Showing 1–50 of 186 results for author: Wei, Z

Wafer-scale monolithic integration of Ce:YIG films and magneto-optical isolators on silicon

Authors: Tianchi Zhang, Yucong Yang, Weihao Yang, JieJun Su, Tianyi Ma, Xuan Zhao, Junxian Wang, Di Wu, Zhenyuan Ren, Yi Shuai, Zixuan Wei, Lei Bi

Abstract: Silicon integrated cerium doped yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG) thin films are promising candidates for integrated nonreciprocal photonic devices, cryogenic photonic modulators and optical computing applications. However, previously reported Ce:YIG thin film on silicon is limited to milimeter sizes. Wafer-scale integration and non-destructive characterization of high quality Ce:YIG thin films on sili… ▽ More Silicon integrated cerium doped yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG) thin films are promising candidates for integrated nonreciprocal photonic devices, cryogenic photonic modulators and optical computing applications. However, previously reported Ce:YIG thin film on silicon is limited to milimeter sizes. Wafer-scale integration and non-destructive characterization of high quality Ce:YIG thin films on silicon has been elusive. Here, we report growth of 4-inch wafer-scale Ce:YIG thin films on silicon substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Strong Faraday effect of 2318 deg/cm, low propagation loss of 80 dB/cm and excellent thickness uniformity of 3.5% is demonstrated across the 4-inch silicon wafer. Furthermore, a custom designed wafer-scale, non-destructive magneto-ellipsometry was established to characterize the film thickness, optical constants and magneto-optical constants across the wafer. Wafer-scale integration of ring resonator type magneto-optical isolators are also demonstrated. Our work demonstrates a step forward toward wafer-scale heterogeneous integration and characterization of magneto-optical thin films on silicon, providing material candidates for non-reciprocal photonic device arrays, magneto-optical in-memory computing networks and integrated magneto-optic magnetometers. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2026; originally announced August 2026.

PASS: Perturbation augmented space group structure sampling for transferable Fe-O machine learning interatomic potential

Authors: Zixiong Wei, Fei Shuang, Poulumi Dey

Abstract: Accurate atomistic modelling of iron (Fe) oxidation requires a reliable interatomic potential, which necessitates an extensive and representative first-principles dataset for training the interatomic potential. However, Fe-oxygen (O) system is known for its structural and magnetic complexity, rendering the generation of high-quality dataset challenging. In this work, we propose the Perturbation Au… ▽ More Accurate atomistic modelling of iron (Fe) oxidation requires a reliable interatomic potential, which necessitates an extensive and representative first-principles dataset for training the interatomic potential. However, Fe-oxygen (O) system is known for its structural and magnetic complexity, rendering the generation of high-quality dataset challenging. In this work, we propose the Perturbation Augmented Space group structure Sampling (PASS) method to generate extensive and representative dataset consisting of small-cell structures with less than 10 atoms. We present a systematic approach to developing a first of its kind transferable machine learning interatomic potential (MLIP) for Fe-O system based on the atomic cluster expansion (ACE) framework. We thoroughly validate the accuracy and capability of the ACE MLIP across both pure Fe and Fe-O systems through bulk, surface, and interface properties. We showcase the formation of FeO-like structure in large-scale Fe oxidation simulation using the ACE MLIP. This work demonstrates that the PASS method yields an accurate and transferable MLIP which is capable of capturing the reactive complexity of oxide growth while remaining computationally practical for extended systems. △ Less

Submitted 30 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 33 pages, 5 figures

Strong Quantum Mpemba Effect from Exact Slow-Mode Selection in Constrained Rydberg Chains

Authors: Mingdi Xu, Kaixiang Lu, Zijun Wei, Xiang-Ping Jiang, Haiping Hu, Lei Pan

Abstract: CStrong quantum Mpemba acceleration requires suppressing the slowest visible Liouvillian relaxation channel, but a robust many-body mechanism for enforcing such suppression remains challenging. We identify such a mechanism in locally dephased constrained Rydberg chains through exact slow-mode selection. For constrained single-spin-flip Hamiltonians, local dephasing turns the Hamiltonian itself int… ▽ More CStrong quantum Mpemba acceleration requires suppressing the slowest visible Liouvillian relaxation channel, but a robust many-body mechanism for enforcing such suppression remains challenging. We identify such a mechanism in locally dephased constrained Rydberg chains through exact slow-mode selection. For constrained single-spin-flip Hamiltonians, local dephasing turns the Hamiltonian itself into an exact left Liouvillian eigenmode, $\mathcal L^\dagger(H)=-γH$. A finite-temperature reference state generically overlaps with this $H$-like slow mode, whereas translationally invariant states with $\mathrm{Tr}(Hρ_0)=0$ remove it and are confined to the $Q=0$ operator sector. When the next visible $Q=0$ mode decays faster, these selected states exhibit a strong quantum Mpemba effect. We demonstrate this mechanism in the PXP chain for a zero-energy scar eigenstate, the all-zero product state, and a translation-invariant $Z_2$ cat state, and show that it persists in the $(2,3)$ model and the longer-range blockade family. Our results identify Liouvillian mode visibility, rather than special scar wave functions, as the organizing principle for anomalously fast relaxation in constrained open quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 4 August, 2026; v1 submitted 20 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 8+13 pages, 4 figures, comments are welcome

Localized crystallization of Ce:YIG thin films on Si using CO2 laser annealing for integrated nonreciprocal photonic device applications

Authors: Xinran Ji, Junxian Wang, Tianchi Zhang, Xuan Zhao, Di Wu, Zixuan Wei, Yizhi Chen, Jialong Wang, Lei Bi

Abstract: Laser annealing (LA) technique has emerged as an effective method for localized crystallization of magneto-optical (MO) garnet thin films on semiconductor substrates. However, no studies have explored the crystallization and magneto-optical (MO) properties of cerium-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG, Ce1Y2Fe5O12) thin films for integrated photonic device applications using LA technique. In t… ▽ More Laser annealing (LA) technique has emerged as an effective method for localized crystallization of magneto-optical (MO) garnet thin films on semiconductor substrates. However, no studies have explored the crystallization and magneto-optical (MO) properties of cerium-substituted yttrium iron garnet (Ce:YIG, Ce1Y2Fe5O12) thin films for integrated photonic device applications using LA technique. In this study, we provide a comprehensive investigation into the laser annealing of Ce:YIG films deposited on SiO2 substrates and silicon nitride photonic waveguides for integrated nonreciprocal photonic device applications. Garnet phase was successfully observed in films grown on SiO2 substrates, and SiN waveguides with laser annealing of sputtered Ce:YIG films on top of a laser annealed Y3Fe5O12 seed layer. The magneto-optical (MO) properties of Ce:YIG films on oxidized Si substrates were found to be comparable to those prepared by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). A Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) type optical isolator based on Ce:YIG film on SiN was fabricated, exhibiting a saturation Faraday rotation of -2317.7 deg/cm and propagation loss of 188.2 dB/cm. Isolation ratio of 27.1 dB and insertion loss of 10.1 dB were achieved at 1552.7 nm wavelength. △ Less

Submitted 20 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Emergent interweaved CDW unoccupied states in hole-doping LaTe2 with element substitution

Authors: Shuya Xing, Hongyu Liu, Xu Chen, Zhenkai Xie, Zhongxu Wei, Shifeng Zhao, Wenping Zhou, Xin qi Li, Zhihai Cheng

Abstract: Multiple CDW-ordered layered rare-earth tellurides have increasingly emerged as a research hotspot, owing to their unconventional CDW formation, high transition temperature, and confirmed existence of axial Higgs modes. Recently, interweaved CDW in LaTe2 and its element-substituted phase LaTe2-xSbx have been investigated through TEM and ARPES measurements, revealing their distinct origins. Neverth… ▽ More Multiple CDW-ordered layered rare-earth tellurides have increasingly emerged as a research hotspot, owing to their unconventional CDW formation, high transition temperature, and confirmed existence of axial Higgs modes. Recently, interweaved CDW in LaTe2 and its element-substituted phase LaTe2-xSbx have been investigated through TEM and ARPES measurements, revealing their distinct origins. Nevertheless, several complex diffraction features observed in TEM patterns remain unelucidated. In this work, we carried out scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on LaTe1.6Sb0.4 crystals at 9 K. Three interweaved CDW wave vectors, q1=8/11a*, q2=5/11a* and q3=3/11a* were observed, which are induced by hole doping in unoccupied states. The q1 and q3 are theoretically verified to be nesting vectors connecting px- and py- bands. Furthermore, the satellite spots relative to the main Bragg spots p corresponding to a 11-a-superlattice have also been detected. Our findings provide critical insights for further exploring the origin of the interweaved CDW in hole/electron doping materials. △ Less

Submitted 13 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 6 figures

Super-Logarithmic Entanglement Scaling in a Monitored Superconducting Chain

Authors: Rui-Jing Guo, Zhi-Yuan Wei

Abstract: We develop a Keldysh-replica non-linear sigma model (NLSM) for the entanglement dynamics of a monitored one-dimensional spinful $s$-wave BCS chain in the rare-measurement regime, $γ\ll J,Δ$. Although the clean spinful $s$-wave BCS Hamiltonian belongs to symmetry class CI, spin-resolved measurements and projection to a conserved $f$-sector reduce the effective problem to class C. Starting from the… ▽ More We develop a Keldysh-replica non-linear sigma model (NLSM) for the entanglement dynamics of a monitored one-dimensional spinful $s$-wave BCS chain in the rare-measurement regime, $γ\ll J,Δ$. Although the clean spinful $s$-wave BCS Hamiltonian belongs to symmetry class CI, spin-resolved measurements and projection to a conserved $f$-sector reduce the effective problem to class C. Starting from the corresponding parent symplectic saddle, we show that measurement backaction and the pairing amplitude impose complementary mass constraints that gap out different fluctuation channels. Their interplay dynamically projects the surviving massless modes onto an $\textrm{SO(R)}$ target manifold in replica space. A one-loop renormalization group analysis of this $\textrm{SO(R)}$ NLSM shows that, in the replica limit $R\to1$, the beta function becomes negative, producing a weak-anti-localization flow. This flow yields a super-logarithmic steady-state entanglement scaling $S(L)\sim \ln^2 L$ in the rare-measurement regime. Our field-theoretic result explains the numerical evidence reported in the companion Letter [arXiv:2604.04375] and shows that a topologically trivial monitored $s$-wave superconductor can realize an $\textrm{SO(R)}$ weak-anti-localizing critical phase without relying on a Wess-Zumino-Witten term. △ Less

