Showing 1–50 of 52 results for author: Yin, W

Broadband phonon-velocity suppression and a finite anisotropic crossover in twisted bilayer SnSe

Authors: Peng Kang, Wei Yin, Da Wan, Shulin Bai, Sirui Fan, Qi Zou, Hongfeng Li, Xiao Xiang, Zhen Li, Yu Liu, Lei Zheng, Li-Dong Zhao

Abstract: Moiré superlattices reshape lattice dynamics without altering chemical composition, yet how crystal anisotropy modifies this control remains unclear. We combine density-functional-theory (DFT)-calibrated lattice-dynamical calculations with angle-matched untwisted controls to study puckered bilayer SnSe across seven commensurate twist angles ($3.18^\circ$--$8.77^\circ$). At 300 K, twisting suppress… ▽ More Moiré superlattices reshape lattice dynamics without altering chemical composition, yet how crystal anisotropy modifies this control remains unclear. We combine density-functional-theory (DFT)-calibrated lattice-dynamical calculations with angle-matched untwisted controls to study puckered bilayer SnSe across seven commensurate twist angles ($3.18^\circ$--$8.77^\circ$). At 300 K, twisting suppresses the band-path heat-capacity-weighted mean-square group velocity to 2.6--8.4\% of the control values; the suppression spans a broad frequency range rather than a few soft branches. The velocity response crosses over between $4.78^\circ$ and $3.82^\circ$ into a regime where the relaxed stacking textures and frequency-resolved velocity profiles become self-similar, with the normalized mean-square velocity ratio spanning only 11.1\% of its mean across the three smallest angles---a finite anisotropic crossover, not a singular-angle condition. Direct DFT--MACE force-constant agreement ($r=0.996$), uniform $4\times4\times1$ stability scans, and acoustic-sum-rule and path-density tests support the trend. The equilibrium trend is defined by six structures after excluding one relaxation-sensitive case. These results extend phonon twistronics to low-symmetry layered materials and identify crystal anisotropy as a key determinant of finite-angle phonon crossover behavior. △ Less

Submitted 15 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 8 figures

Self-Synchronized Terahertz and X-Ray Free-Electron Lasers from a Single Pre-Bunched Electron Beam

Authors: Yin Kang, Kaiqing Zhang, Zhen Wang, Cheng Yu, Zhangfeng Gao, Wencai Cheng, Hang Luo, Yue Wang, Hanghua Xu, Xiaoqing Liu, Jinguo Wang, Huan Zhao, Yanyan Zhu, Yongmei Wen, Fei Gao, Yangyang Lei, Chengcheng Xiao, Liping Sun, Yongfang Liu, Jiaqiang Xu, Weiyi Yin, Xingtao Wang, Taihe Lan, Zheng Qi, Tao Liu , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy combining intense terahertz (THz) and X-ray pulses is a critical tool for investigating complex structural and electronic dynamics in materials. However, current setups combining THz sources and X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) often suffer from high system complexity, inherent timing jitter, or limited THz pulse properties. Here, we experimentally demonstrate th… ▽ More Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy combining intense terahertz (THz) and X-ray pulses is a critical tool for investigating complex structural and electronic dynamics in materials. However, current setups combining THz sources and X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) often suffer from high system complexity, inherent timing jitter, or limited THz pulse properties. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the generation of intrinsically synchronized, strong-field, narrow-band THz and X-ray FELs from a single pre-bunched electron beam. Sequentially passing the beam through X-ray and THz amplifiers reveals a highly synergistic process: the initial periodic THz density modulation notably boosts the X-ray FEL pulse energy, while robustly surviving the intense X-ray emission to drive high-power, narrow-band THz radiation. Originating from the same electron bunch, the two pulses inherently maintain a precise, constant time delay. This jitter-free scheme establishes a highly reliable platform tailored for both X-ray-pump/THz-probe and THz-pump/X-ray-probe experiments. △ Less

Submitted 15 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.

Latent Genetic Algorithm for Crystal Structure Prediction

Authors: Kaixin Zheng, Wanjian Yin, Hongyu Yu, Hongjun Xiang

Abstract: Predicting crystal structures requires navigating rugged energy landscapes in which favorable local motifs must be inherited across candidates with incompatible cells, densities, and symmetries. Conventional real-space crossover often destroys these motifs when parent structures are geometrically mismatched. Here we show that latent representations learned by pretrained universal interatomic poten… ▽ More Predicting crystal structures requires navigating rugged energy landscapes in which favorable local motifs must be inherited across candidates with incompatible cells, densities, and symmetries. Conventional real-space crossover often destroys these motifs when parent structures are geometrically mismatched. Here we show that latent representations learned by pretrained universal interatomic potentials can serve as continuous evolutionary coordinates for crystal structure prediction. In the Latent Genetic Algorithm (LGA), offspring are generated by inverse optimization of atomic positions and lattice vectors to match a target latent representation, which is constructed via interpolation of the parent latent vectors. LGA suppresses high-energy and short-contact offspring, increases the HfO$_2$ ground-state recovery rate from 20-35% to 60-95%, and enables a unified variable-supercell search over 16 perovskites with a nearly tenfold reduction in search cost. Applied to (PbTiO$_3$)$_n$/(PbZrO$_3$)$_n$ superlattices, LGA reveals $\sqrt{2} \times 3\sqrt{2} \times 1$ long-period ground-state structures characterized by a common in-plane finite-$q$ modulation $q{_\parallel} = (1/6,1/6)$ and layer-coupled sidebands. To our knowledge, this in-plane periodicity has not been reported in any related oxide perovskite superlattice studies. Altogether, LGA offers a powerful representation-guided paradigm for ground-state structure prediction and provides a practical, decoder-free route toward materials inverse design. △ Less

Submitted 28 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 14 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables

Fully coherent short wavelength free-electron laser driven by a single sub-microjoule seed

Authors: Lanpeng Ni, Zheng Qi, Xingtao Wang, Weiyi Yin, Zhen Wang, Kaiqing Zhang, Zhangfeng Gao, Nanshun Huang, Hanxiang Yang, Hang Luo, Si Chen, Junhao Liu, Yaozong Xiao, Lingjun Tu, Xiaofan Wang, Cheng Yu, Yongmei Wen, Fei Gao, Yangyang Lei, Jian Chen, Huan Zhao, Xiaoqing Liu, Lie Feng, Yanyan Zhu, Jiaqiang Xu , et al. (11 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: High-repetition-rate, fully coherent extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) are essential for advanced time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopies. While external seeding serves as the standard technique to achieve precise temporal coherence, conventional methods demand hundred-megawatt peak-power laser systems. Furthermore, advanced configurations like echo-enabled harmonic ge… ▽ More High-repetition-rate, fully coherent extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) are essential for advanced time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopies. While external seeding serves as the standard technique to achieve precise temporal coherence, conventional methods demand hundred-megawatt peak-power laser systems. Furthermore, advanced configurations like echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) introduce the severe complexities of dual-laser synchronization. Together, these requirements fundamentally restrict operations to kilohertz repetition rates and compromise overall system stability. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a fully coherent EEHG-FEL driven by a single, sub-microjoule seed laser. By employing a direct-amplification enabled harmonic generation technique, we utilize an initial 0.4 microJ (2 MW peak power) ultraviolet seed to directly drive coherent lasing at nanometer wavelengths. By eliminating the need for extreme peak powers and multiple synchronized lasers, this approach significantly simplifies the seeding architecture and provides a practical and robust pathway toward megahertz-class, fully coherent EUV and X-ray light sources. △ Less

Submitted 26 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

High-key-rate Fully-Passive Quantum Access Network with Thermal Source

Authors: H. W. Yin, B. D. Zhu, H. Peng, T. Wang, X. Q. Jiang, Y. K. Xu, G. H. Zeng

Abstract: To accommodate classical communication systems with progressively increasing transmission rates, quantum access networks (QAN) have undergone systematic and protocol-level optimizations in recent years, where quantum passive optical network (QPON) architectures are gaining significant attention due to their simple structure. It is challenging for the previous QAN based on active protocols or Stoke… ▽ More To accommodate classical communication systems with progressively increasing transmission rates, quantum access networks (QAN) have undergone systematic and protocol-level optimizations in recent years, where quantum passive optical network (QPON) architectures are gaining significant attention due to their simple structure. It is challenging for the previous QAN based on active protocols or Stokes operator coding protocols to achieve high-speed linear modulation with high extinction ratio and stability under practical conditions. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a downstream fully passive quantum access network protocol using passive state preparation (PSP) with free-space and single-mode fiber hybrid channels, and the final key generation rate is up to a record-breaking 19.48 Mbps per quantum network unit. The proposed PSP-QPON scheme extends the scope of PSP-CVQKD from point-to-point to point-to-multi-point networks, which enables high-key-rate, high-stability, and low-resource-consumption implementation. Moreover, the network channel in this experiment is fully compatible with access networks in classical optical communications, which allows integration with existing optical infrastructure without the need for additional modifications, providing a promising solution for local area network quantum access network at home or a mobile terminal. △ Less

