneutrino detection with JUNO

Authors: Thomas Adam, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Fengpeng An, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Didier Auguste, Marcel Büchner, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Nikita Bessonov, Daniel Bick, Lukas Bieger, Svetlana Biktemerova, Thilo Birkenfeld, Simon Blyth , et al. (605 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Geoneutrinos, which are antineutrinos emitted during the decay of long-lived radioactive elements inside Earth, serve as a unique tool for studying the composition and heat budget of our planet. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) experiment in China, which has recently completed construction, is expected to collect a sample comparable in size to the entire existing world geoneutr… ▽ More Geoneutrinos, which are antineutrinos emitted during the decay of long-lived radioactive elements inside Earth, serve as a unique tool for studying the composition and heat budget of our planet. The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) experiment in China, which has recently completed construction, is expected to collect a sample comparable in size to the entire existing world geoneutrino dataset in less than a year. This paper presents an updated estimation of sensitivity to geoneutrinos of JUNO using the best knowledge available to date about the experimental site, the surrounding nuclear reactors, the detector response uncertainties, and the constraints expected from the TAO satellite detector. To facilitate comparison with present and future geological models, our results cover a wide range of predicted signal strengths. Despite the significant background from reactor antineutrinos, the experiment will measure the total geoneutrino flux with a precision comparable to that of existing experiments within its first few years, ultimately achieving a world-leading precision of about 8% over ten years. The large statistics of JUNO will also allow separation of the Uranium-238 and Thorium-232 contributions with unprecedented precision, providing crucial constraints on models of formation and composition of Earth. Observation of the mantle signal above the lithospheric flux will be possible but challenging. For models with the highest predicted mantle concentrations of heat-producing elements, a 3-sigma detection over six years requires knowledge of the lithospheric flux to within 15%. Together with complementary measurements from other locations, the geoneutrino results of JUNO will offer cutting-edge, high-precision insights into the interior of Earth, of fundamental importance to both the geoscience and neutrino physics communities. △ Less

Submitted 10 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 32 pages, with 13 figures and 5 tables

Design, waterproofing, and mass production of the 3-inch PMT frontend system of JUNO

Authors: Jilei Xu, Miao He, Cédric Cerna, Yongbo Huang, Thomas Adam, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Fengpeng An, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Didier Auguste, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Nikita Bessonov, Daniel Bick, Lukas Bieger , et al. (609 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Over 25,600 3-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have been instrumented for the central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory. Each PMT is equipped with a high-voltage divider and a frontend cable with waterproof sealing. Groups of sixteen PMTs are connected to the underwater frontend readout electronics via specialized multi-channel waterproof connectors. This paper outlines th… ▽ More Over 25,600 3-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have been instrumented for the central detector of the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory. Each PMT is equipped with a high-voltage divider and a frontend cable with waterproof sealing. Groups of sixteen PMTs are connected to the underwater frontend readout electronics via specialized multi-channel waterproof connectors. This paper outlines the design and mass production processes for the high-voltage divider, the cable and connector, as well as the waterproof potting of the PMT bases. The results of the acceptance tests of all the integrated PMTs are also presented. △ Less

Submitted 22 January, 2026; v1 submitted 7 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Revealing Secondary Particle Signatures in Muography Based on the Point of Closest Approach Algorithm

Authors: Rongfeng Zhang, Zibo Qin, Cheng-en Liu, Qite Li, Yong Ban, Chen Zhou, Qiang Li

Abstract: This work reinterprets so-called 'noise' in cosmic ray imaging, indicating that the data of reconstructed Points of Closest Approach (PoCA points) outside the volume of interest defined by traditional tomography methods contain valuable physical information that has been traditionally disregarded. Through analysis of data from the detection system of four resistive plate chambers (RPCs) and Monte… ▽ More This work reinterprets so-called 'noise' in cosmic ray imaging, indicating that the data of reconstructed Points of Closest Approach (PoCA points) outside the volume of interest defined by traditional tomography methods contain valuable physical information that has been traditionally disregarded. Through analysis of data from the detection system of four resistive plate chambers (RPCs) and Monte Carlo simulations employing energy deposition weighting for coordinate determination, we confirm that these points physically originate from the interaction between muons and the material above the detection system, particularly the roof, resulting in the production of secondary particles. The research yields two principal findings: first, in the four-layer compliance measurement system, the position recording of the first layer can be from secondary particles generated by cosmic rays, while the records from the three layers below represent the actual trajectories of cosmic rays; second, the roof structure significantly impacts the distribution of PoCA points at detector positions, where quantitative analysis demonstrates a strong correlation between roof thickness and the number of reconstructed PoCA points -- a relationship that can be precisely measured through $z$-coordinate distribution analysis in specific intervals. Due to the varying performances of different roofing materials in this analytical method, this approach holds significant potential for development into a new tomography technique. △ Less

Submitted 16 September, 2025; v1 submitted 5 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: v2: Revised manuscript following peer review. Additional details have been incorporated into the experimental setup (Section II) and the simulation setup (Section III). Clarify the origin and role of secondary particles through particle-type analysis in simulation. Supplemented the simulation of roofs made from different materials and redrafted the charts in the data analysis section

JUNO 20-inch PMT and electronics system characterization using large pulses of PMT dark counts at the Pan-Asia testing platform

Authors: Caimei Liu, Min Li, Narongkiat Rodphai, Zhimin Wang, Jun Hu, Nikolay Anfimov, Lei Fan, Alberto Garfagnini, Guanghua Gong, Shaojing Hou, Xiaolu Ji, Xiaoshan Jiang, Denis Korablev, Tobias Lachenmaier, Si Ma, Xiaoyan Ma, Zhe Ning, Alexander G. Olshevskiy, Zhaoyuan Peng, Zhonghua Qin, Tobias Sterr, Yunhua Sun, Alexander Felix Tietzsch, Jun Wang, Wei Wang , et al. (13 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The main goal of the JUNO experiment is to determine the neutrino mass ordering with a 20kt liquid-scintillator detector. The 20-inch PMT and its 1F3 (one for three) electronics are crucial to realize the excellent energy resolution of at least 3% at 1MeV. The knowledge on the PMT and 1F3 electronics response is critical for detector performance understanding. A study of the JUNO 20-inch PMT and 1… ▽ More The main goal of the JUNO experiment is to determine the neutrino mass ordering with a 20kt liquid-scintillator detector. The 20-inch PMT and its 1F3 (one for three) electronics are crucial to realize the excellent energy resolution of at least 3% at 1MeV. The knowledge on the PMT and 1F3 electronics response is critical for detector performance understanding. A study of the JUNO 20-inch PMT and 1F3 electronics system characterization is presented using large pulses of PMT dark count at the Pan-Asia testing platform in China. Thanks to its broad amplitude range and high rate, the large pulse signals are also used to investigate the PMT after pulse response. △ Less

Submitted 14 September, 2025; v1 submitted 26 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Dark Count Rate Stability of JUNO 20-inch PMTs in Mass Testing

Authors: Min Li, Narongkiat Rodphai, Caimei Liu, Zhimin Wang, Zhaoyuan Peng, Jun Wang, Nikolay Anfimov, Denis Korablev, Tobias Lachenmaier, Alexander G. Olshevskiy, Zhonghua Qin, Tobias Sterr, Alexander Felix Tietzsch, Rong Zhao, Wei Wang, Kaile Wen, Bjoern Soenke Wonsak, Wan Xie, Meihang Xu, Yu Zhang

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is an ambitious multipurpose neutrino experiment designed to determine the neutrino mass ordering, with an impressive energy resolution goal of at least 3% at 1 MeV. To achieve a photon detection coverage of approximately 75%, JUNO will utilize two types of 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs): the large PMT (LPMT) and the microchannel plate PMT… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is an ambitious multipurpose neutrino experiment designed to determine the neutrino mass ordering, with an impressive energy resolution goal of at least 3% at 1 MeV. To achieve a photon detection coverage of approximately 75%, JUNO will utilize two types of 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs): the large PMT (LPMT) and the microchannel plate PMT (MCP-PMT). A significant concern in high-precision neutrino measurements is the dark count rate (DCR) of PMTs, which introduces noise that can adversely affect energy measurement accuracy. During the mass testing phase of the JUNO 20-inch PMTs, comprehensive measurements of the DCR were undertaken. These measurements not only captured the DCR values of individual PMTs but also examined the stability and temperature dependence of the DCR at an operating gain of (1x10^7). This paper presents a detailed characterization of the DCR of the JUNO 20-inch PMTs, investigating factors such as cooling time, temperature variations, and long-term stability using the JUNO Pan-Asia PMT testing facilities. The results reveal distinct DCR characteristics between the two types of PMTs, providing valuable insights into the nature of DCR and its implications for JUNO's scientific objectives. In addition to performance characterization, we implemented a monitoring system to track DCR stability over time. Notably, several spikes in DCR were identified, prompting a preliminary investigation into their causes. Potential factors contributing to these spikes, such as flasher events, were explored using coincidence rate analysis and complementary imaging techniques. The findings from this study are crucial for optimizing the performance of PMTs in JUNO, ultimately aiding the experiment in achieving its goals related to neutrino physics. △ Less