Submitted 8 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: 27 pages, no figure. Comments are welcome

Exactly solvable non-unitary conformal interfaces in unitary CFTs

Authors: Qicheng Tang, Zixia Wei, Xueda Wen

Abstract: We construct directly on the lattice a class of non-unitary interfaces that are both exactly conformal and exactly solvable, and establish their corresponding boundary and interface conformal field theory (CFT) descriptions. The construction is obtained by analytically continuing the scattering data of known exact unitary conformal interfaces on the lattice, yielding an $SL(2,\mathbb C)$-parametri… ▽ More We construct directly on the lattice a class of non-unitary interfaces that are both exactly conformal and exactly solvable, and establish their corresponding boundary and interface conformal field theory (CFT) descriptions. The construction is obtained by analytically continuing the scattering data of known exact unitary conformal interfaces on the lattice, yielding an $SL(2,\mathbb C)$-parametrized family, which is non-compact and breaks probability-current conservation. Exploiting the exact lattice-continuum correspondence, we derive the conformal boundary states in the folded picture. We show that a proper definition of the Hilbert space in the closed-string channel requires the incoming and outgoing boundary states to be specified independently by boundary data associated with a pair of dual biorthogonal bases, in close analogy with the right and left eigenvectors of a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. This requirement determines a consistent CFT construction of non-unitary boundaries and interfaces, and leads to a non-unitary generalization of the conventional Cardy's condition for unitary boundary CFT. Beyond their formal construction, these non-unitary interfaces are shown to exhibit logarithmic entanglement scaling governed by an effective central charge that is generally complex. For the $SU(1,1)$ subclass, the effective central charge remains real but grows without bound as the transmission coefficient increases. This result is demonstrated through analytical and numerical lattice calculations, as well as an interface CFT analysis in the unfolded picture. Finally, we present a general CFT analysis of a class of global quantum quenches whose initial states are prepared with non-unitary boundaries. We relate their effective temperature to the conformal dimension of the boundary-condition-changing operators associated with non-unitary boundary conditions. △ Less

Submitted 30 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 26 pages, 1 figure

Real-space identification of distinct magnetic configurations in a candidate d-wave altermagnet

Authors: Jin-Cheng Gu, Mingzhe Hu, Ziyin Song, Lihan Wang, Lihong Wang, Junming Zhang, Jiali Zhao, Hang Li, Shifeng Jin, Xin-Ding Zhang, Genfu Chen, Hongming Weng, Zhongxu Wei, Tian Qian

Abstract: Altermagnetism is an emerging class of magnetic order characterized by momentum-dependent spin-split electronic structures despite vanishing net magnetization. Although momentum-space signatures consistent with altermagnetism have been reported in a growing number of materials, their relationship to the underlying real-space magnetic configurations remains incompletely understood, because similar… ▽ More Altermagnetism is an emerging class of magnetic order characterized by momentum-dependent spin-split electronic structures despite vanishing net magnetization. Although momentum-space signatures consistent with altermagnetism have been reported in a growing number of materials, their relationship to the underlying real-space magnetic configurations remains incompletely understood, because similar spin-split electronic structures can arise from distinct magnetic orders. In the candidate d-wave altermagnet KV2Se2O, the magnetic origin of the observed momentum-dependent spin splitting has remained controversial. Here, we employ spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy combined with magnetic-field-dependent quasiparticle interference imaging to determine the magnetic configuration of KV2Se2O at the atomic scale. Spin-resolved quasiparticle interference reveals a checkerboard-like antiparallel spin texture within the V2O layer and determines its interlayer spin arrangement across unit-cell step edges. Remarkably, we identify both C-type and G-type magnetic configurations, both of which generate similar spin-split electronic structures at the single-layer level but correspond to d-wave altermagnetic and conventional antiferromagnetic orders, respectively. These observations reveal a complex magnetic landscape arising from nearly degenerate magnetic states. Our results establish a direct connection between momentum-space spin splitting and real-space magnetic order, providing a framework for identifying the microscopic origin of spin-split electronic structures in altermagnetic materials. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 15 pages, 4 figures

Fractional phase slips across the charge-density-wave domain walls in 1-T TiSe2

Authors: Haotian Zhang, Zihao Song, Zhongchen Xu, Jun Shu, Zhongxu Wei, Zunming Lu, Jun Liu, Zengyi Du, Jinxing Zhang, Youguo Shi, Ge He, Jun Shen

Abstract: The microscopic origin of the charge density wave (CDW) in 1\textit{T}-TiSe$_2$ remains controversial, with competing scenarios based on phonon-driven lattice instability and electronically driven excitonic correlations. Here, we combine low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy with two-dimensional lock-in phase analysis to directly resolve the local CDW phase in real space and track its evol… ▽ More The microscopic origin of the charge density wave (CDW) in 1\textit{T}-TiSe$_2$ remains controversial, with competing scenarios based on phonon-driven lattice instability and electronically driven excitonic correlations. Here, we combine low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy with two-dimensional lock-in phase analysis to directly resolve the local CDW phase in real space and track its evolution across individual domain walls. In homogeneous regions, the CDW phase remains uniform; by contrast, across domain walls we uncover a robust and reproducible $2π/3$ phase shift that occurs collectively in all three symmetry-related CDW components. This nontrivial and correlated phase-slip configuration places stringent constraints on the order-parameter manifold and challenges the simplest purely phonon-driven commensurate lock-in picture, which would instead predict a $π$ phase shift. A minimal free-energy model incorporating both electron-phonon and electron-hole interactions reproduces the observed phase behavior and indicates that electronic interactions play an important role in shaping the local phase structure of the CDW order. These results establish domain walls as direct real-space probes of the microscopic interactions underlying multicomponent order and provide a general phase-resolved framework for constraining competing ordering mechanisms in correlated materials. △ Less

Submitted 24 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 17 pages, 11 figures

Anomalous charge density wave in a two-dimensional superatomic superconductor

Authors: Boqin Song, Shuaishuai Sun, Zhongxu Wei, Xinbo Wang, Xiaoping Ma, Kaifa Luo, Lei Wang, Jun Deng, Xu Chen, Tian Qian, Shuya Xing, Zhihai Cheng, Jiangang Guo, Tianping Ying, Xiaolong Chen

Abstract: The spatial modulation of electron density into a wave-like pattern, known as charge density wave (CDW), represents a fundamental quantum state that often coexists with superconductivity, quantum Hall states, axion insulating phases and etc. Conventional CDWs are mediated by longitudinal acoustic phonons, exhibit picometer-scale lattice distortions ($10^{-12}$--$10^{-11}$ m), and typically vanish… ▽ More The spatial modulation of electron density into a wave-like pattern, known as charge density wave (CDW), represents a fundamental quantum state that often coexists with superconductivity, quantum Hall states, axion insulating phases and etc. Conventional CDWs are mediated by longitudinal acoustic phonons, exhibit picometer-scale lattice distortions ($10^{-12}$--$10^{-11}$ m), and typically vanish approaching the atomic limit. Here, we report a series of anomalous CDW behaviors in the 2D superatomic superconductor Au$_6$Te$_{12}$Se$_8$. Remarkably, its CDW is governed by transverse phonons, accompanied by an extraordinarily high real-space displacement of $\sim 4$ Ångström. Furthermore, we observe an exotic dimensional response persisting up to micrometer-scale thickness, a regime where other materials are already considered as bulk. Through liquid helium-temperature transmission electron microscopy, ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and transport measurements, we demonstrate a dramatic enhancement of the CDW transition temperature ($T_{\text{CDW}}$) from $<2$ K in the bulk to 110 K in approaching the ``superatomic limit''. Our findings not only reveal novel facets of both CDW and superatomic materials, but the competition between this anomalous CDW and superconductivity opens avenues for exploring unconventional electron-phonon interactions. △ Less

Submitted 22 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: accepted for publication in Nat. Commun

Symmetry-Induced Relaxation Comb and Strong Quantum Mpemba Effect in Long-Range XXZ Spin Chains

Authors: Zijun Wei, Mingdi Xu, Yefeng Song, Xiang-Ping Jiang, Yangqian Yan, Lei Pan

Abstract: We uncover a symmetry-filtered mechanism for anomalous dissipative relaxation in a long-range XXZ spin chain subject to local dephasing. At the isotropic point, the coherent Hamiltonian has global $SU(2)$ symmetry, whereas the full Liouvillian retains only the $U(1)$ symmetry associated with total magnetization. This structure pins a family of spatially uniform zero-$U(1)$-charge left eigenoperato… ▽ More We uncover a symmetry-filtered mechanism for anomalous dissipative relaxation in a long-range XXZ spin chain subject to local dephasing. At the isotropic point, the coherent Hamiltonian has global $SU(2)$ symmetry, whereas the full Liouvillian retains only the $U(1)$ symmetry associated with total magnetization. This structure pins a family of spatially uniform zero-$U(1)$-charge left eigenoperators with exact eigenvalues $λ=-2q$, forming a Liouvillian relaxation comb. For the ferromagnetic Dicke ground state, the overlap envelope on this comb is known exactly at finite size and becomes Gaussian in the large-$S$ limit. Since higher-$q$ components decay rapidly, the $q=1$ comb tooth controls the long-time dynamics and yields universal $D(t)\sim e^{-2t}$ relaxation independent of system size and interaction range. This mode-accessibility filtering realizes a spectral strong quantum Mpemba effect: an initially farther state relaxes faster than closer thermal states because slow non-steady Liouvillian modes are inaccessible. Weak breaking of the Hamiltonian $SU(2)$ symmetry restores slow-mode overlap and suppresses this acceleration. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2026; v1 submitted 20 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Observation of Switchable Chiral Magnons in an Altermagnet

Authors: Zheyuan Liu, Hodaka Kikuchi, Zijun Wei, Shinichiro Asai, Mechthild Enderle, Ursula B. Hansen, Vasile O. Garlea, Manh D. Le, Gøran J. Nilsen, Igor A. Zaliznyak, Takatsugu Masuda