Submitted 29 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

High-Rate Free-Space Continuous-Variable QKD with Self-Referenced Passive State Preparation

Authors: H. W. Yin, X. J. Liao, Y. H. Xu, P. Huang, K. T. Zhu, T. Wang, G. H. Zeng

Abstract: Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) using passive state preparation (PSP) offers low-cost, high-rate secure communication. However, the existing PSP-CVQKD scheme with a transmitted local oscillator has high photon leakage noise and poor stability, making it unsuitable for high-loss transmission. In this work, for the first time, we propose and implement a local local oscillator (L… ▽ More Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) using passive state preparation (PSP) offers low-cost, high-rate secure communication. However, the existing PSP-CVQKD scheme with a transmitted local oscillator has high photon leakage noise and poor stability, making it unsuitable for high-loss transmission. In this work, for the first time, we propose and implement a local local oscillator (LLO) CVQKD system using a self-referenced (SR) PSP scheme, and give a theoretical proof of the equivalence of the PSP and GMCS protocol using temporal-mode theory. By employing the novel self-referenced pilot scheme to achieve high-precision time-varying frequency and phase compensation algorithms, we significantly improve the system' s signal-to-noise ratio and stability. The system achieves a record-high asymptotic secret key rate of 10.34 Mbps over a free-space channel with up to 23.5 dB loss, while maintaining low excess noise and robust performance under turbulent conditions. This work establishes the feasibility of SR-LLO CVQKD, providing a practical pathway toward secure, high-rate quantum communication in realistic environments. △ Less

Submitted 7 May, 2026; v1 submitted 29 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

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

Enhanced electron injection for efficient proton acceleration and neutron production in femtosecond laser-driven nano-structured targets

Authors: Yingzi Dai, Chengyu Qin, Hui Zhang, Guoqiang Zhang, Changbo Fu, Xiangai Deng, Dirui Xu, Shuai Xu, Xuesong Geng, Jing Wang, Bowen Zhang, Yunwei Cui, Xiaojing Guo, Weifu Yin, Yanqi Liu, Xingyan Liu, Cheng Wang, Zongxin Zhang, Bingnan Shi, Lianghong Yu, Xiaoyan Liang, Yuxin Leng, Baifei Shen, Liangliang Ji, Ruxin Li

Abstract: Micro- or nano-structured targets are advantageous in enhancing and manipulating laser-proton acceleration, due to the increased absorption of laser energy and onset of direct laser acceleration for high-energy electrons. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that nano-wire-array printed on a flat substrate is an efficient nano-injector of relativistic electrons that leads to a significant boost of… ▽ More Micro- or nano-structured targets are advantageous in enhancing and manipulating laser-proton acceleration, due to the increased absorption of laser energy and onset of direct laser acceleration for high-energy electrons. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that nano-wire-array printed on a flat substrate is an efficient nano-injector of relativistic electrons that leads to a significant boost of laser-driven proton acceleration and neutron production beyond normal geometry. By employing an ultra-intense (2*1021 W/cm2) femtosecond laser pulse to irradiate nano-wire-array targets, protons with cut-off energies of 62.8 MeV are generated, and notably, the energy conversion efficiency from laser to protons reaches up to 9% - 3.5 times higher than that of flat foils. After bombarding a beryllium converter, 1.1*1010 neutrons are produced. Full 3D particle-in-cell simulations have reproduced experimental results and reveal interference mechanisms between the nano-wires and substrate, leading to continuous pumping of electrons from the substrate and standing-wave enhanced re-injection from the wire tip. This efficient injection finally results in the large sheath field and thus high yield of energetic protons and neutrons. Dependence on the wire length and scaling with laser amplitude are further discussed. These results suggest that 3D-printed structures are promising in developing compact laser-driven high-flux proton and neutron sources for numerous applications. △ Less

Submitted 3 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 23 pages,6 figures

Interface Engineered Moiré Graphene Superlattices: Breaking the Auger Carrier Multiplication Limit for Infrared Single-Photon Detection

Authors: Sichao Du, Ning Li, Zhufeng Pan, Munir Ali, Hengrui Zhang, Duokai Chang, Yuehang Zhang, Qiang Wen, Shuo Zhang, Hao Wu, Yunlei Sun, Qiuting Wang, Hao Xie, Chaohao Chen, Zhenyi Ni, Qiangbing Guo, Duo Xiao, Wen-Yan Yin

Abstract: Hot electrons undergo Auger scattering during their relaxation process has a multiplication effect,which can generate more electrons above the Fermi level, thus improving the efficiency of photoelectric signal conversion.However,the photo-current gain brought by the Auger carrier multiplication is generally limited with a value less than 5,due to the rapid recombination of photo-generated charge-c… ▽ More Hot electrons undergo Auger scattering during their relaxation process has a multiplication effect,which can generate more electrons above the Fermi level, thus improving the efficiency of photoelectric signal conversion.However,the photo-current gain brought by the Auger carrier multiplication is generally limited with a value less than 5,due to the rapid recombination of photo-generated charge-carriers and the inherently low light absorption of two-dimensional materials.Herein,by twisting graphene to an interlayer angle of 10_o,we report a layer-dependent electronic correlations leading to an efficient carrier multiplication gain of 10³.This is primarily offered by the additional localized density-of-states at interface of the bi-layer 10_o,moire graphene,and the enhanced interlayer coupling of electron waves in a five-layer moire graphene superlattice structure.Therefore,we can harvest the hot electrons during their energy relaxation through a thermalized optical phonon bottleneck effect.It is this effect that promotes the accumulated hot electrons to achieve a maximum Auger scattering rate ~ 10¹⁰*ps^-1*cm^-2.Furthermore,the ballistic transport of these hot electrons and Schottky barrier from a 90 nm thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) silicon effectively block the thermal noise,thus leading to a highly sensitive near-infrared detection characteristic.At a low incident light power of ~ 10^-13 W/cm²,the resulting signal-to-noise ratio is more than 100 dB.The strengthened electromagnetic interaction from highly thermalized optical phonon in stacked moire graphene is utilized in this work.The hot electron multiplication suggests the applicability of Van der Waals moire superlattice architecture for harvesting charge carriers,thus paving the pathway to design infrared single-photon avalanche detectors. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 15pages,4figures

Modelling instrumental response for neutron scattering experiments at CSNS

Authors: Ni Yang, Zi-Yi Pan, Ming Tang, Wen Yin, Xiao-Xiao Cai

Abstract: Thermal neutron total scattering experiments of light and heavy water were reproduced using the CSNS in-house Monte Carlo thermal neutron transport code, Prompt, with a focus on the instrumental detector response and the accurate derivation of thermal neutron scattering cross-sections. In this work, a data reduction method is developed to process both the measured and simulated detector events for… ▽ More Thermal neutron total scattering experiments of light and heavy water were reproduced using the CSNS in-house Monte Carlo thermal neutron transport code, Prompt, with a focus on the instrumental detector response and the accurate derivation of thermal neutron scattering cross-sections. In this work, a data reduction method is developed to process both the measured and simulated detector events for estimating angular, wavelength distributions, as well as angular differential cross sections. The reduction results of simulations and experiments show a high degree of consistency. The prominent inelasticity signatures observed in the experiments can be accurately reproduced in simulations. We discuss the cause of the inelasticity effects, and demonstrate the elimination of such effects when the inelastic scattering process is taken into account in simulations. In addition, multiple scattering in samples is analysed and discussed. △ Less

Submitted 9 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Discovery of Interpretable Physical Laws in Materials via Language-Model-Guided Symbolic Regression

Authors: Yifeng Guan, Chuyi Liu, Dongzhan Zhou, Lei Bai, Wan-jian Yin, Jingyuan Li, Mao Su

Abstract: Discovering interpretable physical laws from high-dimensional data is a fundamental challenge in scientific research. Traditional methods, such as symbolic regression, often produce complex, unphysical formulas when searching a vast space of possible forms. We introduce a framework that guides the search process by leveraging the embedded scientific knowledge of large language models, enabling eff… ▽ More Discovering interpretable physical laws from high-dimensional data is a fundamental challenge in scientific research. Traditional methods, such as symbolic regression, often produce complex, unphysical formulas when searching a vast space of possible forms. We introduce a framework that guides the search process by leveraging the embedded scientific knowledge of large language models, enabling efficient identification of physical laws in the data. We validate our approach by modeling key properties of perovskite materials. Our method mitigates the combinatorial explosion commonly encountered in traditional symbolic regression, reducing the effective search space by a factor of approximately $10^5$. A set of novel formulas for bulk modulus, band gap, and oxygen evolution reaction activity are identified, which not only provide meaningful physical insights but also outperform previous formulas in accuracy and simplicity. △ Less

Submitted 26 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Demonstration of High-Gain Harmonic Lasing in a Terahertz Free-Electron Laser

