Showing 1–50 of 176 results for author: Ye, Z

Initial performance results of the JUNO detector

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

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

Submitted 18 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 38 pages, 23 figures

Studying AC-LGAD strip sensors from laser and testbeam measurements

Authors: Danush Shekar, Shirsendu Nanda, Zhenyu Ye, Ryan Heller, Artur Apresyan

Abstract: This paper presents the setup assembled to characterize and measure the spatial and timing resolutions of AC-coupled Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (AC-LGADs), using a 1060 nm laser source to deposit initial charges with a defined calibration methodology. The results were compared to those obtained with a 120 GeV proton beam. Despite the differences in the charge deposition mechanism between the laser… ▽ More This paper presents the setup assembled to characterize and measure the spatial and timing resolutions of AC-coupled Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (AC-LGADs), using a 1060 nm laser source to deposit initial charges with a defined calibration methodology. The results were compared to those obtained with a 120 GeV proton beam. Despite the differences in the charge deposition mechanism between the laser and proton beam, the spatial and temporal resolutions were found to be compatible between the two sources after calibration. With 4D tracking detectors expected to play a vital role in upcoming collider experiments, we foresee this work as a way to evaluate the performance of semiconductor sensors that can augment testbeam measurements and accelerate R$\&$D efforts. Additionally, simulation studies using Silvaco TCAD and Weightfield2 were carried out to understand the various contributing factors to the total time resolution in AC-LGAD sensors, measured using the laser source. △ Less

Submitted 17 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Prospects for geoneutrino detection with JUNO

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

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

Submitted 10 November, 2025; originally announced November 2025.

Comments: 32 pages, with 13 figures and 5 tables

Incorporating Si into Sb2Se3: Tailoring Optical Phase Change Materials via Nanocomposites

Authors: Chih-Yu Lee, Yi-Siou Huang, Felix Adams, Chuanyu Lian, Hongyi Sun, Jie Zhao, Zichao Ye, Nathan Youngblood, Juejun Hu, Leslie H Allen, Yifei Mo, Ichiro Takeuchi, Carlos A Rios Ocampo

Abstract: Chalcogenide-based optical phase change materials (OPCMs) exhibit a large contrast in refractive index when reversibly switched between their stable amorphous and crystalline states. OPCMs have rapidly gained attention due to their versatility as nonvolatile amplitude or phase modulators in various photonic devices. However, open challenges remain, such as achieving reliable response and transpare… ▽ More Chalcogenide-based optical phase change materials (OPCMs) exhibit a large contrast in refractive index when reversibly switched between their stable amorphous and crystalline states. OPCMs have rapidly gained attention due to their versatility as nonvolatile amplitude or phase modulators in various photonic devices. However, open challenges remain, such as achieving reliable response and transparency spanning into the visible spectrum, a combination of properties in which current broadband OPCMs (e.g., Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, Sb2Se3, or Sb2S3) fall short. Discovering novel materials or engineering existing ones is, therefore, crucial in extending the application scope of OPCMs. Here, we use magnetron co-sputtering to study the effects of Si doping into Sb2Se3. We employ ellipsometry, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the effects of Si doping on the optical properties and crystal structure and compare these results with those from first principles calculations. Moreover, we study the crystallization and melt-quenching of thin films via nano-differential scanning calorimetry (NanoDSC). Our experiments demonstrate that 20% Si doping increases the transparency window in both states, specifically to 800 nm (1.55 eV) in the amorphous phase, while reducing power consumption by lowering the melting temperature. However, this reduction comes at the cost of reducing the refractive index contrast between states and slowing the kinetics of the phase transition. △ Less

Submitted 2 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Comments: 5 Figures, 2 tables, 17 pages

Characterisation of the first wafer-scale prototype for the ALICE ITS3 upgrade: the monolithic stitched sensor (MOSS)

Authors: Omar Abdelrahman, Gianluca Aglieri Rinella, Luca Aglietta, Giacomo Alocco, Matias Antonelli, Roberto Baccomi, Francesco Barile, Pascal Becht, Franco Benotto, Stefania Maria Beolè, Marcello Borri, Daniela Bortoletto, Naseem Bouchhar, Giuseppe Eugenio Bruno, Matthew Daniel Buckland, Szymon Bugiel, Paolo Camerini, Francesca Carnesecchi, Marielle Chartier, Domenico Colella, Angelo Colelli, Giacomo Contin, Giuseppe De Robertis, Wenjing Deng, Antonello Di Mauro , et al. (113 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: This paper presents the characterisation and testing of the first wafer-scale monolithic stitched sensor (MOSS) prototype developed for the ALICE ITS3 upgrade that is to be installed during the LHC Long Shutdown 3 (2026-2030). The MOSS chip design is driven by the truly cylindrical detector geometry that imposes that each layer is built out of two wafer-sized, bent silicon chips. The stitching tec… ▽ More This paper presents the characterisation and testing of the first wafer-scale monolithic stitched sensor (MOSS) prototype developed for the ALICE ITS3 upgrade that is to be installed during the LHC Long Shutdown 3 (2026-2030). The MOSS chip design is driven by the truly cylindrical detector geometry that imposes that each layer is built out of two wafer-sized, bent silicon chips. The stitching technique is employed to fabricate sensors with dimensions of 1.4 $\times$ 25.9 cm, thinned to 50 $μ$m. The chip architecture, in-pixel front-end, laboratory and in-beam characterisation, susceptibility to single-event effects, and series testing are discussed. The testing campaign validates the design of a wafer-scale stitched sensor and the performance of the pixel matrix to be within the ITS3 requirements. The MOSS chip demonstrates the feasibility of the ITS3 detector concept and provides insights for further optimisation and development. △ Less

Submitted 13 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Instrumentation of JUNO 3-inch PMTs

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

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

Submitted 7 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Efficient high-quality photon pair generation in modal phase-matched thin-film lithium niobate micro-ring resonators

Authors: Tingting Chen, Feihong Xue, Ryan Hogan, Xiaofei Ma, Jiaxuan Zhou, Yule Zhao, Yanling Xiao, Zhilin Ye, Chong Sheng, Qiang Wang, Shining Zhu, Hui Liu

Abstract: Efficient generation of high-quality photon pairs is essential for modern quantum technologies. Micro-ring resonator is an ideal platform for studying on-chip photon sources due to strong nonlinear effect, resonant-enhanced optical fields, and high integration. Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) micro-ring resonators with periodically poled quasi-phase matching have shown high-quality photon pair ge… ▽ More Efficient generation of high-quality photon pairs is essential for modern quantum technologies. Micro-ring resonator is an ideal platform for studying on-chip photon sources due to strong nonlinear effect, resonant-enhanced optical fields, and high integration. Thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) micro-ring resonators with periodically poled quasi-phase matching have shown high-quality photon pair generation. However, periodic poling technology remains expensive and requires complex fabrication hindering its scalability and capability for practical application in nonlinear photonic devices. To address this, we propose a scalable approach using TFLN micro-ring resonators based on modal phase matching to achieve cost-effective, efficient high-quality photon-pair generation, significantly simplifying fabrication. We achieved pair generation rates up to 40.2 MHz/mW through spontaneous parametric down-conversion, with coincidence-to-accidental ratios exceeding 1200. By combining micro-ring resonance enhancement with modal phase matching, our approach reduces device size and fabrication cost while maintaining high nonlinear efficiency. These results advance the development of compact, efficient on-chip photon sources for next-generation nonlinear and quantum photonic applications. △ Less

Submitted 7 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 18pages, 6 figures. Nanophotonics, 2025

The High Level Trigger and Express Data Production at STAR

Authors: Wayne Betts, Jinhui Chen, Yuri Fisyak, Hongwei Ke, Ivan Kisel, Pavel Kisel, Grigory Kozlov, Jeffery Landgraf, Jerome Lauret, Tonko Ljubicic, Yugang Ma, Spyridon Margetis, Hao Qiu, Diyu Shen, Qiye Shou, Xiangming Sun, Aihong Tang, Gene Van Buren, Iouri Vassiliev, Baoshan Xi, Zhenyu Ye, Zhengqiao Zhang, Maksym Zyzak

Abstract: The STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has developed and deployed a high-performance High Level Trigger (HLT) and Express Data Production system to enable real-time event processing during the Beam Energy Scan phase-II (BES-II) program. Designed to meet the demands of high event rates and complex final states, the HLT performs online tracking, event reconstruction, and p… ▽ More The STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has developed and deployed a high-performance High Level Trigger (HLT) and Express Data Production system to enable real-time event processing during the Beam Energy Scan phase-II (BES-II) program. Designed to meet the demands of high event rates and complex final states, the HLT performs online tracking, event reconstruction, and physics object selection using parallelized algorithms including the Cellular Automaton Track Finder and the KF Particle Finder, optimized for identifying both long- and short-lived particles. Tightly integrated with the STAR data acquisition (DAQ) and detector control systems, the HLT employs a dedicated computing cluster to perform near real-time calibration, vertexing, and event filtering. The Express Data Production pipeline runs concurrently, enabling fast reconstruction and immediate physics analysis. This architecture allows for real-time monitoring of data quality, detector performance, and beam conditions, supporting dynamic feedback during operations. This framework has been instrumental in enabling prompt identification of rare signals such as hyperons and hypernuclei. Notably, it enabled the first real-time reconstruction of ${}^5_Λ\mathrm{He}$ hypernuclei with high statistical significance, as well as efficient processing of hundreds of millions of heavy-ion collision events during BES-II. The successful operation of this real-time system demonstrates its effectiveness in handling high data volumes while maintaining stringent physics quality standards. It establishes a scalable and modular model for future high-luminosity experiments requiring integrated online tracking, event selection, and rapid offline-quality reconstruction within hours of data taking. △ Less

Submitted 5 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Comments: 13 figures, 2 tables

Hybrid Scandium Aluminum Nitride/Silicon Nitride Integrated Photonic Circuits

Authors: Jiangnan Liu, Shuai Liu, Abdur-Raheem Al-Hallak, Huabin Yu, Zhengwei Ye, Yuheng Zhang, Zheshen Zhang, Zetian Mi

Abstract: Scandium-doped aluminum nitride has recently emerged as a promising material for quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) due to its unique combination of strong second-order nonlinearity, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility. However, the relatively high optical loss reported to date-typically above 2.4 dB/cm-remains a key challen… ▽ More Scandium-doped aluminum nitride has recently emerged as a promising material for quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs) due to its unique combination of strong second-order nonlinearity, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility. However, the relatively high optical loss reported to date-typically above 2.4 dB/cm-remains a key challenge that limits its widespread application in low-loss PICs. Here, we present a monolithically integrated $\mathrm{Si}_3\mathrm{N}_4$-ScAlN waveguide platform that overcomes this limitation. By confining light within an etched $\mathrm{Si}_3\mathrm{N}_4$ waveguide while preserving the functional properties of the underlying ScAlN layer, we achieve an intrinsic quality factor of $Q_{\mathrm{i}} = 3.35 \times 10^5$, corresponding to a propagation loss of 1.03 dB/cm-comparable to that of commercial single-mode silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides. This hybrid architecture enables low-loss and scalable fabrication while retaining the advanced functionalities offered by ScAlN, such as ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity. Our results establish a new pathway for ScAlN-based PICs with potential applications in high-speed optical communication, modulation, sensing, nonlinear optics, and quantum optics within CMOS-compatible platforms. △ Less

Submitted 1 August, 2025; originally announced August 2025.