Submitted 11 August, 2025; v1 submitted 18 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 24 pages, 19 figures

ExoPhoto: A Database of Temperature-Dependent Photodissociation Cross Sections

Authors: Qing-He Ni, Christian Hill, Sergei N. Yurchenko, Marco Pezzella, Alexander Fateev, Zhi Qin, Olivia Venot, Jonathan Tennyson

Abstract: We present the ExoPhoto database (https://exomol.com/exophoto/), an extension of the ExoMol database, specifically developed to address the growing need for high-accuracy, temperature-dependent photodissociation cross section data towards short-UV wavelengths. ExoPhoto combines theoretical models from three major computational databases (ExoMol, UGAMOP and PhoMol) and experimental datasets from tw… ▽ More We present the ExoPhoto database (https://exomol.com/exophoto/), an extension of the ExoMol database, specifically developed to address the growing need for high-accuracy, temperature-dependent photodissociation cross section data towards short-UV wavelengths. ExoPhoto combines theoretical models from three major computational databases (ExoMol, UGAMOP and PhoMol) and experimental datasets from two experimental groups, providing extensive wavelength and temperature coverage. ExoPhoto currently includes photodissociation data for 20 molecules: AlH, HCl, HF, MgH, OH, NaO, MgO, O2, AlCl, AlF, CS, HeH+, CO, CO2, H2O, SO2, C2H2, C2H4, H2CO, and NH3, derived from theoretical models and supported by experimental data from 5 databases. ExoPhoto also includes detailed data on branching ratios and quantum yields for selected datasets. The data structure of ExoPhoto follows the ExoMol framework, with a consistent naming convention and hierarchical JSON-based organization. Photodissociation cross sections are stored in a set of .photo files which provide data as a function of wavelength with one file for each target molecule temperature. Future developments aim to include more photodissociation cross section data and to provide data for molecules in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE). These will expand the utility of ExoPhoto for advanced astrophysical, planetary modeling and industrial applications. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: RAS Techniques and Instruments "in press"

Influence of Membrane Characteristics on Efficiency of Vacuum Membrane Distillation: a Lattice Boltzmann Study

Authors: Hongxuan Zhang, Dian Gong, Yiling Zhou, Zhangrong Qin, Binghai Wen

Abstract: With increasing water scarcity, membrane distillation technology has gained widespread attention as an innovative method for seawater desalination.However,existing studies often overlook the influence of membrane characteristics on mass transfer efficiency. This study, based on the lattice Boltzmann method,proposes a model for a novel Poly(tetraethynylpyrene) membrane material to reveal the influe… ▽ More With increasing water scarcity, membrane distillation technology has gained widespread attention as an innovative method for seawater desalination.However,existing studies often overlook the influence of membrane characteristics on mass transfer efficiency. This study, based on the lattice Boltzmann method,proposes a model for a novel Poly(tetraethynylpyrene) membrane material to reveal the influence of membrane characteristics on the performance of vacuum membrane distillation. The model considers the factors such as porosity, tortuosity, membrane thickness, pore size, membrane surface wettability and temperature difference on the permeate flux. The results show that the permeate flux increases linearly with the porosity and decreases exponentially with the tortuosity factor. There is an optimal membrane thickness range (2μm) beyond which the permeate flux decreases exponentially. In addition, the permeate flux increases exponentially with increasing temperature difference and pore size. Further analysis of the effect of membrane surface wettability shows that permeate flux increases with increasing hydrophobicity. Finally, the feed temperature and tortuosity factor have the largest effect on permeate flux,followed by membrane thickness and, subsequently, pore size. The model can be further extended to study other configurations of membrane distillation technologies. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Simulation of the Background from $^{13}$C$(α, n)^{16}$O Reaction in the JUNO Scintillator

Authors: JUNO Collaboration, Thomas Adam, Kai Adamowicz, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Sebastiano Aiello, Fengpeng An, Costas Andreopoulos, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Didier Auguste, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Nikita Bessonov, Daniel Bick, Lukas Bieger, Svetlana Biktemerova , et al. (608 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Large-scale organic liquid scintillator detectors are highly efficient in the detection of MeV-scale electron antineutrinos. These signal events can be detected through inverse beta decay on protons, which produce a positron accompanied by a neutron. A noteworthy background for antineutrinos coming from nuclear power reactors and from the depths of the Earth (geoneutrinos) is generated by ($α, n$)… ▽ More Large-scale organic liquid scintillator detectors are highly efficient in the detection of MeV-scale electron antineutrinos. These signal events can be detected through inverse beta decay on protons, which produce a positron accompanied by a neutron. A noteworthy background for antineutrinos coming from nuclear power reactors and from the depths of the Earth (geoneutrinos) is generated by ($α, n$) reactions. In organic liquid scintillator detectors, $α$ particles emitted from intrinsic contaminants such as $^{238}$U, $^{232}$Th, and $^{210}$Pb/$^{210}$Po, can be captured on $^{13}$C nuclei, followed by the emission of a MeV-scale neutron. Three distinct interaction mechanisms can produce prompt energy depositions preceding the delayed neutron capture, leading to a pair of events correlated in space and time within the detector. Thus, ($α, n$) reactions represent an indistinguishable background in liquid scintillator-based antineutrino detectors, where their expected rate and energy spectrum are typically evaluated via Monte Carlo simulations. This work presents results from the open-source SaG4n software, used to calculate the expected energy depositions from the neutron and any associated de-excitation products. Also simulated is a detailed detector response to these interactions, using a dedicated Geant4-based simulation software from the JUNO experiment. An expected measurable $^{13}$C$(α, n)^{16}$O event rate and reconstructed prompt energy spectrum with associated uncertainties, are presented in the context of JUNO, however, the methods and results are applicable and relevant to other organic liquid scintillator neutrino detectors. △ Less

Submitted 2 May, 2025; v1 submitted 2 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 25 pages, 14 figures, 4 tables

A Milli-Kelvin Atomic Force Microscope Made of Glass

Authors: Chengyuan Huang, Zhenlan Chen, Mengke Ha, Haoyuan Wang, Qing Xiao, Changjian Ma, Danqing Liu, Zhiyuan Qin, Dawei Qiu, Ziliang Guo, Dingbang Chen, Qianyi Zhao, Yanling Liu, Chengxuan Ye, Zhenhao Li, Guanglei Cheng

Abstract: Milli-Kelvin atomic force microscopy (mK-AFM) presents an ongoing experimental challenge due to the intense vibrations in a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator and the low cooling power available at mK temperatures. A viable approach is to make the system exceptionally rigid and thermally insulating to decouple external vibrations and isolate heat dissipation from the piezo elements. Here, we prese… ▽ More Milli-Kelvin atomic force microscopy (mK-AFM) presents an ongoing experimental challenge due to the intense vibrations in a cryogen-free dilution refrigerator and the low cooling power available at mK temperatures. A viable approach is to make the system exceptionally rigid and thermally insulating to decouple external vibrations and isolate heat dissipation from the piezo elements. Here, we present a low-cost and large scan-range mK-AFM that operates below 100 mK. All the essential parts of our mK-AFM, including the scanners, tip assembly, and microscope body, are custom-made of fused silica glass by taking advantage of its high specific modulus, extremely low thermal expansion coefficient, and excellent thermal insulation properties. We carefully balance the scan range (25 $μ$m $\times$ 25 $μ$m), heat dissipation, and stiffness of the system to reach optimal performance at mK temperatures. △ Less

Submitted 27 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: The following article has been submitted to Review of Scientific Instruments. After it is published, it will be found at https://pubs.aip.org/aip/rsi

Journal ref: Rev. Sci. Instrum. 96, 063702 (2025)