Authors: Yin Kang, Cheng Yu, Yue Wang, Weiyi Yin, Zhangfeng Gao, Hanghua Xu, Hang Luo, Jian Chen, Taihe Lan, Xiaoqing Liu, Jinguo Wang, Huan Zhao, Fei Gao, Liping Sun, YanYan Zhu, Yongmei Wen, Chengcheng Xiao, Yongfang Liu, Yixuan Liu, Xingtao Wang, Jiaqiang Xu, Zheng Qi, Tao Liu, Bin Li, Kaiqing Zhang , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Compact Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) offering broad, continuous spectral tunability are traditionally constrained by fixed-parameter magnetic structures and the necessity for high-energy electron beams. High-gain Harmonic Lasing (HL) has long been proposed as a solution to overcome these limitations; however, a robust experimental verification of this principle has remained absent. Here, we report… ▽ More Compact Free-Electron Lasers (FELs) offering broad, continuous spectral tunability are traditionally constrained by fixed-parameter magnetic structures and the necessity for high-energy electron beams. High-gain Harmonic Lasing (HL) has long been proposed as a solution to overcome these limitations; however, a robust experimental verification of this principle has remained absent. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of high-gain HL. By employing a frequency-tunable electron beam density modulation to dominate the fundamental instability, we achieved sustained FEL amplification at the 3rd and 5th harmonics of the wiggler. The HL mode generated output power comparable to conventional fundamental operation with enhanced stability and narrower spectral bandwidth. Notably, we demonstrate that HL extends the spectral coverage by a factor of two under fixed facility constraints, achieving pulse energies up to 540 μJ. These results establish high-gain HL as a versatile mechanism for advancing compact, wavelength-flexible FEL facilities. △ Less

Submitted 14 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Raman-enhanced spectral compression of high-energy femtosecond laser pulses in molecular gases

Authors: Zegui Wang, Yi-Hao Chen, Yunlong Mo, Zaitian Dong, Wanhong Yin, Frank Wise, Wei Cao

Abstract: Nonlinear pulse propagation in gas-filled waveguides has attracted substantial attention over the past decade, and a variety of capabilities have been reported. However, there is no prior report of spectral compression in gas-filled waveguides or cavities, which would offer a natural route for scaling to much higher pulse energies than have been reached in solid structures. Here we report a high-e… ▽ More Nonlinear pulse propagation in gas-filled waveguides has attracted substantial attention over the past decade, and a variety of capabilities have been reported. However, there is no prior report of spectral compression in gas-filled waveguides or cavities, which would offer a natural route for scaling to much higher pulse energies than have been reached in solid structures. Here we report a high-energy spectral-compression technique based on nonlinear propagation in gas-filled capillaries. With 0.1- to 1-mJ pulses, compression of the spectral width by a factor up to 12 (from 60 nm to 5 nm) is demonstrated. Key to this advance is recognition that the process plays out differently in gases than in solids. In a noble gas (Ar), we find that even small structure in the spectrum, which is mapped to the time profile, of the input pulse can degrade the compression process. We identify the delayed Raman response of molecular gases (N2O and N2) as a mechanism that smooths and symmetrizes the nonlinear index modulation, which reduces the impact of spectral asymmetry and fine structure and enhances the fidelity of the compressed peak. The technique can be implemented with a capillary filled with ambient air, for sub-millijoule operation without a dedicated gas system. These results initiate a new direction in the optics of gas-filled waveguides and establish Raman-enhanced spectral compression as a robust route to high-energy narrowband optical sources, with potential impact in a broad range of applications. △ Less

Submitted 21 March, 2026; v1 submitted 14 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: Revised the entire paper with the new index-based Raman theory due to new collaboration with the Wise's group at Cornell

MSC Class: 78A60 (Primary) 78A40; 35Q55 (Secondary) ACM Class: J.2; G.1.8

Extreme Nanoconfinement Reshapes the Self-Dissociation of Water

Authors: Chenyu Wang, Wanjian Yin, Ke Zhou

Abstract: Water's ability to self-dissociate into H$_3$O$^+$ and OH$^-$ ions is central to acid-base chemistry and bioenergetics. Recent experimental advances have enabled the confinement of water down to the nanometre scale, even to the single-molecule limit, yet how this process is altered at the extreme nanoconfinement remains unclear. Using \emph{ab-initio} calculations and enhanced-sampling machine-lea… ▽ More Water's ability to self-dissociate into H$_3$O$^+$ and OH$^-$ ions is central to acid-base chemistry and bioenergetics. Recent experimental advances have enabled the confinement of water down to the nanometre scale, even to the single-molecule limit, yet how this process is altered at the extreme nanoconfinement remains unclear. Using \emph{ab-initio} calculations and enhanced-sampling machine-learning potential molecular dynamics, we show that monolayer-confined water exhibits a markedly lower barrier to auto-dissociation than bulk water. Confinement restructures both intramolecular bonding and the intermolecular hydrogen-bond network, while enforcing quasi-2D dipolar correlations that amplify dielectric fluctuations. Our results imply that two-dimensional confined water could act as a \emph{superdielectric} medium and may exhibit \emph{superionic} behavior, as observed in recent experiments. These findings reveal confinement as a powerful route to enhanced proton activity, shedding light on geochemical niches, biomolecular environments, and nanofluidic systems where water's chemistry is fundamentally reshaped. △ Less

Submitted 21 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

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

Intense and Tunable Multi-color Terahertz Radiation from Laser-Shaped Electron Beams

Authors: Yin Kang, Weiyi Yin, Xianzhe Li, Yixuan Liu, Yue Wang, Yuan Ma, Kaiqing Zhang, Chao Feng

Abstract: High-power multi-color terahertz (THz) radiation exhibits extraordinary scientific application prospects at various scientific frontiers, for its capacity to deliver THz excitation at multiple frequencies simultaneously. However, the generation of high-power multi-color THz radiation with tunable frequencies remains a challenge for existing techniques. Here, a technique by combining the multi-lase… ▽ More High-power multi-color terahertz (THz) radiation exhibits extraordinary scientific application prospects at various scientific frontiers, for its capacity to deliver THz excitation at multiple frequencies simultaneously. However, the generation of high-power multi-color THz radiation with tunable frequencies remains a challenge for existing techniques. Here, a technique by combining the multi-laser pulses frequency beating and coherent undulator amplification is proposed for generating high-power multi-color THz radiation with tunable frequency. Numerical simulations indicate that the proposed technique can produce multi-color THz radiation with three to six distinguished colors and a peak power up to hundreds of MW, and the temporally separated two-color pulses can also be produced by employing undulators with different resonance. Due to the intrinsic properties of the proposed technique, the THz frequencies, the color number and the frequency interval can be effectively controlled by simply adjusting the beating laser. This method paves the way for advanced application of THz pump-THz probe experiments for selective excitation of atomic multi-level systems and molecular fingerprint recognition. △ Less

Submitted 14 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

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.

How Effective Are Time-Series Models for Precipitation Nowcasting? A Comprehensive Benchmark for GNSS-based Precipitation Nowcasting

Authors: Yifang Zhang, Shengwu Xiong, Henan Wang, Wenjie Yin, Jiawang Peng, Yuqiang Zhang, Chen Zhou, Hua Chen, Qile Zhao, Pengfei Duan

Abstract: Precipitation Nowcasting, which aims to predict precipitation within the next 0 to 6 hours, is critical for disaster mitigation and real-time response planning. However, most time series forecasting benchmarks in meteorology are evaluated on variables with strong periodicity, such as temperature and humidity, which fail to reflect model capabilities in more complex and practically meteorology scen… ▽ More Precipitation Nowcasting, which aims to predict precipitation within the next 0 to 6 hours, is critical for disaster mitigation and real-time response planning. However, most time series forecasting benchmarks in meteorology are evaluated on variables with strong periodicity, such as temperature and humidity, which fail to reflect model capabilities in more complex and practically meteorology scenarios like precipitation nowcasting. To address this gap, we propose RainfallBench, a benchmark designed for precipitation nowcasting, a highly challenging and practically relevant task characterized by zero inflation, temporal decay, and non-stationarity, focusing on predicting precipitation within the next 0 to 6 hours. The dataset is derived from five years of meteorological observations, recorded at hourly intervals across six essential variables, and collected from more than 140 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations globally. In particular, it incorporates precipitable water vapor (PWV), a crucial indicator of rainfall that is absent in other datasets. We further design specialized evaluation protocols to assess model performance on key meteorological challenges, including multi-scale prediction, multi-resolution forecasting, and extreme rainfall events, benchmarking 17 state-of-the-art models across six major architectures on RainfallBench. Additionally, to address the zero-inflation and temporal decay issues overlooked by existing models, we introduce Bi-Focus Precipitation Forecaster (BFPF), a plug-and-play module that incorporates domain-specific priors to enhance rainfall time series forecasting. Statistical analysis and ablation studies validate the comprehensiveness of our dataset as well as the superiority of our methodology. △ Less

Submitted 3 November, 2025; v1 submitted 27 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 13 pages,11 figures

Mid-IR Light Modulators Enabled by Dynamically Tunable Ultra High-Q Silicon Membrane Metasurfaces