Towards Quantum Accelerated Large-scale Topology Optimization

Authors: Zisheng Ye, Wenxiao Pan

Abstract: We present a new method that efficiently solves TO problems and provides a practical pathway to leverage quantum computing to exploit potential quantum advantages. This work targets on large-scale, multi-material TO challenges for three-dimensional (3D) continuum structures, beyond what have been addressed in prior studies. Central to this new method is the modified Dantzig-Wolfe (MDW) decompositi… ▽ More We present a new method that efficiently solves TO problems and provides a practical pathway to leverage quantum computing to exploit potential quantum advantages. This work targets on large-scale, multi-material TO challenges for three-dimensional (3D) continuum structures, beyond what have been addressed in prior studies. Central to this new method is the modified Dantzig-Wolfe (MDW) decomposition, which effectively mitigates the escalating computational cost associated with using classical Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solvers to solve the master problems involved in TO, by decomposing the MILP into local and global sub-problems. Evaluated on 3D bridge designs, our classical implementation achieves comparable solution quality to state-of-the-art TO methods while reducing computation time by orders of magnitude. It also maintains low runtimes even in extreme cases where classical MILP solvers fail to converge, such as designs involving over 50 million variables. The computationally intensive local sub-problems, which are essentially Binary Integer Programming (BIP) problems, can potentially be accelerated by quantum computing via their equivalent Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulations. Enabled by the MDW decomposition, the resulting QUBO formulation requires only sparse qubit connectivity and incurs a QUBO construction cost that scales linearly with problem size, potentially accelerating BIP sub-problem solutions by an additional order of magnitude. All observed and estimated speedups become increasingly significant with larger problem sizes and when moving from single-material to multi-material designs. This suggests that this new method, along with quantum computing, will play an increasingly valuable role in addressing the scale and complexity of real-world TO applications. △ Less

Submitted 19 July, 2025; originally announced July 2025.

Instanton Theory for Nonadiabatic Tunneling through Near-Barrier Crossings

Authors: Ziyan Ye, Eric R. Heller, Dong H. Zhang, Jeremy O. Richardson, Wei Fang

Abstract: Many reactions in chemistry and biology involve multiple electronic states, rendering them nonadiabatic in nature. These reactions can be formally described using Fermi's golden rule (FGR) in the weak-coupling limit. Nonadiabatic instanton theory presents a semiclassical approximation to FGR, which is directly applicable to molecular systems. However, there are cases where the theory has not yet b… ▽ More Many reactions in chemistry and biology involve multiple electronic states, rendering them nonadiabatic in nature. These reactions can be formally described using Fermi's golden rule (FGR) in the weak-coupling limit. Nonadiabatic instanton theory presents a semiclassical approximation to FGR, which is directly applicable to molecular systems. However, there are cases where the theory has not yet been formulated. For instance, in many real-world reactions including spin-crossover or proton-coupled electron transfer, the crossing occurs near a barrier on a diabatic state. This scenario gives rise to competing nonadiabatic reaction pathways, some of which involve tunneling through a diabatic barrier while simultaneously switching electronic states. To date, no rate theory is available for describing tunneling via these unconventional pathways. Here we extend instanton theory to model this class of processes, which we term the ``non-convex'' regime. Benchmark tests on model systems show that the rates predicted by instanton theory are in excellent agreement with quantum-mechanical FGR calculations. Furthermore, the method offers new insights into multi-step tunneling reactions and the competition between sequential and concerted nonadiabatic tunneling pathways. △ Less

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

Comments: 36 pages, 8 figures

Capacity Enhancement Analysis and Implementation of a 3D Array Based on Miniaturized Dipole Antennas

Authors: Yongzheng Li, Wanchen Yang, Shuai S. A. Yuan, Zhitao Ye, Chongwen Huang, Xiaoming Chen, Wenquan Che, Wei E. I. Sha

Abstract: Theoretically, the three-dimensional (3D) array architecture provides a higher communication degree of freedom (DoF) compared to the planar arrays, allowing for greater capacity potential in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. However, in practical implementations, the upper elements of 3D arrays significantly degrade the performance of the lower elements, leading to increased inter-ele… ▽ More Theoretically, the three-dimensional (3D) array architecture provides a higher communication degree of freedom (DoF) compared to the planar arrays, allowing for greater capacity potential in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. However, in practical implementations, the upper elements of 3D arrays significantly degrade the performance of the lower elements, leading to increased inter-element correlation and reduced array efficiency. As a result, the expected enhancement in MIMO performance is often suboptimal. To address this issue, this work employs a miniaturized antenna element to reduce the inter-element correlation and thus enhance the DoF of the 3D array. Moreover, to mitigate the efficiency degradation of the lower elements caused by the upper ones, the structures of lower elements are modified to achieve wideband impedance matching. The influence of upper element profile distribution on DoF and element efficiency is investigated, and the scalability of the proposed 3D array is theoretically analyzed. Finally, the MIMO performance of the proposed 3D array is evaluated under 3GPP scenarios, demonstrating a 16% higher capacity than conventional 2D arrays under the same SNR of 20 dB and a physical aperture area of 6.26 λ02. These results indicate that 3D arrays of appropriately arranged miniaturized elements offer a promising approach to enhancing MIMO system performance. △ Less

Submitted 24 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Comments: This manuscript hvae been submitted to IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. Under review currently

LaPON: A Lagrange's-mean-value-theorem-inspired operator network for solving PDEs and its application on NSE

Authors: Siwen Zhang, Xizeng Zhao, Zhengzhi Deng, Zhaoyuan Huang, Gang Tao, Nuo Xu, Zhouteng Ye

Abstract: Accelerating the solution of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) while maintaining accuracy at coarse spatiotemporal resolution remains a key challenge in scientific computing. Physics-informed machine learning (ML) methods such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) introduce prior knowledge through loss functions to ensure physical consistency, but their "soft constraints" are u… ▽ More Accelerating the solution of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) while maintaining accuracy at coarse spatiotemporal resolution remains a key challenge in scientific computing. Physics-informed machine learning (ML) methods such as Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) introduce prior knowledge through loss functions to ensure physical consistency, but their "soft constraints" are usually not strictly satisfied. Here, we propose LaPON, an operator network inspired by the Lagrange's mean value theorem, which embeds prior knowledge directly into the neural network architecture instead of the loss function, making the neural network naturally satisfy the given constraints. This is a hybrid framework that combines neural operators with traditional numerical methods, where neural operators are used to compensate for the effect of discretization errors on the analytical scale in under-resolution simulations. As evaluated on turbulence problem modeled by the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE), the multiple time step extrapolation accuracy and stability of LaPON exceed the direct numerical simulation baseline at 8x coarser grids and 8x larger time steps, while achieving a vorticity correlation of more than 0.98 with the ground truth. It is worth noting that the model can be well generalized to unseen flow states, such as turbulence with different forcing, without retraining. In addition, with the same training data, LaPON's comprehensive metrics on the out-of-distribution test set are at least approximately twice as good as two popular ML baseline methods. By combining numerical computing with machine learning, LaPON provides a scalable and reliable solution for high-fidelity fluid dynamics simulation, showing the potential for wide application in fields such as weather forecasting and engineering design. △ Less

Submitted 18 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

$\mathcal{H}$-HIGNN: A Scalable Graph Neural Network Framework with Hierarchical Matrix Acceleration for Simulation of Large-Scale Particulate Suspensions

Authors: Zhan Ma, Zisheng Ye, Ebrahim Safdarian, Wenxiao Pan

Abstract: We present a fast and scalable framework, leveraging graph neural networks (GNNs) and hierarchical matrix ($\mathcal{H}$-matrix) techniques, for simulating large-scale particulate suspensions, which have broader impacts across science and engineering. The framework draws on the Hydrodynamic Interaction Graph Neural Network (HIGNN) that employs GNNs to model the mobility tensor governing particle m… ▽ More We present a fast and scalable framework, leveraging graph neural networks (GNNs) and hierarchical matrix ($\mathcal{H}$-matrix) techniques, for simulating large-scale particulate suspensions, which have broader impacts across science and engineering. The framework draws on the Hydrodynamic Interaction Graph Neural Network (HIGNN) that employs GNNs to model the mobility tensor governing particle motion under hydrodynamic interactions (HIs) and external forces. HIGNN offers several advantages: it effectively captures both short- and long-range HIs and their many-body nature; it realizes a substantial speedup over traditional methodologies, by requiring only a forward pass through its neural networks at each time step; it provides explainability beyond black-box neural network models, through direct correspondence between graph connectivity and physical interactions; and it demonstrates transferability across different systems, irrespective of particles' number, concentration, configuration, or external forces. While HIGNN provides significant speedup, the quadratic scaling of its overall prediction cost (with respect to the total number of particles), due to intrinsically slow-decaying two-body HIs, limits its scalability. To achieve superior efficiency across all scales, in the present work we integrate $\mathcal{H}$-matrix techniques into HIGNN, reducing the prediction cost scaling to quasi-linear. Through comprehensive evaluations, we validate $\mathcal{H}$-HIGNN's accuracy, and demonstrate its quasi-linear scalability and superior computational efficiency. It requires only minimal computing resources; for example, a single mid-range GPU is sufficient for a system containing 10 million particles. Finally, we demonstrate $\mathcal{H}$-HIGNN's ability to efficiently simulate practically relevant large-scale suspensions of both particles and flexible filaments. △ Less

