Showing 1–50 of 147 results for author: Tian, W

Anisotropic Particle Transport from a Pulsar Wind Nebula Revealed by Einstein Probe and LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (320 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) are major cosmic ray accelerators, yet the mechanisms transporting high-energy particles into the interstellar medium remain elusive. Building on the LHAASO discovery of an ultra-high-energy (UHE) $γ$-ray source near the bow-shock PWN powered by the pulsar PSR J1740+1000, we present a joint Einstein Probe (EP) and LHAASO study of this system. EP observations reveal an ex… ▽ More Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) are major cosmic ray accelerators, yet the mechanisms transporting high-energy particles into the interstellar medium remain elusive. Building on the LHAASO discovery of an ultra-high-energy (UHE) $γ$-ray source near the bow-shock PWN powered by the pulsar PSR J1740+1000, we present a joint Einstein Probe (EP) and LHAASO study of this system. EP observations reveal an extended X-ray tail far exceeding the structure previously seen by XMM-Newton. Updated LHAASO observations show that the $γ$-ray emission is elongated, with its major axis aligned with the extended X-ray tail revealed by EP. This is the first detection of an X-ray pulsar tail associated with a spatially coincident extended UHE $γ$-ray emission. The X-ray and $γ$-ray spectrum can be well explained with a single population of relativistic electrons via synchrotron and inverse Compton radiation, respectively, removing the need for particle re-acceleration during propagation. The results unambiguously show that electrons/positrons above 100 TeV are escaping from the PWN. Instead of the immediate, isotropic diffusion into ambient interstellar medium that is typically assumed, these particles are transported anisotropically over at least $\sim$10 pc, either guided by the background magnetic field or carried by an advective outflow. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Comments: Accepted by Science China Physics, Mechanics, and Astronomy. Main text: 9 pages, 4 figures, 1 table; Supplementary Materials: 7 pages, 2 figures, 4 tables

Estimating the sensitivity of the IceCube Upgrade to probe the interior of the Earth using atmospheric neutrino oscillations

Authors: The IceCube Collaboration, R. Abbasi, M. Ackermann, J. Adams, S. K. Agarwalla, J. A. Aguilar, M. Ahlers, J. M. Alameddine, S. Ali, N. M. Amin, K. Andeen, C. Arg{ü}elles, S. Athanasiadou, S. N. Axani, R. Babu, X. Bai, A. Balagopal V., S. W. Barwick, V. Basu, R. Bay, J. J. Beatty, J. Becker Tjus, P. Behrens, J. Beise, C. Bellenghi , et al. (399 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The IceCube Upgrade is a densely instrumented central region of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, deployed during the 2025-26 polar season. It will reduce the detector's energy threshold and improve overall reconstruction capabilities for multi-GeV atmospheric neutrinos, which in turn enhance their sensitivity to Earth matter effects as they traverse through the deep Earth. In this study, we descr… ▽ More The IceCube Upgrade is a densely instrumented central region of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, deployed during the 2025-26 polar season. It will reduce the detector's energy threshold and improve overall reconstruction capabilities for multi-GeV atmospheric neutrinos, which in turn enhance their sensitivity to Earth matter effects as they traverse through the deep Earth. In this study, we describe the potential of the IceCube Upgrade to observe Earth matter effects on atmospheric neutrinos and estimate the detector's sensitivity to probe key features of the Preliminary Reference Earth Model by utilizing these observations. We highlight the IceCube Upgrade's capability to estimate the mass of the Earth and verify the non-homogeneous distribution of matter density within the Earth. We also estimate the IceCube Upgrade sensitivity to measure the correlated densities of the Earth layers while incorporating constraints from the mass and moment of inertia of the Earth. Neutrino-based results would be independent and complementary to the seismic and gravitational measurements. △ Less

Submitted 6 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 13 figures, 2 tables, and 1 appendix

High-energy neutrino emission from the Milky Way

Authors: R. Abbasi, M. Ackermann, J. Adams, J. A. Aguilar, M. Ahlers, J. M. Alameddine, S. Ali, N. M. Amin, K. Andeen, C. Argüelles, S. Athanasiadou, S. N. Axani, R. Babu, X. Bai, A. Balagopal V., S. W. Barwick, V. Basu, R. Bay, J. J. Beatty, J. Becker Tjus, P. Behrens, J. Beise, C. Bellenghi, S. Benkel, S. BenZvi , et al. (398 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Milky Way hosts astrophysical objects that accelerate cosmic rays to energies beyond the reach of terrestrial particle accelerators. It remains a longstanding goal to locate the sites of these powerful Galactic engines and understand how cosmic rays propagate through the Galaxy, leading to the production of high-energy neutrinos. In this paper, we combine event morphologies characteristic of a… ▽ More The Milky Way hosts astrophysical objects that accelerate cosmic rays to energies beyond the reach of terrestrial particle accelerators. It remains a longstanding goal to locate the sites of these powerful Galactic engines and understand how cosmic rays propagate through the Galaxy, leading to the production of high-energy neutrinos. In this paper, we combine event morphologies characteristic of all three neutrino flavours and apply recent improvements in ice modelling, calibration and reconstruction to 12 years of IceCube data. With a predefined, global analysis we establish high-energy neutrino emission from the Galactic plane at 5.7 $σ$ significance. A further study shows that the inner region of the Galaxy is a prominent neutrino source, with 217 shower events with visible energy above 5 TeV compared with an expected background of 154.4 $\pm$ 4.1. These results herald a new era of Galactic multi-messenger astronomy, creating new opportunities to study cosmic-ray propagation and probe neutrino properties over kiloparsec distances. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

The Extended Ultrahigh-energy Gamma-Ray Emission in the Vicinity of PSR J2238+5903

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (305 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a comprehensive analysis of the recently discovered TeV gamma-ray source, LHAASO J2238+5900. Based on data collected from the LHAASO, our fitting results suggest that the source is significantly extended with an angular extension of 0.54° \pm 0.01° and is spatially coincident with the pulsar PSR J2238+5903. Its spectrum is characterized by a power-law with a cutoff at 41.0\pm 3.5 TeV. A… ▽ More We present a comprehensive analysis of the recently discovered TeV gamma-ray source, LHAASO J2238+5900. Based on data collected from the LHAASO, our fitting results suggest that the source is significantly extended with an angular extension of 0.54° \pm 0.01° and is spatially coincident with the pulsar PSR J2238+5903. Its spectrum is characterized by a power-law with a cutoff at 41.0\pm 3.5 TeV. Additionally, the source exhibits a significant signal of 7.9σabove 100 TeV, implying that it is a PeVatron candidate. While the gamma-ray emission is consistent with a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) scenario, the relatively large extension size also allows for a halo interpretation, potentially caused by electron-positron pairs escaping from the PWN. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Extreme PeV accelerator associated with GRS 1915+105

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (304 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Microquasars, binary systems featuring relativistic jets, have emerged as sources for particle acceleration beyond PeV energies. We present a study of the broadband $γ$-ray emission from one of the most prominent Galactic microquasars GRS 1915+105 based on data accumulated by LHAASO and Fermi-LAT over 4 and 17 years, respectively. A joint analysis of LHAASO-WCDA and LHAASO-KM2A data reveals extend… ▽ More Microquasars, binary systems featuring relativistic jets, have emerged as sources for particle acceleration beyond PeV energies. We present a study of the broadband $γ$-ray emission from one of the most prominent Galactic microquasars GRS 1915+105 based on data accumulated by LHAASO and Fermi-LAT over 4 and 17 years, respectively. A joint analysis of LHAASO-WCDA and LHAASO-KM2A data reveals extended $γ$-ray emission whose centroid appears significantly shifted, by ~ 0.13°, from the binary system and its jets. The spectral energy distribution is well described by a curved spectrum with progressive steepening that can be described by a log-parabola function with no evidence for a sharp cutoff, consistent with parent particles reaching multi-PeV energies and an extreme acceleration efficiency approaching the limit set by the available potential drop across the source. Several features, most notably the shift of the emission and single-power-law spectrum down to GeV band, favor radiation by cosmic rays accelerated in the source interacting with the dense ambient medium. Our spectral modeling implies that at least a few percent of the jet mechanical power is transferred to protons, whose maximum energy reaches beyond 5 PeV. These results strengthen the case for microquasars as exceptionally efficient accelerators in our Galaxy. △ Less

Submitted 25 June, 2026; v1 submitted 23 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 10 pages, 4 figures, with supplementary material. Corrected a typo in the y-axis units of Fig. 2

Ultra-high-energy $γ$-ray imprints from PeV particles accelerated by supernova remnants

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (303 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The quest for the origin of cosmic ray (CRs) is a fundamental issue in astrophysics. Shocks of supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered as the dominant contributors to Galactic CRs below the spectral knee near $\sim 3$ petaelectronvolt (PeV). Whether SNRs are efficient accelerators of particles beyond PeV energies has long been debated. Here we report observations of very-high-energy $γ$-ray… ▽ More The quest for the origin of cosmic ray (CRs) is a fundamental issue in astrophysics. Shocks of supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered as the dominant contributors to Galactic CRs below the spectral knee near $\sim 3$ petaelectronvolt (PeV). Whether SNRs are efficient accelerators of particles beyond PeV energies has long been debated. Here we report observations of very-high-energy $γ$-ray emission up to hundreds of TeV from two middle age shell-type SNRs, G150.3$+$4.5 and $γ$-Cygni, with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Two (or three) distinct morphological/spectral components with convex spectral shapes are observed in both sources, with the low-energy one being more extended than the high-energy one. %Although it is possible that these high-energy components may be driven by powerful pulsars, The likely association of the high-energy component with molecular clouds at similar distances, and the weakness/absence of pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) inside these SNRs clearly indicate for the first time that the highest energy emission is produced by collision of hadronic CRs up to PeV energies with the clouds. These results are compatible with the classic model prediction that PeV particles accelerated near the end of the free expansion phase of SNR evolution can illuminate nearby molecular clouds (MCs) to produce strong $γ$-ray emission. △ Less

Submitted 24 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 31 pages, 8 figures, 3 Tables

Chasing Gamma-Ray Signals from Binary Neutron Star Coalescences with the Cherenkov Telescope Array: Prospects and Observing Strategies