Authors: Felix Ulrich Brikh, Aleksei Ezerskii, Olesia Pashina, Nikita Glebov, Wenping Yin, Sergey V. Makarov, Mihail Petrov, Ivan Sinev, Hatice Altug

Abstract: Metasurfaces have emerged as a powerful platform to control free-space light at the subwavelength scale, enabling applications in sensing, lasing, nonlinear optics, and quantum photonics. However, their practical deployment is hindered by two key limitations: a tradeoff between low-Q resonances and weak amplitude contrast, and their predominantly static nature allowing only passive functionalities… ▽ More Metasurfaces have emerged as a powerful platform to control free-space light at the subwavelength scale, enabling applications in sensing, lasing, nonlinear optics, and quantum photonics. However, their practical deployment is hindered by two key limitations: a tradeoff between low-Q resonances and weak amplitude contrast, and their predominantly static nature allowing only passive functionalities. These challenges are further aggravated in the application-relevant mid-infrared (mid-IR) range, where the lack of suitable low-loss materials and the strong absorption of common substrates such as silicon oxide or sapphire severely constrain performance and scalability. Here, we address these issues with actively tunable single-crystalline silicon membrane metasurfaces that combine high-Q resonances, strong amplitude contrast, and wafer-scale fabrication compatible dimensions for high throughput manufacturing. Our platform achieves record-high measured Q-factors up to 3000 in the mid-IR spectrum, supporting efficient dynamic modulation through two distinct schemes: (i) on-chip electro-thermal tuning via Joule heating, sustaining 50% modulation depth at CMOS-compatible voltages and speeds up to 14.5 kHz, and (ii) ultrafast all-optical modulation via carrier generation in silicon, reaching nanosecond response times and estimated sub-GHz modulation rates. By uniting sharp resonances, strong contrast, large-scale manufacturability, and dynamic tunability, our active silicon membrane metasurfaces advance the frontier of mid-IR nanophotonics and open new opportunities in sensing, free-space communication, thermal radiation management, and quantum technologies. △ Less

Submitted 27 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Mineral Detection of Neutrinos and Dark Matter 2025 Proceedings

Authors: Shigenobu Hirose, Patrick Stengel, Natsue Abe, Daniel Ang, Lorenzo Apollonio, Gabriela R. Araujo, Yoshihiro Asahara, Laura Baudis, Pranshu Bhaumik, Nathaniel Bowden, Joseph Bramante, Lorenzo Caccianiga, Mason Camp, Qing Chang, Jordan Chapman, Reza Ebadi, Alexey Elykov, Anna Erickson, Valentin Fondement, Katherine Freese, Shota Futamura, Claudio Galelli, Andrew Gilpin, Takeshi Hanyu, Noriko Hasebe , et al. (48 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The third ``Mineral Detection of Neutrinos and Dark Matter'' (MD$ν$DM'25) meeting was held May 20-23, 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, hosted by the Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). These proceedings compile contributions from the workshop and update the progress of mineral detector research. MD$ν$DM'25 was the third such meeting, follo… ▽ More The third ``Mineral Detection of Neutrinos and Dark Matter'' (MD$ν$DM'25) meeting was held May 20-23, 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, hosted by the Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). These proceedings compile contributions from the workshop and update the progress of mineral detector research. MD$ν$DM'25 was the third such meeting, following the first in October of 2022 held at the IFPU in Trieste, Italy and the second in January of 2024 hosted by the Center for Neutrino Physics at Virginia Tech in Arlington, USA. Mineral detectors record and retain damage induced by nuclear recoils in synthetic or natural mineral samples. The damage features can then be read out by a variety of nano- and micro-scale imaging techniques. Applications of mineral detectors on timescales relevant for laboratory experiments include reactor neutrino monitoring and dark matter detection, with the potential to measure the directions as well as the energies of the induced nuclear recoils. For natural mineral detectors which record nuclear recoils over geological timescales, reading out even small mineral samples could be sensitive to rare interactions induced by astrophysical neutrinos, cosmic rays, dark matter and heavy exotic particles. A series of mineral detectors of different ages could measure the time evolution of these fluxes, offering a unique window into the history of our solar system and the Milky Way. Mineral detector research is highly multidisciplinary, incorporating aspects of high energy physics, condensed matter physics, materials science, geoscience, and AI/ML for data analysis. Although realizing the scientific potential of mineral detectors poses many challenges, the MD$ν$DM community looks forward to the continued development of mineral detector experiments and the possible discoveries that mineral detectors could reveal. △ Less

Submitted 28 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: Summary and proceedings of the MDvDM'25 conference, May 20-23 2025 in Yokohama, Japan

Novel Limits on Dark Photon Mixing from Radiation Safety

Authors: Wen Yin

Abstract: I propose a novel laboratory search for dark photons based on radiation-safety monitoring at synchrotron radiation facilities, including NanoTerasu, SPring-8, KEK-PF, and ESRF. Dark photons can be produced parasitically in undulators or via photon-mirror interactions, and subsequently traverse optical systems and shielding. Taking into account quantum effects and the internal structure of undulato… ▽ More I propose a novel laboratory search for dark photons based on radiation-safety monitoring at synchrotron radiation facilities, including NanoTerasu, SPring-8, KEK-PF, and ESRF. Dark photons can be produced parasitically in undulators or via photon-mirror interactions, and subsequently traverse optical systems and shielding. Taking into account quantum effects and the internal structure of undulators, mirrors, and detectors, I show that even a simple Geiger-Müller counter, routinely used for radiation-safety monitoring, can detect such dark photons outside the shielding and set competitive limits on the kinetic mixing parameter down to $χ\lesssim 5\times 10^{-6}$ in the eV mass range, providing some of the strongest bounds among laboratory searches. Because radiation safety is strictly regulated, the resulting limits can be regarded as robust and realistic constraints. △ Less

Submitted 20 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 13pages, 4figures, 1table, comments welcome

Quantum and Material Effects in Undulator-Based LSW Searches for Dark Photons

Authors: Wen Yin

Abstract: The dark photon is one of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model and provides a minimal laboratory for quantum-mechanical phenomena. Light-shining-through-a-wall (LSW) searches often adopt the dark photon-photon oscillation formula as if the sensitivity were independent of the light source, the wall, and the surrounding medium. In this paper, I revisit an LSW experiment whose light source i… ▽ More The dark photon is one of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model and provides a minimal laboratory for quantum-mechanical phenomena. Light-shining-through-a-wall (LSW) searches often adopt the dark photon-photon oscillation formula as if the sensitivity were independent of the light source, the wall, and the surrounding medium. In this paper, I revisit an LSW experiment whose light source is an undulator and systematically include various quantum effects: finite wave packets, kinematical suppression due to the microscopic structure of the source, and mixing suppression/enhancement in the wall and the air. We find that the resulting sensitivities deviate significantly from those obtained with the naïve oscillation formula, especially depending on the mass of the dark photon, relevant to reflective index of the medium or walls, there can be resonance effects enhancing the sensitivity significantly. Accounting for these effects, we show that placing a photon detector outside the shielding along the beamline of a synchrotron facility enables an economical, parasitic LSW search for dark photons. △ Less

Submitted 29 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 33 pages, 17 figures, comments welcome

First Lasing and Stable Operation of a Direct-Amplification Enabled Harmonic Generation Free-Electron laser

Authors: Zheng Qi, Junhao Liu, Lanpeng Ni, Tao Liu, Zhen Wang, Kaiqing Zhang, Hanxiang Yang, Zhangfeng Gao, Nanshun Huang, Si Chen, Hang Luo, Yaozong Xiao, Cheng Yu, Yongmei Wen, Fei Gao, Yangyang Lei, Huan Zhao, Yanyan Zhu, Liping Sun, Weiyi Yin, Xingtao Wang, Taihe Lan, Xiaoqing Liu, Lie Feng, Wenyan Zhang , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Seeded free-electron lasers (FELs) capable of operating at repetition rates up to the MHz level are in high demand for advanced time-resolved spectroscopies, which require both full longitudinal coherence and high average photon flux in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and x-ray regimes. However, conventional external-seed laser systems cannot sustain MHz operation with sufficient hundreds of megawat… ▽ More Seeded free-electron lasers (FELs) capable of operating at repetition rates up to the MHz level are in high demand for advanced time-resolved spectroscopies, which require both full longitudinal coherence and high average photon flux in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and x-ray regimes. However, conventional external-seed laser systems cannot sustain MHz operation with sufficient hundreds of megawatts peak power requirement due to their limited total power. Here, we report the first lasing and stable operation of a direct-amplification-enabled harmonic generation FEL driven by a weak seed laser with MW-level peak power. Beginning with an ultraviolet seed laser with only 0.75 μJ pulse energy, we demonstrate its direct amplification to over 10 μJ within an 8-meter-long modulator. We observe coherent harmonic generation up to the 12th harmonic of the seed and achieve saturation of the 7th harmonic in the radiator. These results represent a crucial milestone toward the realization of MHz-class, fully coherent EUV and x-ray light sources. △ Less