Submitted 8 August, 2025; v1 submitted 12 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Proceedings to the 27th Workshop "What Comes Beyond the Standard Models" Bled, July 8-17, 2024

Authors: R. Bernabei, P. Belli, A. Bussolotti, V. Caracciolo, R. Cerulli, A. Leoncini, V. Merlo, F. Montecchia, F. Cappella, A. d'Angelo, A. Incicchitti, A. Mattei, C. J. Dai, X. H. Ma, X. D. Sheng, Z. P. Ye, V. A. Beylin, M. Yu. Khlopov, D. O. Sopin, T. E. Bikbaev, M. Yu. Khlopov, A. G. Mayorov, Stanley Brodsky, Daniele Fargion, A. M. Kharakashyan , et al. (10 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The series of meetings ``What comes beyond the Standard Models'' started in 1998 with the idea of organizing a workshop where participants would spend most of the time in discussions, confronting different approaches and ideas. The idea was successful and has developed into an annual workshop, which is taking place every year since 1998. Very open-minded and fruitful discussions have become the… ▽ More The series of meetings ``What comes beyond the Standard Models'' started in 1998 with the idea of organizing a workshop where participants would spend most of the time in discussions, confronting different approaches and ideas. The idea was successful and has developed into an annual workshop, which is taking place every year since 1998. Very open-minded and fruitful discussions have become the trademark of our workshops, producing several published works. We discussed a lot of concepts which could help to understand our universe from the level of the second quantized elementary fermion and boson fields up to the level of the born of our universe. △ Less

Submitted 20 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: Proceedings for our meeting "What comes beyond the Standard Models'', which covered a broad series of subjects

Journal ref: Proceedings to the 27th workshop 'What Comes Beyond the Standard Models', Bled, July 8.-17., 2024. Založba Univerze v Ljubljani

Nanosecond Ferroelectric Switching of Intralayer Excitons in Bilayer 3R-MoS2 through Coulomb Engineering

Authors: Jing Liang, Yuan Xie, Dongyang Yang, Shangyi Guo, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Jerry I. Dadap, David Jones, Ziliang Ye

Abstract: High-speed, non-volatile tunability is critical for advancing reconfigurable photonic devices used in neuromorphic information processing, sensing, and communication. Despite significant progress in developing phase change and ferroelectric materials, achieving highly efficient, reversible, rapid switching of optical properties has remained a challenge. Recently, sliding ferroelectricity has been… ▽ More High-speed, non-volatile tunability is critical for advancing reconfigurable photonic devices used in neuromorphic information processing, sensing, and communication. Despite significant progress in developing phase change and ferroelectric materials, achieving highly efficient, reversible, rapid switching of optical properties has remained a challenge. Recently, sliding ferroelectricity has been discovered in 2D semiconductors, which also host strong excitonic effects. Here, we demonstrate that these materials enable nanosecond ferroelectric switching in the complex refractive index, largely impacting their linear optical responses. The maximum index modulation reaches about 4, resulting in a relative reflectance change exceeding 85%. Both on and off switching occurs within 2.5 nanoseconds, with switching energy at femtojoule levels. The switching mechanism is driven by tuning the excitonic peak splitting of a rhombohedral molybdenum disulfide bilayer in an engineered Coulomb screening environment. This new switching mechanism establishes a new direction for developing high-speed, non-volatile optical memories and highly efficient, compact reconfigurable photonic devices. Additionally, the demonstrated imaging technique offers a rapid method to characterize domains and domain walls in 2D semiconductors with rhombohedral stacking. △ Less

Submitted 22 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Ideal antiferroelectricity with large digital electrostrain in PbZrO3 epitaxial thin films

Authors: Yangyang Si, Ningbo Fan, Yongqi Dong, Zhen Ye, Shiqing Deng, Yijie Li, Chao Zhou, Qibin Zeng, Lu You, Yimei Zhu, Zhenlin Luo, Sujit Das, Laurent Bellaiche, Bin Xu, Huajun Liu, Zuhuang Chen

Abstract: Antiferroelectrics exhibit reversible antipolar-polar phase transitions under electric fields, yielding large electrostrain suitable for electromechanical devices. Nevertheless, in thin-film form, the antiferroelectric behavior is often obscured by competing ferroic orders, resulting in slanted hysteresis loops with undesired remnant polarization, subsequently posing challenges in obtaining ideal… ▽ More Antiferroelectrics exhibit reversible antipolar-polar phase transitions under electric fields, yielding large electrostrain suitable for electromechanical devices. Nevertheless, in thin-film form, the antiferroelectric behavior is often obscured by competing ferroic orders, resulting in slanted hysteresis loops with undesired remnant polarization, subsequently posing challenges in obtaining ideal antiferroelectricity and understanding their intrinsic electrical behavior. Here, atomistic models for controllable antiferroelectric-ferroelectric phase transition pathways are unveiled along specific crystallographic directions. Guided by the anisotropic phase transition and orientation design, we achieved ideal antiferroelectricity with square double hysteresis loop, large saturated polarization (~60 μC/cm2), near-zero remnant polarization, fast response time (~75 ns), and near-fatigue-free performance (~10^10 cycles) in (111)P-oriented PbZrO3 epitaxial thin films. Moreover, a bipolar and frequency-independent digital electrostrain (~0.83%) were demonstrated in this architype antiferroelectric system. In-situ X-ray diffraction studies further reveal that the large digital electrostrain results from intrinsic field-induced antiferroelectric-ferroelectric structural transition. This work demonstrates the anisotropic phase transition mechanism and ideal antiferroelectricity with large digital electrostrain in antiferroelectric thin films, offering a new avenue for applications of antiferroelectricity in nanoelectromechanical systems. △ Less

Submitted 15 April, 2025; originally announced April 2025.

Comments: 22pages, 5 figures

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

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

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

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

Comments: 25 pages, 14 figures, 4 tables

Quantum illumination via frequency-mode-based correlation-to-displacement conversion

Authors: Xin Chen, Zhibin Ye

Abstract: Quantum illumination leverages entanglement to surpass classical target detection, even in high-noise environments. Remarkably, its quantum advantage persists despite entanglement degradation caused by environmental decoherence. A central challenge lies in designing optimal receivers to exploit this advantage, with the correlation-to-displacement conversion module emerging as a promising candidate… ▽ More Quantum illumination leverages entanglement to surpass classical target detection, even in high-noise environments. Remarkably, its quantum advantage persists despite entanglement degradation caused by environmental decoherence. A central challenge lies in designing optimal receivers to exploit this advantage, with the correlation-to-displacement conversion module emerging as a promising candidate. However, the practical implementation of the conversion module faces technical hurdles, primarily due to the vast number of modes involved. In this work, we address these challenges by proposing a frequency-mode entangled source with matched photon numbers, a heterodyne detection scheme for the returned signals across vast modes, and a cavity-enhanced quantum pulse gate for programmable mode processing. This integrated framework paves the way for the realization of practical quantum illumination systems. △ Less

Submitted 28 February, 2025; originally announced March 2025.

Comments: 11 pages, 3 figures

Probing the ideal limit of interfacial thermal conductance in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures

Authors: Ting Liang, Ke Xu, Penghua Ying, Wenwu Jiang, Meng Han, Xin Wu, Wengen Ouyang, Yimin Yao, Xiaoliang Zeng, Zhenqiang Ye, Zheyong Fan, Jianbin Xu

Abstract: Probing the ideal limit of interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) in two-dimensional (2D) heterointerfaces is of paramount importance for assessing heat dissipation in 2D-based nanoelectronics. Using graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (Gr/$h$-BN), a structurally isomorphous heterostructure with minimal mass contrast, as a prototype, we develop an accurate yet highly efficient machine-learned potentia… ▽ More Probing the ideal limit of interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) in two-dimensional (2D) heterointerfaces is of paramount importance for assessing heat dissipation in 2D-based nanoelectronics. Using graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (Gr/$h$-BN), a structurally isomorphous heterostructure with minimal mass contrast, as a prototype, we develop an accurate yet highly efficient machine-learned potential (MLP) model, which drives nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations on a realistically large system with over 300,000 atoms, enabling us to report the ideal limit range of ITC for 2D heterostructures at room temperature. We further unveil an intriguing stacking-sequence-dependent ITC hierarchy in the Gr/$h$-BN heterostructure, which can be connected to moiré patterns and is likely universal in van der Waals layered materials. The underlying atomic-level mechanisms can be succinctly summarized as energy-favorable stacking sequences facilitating out-of-plane phonon energy transmission. This work demonstrates that MLP-driven MD simulations can serve as a new paradigm for probing and understanding thermal transport mechanisms in 2D heterostructures and other layered materials. △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2025; originally announced February 2025.