Authors: S. Abe, J. Abhir, A. Abhishek, F. Acero, A. Acharyya, R. Adam, A. Aguasca-Cabot, I. Agudo, I. Albanese, J. Alfaro, C. Alispach, R. Alves Batista, E. Amato, G. Ambrosi, D. Ambrosino, F. Ambrosino, L. Angel, C. Aramo, A. Arbet-Engels, C. Arcaro, C. Arena, T. T. H. Arnesen, K. Asano, H. Ashkar, C. Bakshi , et al. (435 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo (GW170817), together with its electromagnetic counterpart, the short gamma-ray burst GRB~170817A, heralded the birth of multi-messenger astronomy. The detection of TeV emission from GRBs motivates follow-up observations with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), ideal… ▽ More The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger by Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo (GW170817), together with its electromagnetic counterpart, the short gamma-ray burst GRB~170817A, heralded the birth of multi-messenger astronomy. The detection of TeV emission from GRBs motivates follow-up observations with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), ideal for detecting such signals due to its unprecedented sensitivity, rapid response, and wide-field survey capabilities. The aim of this work is to evaluate GeV--TeV GW follow-up strategies for CTAO using a multi-step simulation pipeline and to estimate the expected rate of joint GW-GRB detections during observing run O5. Using a simulated sample of BNS systems with corresponding GW detections, gamma-ray emission is simulated through phenomenological prescriptions based on the observed population of short GRBs, including off-axis jet scenarios. CTAO observations are simulated to account for instrument response, sky tiling strategies, integration times, and varying observing conditions. Strategies with variable and constant integration times are investigated. We find that, via an optimized follow-up strategy, about 5% of simulated GW-associated short GRBs produce GeV--TeV radiation detectable by CTAO. Detectability is strongly influenced by the jet opening angle and viewing angle, suggesting that even rough estimates of the viewing angle in GW alerts could enhance targeting. This framework motivates future follow-ups of GW-detectable events, including neutron star-black hole mergers, and further supports the development of advanced strategies incorporating galaxy distributions and synergies with future detectors such as the Einstein Telescope. △ Less

Submitted 9 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Single-Pulse Study of the Pseudo-nulling Pulsar PSR J1820-0509 Based on FAST Observations

Authors: Zefeng Tu, Rushuang Zhao, Hui Liu, Biping Gong, D. Li, P. Wang, Chenchen Miao, Q. J. Zhi, S. J. Dang, S. D. Wang, Q. Zhou, Z. J. Zhang, Xu Zhu, R. W. Tian, H. W. Xu, Yi Zhou, D. Y. Yan

Abstract: Using two observations obtained with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), we present a detailed single-pulse analysis of the high-nulling pulsar PSR J1820-0509. We measure an exceptionally high nulling fraction of approximately 81.78%, significantly exceeding previous estimates from Parkes observations. The single-pulse energy distribution exhibits a clear bimodal stru… ▽ More Using two observations obtained with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), we present a detailed single-pulse analysis of the high-nulling pulsar PSR J1820-0509. We measure an exceptionally high nulling fraction of approximately 81.78%, significantly exceeding previous estimates from Parkes observations. The single-pulse energy distribution exhibits a clear bimodal structure, consistent with classical nulling behavior. However, stacking the identified null pulses reveals a statistically significant residual profile above the noise level, indicating that the nulls correspond to a very weak emission state rather than a complete cessation of radio emission. The pulsar shows clustered burst activities spanning several hundred rotation periods, with prominent quasi-periodicities at 1191 +/- 81 and 590 +/- 15 pulse periods in the two observations. Based on temporal clustering and integrated profile morphology, we identify three distinct emission modes (A, B, and C) and a pseudo-null state (D). These modes exhibit systematic differences in pulse morphology, polarization, and energy statistics. The pulse width-energy relations reveal clear transitions between low- and high-energy regimes. The energy distributions of Modes A and C are well described by lognormal functions, while Mode B follows a composite Gaussian-lognormal distribution. These results suggest that the radio emission of PSR J1820-0509 is governed by multiple quasi-stable magnetospheric states. The presence of weak emission during pseudo-nulls, together with systematic mode-dependent variations, supports the interpretation that pulsar nulling reflects transitions between different magnetospheric activity levels rather than a complete shutdown of emission. △ Less

Submitted 27 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

LHAASO observation of Mrk 421 during 2021 March - 2024 March: a comprehensive VHE catalog of multi-timescale outbursts and its time average behavior

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (303 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) monitors sources within its field of view for up to 7 hours daily, achieving a duty cycle exceeding 98% and an annual point-source sensitivity of 1.5% Crab Units (CU) in the very high energy (VHE) band. This unbiased sky-survey mode facilitates systematic monitoring and investigation of outburst phenomena. In this paper, we present results fr… ▽ More The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) monitors sources within its field of view for up to 7 hours daily, achieving a duty cycle exceeding 98% and an annual point-source sensitivity of 1.5% Crab Units (CU) in the very high energy (VHE) band. This unbiased sky-survey mode facilitates systematic monitoring and investigation of outburst phenomena. In this paper, we present results from an unprecedented three-year monitoring campaign (March 2021--March 2024) of Mrk421 using LHAASO, spanning energies from 0.4 TeV to 20 TeV. We find that the blazar stayed in a quiescent state in 2021 and became active starting in 2022 with a total of 23 VHE outburst events identified, where the highest observed daily significance reaches $20\,σ$ with a flux equivalent to approximately 3.3~CU. LHAASO's continuous monitoring suggests the flaring occupancy of Mrk~421 to be around 14%. During long-term monitoring, multiwavelength (MWL) variability and correlation analyses are conducted using complementary data from Fermi-LAT, MAXI-GSC, Swift-XRT, and ZTF. A significant correlation ($>3\,σ$) is observed between X-ray and VHE bands with no detectable time lag, while the correlation between GeV and TeV bands is weaker. The flux distribution of the TeV emission during the quiescent state is different from that in the active state, implying the existence of two modes of energy dissipation in the blazar jet. Using simultaneous MWL data, we also analyzed both the long-term and outburst-period SEDs, and discussed the possible origin of the outburst events. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2026; originally announced February 2026.

Comments: 34 pages, 20 figures

A Study Revealing Physical Attributes of Supernova Remnant in G321.3-3.9

Authors: Shaobo Zhang, Xianhuan Lei, Hui Zhu, Xueying Hu, Xiaohong Cui, Wenwu Tian, Haiyan Zhang, Dan Wu

Abstract: We present a radio analysis of the recently identified supernova remnant G321.3-3.9 using archival multi-wavelength data spanning 88-2304 MHz. The source exhibits an elliptical shell-like morphology (1.3 deg x 1.7 deg) and a relatively flat non-thermal spectral index of alpha = -0.40 +/- 0.03. The distance is estimated using both the Sigma-D relation (1.6-2.9 kpc) and tentative associations with H… ▽ More We present a radio analysis of the recently identified supernova remnant G321.3-3.9 using archival multi-wavelength data spanning 88-2304 MHz. The source exhibits an elliptical shell-like morphology (1.3 deg x 1.7 deg) and a relatively flat non-thermal spectral index of alpha = -0.40 +/- 0.03. The distance is estimated using both the Sigma-D relation (1.6-2.9 kpc) and tentative associations with HI structures, the latter suggesting a near-side solution of 2.5-3.3 kpc, though the physical connection remains uncertain. △ Less

Submitted 11 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 9 pages, 5 figures, 1 tables. Accepted for publication in ApJ

Journal ref: ApJ 997 294 (2026)

Transient Large-Scale Anisotropy in TeV Cosmic Rays due to an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (291 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Large- or medium-scale cosmic ray anisotropy at TeV energies has not previously been confirmed to vary with time. Transient anisotropy changes have been observed below 150 GeV, especially near the passage of an interplanetary shock and coronal mass ejection containing a magnetic flux rope ejected by a solar storm, which can trigger a geomagnetic storm with practical consequences. In such events, c… ▽ More Large- or medium-scale cosmic ray anisotropy at TeV energies has not previously been confirmed to vary with time. Transient anisotropy changes have been observed below 150 GeV, especially near the passage of an interplanetary shock and coronal mass ejection containing a magnetic flux rope ejected by a solar storm, which can trigger a geomagnetic storm with practical consequences. In such events, cosmic rays provide remote sensing of the magnetic field properties. Here we report the observation of transient large-scale anisotropy in TeV cosmic ray ions using data from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). We analyze hourly skymaps of the transient cosmic ray intensity excess or deficit, the gradient of which indicates the direction and magnitude of transient large-scale anisotropy across the field of view. We observe enhanced anisotropy above typical hourly fluctuations with $>$5$σ$ significance during some hours of November 4, 2021, in separate data sets for four primary cosmic ray energy ranges of median energy from $E$=0.7 to 3.1 TeV. The gradient varies with energy as $E^γ$, where $γ\approx-0.5$. At a median energy $\leq$1.0 TeV, this gradient corresponds to a dipole anisotropy of at least 1\%, or possibly a weaker anisotropy of higher order. This new type of observation opens the opportunity to study interplanetary magnetic structures using air shower arrays around the world, complementing existing in situ and remote measurements of plasma properties. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 14 pages, 11 figures. Submitted to Physical Review Letters, November, 2025

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. Lett., 136, 251002 (2026)

Identifying Quasi-Periodic Micropulses in Pulsars with FAST Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Authors: Shidong Wang, Hui Liu, Ru-Shuang Zhao, Baoqiang Lao, Yong-Kun Zhang, Y. F. Xiao, Pei Wang, Di Li, R. W. Tian, Z. F. Tu, Q. Zhou, Z. J. Zhang, Qijun Zhi, Shijun Dang, Kun Yang

Abstract: Quasi-periodic MicroPulses (QMP) are quasi-periodic microstructural features manifested in individual pulsar radio pulses, the study of which is crucial for understanding pulsar radiation mechanisms. Manual identification of QMP in large-scale pulsar single-pulse datasets remains highly inefficient. To address this, we propose a Dual-Stage Residual Network (DSR) that achieves automated QMP detecti… ▽ More Quasi-periodic MicroPulses (QMP) are quasi-periodic microstructural features manifested in individual pulsar radio pulses, the study of which is crucial for understanding pulsar radiation mechanisms. Manual identification of QMP in large-scale pulsar single-pulse datasets remains highly inefficient. To address this, we propose a Dual-Stage Residual Network (DSR) that achieves automated QMP detection in FAST observational data through joint analysis of single-pulse profiles and their Amplitude Distribution Profiles (ADP), defined as the power spectra of the autocorrelation function derivatives of the microstructure residuals. The model was trained on PSR B1933+16 data from 2019 (10,486 single pulses) and evaluated on manually annotated PSR B1933+16 data from 2020 (9,657 single pulses). DSR achieved 96.10\% recall and 95.85\% precision on the test set. This approach provides an automated pipeline for large-scale, reproducible QMP identification and establishes the foundation for in-depth investigation of their physical mechanisms. △ Less

Submitted 22 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Energy-Dependent Shifts of Medium-Scale Anisotropies in Very-High-Energy Cosmic Rays Observed by LHAASO-KM2A