Submitted 18 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Enabling Continuous THz Band Coverage via Precise Electron Beam Tailoring in Free-electron Lasers

Authors: Yin Kang, Tong Li, Zhen Wang, Yue Wang, Cheng Yu, Weiyi Yin, Zhangfeng Gao, Hanghua Xu, Hang Luo, Xiaofan Wang, Jian Chen, Taihe Lan, Xiaoqing Liu, Jinguo Wang, Huan Zhao, Fei Gao, Liping Sun, YanYan Zhu, Yongmei Wen, Qili Tian, Chenye Xu, Xingtao Wang, Jiaqiang Xu, Zheng Qi, Tao Liu , et al. (6 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: High-power, continuously tunable narrowband terahertz (THz) sources are essential for advancing nonlinear optics, THz-driven material dynamics, and ultrafast spectroscopy. Conventional techniques typically impose a trade-off between pulse energy and frequency tunability. Here, we introduce a novel free-electron laser approach that overcomes these limitations by pre-modulating a relativistic electr… ▽ More High-power, continuously tunable narrowband terahertz (THz) sources are essential for advancing nonlinear optics, THz-driven material dynamics, and ultrafast spectroscopy. Conventional techniques typically impose a trade-off between pulse energy and frequency tunability. Here, we introduce a novel free-electron laser approach that overcomes these limitations by pre-modulating a relativistic electron beam with a frequency-beating laser pulse and leveraging bunch compression along with collective effects to enhance microbunching. Experimental results demonstrate that this technique generates narrowband THz emission with continuous frequency tunability from 7.8 to 30.8THz, achieving pulse energies up to 385μJ while maintaining spectral bandwidths between 7.7% and 14.7%. Moreover, the method exhibits exceptional robustness and scalability, highlighting its unique ability to bridge the long-standing THz gap and offering a promising solution for diverse cutting-edge scientific applications. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2025; originally announced April 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

Laser intensity noise suppression for space-borne gravitational wave mission

Authors: Fan Li, Xin Shang, Zhenglei Ma, Jiawei Wang, Long Tian, Shaoping Shi, Wangbao Yin, Yuhang Li, Yajun Wang, Yaohui Zheng

Abstract: Laser intensity noise is a main limitation of measurement and sensing mission represented by gravitational wave detection. We develop a noise decomposition model and design the core elements of the feedback loop independently based on the analysis results. We construct a fiber amplifier system with ultra-low intensity noise in the 0.1 mHz-1 Hz frequency band by the employment of an optoelectronic… ▽ More Laser intensity noise is a main limitation of measurement and sensing mission represented by gravitational wave detection. We develop a noise decomposition model and design the core elements of the feedback loop independently based on the analysis results. We construct a fiber amplifier system with ultra-low intensity noise in the 0.1 mHz-1 Hz frequency band by the employment of an optoelectronic feedback loop that is specially designed. The study provides experimental basis and technologies for precise measurement and sensing system at ultra-low frequency. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2025; v1 submitted 10 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 6 figures

Photonic antiferromagnetic topological insulator with a single surface Dirac cone

Authors: Fujia Chen, Ning Han, Songyang Pu, Rui Zhao, Li Zhang, Qiaolu Chen, Yuze Hu, Mingyu Tong, Wenhao Li, Junyao Wu, Yudong Ren Xinrui Li, Wenyan Yin, Hongsheng Chen, Rui-Xing Zhang, Yihao Yang

Abstract: Antiferromagnetism, characterized by magnetic moments aligned in alternating directions with a vanished ensemble average, has garnered renewed interest for its potential applications in spintronics and axion dynamics. The synergy between antiferromagnetism and topology can lead to the emergence of an exotic topological phase unique to certain magnetic order, termed antiferromagnetic topological in… ▽ More Antiferromagnetism, characterized by magnetic moments aligned in alternating directions with a vanished ensemble average, has garnered renewed interest for its potential applications in spintronics and axion dynamics. The synergy between antiferromagnetism and topology can lead to the emergence of an exotic topological phase unique to certain magnetic order, termed antiferromagnetic topological insulators (AF TIs). A hallmark signature of AF TIs is the presence of a single surface Dirac cone--a feature typically associated with strong three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators--only on certain symmetry-preserving crystal terminations. However, the direct observation of this phenomenon poses a significant challenge. Here, we have theoretically and experimentally discovered a 3D photonic AF TI hosting a single surface Dirac cone protected by the combined symmetry of time reversal and half-lattice translation. Conceptually, our setup can be viewed as a z-directional stack of two-dimensional Chern insulators, with adjacent layers oppositely magnetized to form a 3D type-A AF configuration. By measuring both bulk and surface states, we have directly observed the symmetry-protected gapless single-Dirac-cone surface state, which shows remarkable robustness against random magnetic disorders. Our work constitutes the first realization of photonic AF TIs and photonic analogs of strong topological insulators, opening a new chapter for exploring novel topological photonic devices and phenomena that incorporate additional magnetic degrees of freedom. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 4 figures

Undulators are ALP Factories

Authors: Wen Yin, Junya Yoshida

Abstract: Axion-like particles (ALPs) are known to be produced through axion-photon conversion in the presence of a stationary external magnetic field. Devices such as undulators and wigglers, which are used widely for photon production, e.g., in synchrotron radiation facilities, inherently possess strong magnetic fields, making them potential sources for ALP production. In this paper, we establish formalis… ▽ More Axion-like particles (ALPs) are known to be produced through axion-photon conversion in the presence of a stationary external magnetic field. Devices such as undulators and wigglers, which are used widely for photon production, e.g., in synchrotron radiation facilities, inherently possess strong magnetic fields, making them potential sources for ALP production. In this paper, we establish formalisms and formulas for studying ALP production in the ALP-photon-charged current system based on quantum field theory. We demonstrate that ALP production is inevitable in any undulator with the standard designs due to the electron Coulomb potential as well as a resonance effect depending on the ALP mass. In particular, ALPs are predominantly produced in a direction slightly misaligned with the photons' main direction. We propose placing detectors in the desired directions during operations of the originally planned experiments as an efficient approach to simultaneously probing ALPs. The calculation methods and formulas developed in this study are applicable to ALP production from other environments and productions of other particles beyond the standard model relevant to synchrotron radiations. △ Less

Submitted 23 September, 2024; v1 submitted 30 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 33pages, 8 figures, references and comments added, typos corrected

Measurement of microwave polarization using two polarization orthogonal local microwave electric fields in a Rydberg atom-based mixer

Authors: Weibo Yin, Jianan Zhang, Fengdong Jia, Yuhan Wang, Yuxiang Wang, Jianhai Hao, Yue Cui, Ya Liu, Zhiping Zhong

Abstract: We propose and demonstrate a novel method for measuring the polarization direction of a microwave electric field in a single measurement using a Rydberg atom-based mixer with two orthogonally polarized local microwave electric fields. Furthermore, introducing a weak static magnetic field enables the utilization of the Zeeman effect and exploitation of polarization asymmetry. This distinction allow… ▽ More We propose and demonstrate a novel method for measuring the polarization direction of a microwave electric field in a single measurement using a Rydberg atom-based mixer with two orthogonally polarized local microwave electric fields. Furthermore, introducing a weak static magnetic field enables the utilization of the Zeeman effect and exploitation of polarization asymmetry. This distinction allows for determining the polarization direction of the microwave field isθor180°-θwithin the 0 to 180 degree range. This is the first real-time measurement of microwave polarization within 0 to 180 degrees, crucial for microwave sensing and information transmission. △ Less

Submitted 1 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Offline data processing in the First JUNO Data Challenge

Authors: Tao Lin, Weiqing Yin

Abstract: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is currently under construction and the installation of detector will be completed by end of 2024. A series of JUNO Data Challenges are proposed to evaluate and validate the complete data processing chain in advance. In this contribution, the offline data processing in the first JUNO Data Challenge (DC-1) is presented. The primary goal of DC-1 i… ▽ More The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is currently under construction and the installation of detector will be completed by end of 2024. A series of JUNO Data Challenges are proposed to evaluate and validate the complete data processing chain in advance. In this contribution, the offline data processing in the first JUNO Data Challenge (DC-1) is presented. The primary goal of DC-1 is to process one week data using conditions database and multi-threaded reconstruction. The workflow involves the production of simulated data and reconstruction of the data. To achieve the goals, a JUNO-Hackathon has been organized. The software performance is measured and the results are presented. △ Less

Submitted 1 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 6 pages, 7 figures, ACAT2024