Abstract: Chiral magnons, the quanta of handed spin waves, transport spin angular momentum without energy loss due to Joule heating. The recently discovered altermagnets were proposed to host chiral magnons arising from a non-relativistic exchange mechanism, similar to that in ferromagnets but without net magnetization, offering a stray-field-free platform for efficient magnon spin-current manipulation. In… ▽ More Chiral magnons, the quanta of handed spin waves, transport spin angular momentum without energy loss due to Joule heating. The recently discovered altermagnets were proposed to host chiral magnons arising from a non-relativistic exchange mechanism, similar to that in ferromagnets but without net magnetization, offering a stray-field-free platform for efficient magnon spin-current manipulation. In this work, we directly observed chiral magnons in the altermagnetic prototype MnTe using polarized inelastic neutron scattering. Furthermore, the magnon chirality was found to be reversibly switched by magnetic-field control, establishing a robust foundation for functional altermagnetic magnonics. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: 7 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Lett. Supplemental Material is included only in the PRL version

Thermoviscoelasticity of polydomain liquid crystal elastomers regulated by soft elasticity

Authors: Zhengxuan Wei, Beijun Shen, Zumrat Usmanova, Umme Hani Bootwala, Ruobing Bai

Abstract: Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are elastomeric networks with rod-like mesogens that reorient under load. In polydomain LCEs, this reorientation drives a polydomain-to-monodomain transition that produces a soft-elastic plateau. Coupling between this soft elasticity and polymer-network viscoelasticity yields a path-dependent thermoviscoelastic response, central to applications in damping, impact p… ▽ More Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are elastomeric networks with rod-like mesogens that reorient under load. In polydomain LCEs, this reorientation drives a polydomain-to-monodomain transition that produces a soft-elastic plateau. Coupling between this soft elasticity and polymer-network viscoelasticity yields a path-dependent thermoviscoelastic response, central to applications in damping, impact protection, and tough adhesives. However, the physics governing this response under complex thermomechanical histories remains insufficiently studied. We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of polydomain LCEs under three uniaxial protocols: single-cycle loading-unloading, stress-free recovery from various pre-stretches, and multi-cycle loading with progressively increasing amplitude. We develop a finite-deformation constitutive model combining two parallel mechanisms: rate-independent, temperature-dependent soft elasticity from mesogen reorientation, and time- and temperature-dependent viscoelasticity. With a single parameter set, the model quantitatively reproduces all three protocols and resolves each mechanism's contribution. A temperature-dependent soft-elastic limit governs the low-rate response and the long-time recovered stretch, while viscoelasticity controls the rate-dependent deviation and the cycle-wise accumulation of residual stretch away from this limit. A thermal recovery test above the nematic-isotropic transition confirms that all hysteresis and residual deformation are reversible, ruling out irreversible damage. The framework provides mechanistic understanding and a predictive basis for designing polydomain LCE components under complex thermomechanical histories. △ Less

Submitted 11 May, 2026; originally announced May 2026.

Comments: submitted manuscript

Measurement-enhanced entanglement in a monitored superconducting chain

Authors: Rui-Jing Guo, Ji-Yao Chen, Zhi-Yuan Wei

Abstract: A common view in monitored quantum dynamics is that local measurements suppress entanglement growth. We show that this intuition can fail in a one-dimensional spinful fermionic chain governed by a BCS Hamiltonian with pairing strength $Δ$ and subject to continuous, on-site, spin-resolved charge measurements at rate $γ$. Using free-fermion simulations and quasiparticle analysis, we show that pairin… ▽ More A common view in monitored quantum dynamics is that local measurements suppress entanglement growth. We show that this intuition can fail in a one-dimensional spinful fermionic chain governed by a BCS Hamiltonian with pairing strength $Δ$ and subject to continuous, on-site, spin-resolved charge measurements at rate $γ$. Using free-fermion simulations and quasiparticle analysis, we show that pairing suppresses entanglement growth, while measurements suppress pairing. Their competition yields measurement-enhanced entanglement: for $Δ>0$, the steady-state entanglement $S_s$ increases with $γ$ over a finite interval $0<γ<γ_{\rm peak}$. This occurs because stronger measurements suppress pairing correlations, which would otherwise suppress entanglement growth. Using a nonlinear sigma-model calculation and free-fermion simulations, we provide evidence that for $Δ>0$ and small but finite $γ$, the steady-state entanglement scales as $S_s\sim \ln^2 L$. This implies that, in this setting, measurement-enhanced entanglement does not persist in the thermodynamic limit. △ Less

Submitted 5 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Comments: 5 pages of main text (4 figures) and 9 pages of supplementary material (2 figures). A companion paper will follow. Comments are welcome

Benchmarking Chemically Scalable Machine-Learning Interatomic Potentials for Large-Scale Simulations of Multicomponent Alloys

Authors: Fei Shuang, Penghua Ying, Kai Liu, Zixiong Wei, Fengxian Liu, Zheyong Fan, Minqiang Jiang, Poulumi Dey

Abstract: Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) with broad chemical flexibility are essential for atomistic simulations of compositionally complex alloys, but their deployment in large-scale molecular dynamics requires a balance among accuracy, efficiency, stability, transferability, and uncertainty quantification. Here, we benchmark two chemically scalable MLIP frameworks, neuroevolution potentia… ▽ More Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) with broad chemical flexibility are essential for atomistic simulations of compositionally complex alloys, but their deployment in large-scale molecular dynamics requires a balance among accuracy, efficiency, stability, transferability, and uncertainty quantification. Here, we benchmark two chemically scalable MLIP frameworks, neuroevolution potential (NEP) and graph atomic cluster expansion (GRACE), for 16 elemental metals and their multicomponent alloys. GRACE-FS shows higher training efficiency and generally better average accuracy, chemical transferability, and finite-temperature robustness, whereas UNEP-v1 provides substantially higher inference speed and remains competitive in selected stress and large-error metrics. We further show that chemical transferability is closely linked to high-temperature MD stability in highly multicomponent environments and that ensemble-based uncertainty provides a more reliable error indicator than D-optimality for the heterogeneous systems considered here. Finally, three-million-atom shock simulations demonstrate that UNEP-v1, combined with ensemble uncertainty, enables uncertainty-aware simulations under extreme dynamic conditions, yielding robust global spall-strength predictions while revealing model sensitivity in local damage pathways. These results provide practical guidelines for selecting and deploying MLIPs in large-scale simulations of multicomponent alloys. △ Less

Submitted 19 June, 2026; v1 submitted 2 April, 2026; originally announced April 2026.

Journal ref: Physical Review Materials 10, 073802 (2026)

Noise-induced contraction of MPO truncation errors in noisy random circuits and Lindbladian dynamics

Authors: Zhi-Yuan Wei, Joel Rajakumar, Jon Nelson, Daniel Malz, Michael J. Gullans, Alexey V. Gorshkov

Abstract: We study how matrix-product-operator (MPO) truncation errors evolve when simulating two setups: (1) 1D Haar-random circuits under either depolarizing noise or amplitude-damping noise, and (2) 1D Lindbladian dynamics of a non-integrable quantum Ising model under either depolarizing or amplitude-damping noise. We first show that the average purity of the system density matrix relaxes to a steady val… ▽ More We study how matrix-product-operator (MPO) truncation errors evolve when simulating two setups: (1) 1D Haar-random circuits under either depolarizing noise or amplitude-damping noise, and (2) 1D Lindbladian dynamics of a non-integrable quantum Ising model under either depolarizing or amplitude-damping noise. We first show that the average purity of the system density matrix relaxes to a steady value on a timescale that scales inversely with the noise rate. We then show that truncation errors contract exponentially in both system size $N$ and the evolution time $t$, as the noisy dynamics maps different density matrices toward the same steady state. This yields an empirical bound on the $L_1$ truncation error that is exponentially tighter in $N$ than the existing bound. Together, these results provide empirical evidence that MPO simulation algorithms may efficiently sample from the output of 1D noisy random circuits [setup (1)] at arbitrary circuit depth, and from the steady state of 1D Lindbladian dynamics [setup (2)]. △ Less

Submitted 20 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 20 pages, 12 figures. Comments are welcome

From Artefact to Insight: Efficient Low-Rank Adaptation of BrushNet for Scanning Probe Microscopy Image Restoration

Authors: Ziwei Wei, Yao Shen, Wanheng Lu, Ghim Wei Ho, Kaiyang Zeng

Abstract: Scanning Probe Microscopy or SPM offers nanoscale resolution but is frequently marred by structured artefacts such as line scan dropout, gain induced noise, tip convolution, and phase hops. While most available methods treat SPM artefact removal as isolated denoising or interpolation tasks, the generative inpainting perspective remains largely unexplored. In this work, we introduce a diffusion bas… ▽ More Scanning Probe Microscopy or SPM offers nanoscale resolution but is frequently marred by structured artefacts such as line scan dropout, gain induced noise, tip convolution, and phase hops. While most available methods treat SPM artefact removal as isolated denoising or interpolation tasks, the generative inpainting perspective remains largely unexplored. In this work, we introduce a diffusion based inpainting framework tailored to scientific grayscale imagery. By fine tuning less than 0.2 percent of BrushNet weights with rank constrained low rank adaptation (LoRA), we adapt a pretrained diffusion model using only 7390 artefact, clean pairs distilled from 739 experimental scans. On our forthcoming public SPM InpBench benchmark, the LoRA enhanced model lifts the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio or PSNR by 6.61 dB and halves the Learned Perceptual Image Patch Similarity or LPIPS relative to zero-shot inference, while matching or slightly surpassing the accuracy of full retraining, trainable on a single GPU instead of four high-memory cards. The approach generalizes across various SPM image channels including height, amplitude and phase, faithfully restores subtle structural details, and suppresses hallucination artefacts inherited from natural image priors. This lightweight framework enables efficient, scalable recovery of irreplaceable SPM images and paves the way for a broader diffusion model adoption in nanoscopic imaging analysis. △ Less

Submitted 16 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 37 pages, 7 figures, 7 tables, jounral paper

Molecularly Thin Polyaramid Nanomechanical Resonators

Authors: Hagen Gress, Cody L. Ritt, Inal Shomakhov, Kaan Altmisdort, Michelle Quien, Zitang Wei, John R. Lawall, Narasimha Boddeti, Michael S. Strano, J. Scott Bunch, Kamil L. Ekinci