Authors: The LHAASO collabration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (292 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Small deviations from isotropy in the arrival directions of Galactic cosmic rays serve as a unique probe of the local magnetic environment. In this Letter, we report observations of medium-scale anisotropies (MSA) at energies above 10 TeV using the LHAASO-KM2A array. Our analysis identifies four regions of excess and four regions of deficit, each spanning angular scales of approximately ten degree… ▽ More Small deviations from isotropy in the arrival directions of Galactic cosmic rays serve as a unique probe of the local magnetic environment. In this Letter, we report observations of medium-scale anisotropies (MSA) at energies above 10 TeV using the LHAASO-KM2A array. Our analysis identifies four regions of excess and four regions of deficit, each spanning angular scales of approximately ten degrees. Crucially, we detect significant energy-dependent shifts in the centroids of two excess regions: Region B and the newly identified Region $\mathrm{\widetilde{D}}$. We also characterize the energy evolution of the fractional relative intensity across both excess and deficit regions. These findings imply that the observed anisotropies are shaped by the specific realization of the local turbulent magnetic field within the cosmic ray scattering length. Such energy-dependent behaviors impose strict constraints on local turbulence models and cosmic ray propagation theories. △ Less

Submitted 1 July, 2026; v1 submitted 20 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Cygnus X-3: A variable petaelectronvolt gamma-ray source

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (306 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the discovery of variable $γ$-rays up to petaelectronvolt from Cygnus X-3, an iconic X-ray binary. The $γ$-ray signal was detected with a statistical significance of approximately 10 $σ$ by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Its intrinsic spectral energy distribution (SED), extending from 0.06 to 3.7 PeV, shows a pronounced rise toward 1 PeV after accounting for abs… ▽ More We report the discovery of variable $γ$-rays up to petaelectronvolt from Cygnus X-3, an iconic X-ray binary. The $γ$-ray signal was detected with a statistical significance of approximately 10 $σ$ by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Its intrinsic spectral energy distribution (SED), extending from 0.06 to 3.7 PeV, shows a pronounced rise toward 1 PeV after accounting for absorption by the cosmic microwave background radiation. We find variability on month-long timescales at a significance of $8.6 σ$, coinciding with a high state of the GeV gamma-ray flux detected by the Fermi-LAT. This,together with a 3.2$σ$ evidence for orbital modulation, suggests that the PeV $γ$-rays originate within, or in close proximity to, the binary system itself. The observed energy spectrum and temporal modulation can be naturally explained by $γ$-ray production through photomeson processes in the innermost region of the relativistic jet, where protons need to be accelerated to tens of PeV energies. △ Less

Submitted 12 April, 2026; v1 submitted 18 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: Submitted to NSR

LHAASO Detection of Ultra-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emission toward the Giant Molecular Clouds

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (292 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The $γ$-ray from Giant molecular clouds (GMCs) is regarded as the most ideal tool to perform in-situ measurement of cosmic ray (CR) density and spectra in our Galaxy. We report the first detection of $γ$-ray emissions in the very-high-energy (VHE) domain from the five nearby GMCs with a stacking analysis based on a 4.5-year $γ$-ray observation with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (L… ▽ More The $γ$-ray from Giant molecular clouds (GMCs) is regarded as the most ideal tool to perform in-situ measurement of cosmic ray (CR) density and spectra in our Galaxy. We report the first detection of $γ$-ray emissions in the very-high-energy (VHE) domain from the five nearby GMCs with a stacking analysis based on a 4.5-year $γ$-ray observation with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) experiment. The spectral energy distributions derived from the GMCs are consistent with the expected $γ$-ray flux produced via CR interacting with the ISM in the energy interval 1 - 100 $~\rm$ TeV. In addition, we investigate the presence of the CR spectral `knee' by introducing a spectral break in the $γ$-ray data. While no significant evidence for the CR knee is found, the current KM2A measurements from GMCs strongly favor a proton CR knee located above 0.9$~\rm$ PeV, which is consistent with the latest measurement of the CR spectrum by ground-based experiments. △ Less

Submitted 5 January, 2026; v1 submitted 7 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Precise Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Spectrum above 0.1 PeV

Authors: LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (303 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report a measurement of the cosmic ray helium energy spectrum in the energy interval 0.16 -- 13~PeV, derived by subtracting the proton spectrum from the light component~(proton and helium) spectrum obtained with observations made by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory~(LHAASO) under a consistent energy scale. The helium spectrum shows a significant hardening centered at $E \simeq$ 1.… ▽ More We report a measurement of the cosmic ray helium energy spectrum in the energy interval 0.16 -- 13~PeV, derived by subtracting the proton spectrum from the light component~(proton and helium) spectrum obtained with observations made by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory~(LHAASO) under a consistent energy scale. The helium spectrum shows a significant hardening centered at $E \simeq$ 1.1~PeV, followed by a softening at $\sim$ 7 PeV, indicating the appearance of a helium `knee'. Comparing the proton and helium spectra in the LHAASO energy range reveals some remarkable facts. In the lower part of this range, in contrast to the behavior at lower energies, the helium spectrum is significantly softer than the proton spectrum. This results in protons overtaking helium nuclei and becoming the largest cosmic ray component at $E \simeq$ 0.7 PeV. A second crossing of the two spectra is observed at $E \simeq$ 5 PeV, above the proton knee, when helium nuclei overtake protons to become the largest cosmic ray component again. These results have important implications for our understanding of the Galactic cosmic ray sources. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2026; v1 submitted 7 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Evidence of cosmic-ray acceleration up to sub-PeV energies in the supernova remnant IC 443

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (291 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered as the primary contributors to cosmic rays (CRs) in our Galaxy. However, the maximum energy of particles that can be accelerated by shocks of SNRs is uncertain, and SNRs' contribution to CRs around PeV energies is unclear. In this study, we present observations of high-energy $γ$-ray emission from the SNR IC 443 using the Large High Altitude Air Showe… ▽ More Supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered as the primary contributors to cosmic rays (CRs) in our Galaxy. However, the maximum energy of particles that can be accelerated by shocks of SNRs is uncertain, and SNRs' contribution to CRs around PeV energies is unclear. In this study, we present observations of high-energy $γ$-ray emission from the SNR IC 443 using the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). The morphological analysis reveals a pointlike source whose location and spectrum are consistent with those of the Fermi-LAT-detected compact source with $π^0$-decay signature, and a more extended source that is associated with a newly discovered Fermi source. The spectrum of the point source can be described by a power-law function with an index of $\sim3.0$, extending beyond $\sim 30$ TeV without apparent cutoff. Assuming a hadronic origin of the $γ$-ray emission, the $95\%$ lower limit of accelerated protons reaches about 300 TeV. The extended source might be associated with IC 443, SNR G189.6+3.3 or the putative pulsar wind nebula CXOU J061705.3+222127, and can be explained by either a hadronic or a leptonic model with particles reaching hundreds of TeV. These LHAASO results provide compelling evidence that sub-PeV CRs can be accelerated efficiently by shocks of SNRs. △ Less

Submitted 5 March, 2026; v1 submitted 29 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Optimising Underwater Neutrino Telescopes for All-Flavour Point Source Sensitivity

Authors: Iwan Morton-Blake, Fuyudi Zhang, Qichao Chang, Shuhua Hao, Weilun Huang, Hualin Mei, Wei Tian, Yingwei Wang, Xin Xiang, Donglian Xu

Abstract: High-energy neutrino astronomy has advanced rapidly in recent years, with IceCube, KM3NeT, and Baikal-GVD establishing a diffuse astrophysical flux and pointing to promising source candidates. These achievements mark the transition from first detections to detailed source studies, motivating next-generation detectors with larger volumes, improved angular resolution, and full neutrino-flavour sensi… ▽ More High-energy neutrino astronomy has advanced rapidly in recent years, with IceCube, KM3NeT, and Baikal-GVD establishing a diffuse astrophysical flux and pointing to promising source candidates. These achievements mark the transition from first detections to detailed source studies, motivating next-generation detectors with larger volumes, improved angular resolution, and full neutrino-flavour sensitivity. We present a performance study of large underwater neutrino telescopes, taking the proposed TRIDENT array in the South China Sea as a case study, with a focus on comparing the performance of various detector configurations against the TRIDENT baseline design. Both track-like events primarily from muon neutrinos, which provide precise directional information, and cascade events from all flavours, which offer superior energy resolution, diffuse-source sensitivity, and all-sky flavour coverage, are included to achieve a balanced performance across source types. The time to discover potential astrophysical sources with both track- and cascade-like events is used as the figure of merit to compare a variety of detector design choices. Our results show that, for a fixed number of optical modules, simply enlarging the instrumented volume does not inherently lead to improved performance, while taller strings can provide modest gains across all detector channels, within engineering constraints. Distributing dense clusters of strings over a large volume is found to generally worsen discovery potential compared to the baseline layout. Finally, the optical properties of the sea-water emerge as the key factor dictating the optimisation of detector layout, highlighting the need for in-situ measurements and early deployment of optical modules to guide the final array configuration. △ Less

Submitted 28 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 16 pages, 7 figures

First detection of ultra-high energy emission from gamma-ray binary LS I +61 303

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (302 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first detection of gamma-ray emission up to ultra-high-energy (UHE; $>$100 TeV) emission from the prototypical gamma-ray binary system LS I +61 303 using data from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). It is detected with significances of 9.2$σ$ in WCDA (1.4--30.5 TeV) and 6.2$σ$ in KM2A (25--267 TeV); in KM2A alone we identify 16 photon-like events above 100 TeV a… ▽ More We report the first detection of gamma-ray emission up to ultra-high-energy (UHE; $>$100 TeV) emission from the prototypical gamma-ray binary system LS I +61 303 using data from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). It is detected with significances of 9.2$σ$ in WCDA (1.4--30.5 TeV) and 6.2$σ$ in KM2A (25--267 TeV); in KM2A alone we identify 16 photon-like events above 100 TeV against an estimated 5.1 background events, corresponding to a 3.8$σ$ detection. These results provide compelling evidence of extreme particle acceleration in LS I +61 303. Furthermore, we observe orbital modulation at 3.9$σ$ confidence level, between 25 and 100 TeV, with a hint that the orbital modulation is energy-dependent. These features can be understood in a composite scenario in which leptonic and hadronic processes jointly contribute. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2026; v1 submitted 27 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 14 pages, 7 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in PRL

Energy calibration of LHAASO-KM2A using the cosmic ray Moon shadow

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (305 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present a precise measurement of the westward, rigidity-dependent shift of the Moon's shadow using three and a half years of cosmic-ray data collected by the Kilometer Square Array (KM2A) of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). These measurements enable us to calibrate the detector energy response in the range 20-260 TeV, with results showing excellent agreement with the res… ▽ More We present a precise measurement of the westward, rigidity-dependent shift of the Moon's shadow using three and a half years of cosmic-ray data collected by the Kilometer Square Array (KM2A) of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). These measurements enable us to calibrate the detector energy response in the range 20-260 TeV, with results showing excellent agreement with the response derived from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of the KM2A detector. We also measure a best-fit parameter $ε= 0.015 \pm 0.08$, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval of [-14%, +17%] for the energy-scale estimation. This result establishes the exceptional accuracy of the KM2A-MC in simulating the detector's response within this energy range. △ Less

Submitted 7 January, 2026; v1 submitted 14 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 13 figures, 2 tables

Journal ref: Physical Review D 112, 123051 (2025)