Asymmetric Warm Dark Matter: from Cosmological Asymmetry to Chirality of Life

Authors: Wen Yin, Shota Nakagawa, Tamaki Murokoshi, Makoto Hattori

Abstract: We investigate a novel scenario involving asymmetric keV-range dark matter (DM) in the form of right-handed (sterile) neutrinos. Based on the Fermi-Dirac distribution, we demonstrate that asymmetric fermionic DM forms a Fermi degenerate gas, making it potentially colder than symmetric fermionic DM. This setup simultaneously accounts for the Universe's baryon asymmetry through tiny Yukawa interacti… ▽ More We investigate a novel scenario involving asymmetric keV-range dark matter (DM) in the form of right-handed (sterile) neutrinos. Based on the Fermi-Dirac distribution, we demonstrate that asymmetric fermionic DM forms a Fermi degenerate gas, making it potentially colder than symmetric fermionic DM. This setup simultaneously accounts for the Universe's baryon asymmetry through tiny Yukawa interactions with Standard Model leptons and the Higgs field, and the homochirality of amino acids via decay into circularly polarized photons. This scenario can be investigated through soft X-ray searches conducted by current and upcoming space missions. The helical X-rays is a smoking-gun signal of our scenario. Additionally, we propose a new mechanism to suppress DM thermal production by introducing a light modulus, which may also benefit cosmology involving generic right-handed neutrinos with large mixing. △ Less

Submitted 16 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 22pages, 3figures, comments are welcome

Design of 2D Skyrmionic Metamaterial Through Controlled Assembly

Authors: Qichen Xu, Zhuanglin Shen, Alexander Edström, I. P. Miranda, Zhiwei Lu, Anders Bergman, Danny Thonig, Wanjian Yin, Olle Eriksson, Anna Delin

Abstract: Despite extensive research on magnetic skyrmions and antiskyrmions, a significant challenge remains in crafting nontrivial high-order skyrmionic textures with varying, or even tailor-made, topologies. We address this challenge, by focusing on a construction pathway of skyrmionic metamaterials within a monolayer thin film and suggest several skyrmionic metamaterials that are surprisingly stable, i.… ▽ More Despite extensive research on magnetic skyrmions and antiskyrmions, a significant challenge remains in crafting nontrivial high-order skyrmionic textures with varying, or even tailor-made, topologies. We address this challenge, by focusing on a construction pathway of skyrmionic metamaterials within a monolayer thin film and suggest several skyrmionic metamaterials that are surprisingly stable, i.e., long-lived, due to a self-stabilization mechanism. This makes these new textures promising for applications. Central to our approach is the concept of 'simulated controlled assembly', in short, a protocol inspired by 'click chemistry' that allows for positioning topological magnetic structures where one likes, and then allowing for energy minimization to elucidate the stability. Utilizing high-throughput atomistic-spin-dynamic simulations alongside state-of-the-art AI-driven tools, we have isolated skyrmions (topological charge Q=1), antiskyrmions (Q=-1), and skyrmionium (Q=0). These entities serve as foundational 'skyrmionic building blocks' to form the here reported intricate textures. In this work, two key contributions are introduced to the field of skyrmionic systems. First, we present a a novel combination of atomistic spin dynamics simulations and controlled assembly protocols for the stabilization and investigation of new topological magnets. Second, using the aforementioned methods we report on the discovery of skyrmionic metamaterials. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2025; v1 submitted 16 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Production of Martian fiber by in-situ resource utilization strategy

Authors: Ze-Shi Guo, Dan Xing, Xiong-Yu Xi, Cun-Guang Liang, Bin Hao, Xiaojia Zeng, Hong Tang, Huaican Chen, Wen Yin, Peng Zhang, Kefa Zhou, Qingbin Zheng, Peng-Cheng Ma

Abstract: Many countries and commercial organizations have shown great interest in constructing Martian base. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) provides a cost-effective way to achieve this ambitious goal. In this paper, we proposed to use Martian soil simulant to produce fiber to satisfy material requirement for the construction of Martian base. The composition, melting behavior and fiber forming process… ▽ More Many countries and commercial organizations have shown great interest in constructing Martian base. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) provides a cost-effective way to achieve this ambitious goal. In this paper, we proposed to use Martian soil simulant to produce fiber to satisfy material requirement for the construction of Martian base. The composition, melting behavior and fiber forming process of soil simulant was studied, and continuous fiber with a maximum strength of 1320 MPa was obtained on a spinning facility. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of ISRU to prepare Martian fiber from the soil on the Mars, offering a new way to get key materials for the construction of Martian base. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2023; originally announced January 2024.

Ultrahigh-Resolution Wireless Capacitance Readout Based on Single Real Mode in Perturbed Parity-Time-Symmetric Sandwich-Type Electronic Trimer

Authors: Ke Yin, Yuangen Huang, Wenjing Yin, Xianglin Hao, Xikui Ma, Tianyu Dong

Abstract: High-performance interrogation of inductor-capacitor (LC) microsensor has been a long-standing challenge due to the limited size of the sensor. Parity-time (PT) symmetry, an intriguing concept originated from quantum physics, has been utilized to improve the spectral resolution and sensitivity of the conventional readout circuit, while the PT symmetry condition has to be satisfied. In this work, a… ▽ More High-performance interrogation of inductor-capacitor (LC) microsensor has been a long-standing challenge due to the limited size of the sensor. Parity-time (PT) symmetry, an intriguing concept originated from quantum physics, has been utilized to improve the spectral resolution and sensitivity of the conventional readout circuit, while the PT symmetry condition has to be satisfied. In this work, a sandwich-type wireless capacitance readout mechanism based on perturbed PT-symmetric electronic trimer without manual tuning of the reader circuit is proposed. Theoretical eigenvalue analysis by solving the system equations shows that the system exhibits single real mode in weak coupling regime whose eigenfrequency changes in response to the capacitance of the neutral resonator. Furthermore, the proposed readout system exhibits wider readout capacitance range compared to standard PT-symmetry-based system while retaining higher Q-factor compared to conventional readout method, which has been validated with the experimental prototype based on printed circuit board. Our work not only enriches the underlying theory of non-Hermitian physics, but also shows potential applications in scenarios where longer interrogation distance is required, such as implanted medical devices, parameter detection in harsh environment, etc. △ Less

Submitted 6 September, 2022; originally announced September 2022.

Comments: 9 pages, 10 figures

Demonstration of broadband topological slow light

Authors: Fujia Chen, Haoran Xue, Yuang Pan, Maoren Wang, Yuanhan Hu, Li Zhang, Qiaolu Chen, Song Han, Gui-geng Liu, Zhen Gao, Peiheng Zhou, Wenyan Yin, Hongsheng Chen, Baile Zhang, Yihao Yang

Abstract: Slow-light devices are able to significantly enhance light-matter interaction due to the reduced group velocity of light, but a very low group velocity is usually achieved in a narrow bandwidth, accompanied by extreme sensitivity to imperfections that causes increased disorder-induced attenuation. Recent theories have suggested an ideal solution to this problem - unidirectional chiral photonic sta… ▽ More Slow-light devices are able to significantly enhance light-matter interaction due to the reduced group velocity of light, but a very low group velocity is usually achieved in a narrow bandwidth, accompanied by extreme sensitivity to imperfections that causes increased disorder-induced attenuation. Recent theories have suggested an ideal solution to this problem - unidirectional chiral photonic states, previously discovered in structures known as photonic topological insulators, not only resist backscattering from imperfections but can also be slowed down in the entire topological bandgap with multiple windings in the Brillouin zone. Here, we report on the experimental demonstration of broadband topological slow light in a photonic topological insulator. When coupled with periodic resonators that form flat bands, the chiral photonic states can wind many times around the Brillouin zone, achieving an ultra-low group velocity in the entire topological bandgap. This demonstration extends the scope of topological photonics into slow light engineering and opens a unique avenue in the dispersion manipulation of chiral photonic states. △ Less

Submitted 8 August, 2022; originally announced August 2022.

Observation of topologically enabled complete polarization conversion

Authors: Fujia Chen, Zhen Gao, Li Zhang, Qiaolu Chen, Qinghui Yan, Rui Xi, Liqiao Jing, Erping Li, Wenyan Yin, Hongsheng Chen, Yihao Yang

Abstract: Exploiting topological ideas has been a major theme in modern photonics, which provides unprecedented opportunities to design photonic devices with robustness against defects and flaws. While most previous works in topological photonics have focused on band theory, recent theoretical advances extend the topological concepts to the analysis of scattering matrices and suggest a topological route to… ▽ More Exploiting topological ideas has been a major theme in modern photonics, which provides unprecedented opportunities to design photonic devices with robustness against defects and flaws. While most previous works in topological photonics have focused on band theory, recent theoretical advances extend the topological concepts to the analysis of scattering matrices and suggest a topological route to complete polarization conversion (CPC), a unique photonic phenomenon without an electronic counterpart. Here, we report on the experimental observation of the topological effect in reflection matrices of a photonic crystal slab, enabling CPC between two linear polarizations over a wide range of frequencies. Using angle-resolved reflection measurements, we observe CPC occurring at vortex singularities of reflection coefficients in momentum space, verifying the topological nature of CPC. In addition, the topological effect also guarantees the spin-preserved reflection of a circularly polarized wave. Remarkably, we experimentally establish a connection between two seemingly unrelated topological phenomena--CPC and bound states in the continuum (BICs): BICs lie on the critical coupling curves that define the condition for CPC. Our work paves the way to exploring the topological properties in scattering matrices for controlling light polarization and spin and creating robust photonic devices. △ Less

Submitted 26 November, 2021; originally announced December 2021.