Boundary-induced helical bulk acoustic transport in LiNbO3 thin films

Authors: Zhe Li, Zhen-Hui Qin, Shu-Mao Wu, Chen-Bei Hao, Fan-Yun Pan, Hao Yan, Yi-Han He, Yan-Shen Zhou, Xue-Jun Yan, Si-Yuan Yu, Cheng He, Ming-Hui Lu, Yan-Feng Chen

Abstract: We experimentally demonstrate boundary-induced helical bulk states (BI-HBSs) for RF acoustic transport in LiNbO3 thin-film phononic crystals (approximately 175-200 MHz). A boundary-symmetry selection rule at an accidental Γ-point fourfold degeneracy creates interior bulk channels that couple to wide-aperture interdigital transducers without edge-aperture mismatch. Near-field vibrometry and two-por… ▽ More We experimentally demonstrate boundary-induced helical bulk states (BI-HBSs) for RF acoustic transport in LiNbO3 thin-film phononic crystals (approximately 175-200 MHz). A boundary-symmetry selection rule at an accidental Γ-point fourfold degeneracy creates interior bulk channels that couple to wide-aperture interdigital transducers without edge-aperture mismatch. Near-field vibrometry and two-port RF S-parameters confirm low-loss propagation with strongly suppressed backscattering through wavelength-scale defects. The helical band also provides slow-wave, low-dispersion delay and phase control on chip. △ Less

Submitted 23 May, 2026; v1 submitted 25 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 7 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett. 136, 207001 (2026)

Deployable Nanoelectromechanical Bound States in the Continuum Enabled by GHz Lamb Wave Phononic Crystals on LiNbO3 Thin Films

Authors: Sheng-Nan Liang, Zhen-Hui Qin, Shu-Mao Wu, Hua-Yang Chen, Si-Yuan Yu, Yan-Feng Chen

Abstract: Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are a fascinating class of eigenstates that trap energy within the continuum, enabling breakthroughs in ultra-low-threshold lasing, high-Q sensing, and advanced wave-matter interactions. However, their stringent symmetry requirements hinder practical integration, especially in acoustic and electromechanical systems where efficient mode excitation is challenging… ▽ More Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are a fascinating class of eigenstates that trap energy within the continuum, enabling breakthroughs in ultra-low-threshold lasing, high-Q sensing, and advanced wave-matter interactions. However, their stringent symmetry requirements hinder practical integration, especially in acoustic and electromechanical systems where efficient mode excitation is challenging. Here, we demonstrate deployable nanoelectromechanical quasi-BICs on suspended lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin films, enabled by nanoscale Lamb wave phononic crystals (PnCs) operating at gigahertz frequencies. By exploiting the decoupling of symmetric (S) and antisymmetric (A) Lamb wave modes, we create a robust framework for BICs. Controlled mirror symmetry breaking induces targeted coupling between the S and A modes, resulting in quasi-BICs that preserve high-Q characteristics and can be excited by traveling waves, eliminating the need for specialized excitation schemes. Our approach enables the multiplexing of quasi-BIC resonators along a single transmission line, each corresponding to a unique frequency and spatial position. This work presents a scalable route for the on-chip integration of BICs, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical nanoelectromechanical devices, and opening new avenues in advanced signal processing, high-precision sensing, and quantum acoustics. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters 135, 206201 (2025)

A Monitoring Method for the Ice Shape and the Freeze-Thaw Process of Ice Accretion on Transmission Lines Based on Circular FBG Plane Principal Strain Sensor

Authors: Zhuoke Qin, Bin Jia, Xiahui Shen, Lizhen Zhang, Honggang Lu, Chao Du, Liqin Cui, Li Zhang, Xiao Deng

Abstract: As a key infrastructure for China's "West-to-East Power Transmission" project, transmission lines (TL) face the threat of ice accretion under complex microclimatic conditions. This study proposes a plane principal strain sensing method based on a fiber Bragg grating circular array, achieving synchronous monitoring of 6 strains (ranging from -2000 to 2000 με) across the TL cross-section. Through fi… ▽ More As a key infrastructure for China's "West-to-East Power Transmission" project, transmission lines (TL) face the threat of ice accretion under complex microclimatic conditions. This study proposes a plane principal strain sensing method based on a fiber Bragg grating circular array, achieving synchronous monitoring of 6 strains (ranging from -2000 to 2000 με) across the TL cross-section. Through finite element simulation experiments, a mapping relationship between the bending of TL and the plane principal strain has been established. After completing the sensor calibration, an experimental platform for the freeze-thaw process of ice accretion on the TL was built. The relationships between ice mass and bending strain, as well as the ice shape on the TL cross-section (C-shaped and circular ice) and plane principal strain, were studied. Furthermore, a BP neural network model was developed to determine the 4 states of the icing process (no ice/freeze/stable/thaw), achieving an accuracy of 91.23%. This study provides effective monitoring of the freeze-thaw process of ice accretion on the TL, offering important technical support for the prevention and control of ice accretion in power grid. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

A Test System for the JUNO 20-inch PMTs Prior to Installation

Authors: Zhaoyuan Peng, Haojie Dong, Kaile Wen, Xinzhou Guo, Yanfeng Li, Songyi Li, Zeyuan Feng, Wan Xie, Shenghui Liu, Chao Chen, Xiaochuan Xie, Jun Hu, Lei Fan, Zhonghua Qin

Abstract: The JUNO experiment requires an excellent energy resolution of 3\% at 1 MeV. To achieve this objective, a total of 20,012 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) will be deployed for JUNO, comprising 15,012 multi-channel plate (MCP) PMTs and 5,000 dynode PMTs. Currently, JUNO is in the process of detector installation, with PMTs being installed from the top to the bottom of the stainless-steel struct… ▽ More The JUNO experiment requires an excellent energy resolution of 3\% at 1 MeV. To achieve this objective, a total of 20,012 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) will be deployed for JUNO, comprising 15,012 multi-channel plate (MCP) PMTs and 5,000 dynode PMTs. Currently, JUNO is in the process of detector installation, with PMTs being installed from the top to the bottom of the stainless-steel structure located in the underground experimental hall. In order to validate the functionality of the PMTs and ensure there are no malfunctions prior to installation, a test system has been established at the JUNO site, and testing is being conducted. This paper presents an overview of the test system and reports on the initial test results. △ Less

Submitted 22 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Polarization-Analyzed Small-Angle Neutron Scattering with an $\textit{in-situ}$ $^{3}$He neutron spin filter at the China Spallation Neutron Source

Authors: Long Tian, Han Gao, Tianhao Wang, Haiyun Teng, Jian Tang, Qingbo Zheng, Taisen Zuo, Tengfei Cui, Bin Wang, Xu Qin, Yongxiang Qiu, Yuchen Dong, Yujie Zheng, Zecong Qin, Zehua Han, Junpei Zhang, He Cheng, Xin Tong

Abstract: Polarization-analyzed small-angle neutron scattering (PASANS) is an advanced technique that enables the selective investigation of magnetic scattering phenomena in magnetic materials and distinguishes coherent scattering obscured by incoherent backgrounds, making it particularly valuable for cutting-edge research. The successful implementation of PASANS in China was achieved for the first time at… ▽ More Polarization-analyzed small-angle neutron scattering (PASANS) is an advanced technique that enables the selective investigation of magnetic scattering phenomena in magnetic materials and distinguishes coherent scattering obscured by incoherent backgrounds, making it particularly valuable for cutting-edge research. The successful implementation of PASANS in China was achieved for the first time at the newly commissioned Very Small Angle Neutron Scattering (VSANS) instrument at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). This technique employs a combination of a double-V cavity supermirror polarizer and a radio frequency (RF) neutron spin flipper to manipulate the polarization of the incident neutrons. The scattered neutron polarization is stably analyzed by a specially designed $\textit{in-situ}$ optical pumping $^{3}$He neutron spin filter, which covers a spatially symmetric scattering angle coverage of about 4.8 $^{\circ}$. A comprehensive PASANS data reduction method, aimed at pulsed neutron beams, has been established and validated with a silver behenate powder sample, indicating a maximum momentum transfer coverage of approximately 0.25 Å $^{-1}$. △ Less

Submitted 23 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Asymmetric electron distribution induced intrinsically strong anisotropy of thermal transport in bulk CrOCl