A Giant Peanut-shaped Ultra-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Emitter Off the Galactic Plane

Authors: Zhen Cao, Felix Aharonian, Yunxiang Bai, Yiwei Bao, Denis Bastieri, Xiaojun Bi, YuJiang Bi, Mr Bian WenYi, A. Butkevich, Chengmiao Cai, Wenyu Cao, Zhe Cao, Jin Chang, Jinfan Chang, Mr Aming Chen, Ensheng Chen, Mr Guo-Hai Chen, Mr Huaxi Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, Mingjun Chen, Mali Chen, Qihui Chen, Shi Chen, Suhong Chen , et al. (291 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Ultra-high-energy (UHE), exceeding 100 TeV (10^12 electronvolts), γ-rays manifests extreme particle acceleration in astrophysical sources. Recent observations by γ-ray telescopes, particularly by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), have revealed a few tens of UHE sources, indicating numerous Galactic sources capable of accelerating particles to PeV (10^15 electronvolts) energi… ▽ More Ultra-high-energy (UHE), exceeding 100 TeV (10^12 electronvolts), γ-rays manifests extreme particle acceleration in astrophysical sources. Recent observations by γ-ray telescopes, particularly by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), have revealed a few tens of UHE sources, indicating numerous Galactic sources capable of accelerating particles to PeV (10^15 electronvolts) energies. However, discerning the dominant acceleration mechanisms (leptonic versus hadronic), the relative contributions of specific source classes, and the role of particle transport in shaping their observed emission are central goals of modern UHE astrophysics. Here we report the discovery of a giant UHE γ-ray emitter at -17.5° off the Galactic plane - a region where UHE γ-ray sources are rarely found. The emitter exhibits a distinctive asymmetric shape, resembling a giant "Peanut" spanning 0.45° \times 4.6°, indicative of anisotropic particle distribution over a large area. A highly aged millisecond pulsar (MSP) J0218+4232 is the sole candidate accelerator positionally coincident with the Peanut region. Its association with UHE γ-rays extending to 0.7 PeV, if confirmed, would provide the first evidence of a millisecond pulsar powering PeV particles. Such a finding challenges prevailing models, which posit that millisecond pulsars cannot sustain acceleration to PeV energies. The detection reveals fundamental gaps in understanding particle acceleration, cosmic-ray transport, and interstellar magnetic field effects, potentially revealing new PeV accelerator (PeVatron) classes. △ Less

Submitted 25 October, 2025; v1 submitted 8 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Prospects for dark matter observations in dwarf spheroidal galaxies with the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory

Authors: K. Abe, S. Abe, J. Abhir, A. Abhishek, F. Acero, A. Acharyya, R. Adam, A. Aguasca-Cabot, I. Agudo, A. Aguirre-Santaella, J. Alfaro, R. Alfaro, C. Alispach, R. Alves Batista, J. -P. Amans, E. Amato, G. Ambrosi, D. Ambrosino, F. Ambrosino, L. Angel, L. A. Antonelli, C. Aramo, C. Arcaro, K. Asano, Y. Ascasibar , et al. (469 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) orbiting the Milky Way are widely regarded as systems supported by velocity dispersion against self-gravity, and as prime targets for the search for indirect dark matter (DM) signatures in the GeV-to-TeV $γ$-ray range owing to their lack of astrophysical $γ$-ray background. We present forecasts of the sensitivity of the forthcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Ob… ▽ More The dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) orbiting the Milky Way are widely regarded as systems supported by velocity dispersion against self-gravity, and as prime targets for the search for indirect dark matter (DM) signatures in the GeV-to-TeV $γ$-ray range owing to their lack of astrophysical $γ$-ray background. We present forecasts of the sensitivity of the forthcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO) to annihilating or decaying DM signals in these targets. An original selection of candidates is performed from the current catalogue of known objects, including both classical and ultra-faint dSphs. For each, the expected DM content is derived using the most comprehensive photometric and spectroscopic data available, within a consistent framework of analysis. This approach enables the derivation of novel astrophysical factor profiles for indirect DM searches, which are compared with results from the literature. From an initial sample of 64 dSphs, eight promising targets are identified -- Draco I, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major II, Ursa Minor and Willman 1 in the North, Reticulum II, Sculptor and Sagittarius II in the South -- for which different DM density models yield consistent expectations, leading to robust predictions. CTAO is expected to provide the strongest limits above $\sim$10 TeV, reaching velocity-averaged annihilation cross sections of $\sim$5$\times$10$^{-25}$ cm$^3$ s$^{-1}$ and decay lifetimes up to $\sim$10$^{26}$ s for combined limits. The dominant uncertainties arise from the imprecise determination of the DM content, particularly for ultra-faint dSphs. Observation strategies are proposed that optimise either deep exposures of the best candidates or diversified target selections. △ Less

Submitted 13 October, 2025; v1 submitted 26 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 40 pages, 19 figures, 10 tables, accepted for publication on MNRAS

Journal ref: Mon Not R Astron Soc (2025) 2946-2986

All-sky search for individual Primordial Black Hole bursts with LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (293 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Primordial Black Holes~(PBHs) are hypothetical black holes with a wide range of masses that formed in the early universe. As a result, they may play an important cosmological role and provide a unique probe of the early universe. A PBH with an initial mass of approximately $10^{15}$~g is expected to explode today in a final burst of Hawking radiation. In this work, we conduct an all-sky search for… ▽ More Primordial Black Holes~(PBHs) are hypothetical black holes with a wide range of masses that formed in the early universe. As a result, they may play an important cosmological role and provide a unique probe of the early universe. A PBH with an initial mass of approximately $10^{15}$~g is expected to explode today in a final burst of Hawking radiation. In this work, we conduct an all-sky search for individual PBH burst events using the data collected from March 2021 to July 2024 by the Water Cherenkov Detector Array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Three PBH burst durations, 10~s, 20~s, and 100~s, are searched, with no significant PBH bursts observed. The upper limit on the local PBH burst rate density is set to be as low as 181~pc$^{-3}$~yr$^{-1}$ at 99$\%$ confidence level, representing the most stringent limit achieved to date. △ Less

Submitted 2 November, 2025; v1 submitted 30 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 2 figures

Precise measurements of the cosmic ray proton energy spectrum in the "knee'' region

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (292 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the high-purity identification of cosmic-ray (CR) protons and a precise measurement of their energy spectrum from 0.15 to 12 PeV using the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Abundant event statistics, combined with the simultaneous detection of electrons/photons, muons, and Cherenkov light in air showers, enable spectroscopic measurements with statistical and systematic… ▽ More We report the high-purity identification of cosmic-ray (CR) protons and a precise measurement of their energy spectrum from 0.15 to 12 PeV using the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Abundant event statistics, combined with the simultaneous detection of electrons/photons, muons, and Cherenkov light in air showers, enable spectroscopic measurements with statistical and systematic precision comparable to satellite data at lower energies. The proton spectrum shows significant hardening relative to low-energy extrapolations, culminating at 3 PeV, followed by sharp softening. This distinct spectral structure closely aligned with the knee in the all-particle spectrum points to the emergence of a new CR component at PeV energies that might be linked to the dozens of PeVatrons recently discovered by LHAASO, and offers crucial clues to the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. △ Less

Submitted 24 December, 2025; v1 submitted 20 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Journal ref: Science Bulletin 70(2025)4173-4180

Study of Ultra-High-Energy Gamma-Ray Source 1LHAASO J0056+6346u and Its Possible Origins

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (304 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report a dedicated study of the newly discovered extended UHE $γ$-ray source 1LHAASO J0056+6346u. Analyzing 979 days of LHAASO-WCDA data and 1389 days of LHAASO-KM2A data, we observed a significant excess of $γ$-ray events with both WCDA and KM2A. Assuming a point power-law source with a fixed spectral index, the significance maps reveal excesses of ${\sim}12.65\,σ$, ${\sim}22.18\,σ$, and… ▽ More We report a dedicated study of the newly discovered extended UHE $γ$-ray source 1LHAASO J0056+6346u. Analyzing 979 days of LHAASO-WCDA data and 1389 days of LHAASO-KM2A data, we observed a significant excess of $γ$-ray events with both WCDA and KM2A. Assuming a point power-law source with a fixed spectral index, the significance maps reveal excesses of ${\sim}12.65\,σ$, ${\sim}22.18\,σ$, and ${\sim}10.24\,σ$ in the energy ranges of 1--25 TeV, 25--100 TeV, and $> 100$ TeV, respectively. We use a 3D likelihood algorithm to derive the morphological and spectral parameters, and the source is detected with significances of $12.65\,σ$ by WCDA and $25.27\,σ$ by KM2A. The best-fit positions derived from WCDA and KM2A data are (R.A. = $13.96^\circ\pm0.09^\circ$, Decl. = $63.92^\circ\pm0.05^\circ$) and (R.A. = $14.00^\circ\pm0.05^\circ$, Decl. = $63.79^\circ\pm0.02^\circ$), respectively. The angular size ($r_{39}$) of 1LHAASO J0056+6346u is $0.34^\circ\pm0.04^\circ$ at 1--25 TeV and $0.24^\circ\pm0.02^\circ$ at $> 25$ TeV. The differential flux of this UHE $γ$-ray source can be described by an exponential cutoff power-law function: $(2.67\pm0.25) \times 10^{-15} (E/20\,\text{TeV})^{-1.97\pm0.10} e^{-E/(55.1\pm7.2)\,\text{TeV}} \,\text{TeV}^{-1}\,\text{cm}^{-2}\,\text{s}^{-1}$. To explore potential sources of $γ$-ray emission, we investigated the gas distribution around 1LHAASO J0056+6346u. 1LHAASO J0056+6346u is likely to be a TeV PWN powered by an unknown pulsar, which would naturally explain both its spatial and spectral properties. Another explanation is that this UHE $γ$-ray source might be associated with gas content illuminated by a nearby CR accelerator, possibly the SNR candidate G124.0+1.4. △ Less

Submitted 30 December, 2025; v1 submitted 1 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 16 pages, 8 figures, Accepted for publication in SCPMA

Journal ref: Sci. China-Phys. Mech. Astron. 68, 279505 (2025)

Constraining the Cosmic-ray Energy Based on Observations of Nearby Galaxy Clusters by LHAASO