Comments: 11 pages, 4 figures

Controlling asymmetric absorption of metasurfaces via non-Hermitian doping

Authors: Min Li, Zuojia Wang, Wenyan Yin, Erping Li, Hongsheng Chen

Abstract: Metasurfaces based on subwavelength resonators enable novel ways to manipulate the flow of light at optical interfaces. In pursuit of multifunctional or reconfigurable metadevices, efficient tuning of macroscopic performance with little structural/material variation remains a challenge. Here, we put forward the concept of non-Hermitian doping in metasurfaces, showing that an ordinary retroreflecto… ▽ More Metasurfaces based on subwavelength resonators enable novel ways to manipulate the flow of light at optical interfaces. In pursuit of multifunctional or reconfigurable metadevices, efficient tuning of macroscopic performance with little structural/material variation remains a challenge. Here, we put forward the concept of non-Hermitian doping in metasurfaces, showing that an ordinary retroreflector can be switched to asymmetric one by introducing absorptive defects in local regions. The asymmetric absorption performance begins with zero at the Hermitian state, gradually increases under non-Hermitian doping, and reaches the maximum of unity at the exceptional point. This effect is experimentally demonstrated at microwave frequencies via the observation of asymmetric near-field distribution and far-field scattering properties and from a planar metasurface. Furthermore, while importing local gain constituents in conventional retroreflector, it can be tuned to an extremely asymmetric one-side amplifier, extending unidirectional amplification from one-dimensional waveguide to two-dimensional scattering systems. The proposed methodology provides an alternative pathway for engineering electromagnetic metadevices and systems with small perturbations. Introduction △ Less

Submitted 23 December, 2020; originally announced December 2020.

Comments: 20 pages, 4 figures

A Class D Power Amplifier for Multi-Frequency Eddy Current Testing Based on Multi-Simultaneous-Frequency Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse Width Modulation

Authors: Yang Tao, Christos Ktistis, Yifei Zhao, Wuliang Yin, Anthony J Peyton

Abstract: Efficiency and multisimultaneous-frequency (MSF) output capability are two major criteria characterizing the performance of a power amplifier in the application of multifrequency eddy current testing (MECT). Switch-mode power amplifiers are known to have a very high efficiency, yet they have rarely been adopted in the instrumental development of MECT. In addition, switch-mode power amplifiers them… ▽ More Efficiency and multisimultaneous-frequency (MSF) output capability are two major criteria characterizing the performance of a power amplifier in the application of multifrequency eddy current testing (MECT). Switch-mode power amplifiers are known to have a very high efficiency, yet they have rarely been adopted in the instrumental development of MECT. In addition, switch-mode power amplifiers themselves are lacking in the research literature for MSF capability. In this article, a Class D power amplifier is designed so as to address the two issues. An MSF selective harmonic elimination pulsewidth modulation method is proposed to generate alternating magnetic fields, which are rich in selected harmonics. A field-programmable-gate-array-based experimental system has been developed to verify the design. Results show that the proposed methodology is capable of generating high MSF currents in the transmitting coil with a low distortion of signal. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2020; v1 submitted 23 August, 2019; originally announced August 2019.

Journal ref: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 67, no. 10, pp. 8799-8807, Oct. 2020

Custom Edge-Element FEM Solver and its Application to Eddy-Current Simulation of Realistic 2M-Element Human Brain Phantom

Authors: Wuliang Yin, Mingyang Lu, Jiawei Tang, Qian Zhao, Zhijie Zhang, Kai Li, Yan Han, Anthony Peyton

Abstract: Extensive research papers of three-dimensional computational techniques are widely used for the investigation of human brain pathophysiology. Eddy current analyzing could provide an indication of conductivity change within a biological body. A significant obstacle to current trend analyses is the development of a numerically stable and efficiency-finite element scheme that performs well at low fre… ▽ More Extensive research papers of three-dimensional computational techniques are widely used for the investigation of human brain pathophysiology. Eddy current analyzing could provide an indication of conductivity change within a biological body. A significant obstacle to current trend analyses is the development of a numerically stable and efficiency-finite element scheme that performs well at low frequency and does not require a large number of degrees of freedom. Here, a custom finite element method (FEM) solver based on edge elements is proposed using the weakly coupled theory, which separates the solution into two steps. First, the background field (the magnetic vector potential on each edge) is calculated and stored. Then, the electric scalar potential on each node is obtained by FEM based on Galerkin formulations. Consequently, the electric field and eddy current distribution in the object can be obtained. This solver is more efficient than typical commercial solvers since it reduces the vector eddy current equation to a scalar one, and reduces the meshing domain to just the eddy current region. It can therefore tackle complex eddy current calculations for models with much larger numbers of elements, such as those encountered in eddy current computation in biological tissues. An example is presented with a realistic human brain mesh of 2 million elements. In addition, with this solver, the equivalent magnetic field induced from the excitation coil is applied, and therefore there is no need to mesh the excitation coil. In combination, these significantly increase the efficiency of the solver. △ Less

Submitted 30 May, 2019; originally announced June 2019.

A Novel Dual Modality Sensor With Sensitivities to Permittivity, Conductivity, and Permeability

Authors: Jorge R. Salas Avila, Kin Yau How, Mingyang Lu, Wuliang Yin

Abstract: In this paper, an electromagnetic sensor which can operate simultaneously in capacitive and inductive modalities with sensitivities to permittivity, conductivity, and permeability is developed, and a novel measurement strategy is proposed accordingly. The sensor is composed of two planar spiral coils with a track width of 4 mm, which promotes its capacitive mode. The capacitive coupling is measure… ▽ More In this paper, an electromagnetic sensor which can operate simultaneously in capacitive and inductive modalities with sensitivities to permittivity, conductivity, and permeability is developed, and a novel measurement strategy is proposed accordingly. The sensor is composed of two planar spiral coils with a track width of 4 mm, which promotes its capacitive mode. The capacitive coupling is measured in common mode, while the inductive coupling is measured in differential mode. In capacitive mode, the sensor is sensitive to changes in permittivity, i.e., the dielectric material distribution; while in inductive mode, it is sensitive to magnetically permeable material and electrically conductive material. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the sensor can simultaneously measure dielectric and conductive materials. This novel sensing element has been designed and implemented. Experimental results verified its effectiveness in dual modality measurement. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

Kirigami Metamaterials for Reconfigurable Toroidal Circular Dichroism

Authors: Liqiao Jing, Zuojia Wang, Bin Zheng, Huaping Wang, Yihao Yang, Lian Shen, Wenyan Yin, Erping Li, Hongsheng Chen

Abstract: The ancient paper craft of kirigami has recently emerged as a potential tool for the design of functional materials. Inspired by the kirigami concept, we propose a class of kirigami-based metamaterials whose electromagnetic functionalities can be switched between nonchiral and chiral states by stretching the predesigned split-ring resonator array. Single-band, dual-band and broadband circular pola… ▽ More The ancient paper craft of kirigami has recently emerged as a potential tool for the design of functional materials. Inspired by the kirigami concept, we propose a class of kirigami-based metamaterials whose electromagnetic functionalities can be switched between nonchiral and chiral states by stretching the predesigned split-ring resonator array. Single-band, dual-band and broadband circular polarizers with reconfigurable performance are experimentally demonstrated with maximum circular dichroisms of 0.88, 0.94 and 0.92, respectively. The underlying mechanism is explained and calculated via detailed analysis of the excited multipoles, including the electric, magnetic, and toroidal dipoles and quadrupole. Our approach enables tailoring the electromagnetic functionalities in kirigami patterns and provides an alternate avenue for reconfigurable optical metadevices with exceptional mechanical properties. △ Less

Submitted 30 August, 2018; originally announced August 2018.

An Ultra-high-Speed Waveform Digitizer Prototype Based on Gigabit Ethernet for Plasma Diagnostics

Authors: Weigang Yin, Lian Chen, Feng Li, Ge Jin

Abstract: An ultra-high-speed waveform digitizer prototype based on gigabit Ethernet has been developed. The prototype is designed to read out signals of detectors to realize the accurate measurement of various physical quantities for plasma diagnostics. The prototype includes an ultra-high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) used to realize high speed digitization, a Xilinx Kintex-7 field-programmable… ▽ More An ultra-high-speed waveform digitizer prototype based on gigabit Ethernet has been developed. The prototype is designed to read out signals of detectors to realize the accurate measurement of various physical quantities for plasma diagnostics. The prototype includes an ultra-high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) used to realize high speed digitization, a Xilinx Kintex-7 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) used for system configuration and digital signal processing, a DDR3 memory bar for data storage, and a gigabit Ethernet transceiver for interfacing with a computer. The sampling rate of the prototype is up to 5Gsps with 10-b resolution. The features of the prototype are described in detail. △ Less

Submitted 20 June, 2018; originally announced June 2018.