Comments: 13 pages, 6 figures in the main text; 20 figures in the SI

High-gain optical parametric amplification with a continuous-wave pump using a domain-engineered thin-film lithium niobate waveguide

Authors: Mengwen Chen, Chenyu Wang, Kunpeng Jia, Xiao-Hui Tian, Jie Tang, Chunxi Zhu, Xiaowen Gu, Zexing Zhao, Zikang Wang, Zhilin Ye, Ji Tang, Yong Zhang, Zhong Yan, Xuewen Wang, Guang Qian, Biaobing Jin, Zhenlin Wang, Shi-Ning Zhu, Zhenda Xie

Abstract: While thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) is known for efficient signal generation, on-chip signal amplification remains challenging from fully integrated optical communication circuits. Here we demonstrate the continuous-wave-pump optical parametric amplification (OPA) using an x-cut domain-engineered TFLN waveguide, with high gain over the telecom band up to 13.9 dB, and test it for high signal-to-… ▽ More While thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) is known for efficient signal generation, on-chip signal amplification remains challenging from fully integrated optical communication circuits. Here we demonstrate the continuous-wave-pump optical parametric amplification (OPA) using an x-cut domain-engineered TFLN waveguide, with high gain over the telecom band up to 13.9 dB, and test it for high signal-to-noise ratio signal amplification using a commercial optical communication module pair. Fabricated in wafer scale using common process as devices including modulators, this OPA device marks an important step in TFLN photonic integration. △ Less

Submitted 31 July, 2025; v1 submitted 16 November, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Machine Learning-Assisted Profiling of Ladder Polymer Structure using Scattering

Authors: Lijie Ding, Chi-Huan Tung, Zhiqiang Cao, Zekun Ye, Xiaodan Gu, Yan Xia, Wei-Ren Chen, Changwoo Do

Abstract: Ladder polymers, known for their rigid, ladder-like structures, exhibit exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, positioning them as candidates for advanced applications. However, accurately determining their structure from solution scattering remains a challenge. Their chain conformation is largely governed by the intrinsic orientational properties of the monomers and their relative… ▽ More Ladder polymers, known for their rigid, ladder-like structures, exhibit exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, positioning them as candidates for advanced applications. However, accurately determining their structure from solution scattering remains a challenge. Their chain conformation is largely governed by the intrinsic orientational properties of the monomers and their relative orientations, leading to a bimodal distribution of bending angles, unlike conventional polymer chains whose bending angles follow a unimodal Gaussian distribution. Meanwhile, traditional scattering models for polymer chains do not account for these unique structural features. This work introduces a novel approach that integrates machine learning with Monte Carlo simulations to address this challenge. We first develop a Monte Carlo simulation for sampling the configuration space of ladder polymers, where each monomer is modeled as a biaxial segment. Then, we establish a machine learning-assisted scattering analysis framework based on Gaussian Process Regression. Finally, we conduct small-angle neutron scattering experiments on a ladder polymer solution to apply our approach. Our method uncovers structural details of ladder polymers that conventional methods fail to capture. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: 8 pages, 9 figures,

Scalable Reinforcement Post-Training Beyond Static Human Prompts: Evolving Alignment via Asymmetric Self-Play

Authors: Ziyu Ye, Rishabh Agarwal, Tianqi Liu, Rishabh Joshi, Sarmishta Velury, Quoc V. Le, Qijun Tan, Yuan Liu

Abstract: Current reinforcement learning (RL) frameworks for large language models (LLM) post-training typically assume a fixed prompt distribution, which is sub-optimal and bottlenecks scalability. Prior works have explored prompt evolving, but are often limited to the supervised fine-tuning stage, and prompts are sampled and evolved uniformly without signals. This empirical work presents a paradigm shift:… ▽ More Current reinforcement learning (RL) frameworks for large language models (LLM) post-training typically assume a fixed prompt distribution, which is sub-optimal and bottlenecks scalability. Prior works have explored prompt evolving, but are often limited to the supervised fine-tuning stage, and prompts are sampled and evolved uniformly without signals. This empirical work presents a paradigm shift: Evolving Alignment via Asymmetric Self-Play (eva), that casts post-training as an infinite game with regret-based signals for 2 players: (i) a creator, who strategically samples and creates new informative prompts and (ii) a solver, who learns to produce preferred responses. eva is the first method that allows language models to adaptively create training prompts in both offline and online RL post-training. The design is simple, easy-to-use yet remarkably effective: eva sets a new SOTA on challenging benchmarks, without any extra human prompts, e.g. it boosts the win-rate of gemma-2-9b-it on Arena-Hard by 51.6% -> 60.1% for DPO and 52.6% -> 62.4% for RLOO, surpassing claude-3-opus and catching up to gemini-1.5-pro, both of which are orders of magnitude larger. Extensive experiments show eva can create effective RL curricula and is robust across ablations. We believe adaptively evolving prompts are key to designing the next-generation RL post-training scheme. △ Less

Submitted 9 April, 2025; v1 submitted 31 October, 2024; originally announced November 2024.

Comments: spotlight @ neurips language gamification workshop. updated the problem description and added new online RL experiments in this version

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

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

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

Submitted 26 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

The STAR Forward Silicon Tracker

Authors: J. D. Brandenburg, Y. Chang, J. Dong, Y. He, Y. Hu, B. Huang, H. Huang, T. Huang, H. Li, M. Nie, R. Sharma, X. Sun, P. Tribedy, F. Videbæk, G. Visser, G. Wilks, P. Wang, G. Xie, G. Yan, Z. Ye, L. Yi, Y. Yang, S. Zhang, Z. Zhang

Abstract: The Forward Silicon Tracker (FST) is a pivotal component of the forward upgrade of the Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC (STAR), designed to discern hadron charge signs with a momentum resolution better than 30% for $0.2 < p_T < 2$ GeV/c in the $2.5 < η< 4$ pseudorapidity range. Its compact design features three disks along the beam direction, minimized material budget, and scattering effects. The FST us… ▽ More The Forward Silicon Tracker (FST) is a pivotal component of the forward upgrade of the Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC (STAR), designed to discern hadron charge signs with a momentum resolution better than 30% for $0.2 < p_T < 2$ GeV/c in the $2.5 < η< 4$ pseudorapidity range. Its compact design features three disks along the beam direction, minimized material budget, and scattering effects. The FST uses Hamamatsu's p-in-n silicon strip sensors with a double metal layer that enables efficient signal routing to the readout electronics, enhancing overall detector performance. The flexible hybrid boards, essential for the readout system, are constructed with Kapton and copper layers to optimize signal handling and power distribution. These boards connect silicon strips to analogue pipeline ASIC APV25-S1 chips, which read up to 128 channels each. A cooling system with nonconducting, volatile NOVEC 7200 coolant at 22.2°C mitigates ASIC-generated heat. The FST enhances forward tracking performance at STAR as an integral part of the forward upgrade. △ Less

Submitted 5 January, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 32 pages, 31 figures

Results for pixel and strip centimeter-scale AC-LGAD sensors with a 120 GeV proton beam

Authors: Irene Dutta, Christopher Madrid, Ryan Heller, Shirsendu Nanda, Danush Shekar, Claudio San Martín, Matías Barría, Artur Apresyan, Zhenyu Ye, William K. Brooks, Wei Chen, Gabriele D'Amen, Gabriele Giacomini, Alessandro Tricoli, Aram Hayrapetyan, Hakseong Lee, Ohannes Kamer Köseyan, Sergey Los, Koji Nakamura, Sayuka Kita, Tomoka Imamura, Cristían Peña, Si Xie

Abstract: We present the results of an extensive evaluation of strip and pixel AC-LGAD sensors tested with a 120 GeV proton beam, focusing on the influence of design parameters on the sensor temporal and spatial resolutions. Results show that reducing the thickness of pixel sensors significantly enhances their time resolution, with 20 $μ$m-thick sensors achieving around 20 ps. Uniform performance is attaina… ▽ More We present the results of an extensive evaluation of strip and pixel AC-LGAD sensors tested with a 120 GeV proton beam, focusing on the influence of design parameters on the sensor temporal and spatial resolutions. Results show that reducing the thickness of pixel sensors significantly enhances their time resolution, with 20 $μ$m-thick sensors achieving around 20 ps. Uniform performance is attainable with optimized sheet resistance, making these sensors ideal for future timing detectors. Conversely, 20 $μ$m-thick strip sensors exhibit higher jitter than similar pixel sensors, negatively impacting time resolution, despite reduced Landau fluctuations with respect to the 50 $μ$m-thick versions. Additionally, it is observed that a low resistivity in strip sensors limits signal size and time resolution, whereas higher resistivity improves performance. This study highlights the importance of tuning the n$^{+}$ sheet resistance and suggests that further improvements should target specific applications like the Electron-Ion Collider or other future collider experiments. In addition, the detailed performance of four AC-LGADs sensor designs is reported as examples of possible candidates for specific detector applications. These advancements position AC-LGADs as promising candidates for future 4D tracking systems, pending the development of specialized readout electronics. △ Less

Submitted 20 January, 2025; v1 submitted 13 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-24-0355

Journal ref: Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A (2025), 170224

Hyper-sampling imaging

Authors: Ze Zhang, Hemeng Xue, Mingtao Shang, Hongfei Yu, Jinchao Liang, Meiling Guan, Chengming Sun, Huahua Wang, Shufeng Wang, Zhengyu Ye, Feng Gao, Lu Gao

Abstract: In our research, we have developed a novel mechanism that allows for a significant reduction in the smallest sampling unit of digital image sensors (DIS) to as small as 1/16th of a pixel, through measuring the intra-pixel quantum efficiency for the first time and recomputing the image. Employing our method, the physical sampling resolution of DIS can be enhanced by 16 times. The method has undergo… ▽ More In our research, we have developed a novel mechanism that allows for a significant reduction in the smallest sampling unit of digital image sensors (DIS) to as small as 1/16th of a pixel, through measuring the intra-pixel quantum efficiency for the first time and recomputing the image. Employing our method, the physical sampling resolution of DIS can be enhanced by 16 times. The method has undergone rigorous testing in real-world imaging scenarios. △ Less

Submitted 27 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Ultra-bright and energy-efficient quantum-dot LEDs by idealizing charge injection

Authors: Yizhen Zheng, Xing Lin, Jiongzhao Li, Jianan Chen, Zixuan Song, Yuan Gao, Huifeng Wang, Zikang Ye, Haiyan Qin, Xiaogang Peng