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (305 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Galaxy clusters act as reservoirs of high-energy cosmic rays (CRs). As CRs propagate through the intracluster medium, they generate diffuse $γ$-rays detectable by arrays such as LHAASO. These $γ$-rays result from proton-proton ($pp$) collisions of very high-energy cosmic rays (VHECRs) or inverse Compton (IC) scattering of positron-electron pairs created by $pγ$ interactions of ultra-high-energy co… ▽ More Galaxy clusters act as reservoirs of high-energy cosmic rays (CRs). As CRs propagate through the intracluster medium, they generate diffuse $γ$-rays detectable by arrays such as LHAASO. These $γ$-rays result from proton-proton ($pp$) collisions of very high-energy cosmic rays (VHECRs) or inverse Compton (IC) scattering of positron-electron pairs created by $pγ$ interactions of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs). We analyzed diffuse $γ$-ray emission from the Coma, Perseus, and Virgo clusters using LHAASO data. Diffuse emission was modeled as a disk of radius $R_{500}$ for each cluster while accounting for point sources. No significant diffuse emission was detected, yielding 95\% confidence level (C.L.) upper limits on the $γ$-ray flux: for WCDA (1-25~TeV) and KM2A ($>25$~TeV), less than $(49.4, 13.7, 54.0)$ and $(1.34, 1.14, 0.40) \times 10^{-14}$~ph~cm$^{-2}$~s$^{-1}$ for Coma, Perseus, and Virgo, respectively. The $γ$-ray upper limits can be used to derive model-independent constraints on the integral energy of CRp above 10~TeV (corresponding to the LHAASO observational range $>1$~TeV under the $pp$ scenario) to be less than $(1.96, 0.59, 0.08) \times 10^{61}$~erg. The absence of detectable annuli/ring-like structures, indicative of cluster accretion or merging shocks, imposes further constraints on models in which the UHECRs are accelerated in the merging shocks of galaxy clusters. △ Less

Submitted 5 January, 2026; v1 submitted 23 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Ultra-high-energy $γ$-ray emission associated with the tail of a bow-shock pulsar wind nebula

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (274 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of an unidentified point-like ultra-high-energy (UHE) $γ$-ray source, designated as 1LHAASO J1740+0948u, situated in the vicinity of the middle-aged pulsar PSR J1740+1000. The detection significance reached 17.1$σ$ (9.4$σ$) above 25$\,$TeV (100$\,$TeV). The source energy spectrum extended up to 300$\,$TeV, which was well fitted by a log-parabola f… ▽ More In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of an unidentified point-like ultra-high-energy (UHE) $γ$-ray source, designated as 1LHAASO J1740+0948u, situated in the vicinity of the middle-aged pulsar PSR J1740+1000. The detection significance reached 17.1$σ$ (9.4$σ$) above 25$\,$TeV (100$\,$TeV). The source energy spectrum extended up to 300$\,$TeV, which was well fitted by a log-parabola function with $N0 = (1.93\pm0.23) \times 10^{-16} \rm{TeV^{-1}\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-2}}$, $α= 2.14\pm0.27$, and $β= 1.20\pm0.41$ at E0 = 30$\,$TeV. The associated pulsar, PSR J1740+1000, resides at a high galactic latitude and powers a bow-shock pulsar wind nebula (BSPWN) with an extended X-ray tail. The best-fit position of the gamma-ray source appeared to be shifted by $0.2^{\circ}$ with respect to the pulsar position. As the (i) currently identified pulsar halos do not demonstrate such offsets, and (ii) centroid of the gamma-ray emission is approximately located at the extension of the X-ray tail, we speculate that the UHE $γ$-ray emission may originate from re-accelerated electron/positron pairs that are advected away in the bow-shock tail. △ Less

Submitted 24 February, 2025; v1 submitted 21 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: Corrected spelling errors in several author names

Journal ref: The Innovation (2025), 100802

Single-Pulse Morphology of PSR J1935+1616 (B1933+16) Based on archival data from FAST

Authors: R. W. Tian, R. S. Zhao, Marilyn Cruces, H. Liu, D. Li, P. Wang, C. H. Niu, Biping Gong, C. C. Miao, X. Zhu, H. W. Xu, W. L. Li, S. D. Wang, Z. F. Tu, Q. J. Zhi, S. J. Dang, L. H. Shang, S. Xiao

Abstract: We utilized archived data from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) to analyze the single-pulse profile morphology of PSR J1935$+$1616 (B1933$+$16). The results show that PSR J1935$+$1616 exhibits significant micropulses as well as various changes in single-pulse profile morphology. In the FAST archived data, a total of 969 single pulses with microstructure were identif… ▽ More We utilized archived data from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) to analyze the single-pulse profile morphology of PSR J1935$+$1616 (B1933$+$16). The results show that PSR J1935$+$1616 exhibits significant micropulses as well as various changes in single-pulse profile morphology. In the FAST archived data, a total of 969 single pulses with microstructure were identified, accounting for 9.69$\%$ of the total pulse sample, with characteristic widths of $127.63^{+70.74}_{-46.25}$ $μ$s. About half of these pulses display quasiperiodic micropulses, with a periodicity of 231.77 $\pm$ 9.90 $μ$s. Among the 520 single pulses with quasiperiodic microstructure, 208 also exhibit quasiperiodicity in circular polarization, with a characteristic period of $244.70^{+45.66}_{-21.05}$ $μ$s. The micropulse characteristic width in circular polarization is 106.52 $\pm$ 46.14 $μ$s. Compared to normal pulses, the relative energy (E/<E>) of single pulse with microstructure follows a double Gaussian distribution, while that of normal pulses follows a single Gaussian distribution. Based on the intensity of the leading and trailing components in the single-pulse profile morphology of PSR J1935+1616, we classified the pulses into four morphological modes (A, B, C, and D). The relative energy distribution of pulses in mode A is significantly different from the others, following a double Gaussian distribution, while the relative energy distributions in modes B, C, and D follow a single Gaussian distribution. Our study also suggests a possible correlation between micropulses and single-pulse profile morphology. Single pulse with micropulses are most likely to occur in mode A, while their occurrence is least likely in mode D. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Broadband $γ$-ray spectrum of supernova remnant Cassiopeia A

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (293 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The core-collapse supernova remnant (SNR) Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is one of the brightest galactic radio sources with an angular radius of $\sim$ 2.5 $\arcmin$. Although no extension of this source has been detected in the $γ$-ray band, using more than 1000 days of LHAASO data above $\sim 0.8$ TeV, we find that its spectrum is significantly softer than those obtained with Imaging Air Cherenkov Telesc… ▽ More The core-collapse supernova remnant (SNR) Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is one of the brightest galactic radio sources with an angular radius of $\sim$ 2.5 $\arcmin$. Although no extension of this source has been detected in the $γ$-ray band, using more than 1000 days of LHAASO data above $\sim 0.8$ TeV, we find that its spectrum is significantly softer than those obtained with Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) and its flux near $\sim 1$ TeV is about two times higher. In combination with analyses of more than 16 years of \textit{Fermi}-LAT data covering $0.1 \, \mathrm{GeV} - 1 \, \mathrm{TeV}$, we find that the spectrum above 30 GeV deviates significantly from a single power-law, and is best described by a smoothly broken power-law with a spectral index of $1.90 \pm 0.15_\mathrm{stat}$ ($3.41 \pm 0.19_\mathrm{stat}$) below (above) a break energy of $0.63 \pm 0.21_\mathrm{stat} \, \mathrm{TeV}$. Given differences in the angular resolution of LHAASO-WCDA and IACTs, TeV $γ$-ray emission detected with LHAASO may have a significant contribution from regions surrounding the SNR illuminated by particles accelerated earlier, which, however, are treated as background by IACTs. Detailed modelling can be used to constrain acceleration processes of TeV particles in the early stage of SNR evolution. △ Less

Submitted 7 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

An Enigmatic PeVatron in an Area around HII Region G35.6$-$0.5

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, B. Q. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (275 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Identifying Galactic PeVatrons (PeV particle accelerators) from the ultra-high-energy (UHE, >100 TeV) $γ$-ray sources plays a crucial role in revealing the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. The UHE source 1LHAASO J1857+0203u is suggested to be associated with HESS J1858+020, which may be attributed to the possible PeVatron candidate supernova remnant (SNR) G35.6$-$0.4 or HII region G35.6$-$0.5. We p… ▽ More Identifying Galactic PeVatrons (PeV particle accelerators) from the ultra-high-energy (UHE, >100 TeV) $γ$-ray sources plays a crucial role in revealing the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. The UHE source 1LHAASO J1857+0203u is suggested to be associated with HESS J1858+020, which may be attributed to the possible PeVatron candidate supernova remnant (SNR) G35.6$-$0.4 or HII region G35.6$-$0.5. We perform detailed analysis on the very-high-energy and UHE $γ$-ray emissions towards this region with data from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). 1LHAASO J1857+0203u is detected with a significance of 11.6$σ$ above 100 TeV, indicating the presence of a PeVatron. It has an extension of $\sim 0.18^\circ$ with a power-law (PL) spectral index of $\sim$2.5 in 1-25 TeV and a point-like emission with a PL spectral index of $\sim$3.2 above 25 TeV. Using the archival CO and HI data, we identify some molecular and atomic clouds that may be associated with the TeV $γ$-ray emissions. Our modelling indicates that the TeV $γ$-ray emissions are unlikely to arise from the clouds illuminated by the protons that escaped from SNR G35.6$-$0.4. In the scenario that HII region G35.6$-$0.5 could accelerate particles to the UHE band, the observed GeV-TeV $γ$-ray emission could be well explained by a hadronic model with a PL spectral index of $\sim$2.0 and cutoff energy of $\sim$450 TeV. However, an evolved pulsar wind nebula origin cannot be ruled out. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2026; v1 submitted 30 November, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 20 pages, 10 figures, 7 tables, accepted for publication in ApJ

Measurement of Very-high-energy Diffuse Gamma-ray Emissions from the Galactic Plane with LHAASO-WCDA

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (294 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The diffuse Galactic gamma-ray emission is a very important tool used to study the propagation and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this work, we report the measurements of the diffuse emission from the Galactic plane, covering Galactic longitudes from $15^{\circ}$ to $235^{\circ}$ and latitudes from $-5^{\circ}$ to $+5^{\circ}$, in an energy range of 1 TeV to 25 TeV, with the Water… ▽ More The diffuse Galactic gamma-ray emission is a very important tool used to study the propagation and interaction of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. In this work, we report the measurements of the diffuse emission from the Galactic plane, covering Galactic longitudes from $15^{\circ}$ to $235^{\circ}$ and latitudes from $-5^{\circ}$ to $+5^{\circ}$, in an energy range of 1 TeV to 25 TeV, with the Water Cherenkov Detector Array (WCDA) of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). After masking the sky regions of known sources, the diffuse emission is detected with $24.6σ$ and $9.1σ$ significance in the inner Galactic plane and outer Galactic plane, respectively. The WCDA spectra in both regions can be well described by a power-law function, with spectral indices of $-2.67\pm0.05_{\rm stat}$ in the inner region and $-2.83\pm0.19_{\rm stat}$ in the outer region, respectively. Combined with the Square Kilometer Array (KM2A) measurements at higher energies, a clear softening of the spectrum is found in the inner region, with change of spectral indices by $\sim0.5$ at a break energy around $30$ TeV. The fluxes of the diffuse emission are higher by a factor of $1.5-2.7$ than the model prediction assuming local CR spectra and the gas column density, which are consistent with those measured by the KM2A. Along Galactic longitude, the spatial distribution of the diffuse emission shows deviation from that of the gas column density. The spectral shape of the diffuse emission are possibly variation in different longitude region. The WCDA measurements bridge the gap between the low-energy measurements by space detectors and the ultra-high-energy observations by LHAASO-KM2A and other experiments. These results suggest that improved modeling of the wide-band diffuse emission is required. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2026; v1 submitted 24 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters 134, 081002 (2025)