Abstract: Two-dimensional polyaramids exhibit strong hydrogen bonding to create molecularly thin nanosheets analogous to graphene. Here, we report the first nanomechanical resonators made out of a two-dimensional polyaramid, 2DPA-1, with thicknesses as small as 8 nm. To fabricate these molecular-scale resonators, we transferred nanofilms of 2DPA-1 onto chips with previously etched arrays of circular microwe… ▽ More Two-dimensional polyaramids exhibit strong hydrogen bonding to create molecularly thin nanosheets analogous to graphene. Here, we report the first nanomechanical resonators made out of a two-dimensional polyaramid, 2DPA-1, with thicknesses as small as 8 nm. To fabricate these molecular-scale resonators, we transferred nanofilms of 2DPA-1 onto chips with previously etched arrays of circular microwells. We then characterized the thermal resonances of these resonators under different conditions. When there is no residual gas inside the 2DPA-1-covered microwells, the eigenfrequencies are well-described by a tensioned plate theory, providing the Young's modulus and tension of the 2DPA-1 nanofilms. With gas present, the nanofilms bulge up and mechanical resonances are modified due to the adhesion, bulging and slack present in the system. The fabrication and mechanical characterization of these first 2DPA-1 nanomechanical resonators represent a convincing path toward molecular-scale polymeric NEMS with high mechanical strength, low density, and synthetic processability. △ Less

Submitted 16 January, 2026; v1 submitted 15 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Journal ref: Nano Letters 2025, 25 (50)

A microscopic origin for the breakdown of the Stokes Einstein relation in ion transport

Authors: Zhenyu Wei, Mu Chen, Jun Ren, Pinyao He, Wei Xu, Wei Liu, Fei Zheng, Yin Zhang, Wei Si, Jinjie Sha, Zhonghua Ni, Yunfei Chen

Abstract: Ion transport underlies the operation of biological ion channels and governs the performance of electrochemical energy-storage devices. A long-standing anomaly is that smaller alkali metal ions, such as Li$^+$, migrate more slowly in water than larger ions, in apparent violation of the Stokes-Einstein relation. This breakdown is conventionally attributed to dielectric friction, a collective drag f… ▽ More Ion transport underlies the operation of biological ion channels and governs the performance of electrochemical energy-storage devices. A long-standing anomaly is that smaller alkali metal ions, such as Li$^+$, migrate more slowly in water than larger ions, in apparent violation of the Stokes-Einstein relation. This breakdown is conventionally attributed to dielectric friction, a collective drag force arising from electrostatic interactions between a drifting ion and its surrounding solvent. Here, combining nanopore transport measurements over electric fields spanning several orders of magnitude with molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the time-averaged electrostatic force on a migrating ion is not a drag force but a net driving force. By contrasting charged ions with neutral particles, we reveal that ionic charge introduces additional Lorentzian peaks in the frequency-dependent friction coefficient. These peaks originate predominantly from short-range Lennard-Jones (LJ) interactions within the first hydration layer and represent additional channels for energy dissipation, strongest for Li$^+$ and progressively weaker for Na$^+$ and K$^+$. Our results demonstrate that electrostatic interactions primarily act to tighten the local hydration structure, thereby amplifying short-range LJ interactions rather than directly opposing ion motion. This microscopic mechanism provides a unified physical explanation for the breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein relation in aqueous ion transport. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 10 pages, 4 figure

No boundary density matrix in elliptic de Sitter dS/$\mathbb{Z}_2$

Authors: Raphaël Dulac, Zixia Wei

Abstract: Elliptic de Sitter (dS) spacetime dS$/\mathbb{Z}_2$ is a non-time-orientable spacetime obtained by imposing an antipodal identification to global dS. Unlike QFT on global dS, whose vacuum state can be prepared by a no-boundary Euclidean path integral, the Euclidean elliptic dS does not define a wavefunction in the usual sense. We propose instead that the path integral on the Euclidean elliptic dS… ▽ More Elliptic de Sitter (dS) spacetime dS$/\mathbb{Z}_2$ is a non-time-orientable spacetime obtained by imposing an antipodal identification to global dS. Unlike QFT on global dS, whose vacuum state can be prepared by a no-boundary Euclidean path integral, the Euclidean elliptic dS does not define a wavefunction in the usual sense. We propose instead that the path integral on the Euclidean elliptic dS defines a no-boundary density matrix. As an explicit example, we study the free Dirac fermion CFT in two-dimensional elliptic dS and analytically compute the von Neumann and the Rényi entropies of this density matrix. The calculation reduces to correlation functions of vertex operators on non-orientable surfaces. As a by-product, we compute the time evolution of entanglement entropy following a crosscap quench in free Dirac fermion CFT. We also comment on a striking feature of free QFT in elliptic dS: its global Hilbert space is one-dimensional, wheres the Hilbert space associated to each observer is a nontrivial Fock space. △ Less

Submitted 7 May, 2026; v1 submitted 29 November, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 28 pages + appendices, 14 figures; v2: matches the published version

Journal ref: JHEP 05 (2026) 022

Water induced bandgap engineering in nanoribbons of hexagonal boron nitride

Authors: Chen Chen, Yang Hang, Hui Shan Wang, Yang Wang, Xiujun Wang, Chengxin Jiang, Yu Feng, Chenxi Liu, Eli Janzen, James H. Edgar, Zhipeng Wei, Wanlin Guo, Weida Hu, Zhuhua Zhang, Haomin Wang, Xiaoming Xie

Abstract: Different from hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) sheets, the bandgap of hBN nanoribbons (BNNRs) can be changed by spatial/electrostatic confinement. It has been predicted that a transverse electric field can narrow the bandgap and even cause an insulator-metal transition in BNNRs. However, experimentally introducing an overhigh electric field across the BNNR remains challenging. Here, we theoretically… ▽ More Different from hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) sheets, the bandgap of hBN nanoribbons (BNNRs) can be changed by spatial/electrostatic confinement. It has been predicted that a transverse electric field can narrow the bandgap and even cause an insulator-metal transition in BNNRs. However, experimentally introducing an overhigh electric field across the BNNR remains challenging. Here, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that water adsorption greatly reduces bandgap of zigzag oriented BNNRs (zBNNRs). Ab initio calculations show that water adsorbed beside the BNNR induces a transverse equivalent electric field of over 2 V/nm thereby reducing its bandgap. Field effect transistors were successfully fabricated from zBNNRs with different widths. The conductance of zBNNRs with adsorbates of water could be tuned over 3 orders in magnitude via electrical field modulation at room temperature. Furthermore, photocurrent response measurements were taken to determine the optical bandgap in zBNNR. Wider zBNNRs exhibit a bandgap down to 1.17 eV. This study yields fundamental insights in new routes toward realizing electronic/optoelectronic devices and circuits based on hexagonal boron nitride. △ Less

Submitted 24 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 32 pages, 4 figures

Journal ref: Adv. Mater. 2303198,2023

Signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbon embedded in h-BN lattice

Authors: Chengxin Jiang, Hui Shan Wang, Chen Chen, Lingxiu Chen, Xiujun Wang, Yibo Wang, Ziqiang Kong, Yuhan Feng, Yixin Liu, Yu Feng, Chenxi Liu, Yu Zhang, Zhipeng Wei, Maosen Guo, Aomei Tong, Gang Mu, Yumeng Yang, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Wangzhou Shi, Haomin Wang

Abstract: Zigzag edges of graphene have long been predicted to exhibit magnetic electronic state near the Fermi level, which can cause spin-related phenomena and offer unique potentials for graphene-based spintronics. However, the magnetic conduction channels along these edges have yet been reported experimentally. Here, we report the observation on signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zG… ▽ More Zigzag edges of graphene have long been predicted to exhibit magnetic electronic state near the Fermi level, which can cause spin-related phenomena and offer unique potentials for graphene-based spintronics. However, the magnetic conduction channels along these edges have yet been reported experimentally. Here, we report the observation on signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) embedded in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The in-plane bonding with BN can stabilize the edges of zGNRs, and thus enable a direct probing of the intrinsic magnetism. Firstly, the presence of magnetism of a zGNR was confirmed by scanning NV center microscopy. And then, zGNR was fabricated into a transistor with a width of ~9 nm wide and a channel length of sub-50 nm. By performing magneto-transport measurements, Fabry-Pérot interference patterns were observed in the transistor at 4 Kelvin, which indicates a coherent transport through the channel. A large magnetoresistance of ~175 Ω, corresponding to a ratio of ~1.3 %, was observed at the same temperature. More importantly, such magneto-transport signal is highly anisotropic on the magnetic field direction, and its appearance extends well above room temperature. All these evidences corroborate the existence of robust magnetic ordering in the edge state of zGNR. The findings on zGNR embedded in h-BN provide an effective platform for the future exploration of graphene-based spintronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 17 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 30 pages, 17 figures

Journal ref: Nature Materials 24,15921-599(2025)

Identifying geometric third-order nonlinear transport in disordered materials

Authors: Zhen-Hao Gong, Zhi-Hao Wei, Hai-Zhou Lu, X. C. Xie

Abstract: In nonlinear transport, the quantum-geometric effects can generate higher-harmonic voltages in response to a driving current, which has defined a fast-moving field of intense interest. However, in realistic materials where disorder scattering also contributes to nonlinear transport, identifying the geometric mechanisms remains a challenge. In particular, a theoretical framework for data analysis i… ▽ More In nonlinear transport, the quantum-geometric effects can generate higher-harmonic voltages in response to a driving current, which has defined a fast-moving field of intense interest. However, in realistic materials where disorder scattering also contributes to nonlinear transport, identifying the geometric mechanisms remains a challenge. In particular, a theoretical framework for data analysis is still lacking for nonlinear transport at any order. Here, we develop a mechanism-resolved and symmetry-guided framework for identifying mechanisms of third-order nonlinear transport in disordered materials. We find a total of 20 mechanisms of third-order nonlinear transport, by treating quantum-geometric and disorder-mediated mechanisms on an equal footing. More importantly, we propose a protocol of data analysis that combines symmetry diagnosis of magnetic point groups and scaling law of relation between the third-order nonlinear Hall conductivity and linear longitudinal conductivity. We identify characteristic fingerprints in the scaling-law weights, which allow the mechanisms to be quantitatively distinguished in experiments. We have applied the protocol to identify the geometric mechanisms in materials with and without time-reversal symmetry, including 2D materials, topological materials, and altermagnets. The theory can be generalized to arbitrary orders of nonlinear transport, further promoting nonlinear transport as a probe of geometric effects and phase transitions in quantum materials. △ Less

Submitted 15 July, 2026; v1 submitted 28 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 3 figures, 2 table

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. X 16, 031012 (2026)