Abstract: Lighting and display, relying on electric and optical down-conversion emission with sluggish power efficiency, account for >15% global electricity consumption1,2. In 2014, quantum-dot (QD) LEDs (QLEDs) with near-optimal external quantum efficiency emerged3 and promised a pathway to avoid the vast down-conversion energy loss4,5. Despite a decade of progress4-22, fabrication of energy-efficient QLED… ▽ More Lighting and display, relying on electric and optical down-conversion emission with sluggish power efficiency, account for >15% global electricity consumption1,2. In 2014, quantum-dot (QD) LEDs (QLEDs) with near-optimal external quantum efficiency emerged3 and promised a pathway to avoid the vast down-conversion energy loss4,5. Despite a decade of progress4-22, fabrication of energy-efficient QLEDs with application-relevant brightness remains elusive. Here, the main roadblock is identified as the oxidative species adsorbed in the nanocrystalline electron-injection layer of QLEDs, which is then addressed by a simple reductive treatment to simultaneously boosts electron conductivity and hole blockage of the electron-injection layer. The resulting sub-bandgap-driven QLEDs with optimal efficiency achieve ultra-high brightness across the entire visible spectrum at least 2.6-fold higher than existing benchmarks. The brightness fully satisfies the demands of various forms of lighting and display, which surges to a remarkable level sufficient for QD laser diodes with a moderate bias (~9 V). Optimized electron injection further enables new types of QD-blend LEDs for diffuse white-light sources surpassing the 2035 R&D targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Our findings open a door for understanding and optimizing carrier transport in nanocrystalline semiconductors shared by various types of solution-processed optoelectronic devices. △ Less

Submitted 14 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Prediction of Energy Resolution in the JUNO Experiment

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

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

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

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

QLingNet: An efficient and flexible modeling framework for subsonic airfoils

Authors: Kuijun Zuo, Zhengyin Ye, Linyang Zhu, Xianxu Yuan, Weiwei Zhang

Abstract: Artificial intelligence techniques are considered an effective means to accelerate flow field simulations. However, current deep learning methods struggle to achieve generalization to flow field resolutions while ensuring computational efficiency. This paper presents a deep learning approach for rapid prediction of two types of subsonic flow fields with different resolutions. Unlike convolutional… ▽ More Artificial intelligence techniques are considered an effective means to accelerate flow field simulations. However, current deep learning methods struggle to achieve generalization to flow field resolutions while ensuring computational efficiency. This paper presents a deep learning approach for rapid prediction of two types of subsonic flow fields with different resolutions. Unlike convolutional neural networks, the constructed feature extractor integrates features of different spatial scales along the channel dimension, reducing the sensitivity of the deep learning model to resolution while improving computational efficiency. Additionally, to ensure consistency between the input and output resolutions of the deep learning model, a memory pooling strategy is proposed, which ensures accurate reconstruction of flow fields at any resolution. By conducting extensive qualitative and quantitative analyses on a given test dataset, it is demonstrated that the proposed deep learning model can achieve a three-order-of-magnitude speedup compared to CPU-based solvers while adapting to flow fields of arbitrary resolutions. Moreover, the prediction accuracy for pressure exceeds 99\%, laying the foundation for the development of large-scale models in the field of aerodynamics. △ Less

Submitted 13 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Room temperature Si:S barrier infrared detector with broadband response up to 4.4μm

Authors: He Zhu, Yunlong Xiao, Zhongyang Yu, Jiaqi Zhu, Qing Li, Zhenyu Ye, Xi Wang, Changlong Liu, Changyu Pan, Yufeng Shan, Junli Duan, Huizhen Wu, Weida Hu, Ning Dai

Abstract: Mid-infrared spectrum is a critical tool for chemical analysis, industrial inspection, environment, and other fields due to its rich chemical bond information. However, the complicated growth or fabrication procedures of existing mid-infrared sensitive materials hinder the large-scale production and utilization of mid-infrared detectors. To address this issue, we developed Si:S barrier detectors e… ▽ More Mid-infrared spectrum is a critical tool for chemical analysis, industrial inspection, environment, and other fields due to its rich chemical bond information. However, the complicated growth or fabrication procedures of existing mid-infrared sensitive materials hinder the large-scale production and utilization of mid-infrared detectors. To address this issue, we developed Si:S barrier detectors employing sulfur doped silicon and a sophisticated band barrier design. Since the transport of dark current and photo current is separated, the barrier design effectively suppresses the dark current while allowing the photo current to leverage gain mechanisms, thereby substantially improving signal-to-noise ratio. As a result, the detector exhibits an infrared response range covering from 1.12 to 4.4μm with a peak at 3.3μm, excluding its intrinsic response in visible range. Its peak quantum efficiency surpasses that of the best mid-infrared silicon-based detector reported to date by an order of magnitude, reaching 2% at room temperature. The peak detectivity at 90K is 1.4E11 Jones @1.4V and decreases to 4.4E9 Jones @1.4V, 210K, comparable to the typical III-V and IV-VI photodetectors at one thousandth fabrication cost. Leveraging the well-established silicon-based manufacturing process, this device holds promise for large-scale production at a reduced price, offering a cost-effective solution for future mid-infrared detection. △ Less

Submitted 7 May, 2024; v1 submitted 4 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

ETROC1: The First Full Chain Precision Timing Prototype ASIC for CMS MTD Endcap Timing Layer Upgrade

Authors: Xing Huang, Quan Sun, Datao Gong, Piljun Gwak, Doyeong Kim, Jongho Lee, Chonghan Liu, Tiankuan Liu, Tiehui Liu, Sergey Los, Sandeep Miryala, Shirsendu Nanda, Jamieson Olsen, Hanhan Sun, Jinyuan Wu, Jingbo Ye, Zhenyu Ye, Li Zhang, Wei Zhang

Abstract: We present the design and characterization of the first full chain precision timing prototype ASIC, named ETL Readout Chip version 1 (ETROC1) for the CMS MTD endcap timing layer (ETL) upgrade. The ETL utilizes Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) sensors to detect charged particles, with the goal to achieve a time resolution of 40 - 50 ps per hit, and 30 - 40 ps per track with hits from two detector la… ▽ More We present the design and characterization of the first full chain precision timing prototype ASIC, named ETL Readout Chip version 1 (ETROC1) for the CMS MTD endcap timing layer (ETL) upgrade. The ETL utilizes Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) sensors to detect charged particles, with the goal to achieve a time resolution of 40 - 50 ps per hit, and 30 - 40 ps per track with hits from two detector layers. The ETROC1 is composed of a 5 x 5 pixel array and peripheral circuits. The pixel array includes a 4 x 4 active pixel array with an H-tree shaped network delivering clock and charge injection signals. Each active pixel is composed of various components, including a bump pad, a charge injection circuit, a pre-amplifier, a discriminator, a digital-to-analog converter, and a time-to-digital converter. These components play essential roles as the front-end link in processing LGAD signals and measuring timing-related information. The peripheral circuits provide clock signals and readout functionalities. The size of the ETROC1 chip is 7 mm x 9 mm. ETROC1 has been fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process, and extensively tested under stimuli of charge injection, infrared laser, and proton beam. The time resolution of bump-bonded ETROC1 + LGAD chipsets reaches 42 - 46 ps per hit in the beam test. △ Less

Submitted 2 September, 2024; v1 submitted 22 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 14 pages, 15 figures

Report number: FERMILAB-PUB-24-0131-CMS-PPD

Theory of paraxial optical Skyrmions

Authors: Z. Ye, S. M. Barnett, S. Franke-Arnold, J. B. Götte, A. McWilliam, F. C. Speirits, C. M. Cisowski

Abstract: Vector light beams, characterised by a spatially varying polarisation, can exhibit localised structures reminiscent of the Skyrmions familiar from the study of magnetic media. We present a theory of such Skyrmions within paraxial optics, exploiting mathematical analogies with the study of superfluids, especially the A phase of superfluid $\textrm{He}^3$. The key feature is the Skyrmion field which… ▽ More Vector light beams, characterised by a spatially varying polarisation, can exhibit localised structures reminiscent of the Skyrmions familiar from the study of magnetic media. We present a theory of such Skyrmions within paraxial optics, exploiting mathematical analogies with the study of superfluids, especially the A phase of superfluid $\textrm{He}^3$. The key feature is the Skyrmion field which, together with the underlying Skyrmion vector potential, determines the properties of the Skyrmions and, more generally, the polarisation structure of every paraxial vector beam. In addition to structures with integer Skyrmion number we find polarisation patterns with non-integer Skyrmion number; these seem to have no analogue in other fields of physics. △ Less

Submitted 17 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

High quality Fe1+yTe synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with conspicuous vortex flow

Authors: Lu Lv, Lihong Hu, Weikang Dong, Jingyi Duan, Ping Wang, Peiling Li, Fanming Qu, Li Lu, Zimeng Ye, Junhao Zhao, Jiafang Li, Fang Deng, Guangtong Liu, Jiadong Zhou, Yanfeng Gao

Abstract: Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide an ideal platform to explore novel superconducting behavior including Ising superconductivity, topological superconductivity and Majorana bound states in different 2D stoichiometric Ta-, Nb-, and Fe-based crystals. However, tuning the element content in 2D compounds for regulating their superconductivity has not been realized. In this work, we report the synt… ▽ More Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide an ideal platform to explore novel superconducting behavior including Ising superconductivity, topological superconductivity and Majorana bound states in different 2D stoichiometric Ta-, Nb-, and Fe-based crystals. However, tuning the element content in 2D compounds for regulating their superconductivity has not been realized. In this work, we report the synthesis of high quality Fe1+yTe with tunable Fe content by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The quality and composition of Fe1+yTe are characterized by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The superconducting behavior of Fe1+yTe crystals with varying Fe contents is observed. The superconducting transition of selected Fe1.13Te sample is sharp (ΔTc = 1 K), while Fe1.43Te with a high-Fe content shows a relative broad superconducting transition (ΔTc = 2.6 K) at zero magnetic field. Significantly, the conspicuous vortex flow and a transition from a 3D vortex liquid state to a 2D vortex liquid state is observed in Fe1.43Te sample. Our work highlights the tunability of the superconducting properties of Fe1+yTe and sheds light on the vortex dynamics in Fe-based superconductors, which facilitates us to understand the intrinsic mechanisms of high-temperature superconductivity. △ Less