Detection of two TeV gamma-ray outbursts from NGC 1275 by LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen, T. L. Chen , et al. (254 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Water Cherenkov Detector Array (WCDA) is one of the components of Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) and can monitor any sources over two-thirds of the sky for up to 7 hours per day with >98\% duty cycle. In this work, we report the detection of two outbursts of the Fanaroff-Riley I radio galaxy NGC 1275 that were detected by LHAASO-WCDA between November 2022 and January 2023… ▽ More The Water Cherenkov Detector Array (WCDA) is one of the components of Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) and can monitor any sources over two-thirds of the sky for up to 7 hours per day with >98\% duty cycle. In this work, we report the detection of two outbursts of the Fanaroff-Riley I radio galaxy NGC 1275 that were detected by LHAASO-WCDA between November 2022 and January 2023 with statistical significance of 5.2~$σ$ and 8.3~$σ$. The observed spectral energy distribution in the range from 500 GeV to 3 TeV is fitted by a power-law with a best-fit spectral index of $α=-3.37\pm0.52$ and $-3.35\pm0.29$, respectively. The outburst flux above 0.5~TeV was ($4.55\pm 4.21)\times~10^{-11}~\rm cm^{-2}~s^{-1}$ and ($3.45\pm 1.78)\times~10^{-11}~\rm cm^{-2}~s^{-1}$, corresponding to 60\%, 45\% of Crab Nebula flux. Variation analysis reveals the variability time-scale of days at the TeV energy band. A simple test by one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model reproduces the data in the gamma-ray band well. △ Less

Submitted 18 April, 2025; v1 submitted 2 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures, 3 tables

Enhanced $S$-factor for the $^{14}$N$(p,γ)^{15}$O reaction and its impact on the solar composition problem

Authors: X. Chen, J. Su, Y. P. Shen, L. Y. Zhang, J. J. He, S. Z. Chen, S. Wang, Z. L. Shen, S. Lin, L. Y. Song, H. Zhang, L. H. Wang, X. Z. Jiang, L. Wang, Y. T. Huang, Z. W. Qin, F. C. Liu, Y. D. Sheng, Y. J. Chen, Y. L. Lu, X. Y. Li, J. Y. Dong, Y. C. Jiang, Y. Q. Zhang, Y. Zhang , et al. (23 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The solar composition problem has puzzled astrophysicists for more than 20 years. Recent measurements of carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) neutrinos by the Borexino experiment show a $\sim2σ$ tension with the "low-metallicity" determinations. $^{14}$N$(p,γ)^{15}$O, the slowest reaction in the CNO cycle, plays a crucial role in the standard solar model (SSM) calculations of CNO neutrino fluxes. Here we… ▽ More The solar composition problem has puzzled astrophysicists for more than 20 years. Recent measurements of carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) neutrinos by the Borexino experiment show a $\sim2σ$ tension with the "low-metallicity" determinations. $^{14}$N$(p,γ)^{15}$O, the slowest reaction in the CNO cycle, plays a crucial role in the standard solar model (SSM) calculations of CNO neutrino fluxes. Here we report a direct measurement of the $^{14}$N$(p,γ)^{15}$O reaction, in which $S$-factors for all transitions were simultaneously determined in the energy range of $E_p=110-260$ keV for the first time. Our results resolve previous discrepancies in the ground-state transition, yielding a zero-energy $S$-factor $S_{114}(0) = 1.92\pm0.08$ keV b which is 14% higher than the $1.68\pm0.14$ keV b recommended in Solar Fusion III (SF-III). With our $S_{114}$ values, the SSM B23-GS98, and the latest global analysis of solar neutrino measurements, the C and N photospheric abundance determined by the Borexino experiment is updated to $N_{\mathrm{CN}}=({4.45}^{+0.69}_{-0.61})\times10^{-4}$. This new $N_{\mathrm{CN}}$ value agrees well with latest "high-metallicity" composition, however, is also consistent with the "low-metallicity" determination within $\sim 1σ$ C.L., indicating that the solar metallicity problem remains an open question. In addition, the significant reduction in the uncertainty of $S_{114}$ paves the way for the precise determination of the CN abundance in future large-volume solar neutrino measurements. △ Less

Submitted 21 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Detection of very high-energy gamma-ray emission from the radio galaxy M87 with LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (273 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The nearby radio galaxy M87 is a very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emitter established by observations with ground-based gamma-ray detectors. Here we report the long-term monitoring of M87 from 2021 to 2024 with Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). M87 has been detected by LHAASO with a statistical significance $\sim 9σ$. The observed energy spectrum extends to 20 TeV, with a possib… ▽ More The nearby radio galaxy M87 is a very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emitter established by observations with ground-based gamma-ray detectors. Here we report the long-term monitoring of M87 from 2021 to 2024 with Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). M87 has been detected by LHAASO with a statistical significance $\sim 9σ$. The observed energy spectrum extends to 20 TeV, with a possible hardening at $\sim 20$ TeV and then a clear softening at higher energies. Assuming that the intrinsic spectrum is described by a single power law up to 20 TeV, a tight upper bound on the extragalactic background light (EBL) intensity is obtained. A strong VHE flare lasting eight days, with the rise time of $τ_{r}^{\rm rise} = 1.05\pm0.49$~days and decay time of $τ_{d}^{\rm decay} = 2.17\pm0.58$~days, was found in early 2022. A possible GeV flare is seen also in the Fermi-LAT data during the VHE flare period. The variability time as short as one day seen in the LHAASO data suggests a compact emission region with a size of $\sim 3\times 10^{15}δ\, {\rm cm}$ ($δ$ being the Doppler factor of the emitting region), corresponding to a few Schwarzschild radii of the central supermassive black hole in M87. The continuous monitoring of the source reveals a duty cycle of $\sim 1\%$ for VHE flares with a flux above $ 10^{-11}{\rm~erg~cm^{-2}~s^{-1}}$. △ Less

Submitted 26 December, 2025; v1 submitted 20 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: Update the list of authors

Measurement of attenuation length of the muon content in extensive air showers from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen , et al. (305 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The attenuation length of the muon content in extensive air showers provides important information regarding the generation and development of air showers. This information can be used not only to improve the description of such showers but also to test fundamental models of hadronic interactions. Using data from the LHAASO-KM2A experiment, the development of the muon content in high-energy air sh… ▽ More The attenuation length of the muon content in extensive air showers provides important information regarding the generation and development of air showers. This information can be used not only to improve the description of such showers but also to test fundamental models of hadronic interactions. Using data from the LHAASO-KM2A experiment, the development of the muon content in high-energy air showers was studied. The attenuation length of muon content in the air showers was measured from experimental data in the energy range from 0.3 to 30 PeV using the constant intensity cut method. By comparing the attenuation length of the muon content with predictions from high-energy hadronic interaction models (QGSJET-II-04, SIBYLL 2.3d, and EPOS-LHC), it is evident that LHAASO results are significantly shorter than those predicted by the first two models (QGSJET-II-04 and SIBYLL 2.3d) but relatively close to those predicted by the third model (EPOS-LHC). Thus, the LHAASO data favor the EPOS-LHC model over the other two models. The three interaction models confirmed an increasing trend in the attenuation length as the cosmic-ray energy increases. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2026; v1 submitted 16 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. D 110, 103017 (2024)

Ultrahigh-Energy Gamma-ray Emission Associated with Black Hole-Jet Systems

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, Felix Aharonian, Yun-Xiang Bai, Yi-Wei Bao, Denis Bastieri, Xiao-Jun Bi, Yu-Jiang Bi, Wen-Yi Bian, Anatoly V Bukevich, Chengmiao Cai, Wen-Yu Cao, Zhe Cao, Jin Chang, Jin-Fan Chang, Aming Chen, En-Sheng Chen, Guohai Chen, Hua-Xi Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, Ming-Jun Chen, Ma-Li Chen, Qi-Hui Chen, Shi Chen , et al. (293 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Black holes (BH), one of the most intriguing objects in the universe, can manifest themselves through electromagnetic radiation initiated by the accretion flow. Some stellar-mass BHs drive relativistic jets when accreting matter from their companion stars, forming microquasars. Non-thermal emission from the radio to tera-electronvolt (TeV) gamma-ray band has been observed from microquasars, indica… ▽ More Black holes (BH), one of the most intriguing objects in the universe, can manifest themselves through electromagnetic radiation initiated by the accretion flow. Some stellar-mass BHs drive relativistic jets when accreting matter from their companion stars, forming microquasars. Non-thermal emission from the radio to tera-electronvolt (TeV) gamma-ray band has been observed from microquasars, indicating the acceleration of relativistic particles. Here we report detection of four microquasars (SS 433, V4641 Sgr, GRS 1915+105, MAXI J1820+070) of spectrum extending to the ultrahigh-energy (UHE; photon energy $E>100$ TeV) band and one microquasar (Cygnus X-1) of spectrum approaching 100 TeV, using the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). Notably, the total emission associated with SS 433 cannot be interpreted with a single leptonic component. In the UHE band, its emission is in spatial coincidence with a giant atomic cloud, which is consistent with a hadronic origin. An elongated source is discovered from V4641 Sgr with the spectrum continuing up to 800 TeV. The detection of UHE gamma rays demonstrates that accreting BHs and their environments can operate as extremely efficient accelerators of particles out of 1 peta-electronvolt (PeV), suggesting microquasars to be important contributors to Galactic cosmic rays especially around the `knee' region. △ Less

Submitted 30 December, 2025; v1 submitted 11 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 47 pages, 27 figures, 9 tables; Published in National Science Review

Journal ref: National Science Review, Volume 12, Issue 12, December 2025, nwaf496

LHAASO detection of very-high-energy gamma-ray emission surrounding PSR J0248+6021

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (255 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the detection of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source coincident with the location of middle-aged (62.4~\rm kyr) pulsar PSR J0248+6021, by using the LHAASO-WCDA data of live 796 days and LHAASO-KM2A data of live 1216 days. A significant excess of \gray induced showers is observed both by WCDA in energy bands of 1-25~\rm TeV and KM2A in energy bands of $>$ 25~\rm TeV with 7… ▽ More We report the detection of an extended very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray source coincident with the location of middle-aged (62.4~\rm kyr) pulsar PSR J0248+6021, by using the LHAASO-WCDA data of live 796 days and LHAASO-KM2A data of live 1216 days. A significant excess of \gray induced showers is observed both by WCDA in energy bands of 1-25~\rm TeV and KM2A in energy bands of $>$ 25~\rm TeV with 7.3 $σ$ and 13.5 $σ$, respectively. The best-fit position derived through WCDA data is R.A. = 42.06$^\circ \pm$ 0.12$^\circ$ and Dec. = 60.24$^\circ \pm $ 0.13$^\circ$ with an extension of 0.69$^\circ\pm$0.15$^\circ$ and that of the KM2A data is R.A.= 42.29$^\circ \pm $ 0.13$^\circ$ and Dec. = 60.38$^\circ \pm$ 0.07$^\circ$ with an extension of 0.37$^\circ\pm$0.07$^\circ$. No clear extended multiwavelength counterpart of this LHAASO source has been found from the radio band to the GeV band. The most plausible explanation of the VHE \gray emission is the inverse Compton process of highly relativistic electrons and positrons injected by the pulsar. These electrons/positrons are hypothesized to be either confined within the pulsar wind nebula or to have already escaped into the interstellar medium, forming a pulsar halo. △ Less

Submitted 3 December, 2024; v1 submitted 6 October, 2024; originally announced October 2024.