Authors: Qikun Tian, Qi Yang, An Huang, Bo Peng, Jinbo Zhang, Xiong Zheng, Jian Zhou, Zhenzhen Qin, Guangzhao Qin

Abstract: Anisotropic heat transfer offers promising solutions to the efficient heat dissipation in the realm of electronic device thermal management. However, the fundamental origin of the anisotropy of thermal transport remains mysterious. In this paper, by combining frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) technique and first-principles-based multiscale simulations, we report the intrinsic anisotropy of… ▽ More Anisotropic heat transfer offers promising solutions to the efficient heat dissipation in the realm of electronic device thermal management. However, the fundamental origin of the anisotropy of thermal transport remains mysterious. In this paper, by combining frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) technique and first-principles-based multiscale simulations, we report the intrinsic anisotropy of thermal transport in bulk CrOCl, and further trace the origin of the anisotropy back to the fundamental electronic structures. The in-plane and cross-plane thermal conductivities ($κ$) at 300 K are found to be 21.6 and 2.18 Wm$^{-1}$K$^{-1}$, respectively, showcasing a strong $κ_\mathrm{in-plane}/κ_\mathrm{cross-plane}$ ratio of $\sim$10. Deep analysis of orbital-resolved electronic structures reveals that electrons are mainly distributed along the in-plane direction with limited interlayer distribution along the cross-plane direction, fundamentally leading to the intrinsic anisotropy of thermal transport in bulk CrOCl. The insight gained in this work sheds light on the design of advanced thermal functional materials. △ Less

Submitted 24 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Two-dimensional Rashba semiconductors and inversion-asymmetric topological insulators in monolayer Janus MAA'ZxZ'(4-x) family

Authors: Jinghui Wei, Qikun Tian, XinTing Xu, Guangzhao Qin, Xu Zuo, Zhenzhen Qin

Abstract: The Rashba effect in Janus structures, accompanied by nontrivial topology, plays an important role in spintronics and even photovoltaic applications. Herein, through first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the geometric stability and electronic structures of 135 kinds of Janus MAA'ZxZ'(4-x) family derived from two-dimensional MA2Z4 (M=Mg, Ga, Sr; A=Al, Ga; Z=S, Se, Te) monolay… ▽ More The Rashba effect in Janus structures, accompanied by nontrivial topology, plays an important role in spintronics and even photovoltaic applications. Herein, through first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the geometric stability and electronic structures of 135 kinds of Janus MAA'ZxZ'(4-x) family derived from two-dimensional MA2Z4 (M=Mg, Ga, Sr; A=Al, Ga; Z=S, Se, Te) monolayers, and design numerous Rashba semiconductors and inversion-asymmetric topological insulators. Specifically, there are a total of 26 Rashba semiconductors with isolated spin splitting bands contributed by Se/Te-pz orbitals at conduction band minimum, and the magnitude of the Rashba constant correlates strongly with both the intrinsic electric field and the strength of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). As the atomic number increases, the bandgap of Janus MAA'ZxZ'(4-x) continually decreases until it shrinks to a point where, when SOC is considered, band inversion occurs, leading to a reopening of the bandgap with nontrivial topological phases. In conjunction with band inversion, pz orbitals near the Fermi level can introduce double Rashba splitting featuring a distinctive hybrid spin texture, which can be further effectively adjusted through small biaxial strains and show a continuous evolution of topological to non-topological accompanied by different spin textures. This work provides significant insights into Rashba and topology physics and further presents indispensable inversion asymmetry materials for the development of nonlinear optoelectronics. △ Less

Submitted 10 April, 2025; v1 submitted 25 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Hybrid roles of adaptation and optimization in formation of vascular network

Authors: Yawei Wang, Zilu Qin, Yubo Fan

Abstract: It was hypothesized that the structures of biological transport networks are the result of either energy consumption or adaptation dynamics. Although approaches based on these hypotheses can produce optimal network and form loop structures, we found that neither possesses complete ability to generate complex networks that resemble vascular network in living organisms, which motivated us to propose… ▽ More It was hypothesized that the structures of biological transport networks are the result of either energy consumption or adaptation dynamics. Although approaches based on these hypotheses can produce optimal network and form loop structures, we found that neither possesses complete ability to generate complex networks that resemble vascular network in living organisms, which motivated us to propose a hybrid approach. This approach can replicate the path dependency phenomenon of main branches and produce an optimal network that resembles the real vascular network. We further show that there is a clear transition in the structural pattern of the vascular network, shifting from `chive-like' to dendritic configuration after a period of sequenced adaptation and optimization. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

K-band LiNbO3 A3 Lamb-wave Resonators with Sub-wavelength Through-holes

Authors: Shu-Mao Wu, Hao Yan, Chen-Bei Hao, Zhen-Hui Qin, Si-Yuan Yu, Yan-Feng Chen

Abstract: Addressing critical challenges in Lamb wave resonators, this paper presents the first validation of resonators incorporating sub-wavelength through-holes. Using the A3 mode resonator based on a LiNbO3 single-crystal thin film and operating in the K band as a prominent example, we demonstrate the advantages of the through-hole design. In the absence of additional processing steps, and while maintai… ▽ More Addressing critical challenges in Lamb wave resonators, this paper presents the first validation of resonators incorporating sub-wavelength through-holes. Using the A3 mode resonator based on a LiNbO3 single-crystal thin film and operating in the K band as a prominent example, we demonstrate the advantages of the through-hole design. In the absence of additional processing steps, and while maintaining device performance--including operating frequency, electromechanical coupling coefficient, and quality factor--without introducing extra spurious modes, this approach effectively reduces the ineffective suspension area of the piezoelectric LN film, potentially enhancing mechanical and thermal stability. It also standardizes etching distances (and times) across various Lamb wave resonators on a single wafer, facilitating the development of Lamb wave filters. The versatility of the through-hole technique, with relaxed constraints on hole geometry and arrangement, further highlights its significance. Together with the other advantages, these features underscore the transformative potential of through-holes in advancing the practical implementation of Lamb wave resonators and filters. △ Less

Submitted 1 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: 9 pages, 10 figures

Journal ref: IEEE Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems 34, 164-173 (2025)

Study of the decay and production properties of $D_{s1}(2536)$ and $D_{s2}^*(2573)$

Authors: M. Ablikim, M. N. Achasov, P. Adlarson, O. Afedulidis, X. C. Ai, R. Aliberti, A. Amoroso, Q. An, Y. Bai, O. Bakina, I. Balossino, Y. Ban, H. -R. Bao, V. Batozskaya, K. Begzsuren, N. Berger, M. Berlowski, M. Bertani, D. Bettoni, F. Bianchi, E. Bianco, A. Bortone, I. Boyko, R. A. Briere, A. Brueggemann , et al. (645 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D_{s1}(2536)^-$ and $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ processes are studied using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies from 4.530 to 4.946~GeV. The absolute branching fractions of $D_{s1}(2536)^- \rightarrow \bar{D}^{*0}K^-$ and $D_{s2}^*(2573)^- \rightarrow \bar{D}^0K^-$ are measured for the first time to be… ▽ More The $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D_{s1}(2536)^-$ and $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ processes are studied using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies from 4.530 to 4.946~GeV. The absolute branching fractions of $D_{s1}(2536)^- \rightarrow \bar{D}^{*0}K^-$ and $D_{s2}^*(2573)^- \rightarrow \bar{D}^0K^-$ are measured for the first time to be $(35.9\pm 4.8\pm 3.5)\%$ and $(37.4\pm 3.1\pm 4.6)\%$, respectively. The measurements are in tension with predictions based on the assumption that the $D_{s1}(2536)$ and $D_{s2}^*(2573)$ are dominated by a bare $c\bar{s}$ component. The $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D_{s1}(2536)^-$ and $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ cross sections are measured, and a resonant structure at around 4.6~GeV with a width of 50~MeV is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of $15σ$ in the $e^+e^-\rightarrow D_s^+D^*_{s2}(2573)^-$ process. It could be the $Y(4626)$ found by the Belle collaboration in the $D_s^+D_{s1}(2536)^{-}$ final state, since they have similar masses and widths. There is also evidence for a structure at around 4.75~GeV in both processes. △ Less

Submitted 10 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Parallel fast random bit generation based on spectrotemporally uncorrelated Brillouin random fiber lasing oscillation

Authors: Yuxi Pang, Shaonian Ma, Qiang Ji, Xian Zhao, Zengguang Qin, Zhaojun Liu, Ping Lu, Xiaoyi Bao, Yanping Xu