Submitted 2 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 30 pages, 15 figures, accepted by Advanced Functional Materials

Measurement of three-body recombination coefficient of ultracold lithium and strontium atoms

Authors: Bo-Yang Wang, Yi-Fan Wang, Zi-He An, Li-Yang Xie, Zhu-Xiong Ye, Yi Zhang, Meng Khoon Tey

Abstract: We report on the observation of a conspicuous loss in an ultracold mixture of $^{7}$Li and $^{88}$Sr atoms confined in a far-off-resonance optical dipole trap. We attribute the trap loss to the three-body inelastic Li-Sr-Sr collision and extract the corresponding three-body recombination coefficient $K_3$ at $T\sim 18.5,45,70,600$ $μK$. The measured three-body recombination coefficient is about tw… ▽ More We report on the observation of a conspicuous loss in an ultracold mixture of $^{7}$Li and $^{88}$Sr atoms confined in a far-off-resonance optical dipole trap. We attribute the trap loss to the three-body inelastic Li-Sr-Sr collision and extract the corresponding three-body recombination coefficient $K_3$ at $T\sim 18.5,45,70,600$ $μK$. The measured three-body recombination coefficient is about two to three orders of magnitude larger than the typical values convenient for realizing quantum degenerate gases. It also indicates a potentially large $s$-wave scattering length between the bosonic $^{7}$Li and $^{88}$Sr atoms, and essentially rules out the prospect of realizing $^7$Li and $^{88}$Sr mixtures of high phase space density. △ Less

Submitted 1 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 6 pages

Magnetic resonance delta radiomics to track radiation response in lung tumors receiving stereotactic MRI-guided radiotherapy

Authors: Yining Zha, Benjamin H. Kann, Zezhong Ye, Anna Zapaishchykova, John He, Shu-Hui Hsu, Jonathan E. Leeman, Kelly J. Fitzgerald, David E. Kozono, Raymond H. Mak, Hugo J. W. L. Aerts

Abstract: Introduction: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become a standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer. However, the heterogeneous response to radiation at the tumor level poses challenges. Currently, standardized dosage regimens lack adaptation based on individual patient or tumor characteristics. Thus, we explore the potent… ▽ More Introduction: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become a standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer. However, the heterogeneous response to radiation at the tumor level poses challenges. Currently, standardized dosage regimens lack adaptation based on individual patient or tumor characteristics. Thus, we explore the potential of delta radiomics from on-treatment magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to track radiation dose response, inform personalized radiotherapy dosing, and predict outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of 47 MR-guided lung SBRT treatments for 39 patients was conducted. Radiomic features were extracted using Pyradiomics, and stability was evaluated temporally and spatially. Delta radiomics were correlated with radiation dose delivery and assessed for associations with tumor control and survival with Cox regressions. Results: Among 107 features, 49 demonstrated temporal stability, and 57 showed spatial stability. Fifteen stable and non-collinear features were analyzed. Median Skewness and surface to volume ratio decreased with radiation dose fraction delivery, while coarseness and 90th percentile values increased. Skewness had the largest relative median absolute changes (22%-45%) per fraction from baseline and was associated with locoregional failure (p=0.012) by analysis of covariance. Skewness, Elongation, and Flatness were significantly associated with local recurrence-free survival, while tumor diameter and volume were not. Conclusions: Our study establishes the feasibility and stability of delta radiomics analysis for MR-guided lung SBRT. Findings suggest that MR delta radiomics can capture short-term radiographic manifestations of intra-tumoral radiation effect. △ Less

Submitted 23 February, 2024; originally announced February 2024.

Patient-Specific CT Doses Using DL-based Image Segmentation and GPU-based Monte Carlo Calculations for 10,281 Subjects

Authors: Zirui Ye, Bei Yao, Haoran Zheng, Li Tao, Ripeng Wang, Yankui Chang, Zhi Chen, Yingming Zhao, Wei Wei, Xie George Xu

Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) scans are a major source of medical radiation exposure worldwide. In countries like China, the frequency of CT scans has grown rapidly, particularly in routine physical examinations where chest CT scans are increasingly common. Accurate estimation of organ doses is crucial for assessing radiation risk and optimizing imaging protocols. However, traditional methods face chal… ▽ More Computed tomography (CT) scans are a major source of medical radiation exposure worldwide. In countries like China, the frequency of CT scans has grown rapidly, particularly in routine physical examinations where chest CT scans are increasingly common. Accurate estimation of organ doses is crucial for assessing radiation risk and optimizing imaging protocols. However, traditional methods face challenges due to the labor-intensive process of manual organ segmentation and the computational demands of Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculations. In this study, we present a novel method that combines automatic image segmentation with GPU-accelerated MC simulations to compute patient-specific organ doses for a large cohort of 10,281 individuals undergoing CT examinations for physical examinations at a Chinese hospital. This is the first big-data study of its kind involving such a large population for CT dosimetry. The results show considerable inter-individual variability in CTDIvol-normalized organ doses, even among subjects with similar BMI or WED. Patient-specific organ doses vary widely, ranging from 33% to 164% normalized by the doses from ICRP Adult Reference Phantoms. Statistical analyses indicate that the "Reference Man" based average phantoms can lead to significant dosimetric uncertainties, with relative errors exceeding 50% in some cases. These findings underscore the fact that previous assessments of radiation risk may be inaccurate. It took our computational tool, on average, 135 seconds per subject, using a single NVIDIA RTX 3080 GPU card. The big-data analysis provides interesting data for improving CT dosimetry and risk assessment by avoiding uncertainties that were neglected in the past. △ Less

Submitted 19 September, 2024; v1 submitted 21 January, 2024; originally announced January 2024.

Comments: 20 pages, 6 figures

The PMT System of the TRIDENT Pathfinder Experiment

Authors: Fuyudi Zhang, Fan Hu, Shishen Xian, Wei Tian, Kun Jiang, Wenlian Li, Jianglai Liu, Peng Miao, Zhengyang Sun, Jiannan Tang, Zebo Tang, Mingxin Wang, Yan Wang, Donglian Xu, Ziping Ye

Abstract: Next generation neutrino telescopes are highly anticipated to boost the development of neutrino astronomy. A multi-cubic-kilometer neutrino telescope, TRopIcal DEep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), was proposed to be built in the South China Sea. The detector aims to achieve ~ 0.1 degree angular resolution for track-like events at energy above 100 TeV by using hybrid digital optical modules, open… ▽ More Next generation neutrino telescopes are highly anticipated to boost the development of neutrino astronomy. A multi-cubic-kilometer neutrino telescope, TRopIcal DEep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT), was proposed to be built in the South China Sea. The detector aims to achieve ~ 0.1 degree angular resolution for track-like events at energy above 100 TeV by using hybrid digital optical modules, opening new opportunities for neutrino astronomy. In order to measure the water optical properties and marine environment of the proposed TRIDENT site, a pathfinder experiment was conducted, in which a 100-meter-long string consisting of three optical modules was deployed at a depth of 3420 m to perform in-situ measurements. The central module emits light by housing LEDs, whereas the other two modules detect light with two independent and complementary systems: the PMT and the camera systems. By counting the number of detected photons and analyzing the photon arrival time distribution, the PMT system can measure the absorption and scattering lengths of sea water, which serve as the basic inputs for designing the neutrino telescope. In this paper, we present the design concept, calibration and performance of the PMT system in the pathfinder experiment. △ Less

Submitted 19 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Replica symmetry breaking in 1D Rayleigh scattering system: theory and validations

Authors: Yifei Qi, Longqun Ni, Zhenyu Ye, Jiaojiao Zhang, Xingyu Bao, Pan Wang, Yunjiang Rao, Ernesto P. Raposo, Anderson S. L. Gomes, Zinan Wang

Abstract: Spin glass theory, as a paradigm for describing disordered magnetic systems, constitutes a prominent subject of study within statistical physics. Replica symmetry breaking (RSB), as one of the pivotal concepts for the understanding of spin glass theory, means that, under identical conditions disordered systems can yield distinct states with nontrivial correlations. Random fiber laser (RFL) based o… ▽ More Spin glass theory, as a paradigm for describing disordered magnetic systems, constitutes a prominent subject of study within statistical physics. Replica symmetry breaking (RSB), as one of the pivotal concepts for the understanding of spin glass theory, means that, under identical conditions disordered systems can yield distinct states with nontrivial correlations. Random fiber laser (RFL) based on Rayleigh scattering (RS) is a complex disordered system, owing to the disorder and stochasticity of RS. In this work, for the first time, we elaborate a precise theoretical model for studying the photonic phase transition via the platform of RS-based RFL, in which we clearly reveal that, apart from the pump power, the photon phase variation in RFL is also an analogy to the temperature term in spin glass phase transition, leading to a novel insight into the intrinsic mechanisms of photonic phase transition. In addition, based on this model and real-time high-fidelity detection spectral evolution, we theoretically predict and experimentally observe the mode-asymmetric characteristics of photonic phase transition in RS-based RFL. This finding contributes to a deeper understanding of the photonic RSB regime and the dynamics of RS-based RFL. △ Less

Submitted 17 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Comments: 15 pages, 9 figures

Fast simulation of airfoil flow field via deep neural network

Authors: Kuijun Zuo, Zhengyin Ye, Shuhui Bu, Xianxu Yuan, Weiwei Zhang

Abstract: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an indispensable tool in the optimization design, and evaluation of aircraft aerodynamics. However, solving the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations is a time-consuming, memory demanding and computationally expensive task. Artificial intelligence offers a promising avenue for flow field solving. In this work, we propose a novel deep learning framework for rapi… ▽ More Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an indispensable tool in the optimization design, and evaluation of aircraft aerodynamics. However, solving the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations is a time-consuming, memory demanding and computationally expensive task. Artificial intelligence offers a promising avenue for flow field solving. In this work, we propose a novel deep learning framework for rapidly reconstructing airfoil flow fields. Channel attention and spatial attention modules are utilized in the downsampling stage of the UNet to enhance the feature learning capabilities of the deep learning model. Additionally, integrating the predicted flow field values generated by the deep learning model into the NS equation solver validates the credibility of the flow field prediction results. The NACA series airfoils were used to validate the prediction accuracy and generalization of the deep learning model. The experimental results represent the deep learning model achieving flow field prediction speeds three orders of magnitude faster than CFD solver. Furthermore, the CFD solver integrated with deep learning model demonstrates a threefold acceleration compared to CFD solver. By extensively mining historical flow field data, an efficient solution is derived for the rapid simulation of aircraft flow fields. △ Less

Submitted 7 December, 2023; originally announced December 2023.