Comments: 12 pages, 10 figures, Accepted by Sci. China-Phys. Mech. Astron

Deep view of Composite SNR CTA1 with LHAASO in $γ$-rays up to 300 TeV

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (305 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The ultra-high-energy (UHE) gamma-ray source 1LHAASO J0007+7303u is positionally associated with the composite SNR CTA1 that is located at high Galactic Latitude $b\approx 10.5^\circ$. This provides a rare opportunity to spatially resolve the component of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) and supernova remnant (SNR) at UHE. This paper conducted a dedicated data analysis of 1LHAASO J0007+7303u using the… ▽ More The ultra-high-energy (UHE) gamma-ray source 1LHAASO J0007+7303u is positionally associated with the composite SNR CTA1 that is located at high Galactic Latitude $b\approx 10.5^\circ$. This provides a rare opportunity to spatially resolve the component of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) and supernova remnant (SNR) at UHE. This paper conducted a dedicated data analysis of 1LHAASO J0007+7303u using the data collected from December 2019 to July 2023. This source is well detected with significances of 21$σ$ and 17$σ$ at 8$-$100 TeV and $>$100 TeV, respectively. The corresponding extensions are determined to be 0.23$^{\circ}\pm$0.03$^{\circ}$ and 0.17$^{\circ}\pm$0.03$^{\circ}$. The emission is proposed to originate from the relativistic electrons and positrons accelerated within the PWN of PSR J0007+7303. The energy spectrum is well described by a power-law with an exponential cutoff function $dN/dE = (42.4\pm4.1)(\frac{E}{20\rm\ TeV})^{-2.31\pm0.11}\exp(-\frac{E}{110\pm25\rm\ TeV})$ $\rm\ TeV^{-1}\ cm^{-2}\ s^{-1}$in the energy range from 8 TeV to 300 TeV, implying a steady-state parent electron spectrum $dN_e/dE_e\propto (\frac{E_e}{100\rm\ TeV})^{-3.13\pm0.16}\exp[(\frac{-E_e}{373\pm70\rm\ TeV})^2]$ at energies above $\approx 50 \rm\ TeV$. The cutoff energy of the electron spectrum is roughly equal to the expected current maximum energy of particles accelerated at the PWN terminal shock. Combining the X-ray and gamma-ray emission, the current space-averaged magnetic field can be limited to $\approx 4.5\rm\ μG$. To satisfy the multi-wavelength spectrum and the $γ$-ray extensions, the transport of relativistic particles within the PWN is likely dominated by the advection process under the free-expansion phase assumption. △ Less

Submitted 6 January, 2026; v1 submitted 14 September, 2024; originally announced September 2024.

Comments: update the author list

Observation of the $γ$-ray Emission from W43 with LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, J. Blunier, A. V. Bukevich, C. M. Cai, Y. Y. Cai, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, E. S. Chen, G. H. Chen, H. K. Chen, L. F. Chen, Liang Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (304 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper, we report the detection of the very-high-energy (VHE, $ 100{\rm\ GeV} < E < 100{\rm\ TeV} $) and ultra-high-energy (UHE, $E > 100\rm\ TeV$) $γ$-ray emissions from the direction of the young star-forming region W43, observed by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observation (LHAASO). The extended $γ$-ray source was detected with a significance of ${\sim}16\,σ$ by KM2A and… ▽ More In this paper, we report the detection of the very-high-energy (VHE, $ 100{\rm\ GeV} < E < 100{\rm\ TeV} $) and ultra-high-energy (UHE, $E > 100\rm\ TeV$) $γ$-ray emissions from the direction of the young star-forming region W43, observed by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observation (LHAASO). The extended $γ$-ray source was detected with a significance of ${\sim}16\,σ$ by KM2A and ${\sim}17\,σ$ by WCDA, respectively. The angular extension of this $γ$-ray source is about 0.5 degrees, corresponding to a physical size of about 50 pc. We discuss the origin of the $γ$-ray emission and possible cosmic ray acceleration in the W43 region using multi-wavelength data. Our findings suggest that W43 is likely another young star cluster capable of accelerating cosmic rays (CRs) to at least several hundred TeV. △ Less

Submitted 30 December, 2025; v1 submitted 19 August, 2024; originally announced August 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 2 figures, and 3 tables. Accepted for publication in SCPMA

Journal ref: Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron. 68, 279502 (2025)

A camera system for real-time optical calibration of water-based neutrino telescopes

Authors: Wei Tian, Wei Zhi, Qiao Xue, Wenlian Li, Zhenyu Wei, Fan Hu, Qichao Chang, MingXin Wang, Zhengyang Sun, Xiaohui Liu, Ziping Ye, Peng Miao, Xinliang Tian, Jianglai Liu, Donglian Xu

Abstract: Calibrating the optical properties within the detection medium of a neutrino telescope is crucial for determining its angular resolution and energy scale. For the next generation of neutrino telescopes planned to be constructed in deep water, such as the TRopIcal DEep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), there are additional challenges due to the dynamic nature and potential non-uniformity of the wat… ▽ More Calibrating the optical properties within the detection medium of a neutrino telescope is crucial for determining its angular resolution and energy scale. For the next generation of neutrino telescopes planned to be constructed in deep water, such as the TRopIcal DEep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), there are additional challenges due to the dynamic nature and potential non-uniformity of the water medium. This necessitates a real-time optical calibration system distributed throughout the large detector array. This study introduces a custom-designed CMOS camera system equipped with rapid image processing algorithms, providing a real-time optical calibration method for TRIDENT and other similar projects worldwide. In September 2021, the TRIDENT Pathfinder experiment (TRIDENT Explorer, T-REX for short) successfully deployed this camera system in the West Pacific Ocean at a depth of 3420 meters. Within 30 minutes, about 3000 images of the T-REX light source were captured, allowing for the in-situ measurement of seawater attenuation and absorption lengths under three wavelengths. This deep-sea experiment for the first time showcased a technical demonstration of a functioning camera calibration system in a dynamic neutrino telescope site, solidifying a substantial part of the calibration strategies for the future TRIDENT project. △ Less

Submitted 26 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Evidence for particle acceleration approaching PeV energies in the W51 complex

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (265 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The $γ$-ray emission from the W51 complex is widely acknowledged to be attributed to the interaction between the cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated by the shock of supernova remnant (SNR) W51C and the dense molecular clouds in the adjacent star-forming region, W51B. However, the maximum acceleration capability of W51C for CRs remains elusive. Based on observations conducted with the Large High Altitude… ▽ More The $γ$-ray emission from the W51 complex is widely acknowledged to be attributed to the interaction between the cosmic rays (CRs) accelerated by the shock of supernova remnant (SNR) W51C and the dense molecular clouds in the adjacent star-forming region, W51B. However, the maximum acceleration capability of W51C for CRs remains elusive. Based on observations conducted with the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), we report a significant detection of $γ$ rays emanating from the W51 complex, with energies from 2 TeV to 200 TeV. The LHAASO measurements, for the first time, extend the $γ$-ray emission from the W51 complex beyond 100 TeV and reveal a significant spectrum bending at tens of TeV. By combining the ``$π^0$-decay bump" featured data from Fermi-LAT, the broadband $γ$-ray spectrum of the W51 region can be well-characterized by a simple pp-collision model. The observed spectral bending feature suggests an exponential cutoff at $\sim400$~TeV or a power-law break at $\sim200$~TeV in the CR proton spectrum, most likely providing the first evidence of SNRs serving as CR accelerators approaching the PeV regime. Additionally, two young star clusters within W51B could also be theoretically viable to produce the most energetic $γ$ rays observed by LHAASO. Our findings strongly support the presence of extreme CR accelerators within the W51 complex and provide new insights into the origin of Galactic CRs. △ Less

Submitted 5 January, 2026; v1 submitted 30 June, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Journal ref: Science Bulletin,2024

Constraints on Ultra Heavy Dark Matter Properties from Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxies with LHAASO Observations

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (255 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this work we try to search for signals generated by ultra-heavy dark matter at the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) data. We look for possible gamma-ray by dark matter annihilation or decay from 16 dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the field of view of LHAASO. Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are among the most promising targets for indirect detection of dark matter which have low fluxes… ▽ More In this work we try to search for signals generated by ultra-heavy dark matter at the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) data. We look for possible gamma-ray by dark matter annihilation or decay from 16 dwarf spheroidal galaxies in the field of view of LHAASO. Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are among the most promising targets for indirect detection of dark matter which have low fluxes of astrophysical $γ$-ray background while large amount of dark matter. By analyzing more than 700 days observational data at LHAASO, no significant dark matter signal from 1 TeV to 1 EeV is detected. Accordingly we derive the most stringent constraints on the ultra-heavy dark matter annihilation cross-section up to EeV. The constraints on the lifetime of dark matter in decay mode are also derived. △ Less

Submitted 12 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: 17 pages, 12 figures, accepted by PRL

Data quality control system and long-term performance monitor of the LHAASO-KM2A

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. Chen , et al. (263 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The KM2A is the largest sub-array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). It consists of 5216 electromagnetic particle detectors (EDs) and 1188 muon detectors (MDs). The data recorded by the EDs and MDs are used to reconstruct primary information of cosmic ray and gamma-ray showers. This information is used for physical analysis in gamma-ray astronomy and cosmic ray physics. To… ▽ More The KM2A is the largest sub-array of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). It consists of 5216 electromagnetic particle detectors (EDs) and 1188 muon detectors (MDs). The data recorded by the EDs and MDs are used to reconstruct primary information of cosmic ray and gamma-ray showers. This information is used for physical analysis in gamma-ray astronomy and cosmic ray physics. To ensure the reliability of the LHAASO-KM2A data, a three-level quality control system has been established. It is used to monitor the status of detector units, stability of reconstructed parameters and the performance of the array based on observations of the Crab Nebula and Moon shadow. This paper will introduce the control system and its application on the LHAASO-KM2A data collected from August 2021 to July 2023. During this period, the pointing and angular resolution of the array were stable. From the observations of the Moon shadow and Crab Nebula, the results achieved using the two methods are consistent with each other. According to the observation of the Crab Nebula at energies from 25 TeV to 100 TeV, the time averaged pointing errors are estimated to be $-0.003^{\circ} \pm 0.005^{\circ}$ and $0.001^{\circ} \pm 0.006^{\circ}$ in the R.A. and Dec directions, respectively. △ Less