Time-reversal positivity

Authors: Shen-Hao Xu, Zhong-Chao Wei

Abstract: We propose a new analytical tool called time-reversal positivity. It is an analogue of the Majorana reflection positivity in time-reversal symmetric case. This new time-reversal positivity can fully explain the relationship between time-reversal symmetry and the sign-free property in quantum Monte Carlo simulations. As an application, using a cone-theoretical method, we show the ground state uniqu… ▽ More We propose a new analytical tool called time-reversal positivity. It is an analogue of the Majorana reflection positivity in time-reversal symmetric case. This new time-reversal positivity can fully explain the relationship between time-reversal symmetry and the sign-free property in quantum Monte Carlo simulations. As an application, using a cone-theoretical method, we show the ground state uniqueness for the time-reversal symmetric Hubbard model. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2026; v1 submitted 27 September, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Pronounced orbital-selective electron-electron correlation and electron-phonon coupling in V2Se2O

Authors: Mingzhe Hu, Ziyin Song, Jingwen Cheng, Gexing Qu, Zhanghuan Li, Yu Huang, Jundong Zhu, Guangyu Zhang, Dacheng Tian, Lan Chen, Zhijun Tu, Hechang Lei, Xiaoping Ma, Huaixin Yang, Zhongxu Wei, Genfu Chen, Hongming Weng, Tian Qian, Hang Li

Abstract: Orbital-selective many-body effects, in which electrons occupying different orbitals experience distinct interaction strengths, play a crucial role in correlated multiorbital materials. However, these effects usually manifest in a complex manner, obscuring their microscopic origins. Here, by combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements with theoretical calculations, we reveal p… ▽ More Orbital-selective many-body effects, in which electrons occupying different orbitals experience distinct interaction strengths, play a crucial role in correlated multiorbital materials. However, these effects usually manifest in a complex manner, obscuring their microscopic origins. Here, by combining angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements with theoretical calculations, we reveal pronounced orbital selectivity in both electron-electron correlation and electron-phonon coupling in the van der Waals material V2Se2O. Electron correlation induces distinct bandwidth renormalization exclusively in the V d_xy-derived band, while the bands mainly composed of the other d orbitals remain essentially unrenormalized. Orbital-resolved analyses identify that the filling number and the bandwidth are decisive factors governing orbital-dependent correlation. Simultaneously, the d_(xz/yz)-derived band exhibits a sharp kink anomaly, arising from enhanced coupling to high-energy phonon modes dominated by oxygen vibrations. Such pronounced orbital selectivity positions V2Se2O as a rare and prototypical platform for unravelling the microscopic mechanisms of orbital-selective electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions, and offers guiding principles for the design of correlated multiorbital materials. △ Less

Submitted 6 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 30 pages, 12 figures, 1 table

Universality of Shallow Global Quenches in Critical Spin Chains

Authors: Julia Wei, Méabh Allen, Jack Kemp, Chenbing Wang, Zixia Wei, Joel E. Moore, Norman Y. Yao

Abstract: Measuring universal data in the strongly correlated regime of quantum critical points remains a fundamental objective for quantum simulators. In foundational work, Calabrese and Cardy demonstrated how this data governs the dynamics of certain global quenches to 1+1-dimensional conformal field theories. While the quasiparticle picture they introduce has been widely successful in both theory and exp… ▽ More Measuring universal data in the strongly correlated regime of quantum critical points remains a fundamental objective for quantum simulators. In foundational work, Calabrese and Cardy demonstrated how this data governs the dynamics of certain global quenches to 1+1-dimensional conformal field theories. While the quasiparticle picture they introduce has been widely successful in both theory and experiment, their seminal prediction that the critical exponents are simply encoded in the relaxation rates of local observables is more challenging to investigate experimentally; in particular, the specific initial state required for their analysis is generated via imaginary time evolution. In this work, we examine the critical quench dynamics of local observables from two types of readily-accessible initial conditions: ground states and finite-temperature ensembles. We identify universal scaling collapses and scaling functions in both cases, utilizing a combination of conformal perturbation theory and tensor network numerics. For the finite-temperature quenches, we determine a regime in which the conformal field theory results are recovered, thereby allowing universal quantum critical data to be extracted from realistic quenches. △ Less

Submitted 26 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: 12+14 pages, 4+7 figures

Quantum Mpemba Effect in Dissipative Spin Chains at Criticality

Authors: Zijun Wei, Mingdi Xu, Xiang-Ping Jiang, Haiping Hu, Lei Pan

Abstract: The Quantum Mpemba Effect (QME) is the quantum counterpart of the classical Mpemba effect--a counterintuitive phenomenon in which a system initially at a higher temperature relax to thermal eauilibrium faster than one at a lower temperature. In this work, we investigate the QME in one-dimensional quantum spin chains coupled to a Markovian environment. By analyzing the full relaxation dynamics gove… ▽ More The Quantum Mpemba Effect (QME) is the quantum counterpart of the classical Mpemba effect--a counterintuitive phenomenon in which a system initially at a higher temperature relax to thermal eauilibrium faster than one at a lower temperature. In this work, we investigate the QME in one-dimensional quantum spin chains coupled to a Markovian environment. By analyzing the full relaxation dynamics governed by the Lindblad master equation, we reveal the emergence of a strong quantum Mpemba effect at quantum critical points. Our findings reveal that criticality enhances the non-monotonic dependence of relaxation times on the initial temperature, leading to anomalously accelerated equilibration. This phenomenon is directly linked to the structure of the Liouvillian spectrum at criticality and the associated overlaps with the initial states. These findings demonstrate that quantum phase transitions could provide a natural setting for realizing and enhancing non-equilibrium phenomena in open quantum systems. △ Less

Submitted 11 September, 2025; v1 submitted 26 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 9 pages, 6 figures, comments are welcome

Anomalous narrow-band correlation in a natural superconducting heterostructure

Authors: Xiupeng Sun, Zhiyuan Wei, Min Shan, Shuting Peng, Yang Luo, Jianchang Shen, Linwei Huai, Yu Miao, Zhipeng Ou, Mehmet Onbasli, Zhenyu Wang, Tao Wu, Junfeng He, Xianhui Chen

Abstract: A new frontier in condensed matter physics is to stack atomically thin layered-materials with different properties and create intriguing phenomena which do not exist in any of the constituent layers. Transition metal dichalcogenide 4Hb-TaS$_2$, with an alternating stacking of a spin liquid candidate 1T-TaS$_2$ and a superconductor 1H-TaS$_2$, is a natural heterostructure for such a purpose. Recent… ▽ More A new frontier in condensed matter physics is to stack atomically thin layered-materials with different properties and create intriguing phenomena which do not exist in any of the constituent layers. Transition metal dichalcogenide 4Hb-TaS$_2$, with an alternating stacking of a spin liquid candidate 1T-TaS$_2$ and a superconductor 1H-TaS$_2$, is a natural heterostructure for such a purpose. Recently, rare phenomena are indeed observed, including chiral superconductivity, two-component nematic superconductivity, topological surface superconductivity and enigmatic magnetic memory. A widely proposed starting point to understand such a mysterious heterostructure requires strong electronic correlation, presumably provided by 1T-TaS$_2$ layers with a narrow flat band near the Fermi level ($E_F$). Here, by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we reveal the theoretically expected flat band near $E_F$ in the energy-momentum space for the first time. However, this flat band only exists on the 1T-TaS$_2$ terminated surface layer with broken translational symmetry, but not on the 1T-TaS$_2$ layers buried in the bulk. These results directly challenge the foundation of the current theoretical paradigm. On the 1T-TaS$_2$ terminated surface layer, we further reveal a pseudogap and an anomalous doping effect. These phenomena and the dichotomy between surface and bulk layers also shed new light on the unusual coexistence of distinct electronic orders in this mysterious heterostructure. △ Less

Submitted 25 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: under review

Radio-Frequency Quantum Rectification in Kagome Superconductor CsV3Sb5

Authors: Han-Xin Lou, Jing-Jing Chen, Xing-Guo Ye, Zhen-Bing Tan, An-Qi Wang, Qing Yin, Xin Liao, Jing-Zhi Fang, Xing-Yu Liu, Yi-Lin He, Zhen-Tao Zhang, Chuan Li, Zhong-Ming Wei, Xiu-Mei Ma, Dapeng Yu, Zhi-Min Liao

Abstract: Rectification of electromagnetic fields into direct current (DC) is pivotal for energy harvesting, wireless charging, and next-generation communication technologies. The superconducting diode effect, which exploits the nonreciprocal transport of dissipationless superconducting currents, offers ultra-low power consumption and high rectification ratios. Combining the superconducting diode effect wit… ▽ More Rectification of electromagnetic fields into direct current (DC) is pivotal for energy harvesting, wireless charging, and next-generation communication technologies. The superconducting diode effect, which exploits the nonreciprocal transport of dissipationless superconducting currents, offers ultra-low power consumption and high rectification ratios. Combining the superconducting diode effect with the AC Josephson effect holds promise for converting radio-frequency (rf) irradiation into a quantized DC output. However, experimental realization has been hindered by challenges in achieving the necessary symmetry breaking and fabricating high-performance Josephson junctions. Here we demonstrate the quantum rectification in kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5, which hosts emergent Josephson effects and a zero-field Josephson diode. Under rf irradiation, a DC voltage emerges without applied bias, scaling linearly with frequency as V = hf/2e, where h is Planck's constant, f is the microwave frequency, and e is the electron charge. Furthermore, the rectified voltage exhibits quantized steps with increasing rf power, consistent with Shapiro step quantization. Our work establishes CsV3Sb5 as a versatile platform for wireless quantum power supplies and charging, and underscores the intertwined order parameters as a promising pathway for precise quantum matter control. △ Less

Submitted 21 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 39 pages, 14 figures

Scalable High-Temperature Superconducting Diodes in Intrinsic Josephson Junctions

Authors: Zihan Wei, Youkai Qiao, Yang-Yang Lyu, Da Wang, Tianyu Li, Leonardo Rodrigues Cadorim, Ping Zhang, Wen-Cheng Yue, Dingding Li, Ziyu Song, Zixi Wang, Yunfan Wang, Milorad V. Milošević, Yong-Lei Wang, Huabing Wang, Peiheng Wu

Abstract: Superconducting diodes, characterized by nonreciprocal supercurrent transport, offer transformative opportunities for ultra-low-power circuits. However, achieving reliable operation at temperatures above liquid nitrogen remains a major challenge, limiting their practical applicability. Here, we present a scalable strategy for high-temperature superconducting diodes based on intrinsic Josephson jun… ▽ More Superconducting diodes, characterized by nonreciprocal supercurrent transport, offer transformative opportunities for ultra-low-power circuits. However, achieving reliable operation at temperatures above liquid nitrogen remains a major challenge, limiting their practical applicability. Here, we present a scalable strategy for high-temperature superconducting diodes based on intrinsic Josephson junctions naturally present in a cuprate superconductor. We demonstrate that strong nonreciprocity arises not only from broken spatial and time-reversal symmetries, but also from enhanced anharmonicity in the current-phase relation, enabled by the atomically thin barrier of the intrinsic junction. The diode efficiency strongly depends on the number of stacked intrinsic junctions, with the highest efficiency occurring in single-junction devices. Notably, these high-temperature superconducting diodes are readily scalable to large arrays, marking a critical step toward practical implementation in energy-efficient computing architectures. △ Less