Comments: 3 pages,6 figures,21st IEEE Real Time Conference

A DAQ Prototype for Front-end Waveform Digitization in Intensive Electromagnetic Field Circumstance

Authors: Zhou He, Lian Chen, Feng Li, Weigang Yin, Ge Jin

Abstract: A front-end waveform digitization data acquisition system prototype for pulsed magnetic field generator in inertial confinement fusion is described. The pulse magnetic field is created by discharging a high-voltage capacitor through a small wire-wound coil, and the Rogowski coil is used to measure the discharge current which can describe the corresponding magnetic field waveforms. The prototype is… ▽ More A front-end waveform digitization data acquisition system prototype for pulsed magnetic field generator in inertial confinement fusion is described. The pulse magnetic field is created by discharging a high-voltage capacitor through a small wire-wound coil, and the Rogowski coil is used to measure the discharge current which can describe the corresponding magnetic field waveforms. The prototype is designed to measure the signal instead of the oscilloscope through a long-distance coaxial, which is greatly affected by electromagnetic interference caused by high-power loser. The outfield test result shows that the prototype can has a comparable performance as the oscilloscope for pulse magnetic field measurement. △ Less

Submitted 10 June, 2018; originally announced June 2018.

Fast non-coplanar beam orientation optimization based on group sparsity

Authors: Daniel O'Connor, Yevgen Voronenko, Dan Nguyen, Wotao Yin, Ke Sheng

Abstract: The selection of beam orientations, which is a key step in radiation treatment planning, is particularly challenging for non-coplanar radiotherapy systems due to the large number of candidate beams. In this paper, we report progress on the group sparsity approach to beam orientation optimization, wherein beam angles are selected by solving a large scale fluence map optimization problem with an add… ▽ More The selection of beam orientations, which is a key step in radiation treatment planning, is particularly challenging for non-coplanar radiotherapy systems due to the large number of candidate beams. In this paper, we report progress on the group sparsity approach to beam orientation optimization, wherein beam angles are selected by solving a large scale fluence map optimization problem with an additional group sparsity penalty term that encourages most candidate beams to be inactive. The optimization problem is solved using an accelerated proximal gradient method, the Fast Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA). We derive a closed-form expression for a relevant proximal operator which enables the application of FISTA. The proposed algorithm is used to create non-coplanar treatment plans for four cases (including head and neck, lung, and prostate cases), and the resulting plans are compared with clinical plans. The dosimetric quality of the group sparsity treatment plans is superior to that of the clinical plans. Moreover, the runtime for the group sparsity approach is typically about 5 minutes. Problems of this size could not be handled using the previous group sparsity method for beam orientation optimization, which was slow to solve much smaller coplanar cases. This work demonstrates for the first time that the group sparsity approach, when combined with an accelerated proximal gradient method such as FISTA, works effectively for non-coplanar cases with 500-800 candidate beams. △ Less

Submitted 15 October, 2017; originally announced October 2017.

Comments: A preliminary version of this work was reported in the AAPM 2016 oral presentation "4pi Non-Coplanar IMRT Beam Angle Selection by Convex Optimization with Group Sparsity Penalty" (link: http://www.aapm.org/meetings/2016am/PRAbs.asp?mid=115&aid=33413)

Design of Ultra-compact Graphene-based Superscatterers

Authors: Rujiang Li, Bin Zheng, Xiao Lin, Ran Hao, Shisheng Lin, Wenyan Yin, Erping Li, Hongsheng Chen

Abstract: The energy-momentum dispersion relation is a fundamental property of plasmonic systems. In this paper, we show that the method of dispersion engineering can be used for the design of ultra-compact graphene-based superscatterers. Based on the Bohr model, the dispersion relation of the equivalent planar waveguide is engineered to enhance the scattering cross section of a dielectric cylinder. Bohr co… ▽ More The energy-momentum dispersion relation is a fundamental property of plasmonic systems. In this paper, we show that the method of dispersion engineering can be used for the design of ultra-compact graphene-based superscatterers. Based on the Bohr model, the dispersion relation of the equivalent planar waveguide is engineered to enhance the scattering cross section of a dielectric cylinder. Bohr conditions with different orders are fulfilled in multiple dispersion curves at the same resonant frequency. Thus the resonance peaks from the first and second order scattering terms are overlapped in the deepsubwavelength scale by delicately tuning the gap thickness between two graphene layers. Using this ultra-compact graphene-based superscatterer, the scattering cross section of the dielectric cylinder can be enhanced by five orders of magnitude. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2016; originally announced February 2016.

Comments: This paper has been accepted by IEEE Journal of Selected topics in Quantum Electronics

Journal ref: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, Vol. 23, No. 1, January/February 2017

Resonant splitting in periodic T-shape photonic waveguides

Authors: Wenjin Yin, Kaike Yang, Yuee Xie, Tao Ouyang, Yuanping Chen

Abstract: Resonant splitting phenomena of photons in periodic T-shape waveguide structure are investigated by the Green's function method. It is found that, except for the (n-1)-fold resonant splitting in the low frequency region, (n-2)-fold resonant splitting occurs in the high frequency region of the transmission spectra. The (n-2)-fold resonant splitting peaks are induced by the high quasi-bound states w… ▽ More Resonant splitting phenomena of photons in periodic T-shape waveguide structure are investigated by the Green's function method. It is found that, except for the (n-1)-fold resonant splitting in the low frequency region, (n-2)-fold resonant splitting occurs in the high frequency region of the transmission spectra. The (n-2)-fold resonant splitting peaks are induced by the high quasi-bound states where the photons are mainly localized in the constrictions rather than in the stubs. To this kind of quasi-bound state, the stub acts as a potential barrier rather than a well, which is the inverse of the case of the low quasi-bound states corresponding to the (n-1)-fold splitting peaks. These resonant peaks can be modulated by adjusting the periodic number and geometry of the waveguide structures. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2016; originally announced January 2016.

Journal ref: J. Appl. Phys. 112, 033522 (2012)

R-graphyne: a new two-dimension carbon allotrope with versatile Dirac-like point in nanoribbons

Authors: Wen-Jin Yin, Yue-E Xie, Li-Min Liu, Ru-Zhi Wang, Leo Lau, Jian-Xin Zhong, Yuan-Ping Chen

Abstract: A novel two-dimensional carbon allotrope, rectangular graphyne (R-graphyne) with tetra-rings and acetylenic linkages, is proposed by first-principles calculations. Although the bulk R-graphyne exhibits metallic property, the nanoribbons of R-graphyne show distinct electronic structures from the bulk. The most intriguing feature is that band gaps of R-graphene nanoribbons oscillate between semicond… ▽ More A novel two-dimensional carbon allotrope, rectangular graphyne (R-graphyne) with tetra-rings and acetylenic linkages, is proposed by first-principles calculations. Although the bulk R-graphyne exhibits metallic property, the nanoribbons of R-graphyne show distinct electronic structures from the bulk. The most intriguing feature is that band gaps of R-graphene nanoribbons oscillate between semiconductor and metal as a function of width. Particularly, the zigzag edge nanoribbons with half-integer repeating unit cell exhibits unexpected Dirac-like fermions in the band structures. The Dirac-like fermions of the R-graphyne nanoribbons originate from the central symmetry and two sub-lattices. The extraordinary properties of R-graphene nanoribbons greatly expand our understanding on the origin of Dirac-like point. Such findings uncover a novel fascinating property of nanoribbons, which may have broad potential applications for carbon-based nano-size electronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2016; originally announced January 2016.

Journal ref: J. Mater. Chem. A 1, 5341 (2013)

In Situ Simultaneous Measuring Forces Acted on Individual Legs of Water Striders According to Archimedes' Principle

Authors: Yelong Zheng, Hongyu Lu, Wei Yin, Dashuai Tao, Lichun Shi, Yu Tian

Abstract: The supporting forces of all the legs have been simultaneously measured through a natural phenomenon inspired shadow method, by capturing water strider leg shadows to calculate the expelled water volume and the equivalent floating forces according to Archimedes' principle, with a sensitivity up to nN~pN/pixel. The method was verified by comparing to electronic balance to weight water striders. The… ▽ More The supporting forces of all the legs have been simultaneously measured through a natural phenomenon inspired shadow method, by capturing water strider leg shadows to calculate the expelled water volume and the equivalent floating forces according to Archimedes' principle, with a sensitivity up to nN~pN/pixel. The method was verified by comparing to electronic balance to weight water striders. The supporting force acted on legs was found to linearly proportional to its shadow area, which geometry clearly indicated the hydrophobicity of legs. The pressed depth of legs, vertical weight focus position change and body pitch angle during leg refreshing, sculling and jumping forward of water striders have been achieved with resolutions of 5um/pixel, 2 um/pixel, and 0.02 degree, respectively, which is difficult for general imaging technologies. The shadow method was also developed into a force measuring device and characterized the adhesion force of a hair/polymer surface contact in a few uN with a 0.3 nN/pixel resolution. △ Less

Submitted 4 January, 2016; originally announced January 2016.

Comments: 16 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Applied Physics Letters 2016, 109 (16), 163701