Submitted 13 June, 2024; v1 submitted 20 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 15 pages, 9 figures

Discovery of Very-high-energy Gamma-ray Emissions from the Low Luminosity AGN NGC 4278 by LHAASO

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (255 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The first source catalog of Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory reported the detection of a very-high-energy gamma ray source, 1LHAASO J1219+2915. In this paper a further detailed study of the spectral and temporal behavior of this point-like source have been carried. The best-fit position of the TeV source ($\rm{RA}=185.05^{\circ}\pm0.04^{\circ}$, $\rm{Dec}=29.25^{\circ}\pm0.03^{\circ}$) i… ▽ More The first source catalog of Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory reported the detection of a very-high-energy gamma ray source, 1LHAASO J1219+2915. In this paper a further detailed study of the spectral and temporal behavior of this point-like source have been carried. The best-fit position of the TeV source ($\rm{RA}=185.05^{\circ}\pm0.04^{\circ}$, $\rm{Dec}=29.25^{\circ}\pm0.03^{\circ}$) is compatible with NGC 4278 within $\sim0.03$ degree. Variation analysis shows an indication of the variability at a few months level in the TeV band, which is consistent with low frequency observations. Based on these observations, we report the detection of TeV $γ$-ray emissions from this low-luminosity AGN NGC 4278. The observations by LHAASO-WCDA during active period has a significance level of 8.8\,$σ$ with best-fit photon spectral index $\varGamma=2.56\pm0.14$ and a flux $f_{1-10\,\rm{TeV}}=(7.0\pm1.1_{\rm{sta}}\pm0.35_{\rm{syst}})\times10^{-13}\,\rm{photons\,cm^{-2}\,s^{-1}}$, or approximately $5\%$ of the Crab Nebula. The discovery of VHE from NGC 4278 indicates that the compact, weak radio jet can efficiently accelerate particles and emit TeV photons. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: 11 pages, 5 figures

Statistical analysis of pulsar flux density distribution

Authors: H. W. Xu, R. S. Zhao, Erbil Gugercinoglu, H. Liu, D. Li, P. Wang, C. H. Niu, C. Miao, X. Zhu, R. W. Tian, W. L. Li, S. D. Wang, Z. F. Tu, Q. J. Zhi, S. J. Dang, L. H. Shang, S. Xiao

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the spectral properties of 886 pulsars across a wide frequency range from 20MHz to 343.5GHz, including a total of 86 millisecond pulsars. The majority of the pulsars exhibit power-law behavior in their spectra, although some exceptions are observed. Five different spectral models, namely simple power-law, broken power-law, low-frequency turn-over, hi… ▽ More This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the spectral properties of 886 pulsars across a wide frequency range from 20MHz to 343.5GHz, including a total of 86 millisecond pulsars. The majority of the pulsars exhibit power-law behavior in their spectra, although some exceptions are observed. Five different spectral models, namely simple power-law, broken power-law, low-frequency turn-over, high-frequency cut-off, and double turn-over, were employed to explore the spectral behaviors. The average spectral index for pulsars modeled with a simple power-law is found to be -1.64 +/-0.80, consistent with previous studies. Additionally, significant correlations between the spectral index and characteristic parameters are observed particularly in millisecond pulsars, while no strong correlation is observed in normal pulsars. Different models show variations in the most influential characteristic parameters associated with the spectral index, indicating diverse dominant radiation mechanisms in millisecond pulsars.Finally, this study identifies 22 pulsars of the Gigahertz-peaked Spectra (GPS) type for the first time based on the Akaike information criterion. △ Less

Submitted 16 April, 2024; v1 submitted 16 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 39 papers,17figures

LHAASO-KM2A detector simulation using Geant4

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (254 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: KM2A is one of the main sub-arrays of LHAASO, working on gamma ray astronomy and cosmic ray physics at energies above 10 TeV. Detector simulation is the important foundation for estimating detector performance and data analysis. It is a big challenge to simulate the KM2A detector in the framework of Geant4 due to the need to track numerous photons from a large number of detector units (>6000) with… ▽ More KM2A is one of the main sub-arrays of LHAASO, working on gamma ray astronomy and cosmic ray physics at energies above 10 TeV. Detector simulation is the important foundation for estimating detector performance and data analysis. It is a big challenge to simulate the KM2A detector in the framework of Geant4 due to the need to track numerous photons from a large number of detector units (>6000) with large altitude difference (30 m) and huge coverage (1.3 km^2). In this paper, the design of the KM2A simulation code G4KM2A based on Geant4 is introduced. The process of G4KM2A is optimized mainly in memory consumption to avoid memory overffow. Some simpliffcations are used to signiffcantly speed up the execution of G4KM2A. The running time is reduced by at least 30 times compared to full detector simulation. The particle distributions and the core/angle resolution comparison between simulation and experimental data of the full KM2A array are also presented, which show good agreement. △ Less

Submitted 7 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, A. Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen , et al. (256 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at… ▽ More We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at $3.67 \pm 0.05 \pm 0.15$ PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -$2.7413 \pm 0.0004 \pm 0.0050$, while above the knee, it is -$3.128 \pm 0.005 \pm 0.027$, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -$0.1200 \pm 0.0003 \pm 0.0341$. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components. △ Less

Submitted 26 March, 2024; v1 submitted 15 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 3 figures

Journal ref: Physical Review Letters 132, 131002 (2024)

Dark Matter Line Searches with the Cherenkov Telescope Array

Authors: S. Abe, J. Abhir, A. Abhishek, F. Acero, A. Acharyya, R. Adam, A. Aguasca-Cabot, I. Agudo, A. Aguirre-Santaella, J. Alfaro, R. Alfaro, N. Alvarez-Crespo, R. Alves Batista, J. -P. Amans, E. Amato, G. Ambrosi, L. Angel, C. Aramo, C. Arcaro, T. T. H. Arnesen, L. Arrabito, K. Asano, Y. Ascasibar, J. Aschersleben, H. Ashkar , et al. (540 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Monochromatic gamma-ray signals constitute a potential smoking gun signature for annihilating or decaying dark matter particles that could relatively easily be distinguished from astrophysical or instrumental backgrounds. We provide an updated assessment of the sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) to such signals, based on observations of the Galactic centre region as well as of sele… ▽ More Monochromatic gamma-ray signals constitute a potential smoking gun signature for annihilating or decaying dark matter particles that could relatively easily be distinguished from astrophysical or instrumental backgrounds. We provide an updated assessment of the sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) to such signals, based on observations of the Galactic centre region as well as of selected dwarf spheroidal galaxies. We find that current limits and detection prospects for dark matter masses above 300 GeV will be significantly improved, by up to an order of magnitude in the multi-TeV range. This demonstrates that CTA will set a new standard for gamma-ray astronomy also in this respect, as the world's largest and most sensitive high-energy gamma-ray observatory, in particular due to its exquisite energy resolution at TeV energies and the adopted observational strategy focussing on regions with large dark matter densities. Throughout our analysis, we use up-to-date instrument response functions, and we thoroughly model the effect of instrumental systematic uncertainties in our statistical treatment. We further present results for other potential signatures with sharp spectral features, e.g.~box-shaped spectra, that would likewise very clearly point to a particle dark matter origin. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2024; v1 submitted 7 March, 2024; originally announced March 2024.

Comments: 44 pages JCAP style (excluding author list and references), 19 figures; minor changes to match published version

Journal ref: JCAP 07 (2024) 047

Stringent Tests of Lorentz Invariance Violation from LHAASO Observations of GRB 221009A

Authors: The LHAASO Collaboration, Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, W. Bian, A. V. Bukevich, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, H. X. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen , et al. (261 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: On October 9, 2022, the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) reported the observation of the very early TeV afterglow of the brightest-of-all-time GRB 221009A, recording the highest photon statistics in the TeV band ever from a gamma-ray burst. We use this unique observation to place stringent constraints on an energy dependence of the speed of light in vacuum, a manifestation of Lo… ▽ More On October 9, 2022, the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) reported the observation of the very early TeV afterglow of the brightest-of-all-time GRB 221009A, recording the highest photon statistics in the TeV band ever from a gamma-ray burst. We use this unique observation to place stringent constraints on an energy dependence of the speed of light in vacuum, a manifestation of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) predicted by some quantum gravity (QG) theories. Our results show that the 95% confidence level lower limits on the QG energy scales are $E_{\mathrm{QG},1}>10$ times of the Planck energy $E_\mathrm{Pl}$ for the linear, and $E_{\mathrm{QG},2}>6\times10^{-8}E_\mathrm{Pl}$ for the quadratic LIV effects, respectively. Our limits on the quadratic LIV case improve previous best bounds by factors of 5--7. △ Less

Submitted 13 February, 2026; v1 submitted 8 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Comments: 10pages, 7 figures

Does or did the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A operate as a PeVatron?

Authors: Zhen Cao, F. Aharonian, Q. An, Axikegu, Y. X. Bai, Y. W. Bao, D. Bastieri, X. J. Bi, Y. J. Bi, J. T. Cai, Q. Cao, W. Y. Cao, Zhe Cao, J. Chang, J. F. Chang, A. M. Chen, E. S. Chen, Liang Chen, Lin Chen, Long Chen, M. J. Chen, M. L. Chen, Q. H. Chen, S. H. Chen, S. Z. Chen , et al. (255 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: For decades, supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered the prime sources of Galactic Cosmic rays (CRs). But whether SNRs can accelerate CR protons to PeV energies and thus dominate CR flux up to the knee is currently under intensive theoretical and phenomenological debate. The direct test of the ability of SNRs to operate as CR PeVatrons can be provided by ultrahigh-energy (UHE;… ▽ More For decades, supernova remnants (SNRs) have been considered the prime sources of Galactic Cosmic rays (CRs). But whether SNRs can accelerate CR protons to PeV energies and thus dominate CR flux up to the knee is currently under intensive theoretical and phenomenological debate. The direct test of the ability of SNRs to operate as CR PeVatrons can be provided by ultrahigh-energy (UHE; $E_γ\geq 100$~TeV) $γ$-rays. In this context, the historical SNR Cassiopeia A (Cas A) is considered one of the most promising target for UHE observations. This paper presents the observation of Cas A and its vicinity by the LHAASO KM2A detector. The exceptional sensitivity of LHAASO KM2A in the UHE band, combined with the young age of Cas A, enabled us to derive stringent model-independent limits on the energy budget of UHE protons and nuclei accelerated by Cas A at any epoch after the explosion. The results challenge the prevailing paradigm that Cas A-type SNRs are major suppliers of PeV CRs in the Milky Way. △ Less

Submitted 25 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 11 pages, 3 figures, Accepted by the APJL