Abstract: Correlations existing between spectral components in multi-wavelength lasers have been the key challenge that hinders these laser sources from being developed to chaotic comb entropy sources for parallel random bit generation. Herein, spectrotemporally uncorrelated multi-order Stokes/anti-Stokes emissions are achieved by cooperatively exploiting nonlinear optical processes including cascaded stimu… ▽ More Correlations existing between spectral components in multi-wavelength lasers have been the key challenge that hinders these laser sources from being developed to chaotic comb entropy sources for parallel random bit generation. Herein, spectrotemporally uncorrelated multi-order Stokes/anti-Stokes emissions are achieved by cooperatively exploiting nonlinear optical processes including cascaded stimulated Brillouin scattering and quasi-phase-matched four-wave mixing in a Brillouin random fiber laser. Chaotic instabilities induced by random mode resonance are enhanced and disorderly redistributed among different lasing lines through complex nonlinear optical interactions, which comprehensively releases the inherent correlation among multiple Stokes/anti-Stokes emission lines, realizing a chaotic frequency comb with multiple spectrotemporally uncorrelated channels. Parallel fast random bit generation is fulfilled with 31 channels, single-channel bit rate of 35-Gbps and total bit rate of 1.085-Tbps. National Institute of Standards and Technology statistic tests verify the randomness of generated bit streams. This work, in a simple and efficient way, breaks the correlation barrier for utilizing multi-wavelength laser to achieve high-quality spectrotemporally uncorrelated chaotic laser source, opening new avenues for achieving greatly accelerated random bit generation through parallelization and potentially revolutionizing the current architecture of secure communication and high-performance computation. △ Less

Submitted 3 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Beam test results of the prototype of the multi wire drift chamber for the CSR external-target experiment

Authors: Zhi Qin, Zhoubo He, Zhe Cao, Tao Chen, Zhi Deng, Limin Duan, Dong Guo, Rongjiang Hu, Jie Kong, Canwen Liu, Peng Ma, Xianglun Wei, Shihai Wen, Xiangjie Wen, Junwei Yan, Herun Yang, Zuoqiao Yang, Yuhong Yu, Zhigang Xiao

Abstract: The half-size prototype of the multi wire drift chamber (MWDC) for the cooling storage ring (CSR) external-target experiment (CEE) was assembled and tested in 350 MeV/u Kr+Fe reactions on the heavy ion research facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). The prototype consists of 6 sense layers, where the sense wires are stretched in three directions X, U and V, meeting $0^\circ$, $30^\circ$ and $-30^\circ$ with… ▽ More The half-size prototype of the multi wire drift chamber (MWDC) for the cooling storage ring (CSR) external-target experiment (CEE) was assembled and tested in 350 MeV/u Kr+Fe reactions on the heavy ion research facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). The prototype consists of 6 sense layers, where the sense wires are stretched in three directions X, U and V, meeting $0^\circ$, $30^\circ$ and $-30^\circ$ with respect to the vertical axis, respectively. The sensitive area of the prototype is $76 {\rm cm} \times 76 {\rm cm}$. The amplified and shaped signals from the anode wires are digitized in a serial capacity array. Being operated with 1500 V high voltage on the anode wires, the efficiency for each layer is beyond 95\%. The tracking residual is about $301 \pm 2 \rm μm$. The performance meets the requirements of CEE. △ Less

Submitted 15 May, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Assessment of scattered and leakage radiation from ultra-portable digital chest X-ray systems: An independent study

Authors: Leonie E Paulis, Roald S Schnerr, Jarred Halton, Zhi Zhen Qin, Arlene Chua

Abstract: Ultraportable X-ray devices are ideal for TB screening in resource-limited settings. Unfortunately, guidelines on the radiation safety of these devices are lacking. The aim of the study was to determine the radiation dose by scattered and leakage radiation of ultraportable X-ray devices to provide a basis for these guidelines. Radiation dose measurements were performed with four ultraportable X-ra… ▽ More Ultraportable X-ray devices are ideal for TB screening in resource-limited settings. Unfortunately, guidelines on the radiation safety of these devices are lacking. The aim of the study was to determine the radiation dose by scattered and leakage radiation of ultraportable X-ray devices to provide a basis for these guidelines. Radiation dose measurements were performed with four ultraportable X-ray devices that meet the WHO-IAEA criteria. An anthropomorphic thorax phantom was positioned in posterior-anterior orientation in a clinically representative X-ray setup. X-ray exams were acquired with the following scan parameters: 90kV, 2.5mAs and maximum mAs, 1m and 1.8m source-to-skin distance. The entrance skin dose was measured at the center of the phantom. The scattered radiation dose was measured at 1m from the phantom as a function of scatter angle. Leakage radiation was measured at 0.5m from the X-ray tube with collimators closed and covered with additional lead. From the scatter measurements, the 'safe distance bunny' was determined, which was the minimum distance to the phantom to stay below the international dose limit to the public (1mSv per year) at a given workload. The longest distance (related to highest scatter dose) was observed behind the edges of the detector and back towards the X-ray tube, whereas the shortest distance (related to lowest scatter dose) was observed to the sides of the phantom. For the radiographer position, the total radiation dose by scattered and leakage radiation was determined in various scenarios. In most cases, the total radiation dose of ultraportable X-ray devices can be kept below 1mSv per year by employing basic radiation safety rules:1. Reduce time in the field, 2. Increase distance to the X-ray source, and 3. Use shielding measures (lead apron). Ultraportable X-ray devices can be safely used for TB screening when using adequate precautions. △ Less

Submitted 14 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Prediction of Energy Resolution in the JUNO Experiment

Authors: JUNO Collaboration, Angel Abusleme, Thomas Adam, Kai Adamowicz, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Sebastiano Aiello, Fengpeng An, Qi An, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Didier Auguste, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Wander Baldini, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Bellato, Marco Beretta, Antonio Bergnoli, Daniel Bick , et al. (629 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This paper presents an energy resolution study of the JUNO experiment, incorporating the latest knowledge acquired during the detector construction phase. The determination of neutrino mass ordering in JUNO requires an exceptional energy resolution better than 3\% at 1~MeV. To achieve this ambitious goal, significant efforts have been undertaken in the design and production of the key components o… ▽ More This paper presents an energy resolution study of the JUNO experiment, incorporating the latest knowledge acquired during the detector construction phase. The determination of neutrino mass ordering in JUNO requires an exceptional energy resolution better than 3\% at 1~MeV. To achieve this ambitious goal, significant efforts have been undertaken in the design and production of the key components of the JUNO detector. Various factors affecting the detection of inverse beta decay signals have an impact on the energy resolution, extending beyond the statistical fluctuations of the detected number of photons, such as the properties of the liquid scintillator, performance of photomultiplier tubes, and the energy reconstruction algorithm. To account for these effects, a full JUNO simulation and reconstruction approach is employed. This enables the modeling of all relevant effects and the evaluation of associated inputs to accurately estimate the energy resolution. The results of study reveal an energy resolution of 2.95\% at 1~MeV. Furthermore, this study assesses the contribution of major effects to the overall energy resolution budget. This analysis serves as a reference for interpreting future measurements of energy resolution during JUNO data collection. Moreover, it provides a guideline for comprehending the energy resolution characteristics of liquid scintillator-based detectors. △ Less

Submitted 9 January, 2025; v1 submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Journal ref: Chinese Phys. C 49 013003 (2025)

Double-layer Thin-film LiNbO3 Longitudinally Excited Shear Wave Resonators with Ultra-large Electromechanical Coupling Coefficient and Spurious-Free Performance

Authors: Zhen-Hui Qin, Shu-Mao Wu, Chen-Bei Hao, Hua-Yang Chen, Sheng-Nan Liang, Si-Yuan Yu, Yan-Feng Chen