Passively stable 0.7-octave microcombs in thin-film lithium niobate microresonators

Authors: Zexing Zhao, Chenyu Wang, Jingyuan Qiu, Zhilin Ye, Zhijun Yin, Kunpeng Jia, Xiaohui Tian, Zhenda Xie, Shi-Ning Zhu

Abstract: Optical frequency comb based on microresonator (microcomb) is an integrated coherent light source and has the potential to promise a high-precision frequency standard, and self-reference and long-term stable microcomb is the key to this realization. Here, we demonstrated a 0.7-octave spectrum Kerr comb via dispersion engineering in a thin film lithium niobate microresonator, and the single soliton… ▽ More Optical frequency comb based on microresonator (microcomb) is an integrated coherent light source and has the potential to promise a high-precision frequency standard, and self-reference and long-term stable microcomb is the key to this realization. Here, we demonstrated a 0.7-octave spectrum Kerr comb via dispersion engineering in a thin film lithium niobate microresonator, and the single soliton state can be accessed passively with long-term stability over 3 hours. With such a robust broadband coherent comb source using thin film lithium niobate, fully stabilized microcomb can be expected for massive practical applications. △ Less

Submitted 24 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 8 pages, 4 figures

Mechanisms of temperature-dependent thermal transport in amorphous silica from machine-learning molecular dynamics

Authors: Ting Liang, Penghua Ying, Ke Xu, Zhenqiang Ye, Chao Ling, Zheyong Fan, Jianbin Xu

Abstract: Amorphous silica (a-SiO$_2$) is a foundational disordered material for which the thermal transport properties are important for various applications. To accurately model the interatomic interactions in classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of thermal transport in a-SiO$_2$, we herein develop an accurate yet highly efficient machine-learned potential model that allowed us to generate a-SiO… ▽ More Amorphous silica (a-SiO$_2$) is a foundational disordered material for which the thermal transport properties are important for various applications. To accurately model the interatomic interactions in classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of thermal transport in a-SiO$_2$, we herein develop an accurate yet highly efficient machine-learned potential model that allowed us to generate a-SiO$_2$ samples closely resembling experimentally produced ones. Using the homogeneous nonequilibrium MD method and a proper quantum-statistical correction to the classical MD results, quantitative agreement with experiments is achieved for the thermal conductivities of bulk and 190 nm-thick a-SiO$_2$ films over a wide range of temperatures. To interrogate the thermal vibrations at different temperatures, we calculated the current correlation functions corresponding to the transverse acoustic (TA) and longitudinal acoustic (LA) collective vibrations. The results reveal that below the Ioffe-Regel crossover frequency, phonons as well-defined excitations, remain applicable in a-SiO$_2$ and play a predominant role at low temperatures, resulting in a temperature-dependent increase in thermal conductivity. In the high-temperature region, more phonons are excited, accompanied by a more intense liquid-like diffusion event. We attribute the temperature-independent thermal conductivity in the high-temperature range of a-SiO$_2$ to the collaborative involvement of excited phonon scattering and liquid-like diffusion in heat conduction. These findings provide physical insights into the thermal transport of a-SiO$_2$ and are expected to be applied to a vast range of amorphous materials. △ Less

Submitted 1 November, 2023; v1 submitted 13 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Comments: 12 pages, 7 figures in main text; 15 pages, 12 figures in Supplemental Material

Journal ref: Physical Review B 108, 184203 (2023)

Self-injection-locked optical parametric oscillator based on microcombs

Authors: Fuchuan Lei, Yi Sun, Óskar B. Helgason, Zhichao Ye, Yan Gao, Magnus Karlsson, Peter A Andrekson, Victor Torres-Company

Abstract: Narrow-linewidth yet tunable laser oscillators are one of the most important tools for precision metrology, optical atomic clocks, sensing and quantum computing. Commonly used tunable coherent oscillators are based on stimulated emission or stimulated Brillouin scattering; as a result, the operating wavelength band is limited by the gain media. Based on nonlinear optical gain, optical parametric o… ▽ More Narrow-linewidth yet tunable laser oscillators are one of the most important tools for precision metrology, optical atomic clocks, sensing and quantum computing. Commonly used tunable coherent oscillators are based on stimulated emission or stimulated Brillouin scattering; as a result, the operating wavelength band is limited by the gain media. Based on nonlinear optical gain, optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) enable coherent signal generation within the whole transparency window of the medium used. However, the demonstration of OPO-based Hertz-level linewidth and tunable oscillators has remained elusive. Here, we present a tunable coherent oscillator based on a multimode coherent OPO in a high-Q microresonator, i.e., a microcomb. Single-mode coherent oscillation is realized through self-injection locking (SIL) of one selected comb line. We achieve coarse tuning up to 20 nm, and an intrinsic linewidth down to sub-Hertz level, which is three orders of magnitude lower than the pump. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this scheme results into repetition rate stabilization of the microcomb. These results open exciting possibilities for generating tunable coherent radiation where stimulated emission materials are difficult to obtain, and the stabilization of microcomb sources beyond the limits imposed by the thermorefractive noise in the cavity. △ Less

Submitted 19 March, 2024; v1 submitted 12 October, 2023; originally announced October 2023.

Journal ref: Optica 11(3) 420-426(2024)

Event-by-Event Direction Reconstruction of Solar Neutrinos in a High Light-Yield Liquid Scintillator

Authors: A. Allega, M. R. Anderson, S. Andringa, J. Antunes, M. Askins, D. J. Auty, A. Bacon, J. Baker, N. Barros, F. Barão, R. Bayes, E. W. Beier, T. S. Bezerra, A. Bialek, S. D. Biller, E. Blucher, E. Caden, E. J. Callaghan, M. Chen, S. Cheng, B. Cleveland, D. Cookman, J. Corning, M. A. Cox, R. Dehghani , et al. (94 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The direction of individual $^8$B solar neutrinos has been reconstructed using the SNO+ liquid scintillator detector. Prompt, directional Cherenkov light was separated from the slower, isotropic scintillation light using time information, and a maximum likelihood method was used to reconstruct the direction of individual scattered electrons. A clear directional signal was observed, correlated with… ▽ More The direction of individual $^8$B solar neutrinos has been reconstructed using the SNO+ liquid scintillator detector. Prompt, directional Cherenkov light was separated from the slower, isotropic scintillation light using time information, and a maximum likelihood method was used to reconstruct the direction of individual scattered electrons. A clear directional signal was observed, correlated with the solar angle. The observation was aided by a period of low primary fluor concentration that resulted in a slower scintillator decay time. This is the first time that event-by-event direction reconstruction in high light-yield liquid scintillator has been demonstrated in a large-scale detector. △ Less

Submitted 10 April, 2024; v1 submitted 12 September, 2023; originally announced September 2023.

Comments: 6 pages, 6 figures. Accepted manuscript by PRD

Vernier Microcombs for Integrated Optical Atomic Clocks

Authors: Kaiyi Wu, Nathan P. O'Malley, Saleha Fatema, Cong Wang, Marcello Girardi, Mohammed S. Alshaykh, Zhichao Ye, Daniel E. Leaird, Minghao Qi, Victor Torres-Company, Andrew M. Weiner

Abstract: CMOS-compatible Kerr microcombs have drawn substantial interest as mass-manufacturable, compact alternatives to bulk frequency combs. This could enable deployment of many comb-reliant applications previously confined to laboratories. Particularly enticing is the prospect of microcombs performing optical frequency division in compact optical atomic clocks. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the… ▽ More CMOS-compatible Kerr microcombs have drawn substantial interest as mass-manufacturable, compact alternatives to bulk frequency combs. This could enable deployment of many comb-reliant applications previously confined to laboratories. Particularly enticing is the prospect of microcombs performing optical frequency division in compact optical atomic clocks. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the self-referencing requirement of microcombs in these systems due to the $\sim$THz repetition rates typically required for octave-spanning comb generation. Additionally, it is challenging to spectrally engineer a microcomb system to align a comb mode with an atomic clock transition with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we adopt a Vernier dual-microcomb scheme for optical frequency division of a stabilized ultranarrow-linewidth continuous-wave laser at 871 nm to a $\sim$235 MHz output frequency. In addition to enabling measurement of the comb repetition rates, this scheme brings the freedom to pick comb lines from either or both of the combs. We exploit this flexibility to shift an ultra-high-frequency ($\sim$100 GHz) carrier-envelope offset beat down to frequencies where detection is possible and to place a comb line close to the 871 nm laser - tuned so that if frequency-doubled it would fall close to the clock transition in $^{171}$Yb$^+$. Moreover, we introduce a novel scheme which suppresses frequency noise arising from interferometric phase fluctuations in our dual-comb system and reduces the frequency instability down to our measurement limit. Our dual-comb system can potentially combine with an integrated ion trap toward future chip-scale optical atomic clocks. △ Less

Submitted 21 September, 2023; v1 submitted 17 August, 2023; originally announced August 2023.