Submitted 8 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Quantum criticality and emergent orders in the spin-1 bilinear-biquadratic-Kitaev chain

Authors: Zhiling Wei, Zhengzhong Du, Xiaodong Cao, Wen-Long You, Yi Lu

Abstract: Higher-spin quantum magnets with competing interactions offer a rich platform for exploring quantum phases that transcend the paradigms of spin-1/2 systems, owing to their enlarged local Hilbert spaces and the emergence of multipolar correlations. We investigate a one-dimensional spin-1 chain where quadrupolar order is promoted by two distinct mechanisms: conventional bilinear-biquadratic exchange… ▽ More Higher-spin quantum magnets with competing interactions offer a rich platform for exploring quantum phases that transcend the paradigms of spin-1/2 systems, owing to their enlarged local Hilbert spaces and the emergence of multipolar correlations. We investigate a one-dimensional spin-1 chain where quadrupolar order is promoted by two distinct mechanisms: conventional bilinear-biquadratic exchange and bond-directional antiferromagnetic Kitaev frustration. Using density matrix renormalization group calculations, we determine the complete ground-state phase diagram and uncover two emergent phases induced by the Kitaev interaction: a Kitaev nematic phase and a Kitaev-dimer phase. The Kitaev nematic phase emerges from a fragile biquadratic dimer state via a continuous quantum phase transition in the Ising universality class. The Kitaev dimer phase spontaneously breaks a screw symmetry to favor either $x$- or $y$-spin bonding, forming a gapped state that coexists with a crystalline order of alternating $\mathbb{Z}_2$ fluxes. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 12 figures

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 214434 (2025)

Model Accuracy and Data Heterogeneity Shape Uncertainty Quantification in Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials

Authors: Fei Shuang, Zixiong Wei, Kai Liu, Wei Gao, Poulumi Dey

Abstract: Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) enable accurate atomistic modelling, but reliable uncertainty quantification (UQ) remains elusive. In this study, we investigate two UQ strategies, ensemble learning and D-optimality, within the atomic cluster expansion framework. It is revealed that higher model accuracy strengthens the correlation between predicted uncertainties and actual errors a… ▽ More Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) enable accurate atomistic modelling, but reliable uncertainty quantification (UQ) remains elusive. In this study, we investigate two UQ strategies, ensemble learning and D-optimality, within the atomic cluster expansion framework. It is revealed that higher model accuracy strengthens the correlation between predicted uncertainties and actual errors and improves novelty detection, with D-optimality yielding more conservative estimates. Both methods deliver well calibrated uncertainties on homogeneous training sets, yet they underpredict errors and exhibit reduced novelty sensitivity on heterogeneous datasets. To address this limitation, we introduce clustering-enhanced local D-optimality, which partitions configuration space into clusters during training and applies D-optimality within each cluster. This approach substantially improves the detection of novel atomic environments in heterogeneous datasets. Our findings clarify the roles of model fidelity and data heterogeneity in UQ performance and provide a practical route to robust active learning and adaptive sampling strategies for MLIP development. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Heterogeneous Ensemble Enables a Universal Uncertainty Metric for Atomistic Foundation Models

Authors: Kai Liu, Zixiong Wei, Wei Gao, Poulumi Dey, Marcel H. F. Sluiter, Fei Shuang

Abstract: Universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs) are reshaping atomistic simulation as foundation models, delivering near \textit{ab initio} accuracy at a fraction of the cost. Yet the lack of reliable, general uncertainty quantification limits their safe, wide-scale use. Here we introduce a unified, scalable uncertainty metric \(U\) based on a heterogeneous model ensemble with reuse of… ▽ More Universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs) are reshaping atomistic simulation as foundation models, delivering near \textit{ab initio} accuracy at a fraction of the cost. Yet the lack of reliable, general uncertainty quantification limits their safe, wide-scale use. Here we introduce a unified, scalable uncertainty metric \(U\) based on a heterogeneous model ensemble with reuse of pretrained uMLIPs. Across chemically and structurally diverse datasets, \(U\) shows a strong correlation with the true prediction errors and provides a robust ranking of configuration-level risk. Leveraging this metric, we propose an uncertainty-aware model distillation framework to produce system-specific potentials: for W, an accuracy comparable to full-DFT training is achieved using only \(4\%\) of the DFT labels; for MoNbTaW, no additional DFT calculations are required. Notably, by filtering numerical label noise, the distilled models can, in some cases, surpass the accuracy of the DFT reference labels. The uncertainty-aware approach offers a practical monitor of uMLIP reliability in deployment, and guides data selection and fine-tuning strategies, thereby advancing the construction and safe use of foundation models and enabling cost-efficient development of accurate, system-specific potentials. △ Less

Submitted 28 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Anyonic analogue of optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer

Authors: Navketan Batra, Zezhu Wei, Smitha Vishveshwara, D. E. Feldman

Abstract: Anyonic interferometry is a direct probe of fractional statistics. We propose an interferometry geometry that parallels an optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer and offers several advantages over existing interferometry schemes. In contrast to the currently studied electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometer, our setup has no drain inside the device so that the trapped topological charge is time-independ… ▽ More Anyonic interferometry is a direct probe of fractional statistics. We propose an interferometry geometry that parallels an optical Mach-Zehnder interferometer and offers several advantages over existing interferometry schemes. In contrast to the currently studied electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometer, our setup has no drain inside the device so that the trapped topological charge is time-independent. In contrast to electronic Fabry-Pérot interferometry, anyons cannot go around the device more than once. Thus, the interference signal has a straightforward interpretation in terms of anyonic statistical phases. The proposed geometry suppresses the undesirable effects of bulk-edge coupling. Moreover, the setup allows for simple exact solutions for the electric current and noise for an arbitrary quasiparticle tunneling strength in a broad range of conditions. The structure of the solutions is similar to that for non-interacting electrons but reflects fractional charge and statistics. We present results for electric current and noise in Jain states and address thermal interferometry at zero voltage bias. △ Less

Submitted 22 September, 2025; v1 submitted 18 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Comments: 25 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in PRB

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. B 112, 125305 (2025)

Visualization and manipulation of four-leaf clover-shaped electronic state in cuprate

Authors: Zechao Wang, Fengyu Yao, Yuchen Huo, Zhongxu Wei, Zhiyuan Song, Mingqiang Ren, Ziyuan Cheng, Jinfeng Jia, Yu-Jie Sun, Qi-Kun Xue

Abstract: High-Tc superconductivity in cuprates arises from carrier doping of an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator. Associated with these changes are spectral-weight transfers from the high-energy to low-energy, giving rise to a variety of intriguing electronic phenomena. In this study, for the first time, we discovered a 2a0 sized four-leaf clover-shaped (FLC) electronic state at low-energy, accompanied wit… ▽ More High-Tc superconductivity in cuprates arises from carrier doping of an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator. Associated with these changes are spectral-weight transfers from the high-energy to low-energy, giving rise to a variety of intriguing electronic phenomena. In this study, for the first time, we discovered a 2a0 sized four-leaf clover-shaped (FLC) electronic state at low-energy, accompanied with the emergence of a characteristic "kink" around 16meV. With increasing doping, the number of FLC pattern decreases and ultimately vanishes in the overdoped region. Remarkably, we achieved real-time electric-field manipulation of this FLC state, through innovative in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy probe. This novel FLC state may not only redefine our understanding of precursor states of pairing, but also reveals its crucial role as a tunable electronic phase in high-Tc superconductors. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 12 pages, 4 figres,

Lieb's Theorem for Bose Hubbard Models

Authors: Zhong-Chao Wei, Chong Zhao

Abstract: Using a cone-theoretical method, we prove the uniqueness of the ground state for two Bose Hubbard models. The first model is the usual Bose Hubbard model with real hopping coefficients and attractive interactions. The second model is a two-component Bose Hubbard model. Under certain conditions, we show that the ground state in the subspace with particle number $N=2n$($n$ is a positive integer) is… ▽ More Using a cone-theoretical method, we prove the uniqueness of the ground state for two Bose Hubbard models. The first model is the usual Bose Hubbard model with real hopping coefficients and attractive interactions. The second model is a two-component Bose Hubbard model. Under certain conditions, we show that the ground state in the subspace with particle number $N=2n$($n$ is a positive integer) is unique for both models. For the second model, we show that the ground state has spin along the z-axis $S^{z}=0$. When the hopping coefficients are real, it has zero spin quantum number, i.e., it is a singlet. Our proofs work equally well for any arbitrary finite-size lattice. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2026; v1 submitted 11 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Spin textures in curved paths on a curved surface

Authors: Guo-Hua Liang, Ai-Guo Mei, Zhi-Hui Yang, Ze-Lin Wei

Abstract: This study investigates the quantum dynamics of a spin-1/2 particle confined to a curved path from the dynamics of a two-dimensional curved thin-layer system incorporating spin connection contributions. We demonstrate that the geodesic curvature, normal curvature, and geodesic torsion govern the emergent non-Abelian gauge potential, while the geodesic and Gaussian curvatures govern the effective s… ▽ More This study investigates the quantum dynamics of a spin-1/2 particle confined to a curved path from the dynamics of a two-dimensional curved thin-layer system incorporating spin connection contributions. We demonstrate that the geodesic curvature, normal curvature, and geodesic torsion govern the emergent non-Abelian gauge potential, while the geodesic and Gaussian curvatures govern the effective scalar potential in the Hamiltonian. The resulting spin precession dynamics induced by the gauge potential are analyzed with and without the adiabatic approximation. Under this approximation, the surface topology is linked to the rotation angle of spin orientation along a surface boundary and to the pseudo-magnetic flux. Spin texture evolution along helices illustrates distinct behaviors under geodesic versus non-geodesic propagation. Furthermore, the spin evolution along Viviani's curve exemplifies surface dependence. The curve's topology ensures closure of the spin direction and independence of the spin from the path direction. Our theory establishes a framework for spin-state manipulation via engineered nanostructured channels, enabling novel topological quantum control strategies. △ Less