Abstract: This work proposes a double-layer thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3) longitudinally excited shear wave resonator with a theoretical electromechanical coupling coefficient exceeding 60%, RaR close to 28%, and no spurious modes. This ultra-large electromechanical coupling coefficient, which is close to the upper limit of LiNbO3, is much larger than all microwave acoustic resonators reported so far.… ▽ More This work proposes a double-layer thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3) longitudinally excited shear wave resonator with a theoretical electromechanical coupling coefficient exceeding 60%, RaR close to 28%, and no spurious modes. This ultra-large electromechanical coupling coefficient, which is close to the upper limit of LiNbO3, is much larger than all microwave acoustic resonators reported so far. Based on X-cut thin-film LiNbO3, when the film thickness is in the order of hundreds of nanometers, the frequency of the fundamental mode of the resonator can cover 1GHz to10GHz. The resonator design is convenient and flexible. The resonant frequency can be modulated monotonically by changing either the electrode or the thickness of the thin-film LiNbO3 without introducing additional spurious modes. This ideal resonator architecture is also applicable to LiTaO3. With the development of the new generation of mobile communications, this resonator is expected to become a key solution for future high-performance, ultra-wide-bandwidth acoustic filters. △ Less

Submitted 27 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 15 pages,9 figures

Journal ref: Appl. Phys. Lett. 126, 193503 (2025)

Mass production and performance study on the 20-inch PMT acrylic protection covers in JUNO

Authors: Miao He, Zhonghua Qin, Diru Wu, Meihang Xu, Wan Xie, Fang Chen, Xiaoping Jing, Genhua Yin, Shengjiong Yin, Linhua Gu, Xiaofeng Xia, Qinchang Wang

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory is a neutrino experiment that incorporates 20,012 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and 25,600 3-inch PMTs. A dedicated system was designed to protect the PMTs from an implosion chain reaction underwater. As a crucial element of the protection system, over 20,000 acrylic covers were manufactured through injection molding, ensuring high dimensional p… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory is a neutrino experiment that incorporates 20,012 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and 25,600 3-inch PMTs. A dedicated system was designed to protect the PMTs from an implosion chain reaction underwater. As a crucial element of the protection system, over 20,000 acrylic covers were manufactured through injection molding, ensuring high dimensional precision, mechanical strength, and transparency. This paper presents the manufacturing technology, mass production process, and performance characteristics of the acrylic covers. △ Less

Submitted 25 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 10 figures

Wave-graphene: a full-auxetic carbon semiconductor with high flexibility and optical UV absorption

Authors: Linfeng Yu, Yi Zhang, Jianzhou Lin, Kexin Dong, Xiong Zheng, Zhenzhen Qin, Guangzhao Qin

Abstract: The abundant bonding possibilities of Carbon stimulate the design of numerous carbon allotropes, promising the foundation for exploring structure-functionality relationships. Herein, utilizing the space bending strategy, we successfully engineered a two-dimensional carbon allotrope with pure sp2 hybridization, named "Wave-graphene" from the unique wave-like ripple structure. The novel Wave-graphen… ▽ More The abundant bonding possibilities of Carbon stimulate the design of numerous carbon allotropes, promising the foundation for exploring structure-functionality relationships. Herein, utilizing the space bending strategy, we successfully engineered a two-dimensional carbon allotrope with pure sp2 hybridization, named "Wave-graphene" from the unique wave-like ripple structure. The novel Wave-graphene exhibits full-auxetic behavior due to anisotropic mechanical response, possessing both negative and zero Poisson's ratios. The fundamental mechanism can be attributed to the fact that highly buckled out-of-plane structures lead to anisotropic responses of in-plane nonlinear interactions, which further lead to anisotropy of lattice vibrations. In addition, Wave-graphene is found having quasi-direct wide bandgap of 2.01 eV, the excellent optical transparency and the high flexibility. The successful design of Wave-graphene with excellent outstanding multifunctional properties shows that the utilization of space bending strategies can provide more degrees of freedom for designing novel materials, further enriching the carbon material family and supplementing its versatility. △ Less

Submitted 24 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Two-relaxation-time regularized lattice Boltzmann model for Navier-Stokes equations

Authors: Yuan Yu, Zuojian Qin, Siwei Chen, Shi Shu, Hai-Zhuan Yuan

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a novel two-relaxation-time regularized lattice Boltzmann (TRT-RLB) model for simulating weakly compressible isothermal flows. A free relaxation parameter, $τ_{s,2}$, is employed to relax the regularized non-equilibrium third-order terms. Chapman-Enskog analysis reveals that our model can accurately recover the Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs). Theoretical analysis of the P… ▽ More In this paper, we propose a novel two-relaxation-time regularized lattice Boltzmann (TRT-RLB) model for simulating weakly compressible isothermal flows. A free relaxation parameter, $τ_{s,2}$, is employed to relax the regularized non-equilibrium third-order terms. Chapman-Enskog analysis reveals that our model can accurately recover the Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs). Theoretical analysis of the Poiseuille flow problem demonstrates that the slip velocity magnitude in the proposed model is controlled by a magic parameter, which can be entirely eliminated under specific values, consistent with the classical TRT model. Our simulations of the double shear layer problem, Taylor-Green vortex flow, and force-driven Poiseuille flow confirm that the stability and accuracy of our model significantly surpass those of both the regularized lattice Boltzmann (RLB) and two-relaxation-time (TRT) models, even under super-high Reynolds numbers as $Re=10^7$. Concurrently, the TRT-RLB model exhibits superior performance in very high viscosity scenarios. The simulations of creeping flow around a square cylinder demonstrates the model's capability to accurately compute ultra-low Reynolds numbers as $Re=10^{-7}$. This study establishes the TRT-RLB model as a flexible and robust tool in computational fluid dynamics. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2024; v1 submitted 15 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

The trigger system for the CSR external-target experiment

Authors: Dong Guo, Haoqian Xyu, DongDong Qi, HeXiang Wang, Lei Zhang, Zhengyang Sun, Zhi Qin, Botan Wang, Yingjie Zhou, Zekun Wang, Yuansheng Yang, Yuhao Qin, Xianglun Wei, Herun Yang, Yuhong Yu, Lei Zhao, Zhigang Xiao

Abstract: A trigger system has been designed and implemented for the HIRFL-CSR external target experiment (CEE), the spectrometer for studying nuclear matter properties with heavy ion collisions in the GeV energy region. The system adopts master-slave structure and serial data transmission mode using optical fiber to deal with different types of detectors and long-distance signal transmission. The trigger l… ▽ More A trigger system has been designed and implemented for the HIRFL-CSR external target experiment (CEE), the spectrometer for studying nuclear matter properties with heavy ion collisions in the GeV energy region. The system adopts master-slave structure and serial data transmission mode using optical fiber to deal with different types of detectors and long-distance signal transmission. The trigger logic can be accessed based on command register and controlled by a remote computer. The overall field programmable gate array (FPGA) logic can be flexibly reconfigured online to match the physical requirements of the experiment. The trigger system has been tested in beam experiment. It is demonstrated that the trigger system functions correctly and meets the physical requirements of CEE. △ Less

Submitted 12 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Development of a SciFi-based beam monitor for COMET

Authors: Yu Xu, Yunsong Ning, Zhizhen Qin, Yao Teng, Changqing Feng, Jian Tang, Yu Chen, Yoshinori Fukao, Satoshi Mihara, Kou Oishi

Abstract: COMET is a leading experiment to search for coherent conversion of $μ^- \mathrm{N}\to e^- \mathrm{N}$ with a high-intensity pulsed muon beamline, produced by the innovative slow extraction techniques. Therefore, it is critical to measure the characteristics of the muon beam. We set up a Muon Beam Monitor (MBM), where scintillation fibers (SciFi) weaved in the cross shape are coupled to silicon pho… ▽ More COMET is a leading experiment to search for coherent conversion of $μ^- \mathrm{N}\to e^- \mathrm{N}$ with a high-intensity pulsed muon beamline, produced by the innovative slow extraction techniques. Therefore, it is critical to measure the characteristics of the muon beam. We set up a Muon Beam Monitor (MBM), where scintillation fibers (SciFi) weaved in the cross shape are coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPM), to measure the spatial profile and timing structure of the extracted muon beam for COMET. The MBM detector has been tested successfully with a proton beamline in China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) and taken data with good performance in the commissioning run called COMET Phase-$α$. Experience of the MBM development, such as the mechanical structure and electronics readout, and its beam measurement results will be shared. △ Less

Submitted 15 September, 2023; v1 submitted 29 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Biaxial strain modulated electronic structures of layered two-dimensional MoSiGeN4 Rashba systems

Authors: Puxuan Li, Xuan Wang, Haoyu Wang, Qikun Tian, Jinyuan Xu, Linfeng Yu, Guangzhao Qin, Zhenzhen Qin