Ultraviolet astronomical spectrograph calibration with laser frequency combs from nanophotonic lithium niobate waveguides

Authors: Markus Ludwig, Furkan Ayhan, Tobias M. Schmidt, Thibault Wildi, Thibault Voumard, Roman Blum, Zhichao Ye, Fuchuan Lei, François Wildi, Francesco Pepe, Mahmoud A. Gaafar, Ewelina Obrzud, Davide Grassani, Olivia Hefti, Sylvain Karlen, Steve Lecomte, François Moreau, Bruno Chazelas, Rico Sottile, Victor Torres-Company, Victor Brasch, Luis G. Villanueva, François Bouchy, Tobias Herr

Abstract: Astronomical precision spectroscopy underpins searches for life beyond Earth, direct observation of the expanding Universe and constraining the potential variability of physical constants across cosmological scales. Laser frequency combs can provide the critically required accurate and precise calibration to the astronomical spectrographs. For cosmological studies, extending the calibration with s… ▽ More Astronomical precision spectroscopy underpins searches for life beyond Earth, direct observation of the expanding Universe and constraining the potential variability of physical constants across cosmological scales. Laser frequency combs can provide the critically required accurate and precise calibration to the astronomical spectrographs. For cosmological studies, extending the calibration with such astrocombs to the ultraviolet spectral range is highly desirable, however, strong material dispersion and large spectral separation from the established infrared laser oscillators have made this exceedingly challenging. Here, we demonstrate for the first time astronomical spectrograph calibrations with an astrocomb in the ultraviolet spectral range below 400 nm. This is accomplished via chip-integrated highly nonlinear photonics in periodically-poled, nano-fabricated lithium niobate waveguides in conjunction with a robust infrared electro-optic comb generator, as well as a chip-integrated microresonator comb. These results demonstrate a viable route towards astronomical precision spectroscopy in the ultraviolet and may contribute to unlocking the full potential of next generation ground- and future space-based astronomical instruments. △ Less

Submitted 17 June, 2024; v1 submitted 23 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Journal ref: Nat Commun 15, 7614 (2024)

Detector R&D needs for the next generation $e^+e^-$ collider

Authors: A. Apresyan, M. Artuso, J. Brau, H. Chen, M. Demarteau, Z. Demiragli, S. Eno, J. Gonski, P. Grannis, H. Gray, O. Gutsche, C. Haber, M. Hohlmann, J. Hirschauer, G. Iakovidis, K. Jakobs, A. J. Lankford, C. Pena, S. Rajagopalan, J. Strube, C. Tully, C. Vernieri, A. White, G. W. Wilson, S. Xie , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The 2021 Snowmass Energy Frontier panel wrote in its final report "The realization of a Higgs factory will require an immediate, vigorous and targeted detector R&D program". Both linear and circular $e^+e^-$ collider efforts have developed a conceptual design for their detectors and are aggressively pursuing a path to formalize these detector concepts. The U.S. has world-class expertise in particl… ▽ More The 2021 Snowmass Energy Frontier panel wrote in its final report "The realization of a Higgs factory will require an immediate, vigorous and targeted detector R&D program". Both linear and circular $e^+e^-$ collider efforts have developed a conceptual design for their detectors and are aggressively pursuing a path to formalize these detector concepts. The U.S. has world-class expertise in particle detectors, and is eager to play a leading role in the next generation $e^+e^-$ collider, currently slated to become operational in the 2040s. It is urgent that the U.S. organize its efforts to provide leadership and make significant contributions in detector R&D. These investments are necessary to build and retain the U.S. expertise in detector R&D and future projects, enable significant contributions during the construction phase and maintain its leadership in the Energy Frontier regardless of the choice of the collider project. In this document, we discuss areas where the U.S. can and must play a leading role in the conceptual design and R&D for detectors for $e^+e^-$ colliders. △ Less

Submitted 26 June, 2023; v1 submitted 23 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comments: 63 pages, 6 figures, submitted to P5

Optically trapped Feshbach molecules of fermionic 161Dy and 40K

Authors: E. Soave, A. Canali, Zhu-Xiong Ye, M. Kreyer, E. Kirilov, R. Grimm

Abstract: We report on the preparation of a pure ultracold sample of bosonic DyK Feshbach molecules, which are composed of the fermionic isotopes 161Dy and 40K. Employing a magnetic sweep across a resonance located near 7.3 G, we produce up to 5000 molecules at a temperature of about 50 nK. For purification from the remaining atoms, we apply a Stern-Gerlach technique based on magnetic levitation of the mole… ▽ More We report on the preparation of a pure ultracold sample of bosonic DyK Feshbach molecules, which are composed of the fermionic isotopes 161Dy and 40K. Employing a magnetic sweep across a resonance located near 7.3 G, we produce up to 5000 molecules at a temperature of about 50 nK. For purification from the remaining atoms, we apply a Stern-Gerlach technique based on magnetic levitation of the molecules in a very weak optical dipole trap. With the trapped molecules we finally reach a high phase-space density of about 0.1. We measure the magnetic field dependence of the molecular binding energy and the magnetic moment, refining our knowledge of the resonance parameters. We also demonstrate a peculiar anisotropic expansion effect observed when the molecules are released from the trap and expand freely in the magnetic levitation field. Moreover, we identify an important lifetime limitation that is imposed by the 1064-nm infrared trap light itself and not by inelastic collisions. The light-induced decay rate is found to be proportional to the trap light intensity and the closed-channel fraction of the Feshbach molecule. These observations suggest a one-photon coupling to electronically excited states to limit the lifetime and point to the prospect of loss suppression by optimizing the wavelength of the trapping light. Our results represent important insights and experimental steps on the way to achieve quantum-degenerate samples of DyK molecules and novel superfluids based on mass-imbalanced fermion mixtures. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2023; v1 submitted 16 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

A wideband, high-resolution vector spectrum analyzer for integrated photonics

Authors: Yi-Han Luo, Baoqi Shi, Wei Sun, Ruiyang Chen, Sanli Huang, Zhongkai Wang, Jinbao Long, Chen Shen, Zhichao Ye, Hairun Guo, Junqiu Liu

Abstract: The analysis of optical spectra - emission or absorption -- has been arguably the most powerful approach for discovering and understanding matters. The invention and development of many kinds of spectrometers have equipped us with versatile yet ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools for trace gas detection, isotope analysis, and resolving hyperfine structures of atoms and molecules. With proliferating d… ▽ More The analysis of optical spectra - emission or absorption -- has been arguably the most powerful approach for discovering and understanding matters. The invention and development of many kinds of spectrometers have equipped us with versatile yet ultra-sensitive diagnostic tools for trace gas detection, isotope analysis, and resolving hyperfine structures of atoms and molecules. With proliferating data and information, urgent and demanding requirements have been placed today on spectrum analysis with ever-increasing spectral bandwidth and frequency resolution. These requirements are especially stringent for broadband laser sources that carry massive information, and for dispersive devices used in information processing systems. In addition, spectrum analyzers are expected to probe the device's phase response where extra information is encoded. Here we demonstrate a novel vector spectrum analyzer (VSA) that is capable of characterizing passive devices and active laser sources in one setup. Such a dual-mode VSA can measure loss, phase response and dispersion properties of passive devices. It also can coherently map a broadband laser spectrum into the RF domain. The VSA features a bandwidth of 55.1 THz (1260 to 1640 nm), frequency resolution of 471 kHz, and dynamic range of 56 dB. Meanwhile, our fiber-based VSA is compact and robust. It requires neither high-speed modulators and photodetectors, nor any active feedback control. Finally, we successfully employ our VSA for applications including characterization of integrated dispersive waveguides, mapping frequency comb spectra, and coherent light detection and ranging (LiDAR). Our VSA presents an innovative approach for device analysis and laser spectroscopy, and can play a critical role in future photonic systems and applications for sensing, communication, imaging, and quantum information processing. △ Less

Submitted 8 October, 2023; v1 submitted 9 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Journal ref: Light: Science & Applications13, 83 (2024)

A Systematic Approach for Inertial Sensor Calibration of Gravity Recovery Satellites and Its Application to Taiji-1 Mission

Authors: Haoyue Zhang, Peng Xu, Zongqi Ye, Dong Ye, Li-E Qiang, Ziren Luo, Keqi Qi, Shaoxin Wang, Zhiming Cai, Zuolei Wang, Jungang Lei, Yueliang Wu

Abstract: High-precision inertial sensors or accelerometers can provide us references of free-falling motions in gravitational field in space. They serve as the key payloads for gravity recovery missions such as the CHAMP, the GRACE-type missions, and the planned Next Generation Gravity Missions. In this work, a systematic method of electrostatic inertial sensor calibrations for gravity recovery satellites… ▽ More High-precision inertial sensors or accelerometers can provide us references of free-falling motions in gravitational field in space. They serve as the key payloads for gravity recovery missions such as the CHAMP, the GRACE-type missions, and the planned Next Generation Gravity Missions. In this work, a systematic method of electrostatic inertial sensor calibrations for gravity recovery satellites is suggested, which is applied to and verified with the Taiji-1 mission. With this method, the complete operating parameters including the scale factors, the center of mass offset vector and the intrinsic biased acceleration can be precisely calibrated with only two sets of short-term in-orbit experiments. Taiji-1 is the first technology demonstration satellite of the "Taiji Program in Space", which, in its final extended phase in 2022, could be viewed as operating in the mode of a high-low satellite-to-satellite tracking gravity mission. Based on the calibration principles, swing maneuvers with time span about 200 s and rolling maneuvers for 19 days were conducted by Taiji-1 in 2022. The inertial sensor's operating parameters are precisely re-calibrated with Kalman filters and are updated to the Taiji-1 science team. Data from one of the sensitive axis is re-processed with the updated operating parameters, and the performance is found to be slightly improved compared with former results. This approach could be of high reference value for the accelerometer or inertial sensor calibrations of the GFO, the Chinese GRACE-type mission, and the Next Generation Gravity Missions. This could also shed some light on the in-orbit calibrations of the ultra-precision inertial sensors for future GW space antennas because of the technological inheritance between these two generations of inertial sensors. △ Less

Submitted 3 August, 2023; v1 submitted 2 April, 2023; originally announced April 2023.

Comments: 24 pages, 19 figures

Journal ref: Remote Sens. 2023, 15, 3817