Submitted 9 August, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 3 figures

Magnetic correlations and superconducting pairing near higher-order Van Hove singularities

Authors: Zheng Wei, Yanmei Cai, Boyang Wen, Tianxing Ma

Abstract: Higher-order Van Hove singularities in strongly correlated electron systems provide a fertile ground for emergent electronic orders and superconductivity. This study investigates the interplay between magnetic fluctuations and superconducting pairing near higher-order Van Hove singularities on the honeycomb lattice, a paradigmatic platform relevant to graphene. By incorporating third-nearest-neigh… ▽ More Higher-order Van Hove singularities in strongly correlated electron systems provide a fertile ground for emergent electronic orders and superconductivity. This study investigates the interplay between magnetic fluctuations and superconducting pairing near higher-order Van Hove singularities on the honeycomb lattice, a paradigmatic platform relevant to graphene. By incorporating third-nearest-neighbor hopping \(t''\), we uncover a universal crossover: ferromagnetic fluctuations dominate below the higher-order Van Hove filling, while antiferromagnetic fluctuations take over toward half filling. A key finding is that the already dominant \(f_n\)-wave pairing is enhanced in the critical region of this magnetic crossover by the higher-order Van Hove. This enhancement is driven by the synergistic effect of the higher-order Van Hove singularities-induced divergent density of states and the competing magnetic fluctuations. Although increased hopping parameters generally suppress superconducting correlation, we identify a critical \(t''\) that anomalously enhances pairing via the higher-order Van Hove renormalization. Furthermore, the nearest-neighbor Coulomb interaction suppresses the pairing correlation function in a sign-independent manner. Our results clarify the competitive mechanisms between magnetic fluctuations and unconventional superconductivity in higher-order Van Hove singularities systems, offering a theoretical basis for tailoring quantum phases in graphene-based materials via band engineering. △ Less

Submitted 2 February, 2026; v1 submitted 15 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication as a Regular Article in Physical Review B

A Unified Framework for the Non-Hermitian Localization: Boundary-Insensitive Modes and Electric-Magnetic Analogy

Authors: Zheng Wei, Ji-Yao Fan, Kui Cao, Xin-Ran Ma, Cui-Xian Guo, Xue-Ping Ren, Su-Peng Kou

Abstract: The non-Hermitian skin effect is fundamentally characterized by its sensitivity to boundary conditions, reflected in changes to the energy spectrum and boundary-localized eigenstates. Here, we demonstrate that a spatially inhomogeneous imaginary scalar potential field induces a skin effect that is insensitive to boundary conditions. Both the spectrum and eigenstate distribution remain invariant, a… ▽ More The non-Hermitian skin effect is fundamentally characterized by its sensitivity to boundary conditions, reflected in changes to the energy spectrum and boundary-localized eigenstates. Here, we demonstrate that a spatially inhomogeneous imaginary scalar potential field induces a skin effect that is insensitive to boundary conditions. Both the spectrum and eigenstate distribution remain invariant, a behavior not captured by existing theories. We attribute this anomaly to translational symmetry breaking induced by spatially varying imaginary potentials in finite systems. We further formulate a theory that universally predicts localization in single-particle non-Hermitian systems. This framework classifies skin effects into two fundamental types: electric, driven by imaginary scalar potentials, and magnetic, driven by imaginary vector potentials, and reveals a phase transition between them, where eigenstates become fully delocalized. Our work provides a unified theory for non-Hermitian localization, allowing full control over skin modes via potential engineering in various platforms like photonic crystals and cold-atom systems. △ Less

Submitted 15 May, 2026; v1 submitted 15 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Expedited thermalization dynamics in incommensurate systems

Authors: Mingdi Xu, Zijun Wei, Xiang-Ping Jiang, Lei Pan

Abstract: We study the thermalization dynamics of a quantum system embedded in an incommensurate potential and coupled to a Markovian thermal reservoir. The dephasing induced by the bath drives the system toward an infinite-temperature steady state, erasing all initial information-including signatures of localization. We find that initially localized states can relax to the homogeneous steady state faster t… ▽ More We study the thermalization dynamics of a quantum system embedded in an incommensurate potential and coupled to a Markovian thermal reservoir. The dephasing induced by the bath drives the system toward an infinite-temperature steady state, erasing all initial information-including signatures of localization. We find that initially localized states can relax to the homogeneous steady state faster than delocalized states. Moreover, low-temperature initial states thermalize to infinite temperature more rapidly than high-temperature states -- a phenomenon reminiscent of the Mpemba effect, in which hotter liquids freeze faster than colder ones. The slowest relaxation mode in the Liouvillian spectrum plays a critical role in the expedited thermalization for localized or cold initial states. Our results reveal that the combination of disordered structure and environmental dissipation may lead to non-trivial thermalization behavior, which advances both the conceptual framework of the Mpemba effect and the theoretical understanding of nonequilibrium processes in dissipative disordered systems. △ Less

Submitted 25 May, 2025; v1 submitted 6 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures, comments are welcome

Journal ref: Phys. Rev. A 112, 042210 (2025)

Dissipation induced localization-delocalization transition in a flat band

Authors: Mingdi Xu, Zijun Wei, Xiang-Ping Jiang, Lei Pan

Abstract: The interplay between dissipation and localization in quantum systems has garnered significant attention due to its potential to manipulate transport properties and induce phase transitions. In this work, we explore the dissipation-induced extended-localized transition in a flat band model, where the system's asymptotic state can be controlled by tailored dissipative operators. By analyzing the st… ▽ More The interplay between dissipation and localization in quantum systems has garnered significant attention due to its potential to manipulate transport properties and induce phase transitions. In this work, we explore the dissipation-induced extended-localized transition in a flat band model, where the system's asymptotic state can be controlled by tailored dissipative operators. By analyzing the steady-state density matrix and dissipative dynamics, we demonstrate that dissipation is able to drive the system to states dominated by either extended or localized modes, irrespective of the initial conditions. The control mechanism relies on the phase properties of the dissipative operators, which selectively favor specific eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. Our findings reveal that dissipation can be harnessed to induce transitions between extended and localized phases, offering a novel approach to manipulate quantum transport in flat band systems. This work not only deepens our understanding of dissipation-induced phenomena in flat band systems but also provides a new avenue for controlling quantum states in open systems. △ Less

Submitted 13 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 10 pages, 9 figures, comments are welcome

State preparation with parallel-sequential circuits

Authors: Zhi-Yuan Wei, Daniel Malz

Abstract: We introduce parallel-sequential (PS) circuits, a family of quantum circuit layouts that interpolate between brickwall and sequential circuits, which introduces control parameters governing a trade-off between the amount of entanglement and the maximum correlation range they can express. We provide numerical evidence that PS circuits can efficiently prepare many-body ground states in one dimension… ▽ More We introduce parallel-sequential (PS) circuits, a family of quantum circuit layouts that interpolate between brickwall and sequential circuits, which introduces control parameters governing a trade-off between the amount of entanglement and the maximum correlation range they can express. We provide numerical evidence that PS circuits can efficiently prepare many-body ground states in one dimension. On noisy devices, characterized through both idling errors and two-qubit gate errors, we show that in a wide parameter regime, PS circuits outperform brickwall, sequential, and the log-depth circuits from [Malz, Styliaris, Wei, Cirac, PRL 132, 040404 (2024)]. Additionally, we demonstrate that properly chosen noisy random PS circuits suppress error proliferation and, when employed as a variational ansatz, exhibit superior trainability. △ Less

Submitted 14 April, 2026; v1 submitted 18 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 18 pages, 14 figures

Journal ref: Quantum 10, 2079 (2026)

Charge-polarized superconducting state emerging in a superatomic antipolar metal

Authors: Shuya Xing, Zhongxu Wei, Xu Chen, Junming Zhang, Zhenyu Yuan, Jiali Zhao, Feng Jin, Tao Sun, Huifen Ren, Minjie Cui, Hong Chang, Tianping Ying, Jiangang Guo, Hechang Lei, Shifeng Zhao, Wenping Zhou, Xinqi Li, Tian Qian, Wei Ji, Zhihai Cheng

Abstract: The simultaneous presence of polarity and metallicity or superconductivity in a material signifies the exotic polar metallic or superconducting (SC) state, while such materials are extremely rare due to their exclusive nature. Recently, the interweaved CDW and antipolar charge orders have been discovered in a metallic superatomic crystal of Au6Te12Se8 (ATS), while their interplay and competition w… ▽ More The simultaneous presence of polarity and metallicity or superconductivity in a material signifies the exotic polar metallic or superconducting (SC) state, while such materials are extremely rare due to their exclusive nature. Recently, the interweaved CDW and antipolar charge orders have been discovered in a metallic superatomic crystal of Au6Te12Se8 (ATS), while their interplay and competition with the following emergent SC state remains elusive. Here, we report a further experimental investigation of the SC state emerged from the preformed CDW and antipolar order states using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy in combination with transport and Raman measurements. The temperature-dependent pre-formation and condensation of Cooper pairs are experimentally identified. The pre-existent CDW is gradually suppressed by the preformed Cooper pairs, and then the antipolar charge order is spatially suppressed into a ferrielectric-like polar order by the condensed Cooper pairs of SC state. The exotic charge-polarized superconducting state is discovered in the polar metal of ATS, suggesting a valuable platform for the exploration of intriguing polar superconducting properties. △ Less

Submitted 30 July, 2025; v1 submitted 12 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 17 pages, 4 figures

Huge Stress-induced Adiabatic Temperature Change in a High-Toughness All-d-metal Heusler Alloy

Authors: Rui Cai, Zhiyang Wei, Hongjie Ren, Hanyang Qian, Xinyu Zhang, Yao Liu, Xiang Lu, Wen Sun, Meng Gao, Enke Liu, Jian Liu, Guowei Li