Abstract: The two-dimensional (2D) MA2Z4 family has received extensive attention in manipulating its electronic structure and achieving intriguing physical properties. However, engineering the electronic properties remains a challenge. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the effect of biaxial strains on the electronic structures of 2D Rashba MoSiGeN4 (MSGN), and fur… ▽ More The two-dimensional (2D) MA2Z4 family has received extensive attention in manipulating its electronic structure and achieving intriguing physical properties. However, engineering the electronic properties remains a challenge. Herein, based on first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the effect of biaxial strains on the electronic structures of 2D Rashba MoSiGeN4 (MSGN), and further explore how the interlayer interactions affect the Rashba spin splitting in such strained layered MSGNs. After applying biaxial strains, the band gap decreases monotonically with increasing tensile strains but increases when the compressive strains are applied. An indirect-direct-indirect band gap transition is induced by applying a moderate compressive strain (< 5%) in the MSGNs. Due to the symmetry breaking and moderate spin-orbit coupling (SOC), the monolayer MSGN possess an isolated Rashba spin splitting (R) near the Fermi level, which could be effectively regulated to the Lifshitz transition (L) by biaxial strain. For instance, a L-R-L transformation of Fermi surface is presented in monolayer and a more complex and changeable L-R-L-R evolution is observed in bilayer and trilayer MSGNs as the biaxial strain vary from -8% to 12%, which actually depend on the appearance, variation, and vanish of the Mexican hat band in the absence of SOC under different strains. The contribution of Mo-dz2 orbital hybridized with N-pz orbital in the highest valence band plays a dominant role on the band evolution under biaxial strains, where the R-L evolution corresponds to the decreased Mo-dz2 orbital contribution. Our study highlights the biaxial strain controllable Rashba spin splitting, in particular the introduction and even the evolution of Lifshitz transition near Fermi surface, which makes the strained MSGNs as promising candidates for future applications in spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 16 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Comments: 21 pages, 7 figures, supplementary information

Design & Optimization of the HV divider for JUNO 20-inch PMT

Authors: Feng-Jiao Luo, Zhi-Min Wang, An-Bo Yang, Yue-Kun Heng, Zhong-Hua Qin, Mei-Hang Xu, Sen Qian, Shu-Lin Liu, Yi-Fang Wang, Wei Wang, Alexander Olshevskiy, Guo-Rui Huang, Zhen Jin, Ling Ren, Xing-Chao Wang, Shu-Guang Si, Jian-Ning Sun

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Observatory (JUNO) is a 20-kton liquid scintillator detector that employs 20,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) as photon sensors, with 5,000 dynode-PMTs from HAMAMATSU Photonics K.K. (HPK), and 15,000 MCP-PMTs from North Night Vision Technology (NNVT) installed in pure water. JUNO aims to provide long-lasting and the best performance operation by utilizing a high-tr… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Observatory (JUNO) is a 20-kton liquid scintillator detector that employs 20,000 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) as photon sensors, with 5,000 dynode-PMTs from HAMAMATSU Photonics K.K. (HPK), and 15,000 MCP-PMTs from North Night Vision Technology (NNVT) installed in pure water. JUNO aims to provide long-lasting and the best performance operation by utilizing a high-transparency liquid scintillator, high detection efficiency PMTs, and specially designed electronics including water-proof potting for the high voltage (HV) dividers of PMTs. In this paper, we present a summary of the design and optimization of HV dividers for both types of 20-inch PMTs, which includes collection efficiency, charge resolution, HV divider current, pulse shape, and maximum amplitude restriction. We have developed and finalized four schemes of the HV divider for different scenarios, including the final version selected by JUNO. All 20,000 20-inch PMTs have successfully undergone production and burning tests. △ Less

Submitted 27 November, 2024; v1 submitted 19 July, 2023; originally announced July 2023.

Regulating nanoscale heat transfer with Janus nanoparticles

Authors: Chen Xie, Blake Wilson, Zhenpeng Qin

Abstract: Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with heterogeneous compositions or interfacial properties can exhibit directional heating upon external excitation, such as laser radiation and magnetic field. This directional heating may be harnessed for new nanotechnology and biomedical applications. Understanding thermal transport and temperature control with JNP heating is critical for these advances. Here, we devel… ▽ More Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with heterogeneous compositions or interfacial properties can exhibit directional heating upon external excitation, such as laser radiation and magnetic field. This directional heating may be harnessed for new nanotechnology and biomedical applications. Understanding thermal transport and temperature control with JNP heating is critical for these advances. Here, we developed a numerical framework to analyze the asymmetric thermal transport in JNP heating under photothermal stimulation. We found that JNP-induced temperature contrast, defined as the ratio of temperature increase in the surrounding water, shows a substantial size and polar angle dependence. Notably, we discovered a significant enhancement of the temperature contrast under pulsed heating due to thermal confinement, compared with the continuous heating. This work brings new insights into the thermal responses of JNP heating and advances the field. △ Less

Submitted 26 May, 2023; originally announced May 2023.

Comments: 5 figures in the main text, and 9 figures in the supporting information

A Complex-boundary Treatment Method for Finite Volume Schemes with Cut-Cartesian Cell Mesh

Authors: Zhaohui Qin

Abstract: In this paper, a second-order accurate method was developed for calculating fluid flows in complex geometries. This method uses cut-Cartesian cell mesh in finite volume framework. Calculus is employed to relate fluxes and gradients along curved surfaces to cell-averaged values. The resultant finite difference equations are sparse diagonal systems of equations. This method does not need repeated po… ▽ More In this paper, a second-order accurate method was developed for calculating fluid flows in complex geometries. This method uses cut-Cartesian cell mesh in finite volume framework. Calculus is employed to relate fluxes and gradients along curved surfaces to cell-averaged values. The resultant finite difference equations are sparse diagonal systems of equations. This method does not need repeated polynomial interpolation or reconstruction. Two-dimensional incompressible lid-driven semi-circular cavity flow at two Reynolds numbers was simulated with the current method and second-order accuracy was reached. The current method might be extended to third-order accuracy. △ Less

Submitted 9 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

The JUNO experiment Top Tracker

Authors: JUNO Collaboration, Angel Abusleme, Thomas Adam, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Sebastiano Aiello, Muhammad Akram, Abid Aleem, Tsagkarakis Alexandros, Fengpeng An, Qi An, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Burin Asavapibhop, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Didier Auguste, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Wander Baldini, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Bellato , et al. (592 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The main task of the Top Tracker detector of the neutrino reactor experiment Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is to reconstruct and extrapolate atmospheric muon tracks down to the central detector. This muon tracker will help to evaluate the contribution of the cosmogenic background to the signal. The Top Tracker is located above JUNO's water Cherenkov Detector and Central Detector… ▽ More The main task of the Top Tracker detector of the neutrino reactor experiment Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is to reconstruct and extrapolate atmospheric muon tracks down to the central detector. This muon tracker will help to evaluate the contribution of the cosmogenic background to the signal. The Top Tracker is located above JUNO's water Cherenkov Detector and Central Detector, covering about 60% of the surface above them. The JUNO Top Tracker is constituted by the decommissioned OPERA experiment Target Tracker modules. The technology used consists in walls of two planes of plastic scintillator strips, one per transverse direction. Wavelength shifting fibres collect the light signal emitted by the scintillator strips and guide it to both ends where it is read by multianode photomultiplier tubes. Compared to the OPERA Target Tracker, the JUNO Top Tracker uses new electronics able to cope with the high rate produced by the high rock radioactivity compared to the one in Gran Sasso underground laboratory. This paper will present the new electronics and mechanical structure developed for the Top Tracker of JUNO along with its expected performance based on the current detector simulation. △ Less

Submitted 9 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Comments: 20 pages

Journal ref: Nucl.Instrum.Meth.A 1057 (2023) 168680

JUNO sensitivity to $^7$Be, $pep$, and CNO solar neutrinos

Authors: Angel Abusleme, Thomas Adam, Shakeel Ahmad, Rizwan Ahmed, Sebastiano Aiello, Muhammad Akram, Abid Aleem, Tsagkarakis Alexandros, Fengpeng An, Qi An, Giuseppe Andronico, Nikolay Anfimov, Vito Antonelli, Tatiana Antoshkina, Burin Asavapibhop, João Pedro Athayde Marcondes de André, Didier Auguste, Weidong Bai, Nikita Balashov, Wander Baldini, Andrea Barresi, Davide Basilico, Eric Baussan, Marco Bellato, Marco Beretta , et al. (592 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), the first multi-kton liquid scintillator detector, which is under construction in China, will have a unique potential to perform a real-time measurement of solar neutrinos well below the few MeV threshold typical for Water Cherenkov detectors. JUNO's large target mass and excellent energy resolution are prerequisites for reaching unprecedented… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), the first multi-kton liquid scintillator detector, which is under construction in China, will have a unique potential to perform a real-time measurement of solar neutrinos well below the few MeV threshold typical for Water Cherenkov detectors. JUNO's large target mass and excellent energy resolution are prerequisites for reaching unprecedented levels of precision. In this paper, we provide estimation of the JUNO sensitivity to 7Be, pep, and CNO solar neutrinos that can be obtained via a spectral analysis above the 0.45 MeV threshold. This study is performed assuming different scenarios of the liquid scintillator radiopurity, ranging from the most opti mistic one corresponding to the radiopurity levels obtained by the Borexino experiment, up to the minimum requirements needed to perform the neutrino mass ordering determination with reactor antineutrinos - the main goal of JUNO. Our study shows that in most scenarios, JUNO will be able to improve the current best measurements on 7Be, pep, and CNO solar neutrino fluxes. We also perform a study on the JUNO capability to detect periodical time variations in the solar neutrino flux, such as the day-night modulation induced by neutrino flavor regeneration in Earth, and the modulations induced by temperature changes driven by helioseismic waves. △ Less

Submitted 7 March, 2023; originally announced March 2023.

Effects of orientational and positional randomness of particles on photonic band gap

Authors: Zichen Qin, Tao Liu, Duanduan Wan

Abstract: A recent work [PRL, 126, 208002 (2021)] has explored how thermal noise-induced randomness in a self-assembled photonic crystal affects photonic band gaps (PBGs). For the system of a two-dimensional photonic crystal composed of a self-assembled array of rods with square cross sections, it was found that its PBGs can exist over an extensive range of packing densities. Counterintuitively, at intermed… ▽ More A recent work [PRL, 126, 208002 (2021)] has explored how thermal noise-induced randomness in a self-assembled photonic crystal affects photonic band gaps (PBGs). For the system of a two-dimensional photonic crystal composed of a self-assembled array of rods with square cross sections, it was found that its PBGs can exist over an extensive range of packing densities. Counterintuitively, at intermediate packing densities, the transverse magnetic (TM) band gap of the self-assembled system can be larger than that of its corresponding perfect system (rods arranged in a perfect square lattice and having identical orientations). Due to shape anisotropicity, the randomness in the self-assembled system contains two kinds of randomness, i.e., positional and orientational randomness of the particles. In this work, we further investigate how PBGs are influenced solely by positional or orientational randomness. We find that compared to the perfect situation, the introduction of only orientational randomness decreases the transverse electric (TE) band gap while having no obvious effects on the transverse magnetic (TM) band gap. In contrast, the introduction of only positional randomness decreases the TE band gap significantly, while it can widen or narrow the TM band gap, depending on the parameter range. We also discuss the thermal (i.e., self-assembled) system where two kinds of randomness are present. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the role orientational randomness and positional randomness play on PBGs, and may benefit the PBG engineering of photonic crystals through self-assembly approaches. △ Less

Submitted 3 February, 2023; originally announced February 2023.

A CsI hodoscope on CSHINE for Bremsstrahlung γ-rays in Heavy Ion Reactions

Authors: Yuhao Qin, Dong Guo, Sheng Xiao, Yijie Wang, Fenhai Guan, Xinyue Diao, Zhi Qin, Dawei Si, Boyuan Zhang, Yaopeng Zhang, Xianglun Wei, Herun Yang, Peng Ma, Haichuan Zou, Tianli Qiu, Xinjie Huang, Rongjiang Hu, Limin Duan, Fangfang Duan, Qiang Hu, Junbing Ma, Shiwei Xu, Zhen Bai, Yanyun Yang, Zhigang Xiao

Abstract: Bremsstrahlung $γ$ production in heavy ion reactions at Fermi energies carries important physical information including the nuclear symmetry energy at supra-saturation densities. In order to detect the high energy Bremsstrahlung $γ$ rays, a hodoscope consisting of 15 CsI(Tl) crystal read out by photo multiplier tubes has been built, tested and operated in experiment. The resolution, efficiency and… ▽ More Bremsstrahlung $γ$ production in heavy ion reactions at Fermi energies carries important physical information including the nuclear symmetry energy at supra-saturation densities. In order to detect the high energy Bremsstrahlung $γ$ rays, a hodoscope consisting of 15 CsI(Tl) crystal read out by photo multiplier tubes has been built, tested and operated in experiment. The resolution, efficiency and linear response of the units to $γ$ rays have been studied using radioactive source and $({\rm p},γ)$ reactions. The inherent energy resolution of $1.6\%+2\%/E_γ^{1/2}$ is obtained. Reconstruction method has been established through Geant 4 simulations, reproducing the experimental results where comparison can be made. Using the reconstruction method developed, the whole efficiency of the hodoscope is about $2.6\times 10^{-4}$ against the $4π$ emissions at the target position, exhibiting insignificant dependence on the energy of incident $γ$ rays above 20 MeV. The hodoscope is operated in the experiment of $^{86}$Kr + $^{124}$Sn at 25 MeV/u, and a full $γ$ energy spectrum up to 80 MeV has been obtained. △ Less

Submitted 27 December, 2022; originally announced December 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 19 figures

Theory and Experiments of Pressure-Tunable Broadband Light Emission from Self-Trapped Excitons in Metal Halide Crystals

Authors: Shenyu Dai, Xinxin Xing, Viktor G. Hadjiev, Zhaojun Qin, Tian Tong, Guang Yang, Chong Wang, Lijuan Hou, Liangzi Deng, Zhiming Wang, Guoying Feng, Jiming Bao

Abstract: Hydrostatic pressure has been commonly applied to tune broadband light emissions from self-trapped excitons (STE) in perovskites for producing white light and study of basic electron-phonon interactions. However, a general theory is still lacking to understand pressure-driven evolution of STE emissions. In this work we first identify a theoretical model that predicts the effect of hydrostatic pres… ▽ More Hydrostatic pressure has been commonly applied to tune broadband light emissions from self-trapped excitons (STE) in perovskites for producing white light and study of basic electron-phonon interactions. However, a general theory is still lacking to understand pressure-driven evolution of STE emissions. In this work we first identify a theoretical model that predicts the effect of hydrostatic pressure on STE emission spectrum, we then report the observation of extremely broadband photoluminescence emission and its wide pressure spectral tuning in 2D indirect bandgap CsPb2Br5 crystals. An excellent agreement is found between the theory and experiment on the peculiar experimental observation of STE emission with a nearly constant spectral bandwidth but linearly increasing energy with pressure below 2 GPa. Further analysis by the theory and experiment under higher pressure reveals that two types of STE are involved and respond differently to external pressure. We subsequently survey published STE emissions and discovered that most of them show a spectral blue-shift under pressure, as predicted by the theory. The identification of an appropriate theoretical model and its application to STE emission through the coordinate configuration diagram paves the way for engineering the STE emission and basic understanding of electron-phonon interaction. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Journal ref: Materials Today Physics 30 (2023): 100926

Design of the PMT underwater cascade implosion protection system for JUNO

Authors: Miao He, Zhonghua Qin, Shaojing Hou, Xiaoping Jing, Hongbang Liu, Zunjian Ke, Diru Wu, Wan Xie, Mehang Xu, Fang Chen, Junguang Lu, Yuekun Heng, Jiawen Zhang, Xiaoyan Ma, Zhipeng Du

Abstract: Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are widely used underwater in large-scale neutrino experiments. As a hollow glass spherelike structure, implosion is unavoidable during long-term operation under large water pressure. There is a possibility of cascade implosion to neighbor PMTs due to shockwave. Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory designed a protection structure for each 20-inch PMT, consisting o… ▽ More Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are widely used underwater in large-scale neutrino experiments. As a hollow glass spherelike structure, implosion is unavoidable during long-term operation under large water pressure. There is a possibility of cascade implosion to neighbor PMTs due to shockwave. Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory designed a protection structure for each 20-inch PMT, consisting of a top cover, a bottom cover, and their connection. This paper introduces the requirement and design of the PMT protection system, including the material selection, investigation of manufacture technology, and prototyping. Optimization and validation by simulation and underwater experiments are also presented. △ Less

Submitted 17 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 10 pages, 15 figures