Abstract: The elastocaloric effect (eCE), referring to the thermal effect triggered by a uniaxial stress, provides a promising and versatile routine for green and high efficient thermal management. However, current eCE materials generally suffer from relatively low eCE and poor mechanical properties, hindering their practical applications. Here, we report a exceptionally huge eCE with a directly measured ad… ▽ More The elastocaloric effect (eCE), referring to the thermal effect triggered by a uniaxial stress, provides a promising and versatile routine for green and high efficient thermal management. However, current eCE materials generally suffer from relatively low eCE and poor mechanical properties, hindering their practical applications. Here, we report a exceptionally huge eCE with a directly measured adiabatic temperature change of up to 57.2 K in a dual-phase all-d-metal Heusler Mn50Ni37.5Ti12.5 polycrystalline alloy, revealing an extra contribution to the latent heat during the stress-induced martensitic transformation from B2 to L10, and breaking the record of adiabatic temperature change for elastocaloric alloys. Moreover, thanks to the combined strengthening effect of d-d hybridization and well-dispersed secondary cubic γ phase, the alloy can endure a uniaxial stress up to 1760 MPa. Such an abnormal huge eCE is attributed to the combination of the enhanced entropy change associated with a stress-induced B2 to L10 martensitic transformation under higher stress, in contrast with the thermally induced B2 to 5-layer modulated structure one, and the high transformation fraction due to the multi-point nucleation facilitated by the γ phase dispersed in the main phase. This work provides insight into making full use of the transformation heat to enhance the caloric effect for high-efficient thermal management systems. △ Less

Submitted 3 March, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

PICTS: A Novel Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach for Dynamic P-I Control in Scanning Probe Microscopy

Authors: Ziwei Wei, Shuming Wei, Qibin Zeng, Wanheng Lu, Huajun Liu, Kaiyang Zeng

Abstract: We have developed a Parallel Integrated Control and Training System, leveraging the deep reinforcement learning to dynamically adjust the control strategies in real time for scanning probe microscopy techniques. We have developed a Parallel Integrated Control and Training System, leveraging the deep reinforcement learning to dynamically adjust the control strategies in real time for scanning probe microscopy techniques. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 21 pages, 6 figures

Universal machine learning interatomic potentials poised to supplant DFT in modeling general defects in metals and random alloys

Authors: Fei Shuang, Zixiong Wei, Kai Liu, Wei Gao, Poulumi Dey

Abstract: Recent advances in machine learning, combined with the generation of extensive density functional theory (DFT) datasets, have enabled the development of universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs). These models offer broad applicability across the periodic table, achieving first-principles accuracy at a fraction of the computational cost of traditional DFT calculations. In this stud… ▽ More Recent advances in machine learning, combined with the generation of extensive density functional theory (DFT) datasets, have enabled the development of universal machine learning interatomic potentials (uMLIPs). These models offer broad applicability across the periodic table, achieving first-principles accuracy at a fraction of the computational cost of traditional DFT calculations. In this study, we demonstrate that state-of-the-art pretrained uMLIPs can effectively replace DFT for accurately modeling complex defects in a wide range of metals and alloys. Our investigation spans diverse scenarios, including grain boundaries and general defects in pure metals, defects in high-entropy alloys, hydrogen-alloy interactions, and solute-defect interactions. Remarkably, the latest EquiformerV2 models achieve DFT-level accuracy on comprehensive defect datasets, with root mean square errors (RMSE) below 5 meV/atom for energies and 100 meV/Å for forces, outperforming specialized machine learning potentials such as moment tensor potential and atomic cluster expansion. We also present a systematic analysis of accuracy versus computational cost and explore uncertainty quantification for uMLIPs. A detailed case study of tungsten (W) demonstrates that data on pure W alone is insufficient for modeling complex defects in uMLIPs, underscoring the critical importance of advanced machine learning architectures and diverse datasets, which include over 100 million structures spanning all elements. These findings establish uMLIPs as a robust alternative to DFT and a transformative tool for accelerating the discovery and design of high-performance materials. △ Less

Submitted 9 June, 2025; v1 submitted 5 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Kondo impurity in an attractive Fermi-Hubbard bath: Equilibrium and dynamics

Authors: Zhi-Yuan Wei, Tao Shi, J. Ignacio Cirac, Eugene A. Demler

Abstract: We investigate theoretically equilibrium and dynamical properties of a Kondo impurity coupled to either 1D or 2D superconductors, modeled by the attractive Fermi-Hubbard model. By employing a non-Gaussian variational approach, we go beyond the approximation of a constant superconducting (SC) gap. We show that dynamical properties of the system can be modified qualitatively, when space and time dep… ▽ More We investigate theoretically equilibrium and dynamical properties of a Kondo impurity coupled to either 1D or 2D superconductors, modeled by the attractive Fermi-Hubbard model. By employing a non-Gaussian variational approach, we go beyond the approximation of a constant superconducting (SC) gap. We show that dynamical properties of the system can be modified qualitatively, when space and time dependent renormalization of the SC gap and electron-impurity hybridization are included. For the ground state, we find the singlet-doublet phase transition and $π$-phase shifts of the SC order parameter. For dynamics, first we consider spin dynamics following an abrupt connection of the polarized impurity to the 2D bath. We find rapid relaxation of impurity polarization and directional emission of a magnetization pulse, which becomes damped as it propagates into the bulk. Then we analyze transport between two SC leads coupled through the impurity at finite bias voltage. Here we go beyond analysis of the steady state to investigate full-time dynamics following an abrupt application of the bias voltage. We uncover four distinct regimes in the transient dynamics and transport properties: (I) the AC Josephson effect regime; (II) dynamical competition between charge-density-wave (CDW) and SC orders with transient Kondo correlations; (III) the coexistence of AC and DC currents facilitated by partial Kondo screening and dynamical stabilization of the SC order; (IV) DC Kondo transport regime modified by the SC order. Regime II exhibits a dynamical transition from SC to CDW order that locally restores the U(1) symmetry. We argue that our findings for regime IV provide a theoretical explanation for the experimentally observed anomalous enhancement of DC conductance and suppression of the AC Josephson current. Finally, we discuss the potential experimental realization with ultracold atoms. △ Less

Submitted 9 January, 2025; originally announced January 2025.

Comments: 27 pages, 13 figures. The abstract on the arXiv website is slightly shorter than the PDF version due to the length limit set by arXiv

Crosscap Quenches and Entanglement Evolution

Authors: Zixia Wei, Yasushi Yoneta

Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms by which complex correlations emerge through the dynamics of quantum many-body systems remains a fundamental challenge in modern physics. To address this, quench dynamics starting from nonthermal states have been extensively studied, leading to significant progress. In this paper, we propose a novel quench protocol, termed the "crosscap quench", to investigate how high… ▽ More Understanding the mechanisms by which complex correlations emerge through the dynamics of quantum many-body systems remains a fundamental challenge in modern physics. To address this, quench dynamics starting from nonthermal states have been extensively studied, leading to significant progress. In this paper, we propose a novel quench protocol, termed the "crosscap quench", to investigate how highly structured thermal pure states relax into typical ones. We begin by analyzing conformal field theories (CFTs) and derive universal features in the time evolution of the entanglement entropy. Furthermore, leveraging the AdS/CFT correspondence, we study holographic CFTs, providing an analytically tractable example in chaotic CFTs. Finally, we validate these findings through numerical simulations in both nonintegrable and integrable quantum spin systems. △ Less

Submitted 21 May, 2026; v1 submitted 24 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Comments: 28 pages, 9 figures

YbNi$_4$Mg: Superheavy fermion with enhanced Wilson ratio and magnetocaloric effect

Authors: Xiaoci Zhang, Te Zhang, Zhaotong Zhuang, Zixuan Leng, Zixuan Wei, Xinyang Liu, Junsen Xiang, Shuai Zhang, Peijie Sun

Abstract: A comprehensive study of the low-temperature properties of YbNi$_4$Mg has revealed evidence of a superheavy-fermion state, characterized by a large electronic specific-heat coefficient $γ_0$ $\approx$ 5.65 J mol$^{-1}$ K$^{-2}$ and an elevated Wilson ratio $R_W$ = 32.1. No magnetic ordering was observed down to 70 mK; however, a broad maximum appears in the specific heat at $T^*$ = 0.3 K, along wi… ▽ More A comprehensive study of the low-temperature properties of YbNi$_4$Mg has revealed evidence of a superheavy-fermion state, characterized by a large electronic specific-heat coefficient $γ_0$ $\approx$ 5.65 J mol$^{-1}$ K$^{-2}$ and an elevated Wilson ratio $R_W$ = 32.1. No magnetic ordering was observed down to 70 mK; however, a broad maximum appears in the specific heat at $T^*$ = 0.3 K, along with a shoulder in the derivative of susceptibility d$χ$/d$T$ and resistivity d$ρ$/d$T$. These features indicate a cooperative yet short-ranged magnetism entwined with the superheavy Fermi liquid. The large Wilson ratio, which is also detected in other superheavy-fermion compounds lacking long-range order, might be a signature of residual spin fluctuations. Applying a weak magnetic field of $\sim$0.1 T induces a metamagnetic-like crossover, as demonstrated by the quasi-adiabatic demagnetization measurements showing a broad minimum in the temperature-field trace. Here, an enhanced magnetocaloric cooling effect stemming from the field-sensitive superheavy-fermion state is observed, rivaling that of the well-established insulating magnetic coolants like the rare-earth garnet Gd$_3$Ga$_5$O$_{12}$. △ Less

Submitted 10 December, 2024; originally announced December 2024.

Observation of non-Hermitian boundary induced hybrid skin-topological effect excited by synthetic complex frequencies

Authors: Tianshu Jiang, Chenyu Zhang, Ruo-Yang Zhang, Yingjuan Yu, Zhenfu Guan, Zeyong Wei, Zhanshan Wang, Xinbin Cheng, C. T. Chan

Abstract: The hybrid skin-topological effect (HSTE) has recently been proposed as a mechanism where topological edge states collapse into corner states under the influence of the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). However, directly observing this effect is challenging due to the complex frequencies of eigenmodes. In this study, we experimentally observe HSTE corner states using synthetic complex frequency ex… ▽ More The hybrid skin-topological effect (HSTE) has recently been proposed as a mechanism where topological edge states collapse into corner states under the influence of the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). However, directly observing this effect is challenging due to the complex frequencies of eigenmodes. In this study, we experimentally observe HSTE corner states using synthetic complex frequency excitations in a transmission line network. We demonstrate that HSTE induces asymmetric transmission along a specific direction within the topological band gap. Besides HSTE, we identify corner states originating from non-chiral edge states, which are caused by the unbalanced effective onsite energy shifts at the boundaries of the network. Furthermore, our results suggest that whether the bulk interior is Hermitian or non-Hermitian is not a key factor for HSTE. Instead, the HSTE states can be realized and relocated simply by adjusting the non-Hermitian distribution at the boundaries. Our research has deepened the understanding of a range of issues regarding HSTE, paving the way for advancements in the design of non-Hermitian topological devices. △ Less

Submitted 20 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.