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Physics Condensed Matter

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Monday 16 February

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

Universal observable as a signal of chiral anomaly in lattice Weyl fermions

The Adler-Bell-Jackiw chiral anomaly is shown to retain its Lorentz-invariant form, $\partial_\mu J^\mu_5 \propto \mathbf{E} \cdot \mathbf{B}$, in lattice Weyl systems beyond moderate magnetic fields, where neither Lorentz nor rotational symmetry is present. We show that the longitudinal and Hall magnetoconductivities factorize into a product of a universal part, governed by the chiral anomaly, and a non-universal part that depends on the density of states at the Fermi level. A rotationally invariant observable $\varkappa = \sigma (c_V/T)^2$ is introduced as a robust signature of the anomaly, where $\sigma$ denotes the Euclidean norm of the longitudinal and Hall conductivities and $c_V$ is the specific heat density. This quantity follows a universal $B^2$ dependence and scales as $|\cos\Theta|$, with $\Theta$ being the angle between $\mathbf{E}$ and $\mathbf{B}$. Through analytical derivation and full numerical simulation, we establish that $\varkappa$ remains universal independent of system parameters and of the orientation of the magnetic or electric field for fixed $\Theta$. The emergent SO(3) symmetry in $\varkappa$ persists despite the absence of isotropy in both the microscopic model and the low-energy effective theory.
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Strongly Correlated Electrons

Magnetic fluctuations driven by quantum geometry

Using quantum distance, magnetic susceptibility in the noninteracting limit can be rigorously split into two contributions: one arises solely from band dispersion while the other stems from quantum geometric contributions. In this paper, we apply this decomposition to two materials, LaFeAsO and Pb$_9$Cu(PO$_4$)$_6$O, and demonstrate that their dominant magnetic fluctuations originate from the geometric contribution. In LaFeAsO, stripe-type antiferromagnetic fluctuations arise primarily from quantum geometry, while in Pb$_9$Cu(PO$_4$)$_6$O the geometric term suppresses antiferromagnetic fluctuations and stabilizes ferromagnetic fluctuations. Our findings highlight the essential role of quantum geometry in governing magnetic fluctuations in multiband systems, and provide a unique and quantitative framework to disentangle band-structure and wave-function-geometry effects that have often been discussed collectively as multiorbital effects.
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Materials Science

Zr-based bulk metallic glass clamp cell for high-pressure inelastic neutron scattering

We report the fabrication and characterization of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-BMG) clamp cell designed for high-pressure inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements. The INS spectra of the empty cell exhibit broad and featureless backgrounds, reflecting the amorphous structure of the Zr-BMG. Test measurements using a reference sample, CsFeCl$_{3}$, confirm that the neutron transmission of the Zr-BMG cell is significantly higher than that of a conventional monobloc CuBe clamp cell. These results demonstrate that the Zr-BMG clamp cell provides both enhanced neutron transparency and a clean background profile, thereby advancing high-pressure INS studies.
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All authors S. Hayashida, T. Wada, M. Ishikado, K. Munakata, K. Iida, K. Kamazawa, R. Kajimoto, Y. Inamura, M. Nakamura, K. Iwasa, K. Ohoyama, H. Kato, H. Kira, M. Matsuura, Y. Uwatoko

Superconductivity

Reentrant Superconductivity in Zeeman Fields

We propose a theoretical model for a superconductor that exhibits the reentrant superconductivity in Zeeman fields. The Bogoliubov-de Gennes Hamiltonian includes three vectors in spin space: a $d$ vector of a spin-triplet superconducting state, a potential representing spin-orbit interactions, and a Zeeman field. When the three vectors are perpendicular to one another, the spin-orbit interaction suppresses superconductivity in weak Zeeman fields and enhances superconductivity in strong Zeeman fields. The instability (stability) of superconducting state is characterized by the appearance of odd-frequency (even-frequency) Cooper pairs.
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All authors Tomoya Sano, Kota Tabata, Satoshi Ikegaya, Yasuhiro Asano

Strongly Correlated Electrons · Cross-listed from quant-ph

Homological origin of the transversal implementability of logical diagonal gates in quantum CSS codes

Transversal Pauli Z rotations provide a natural route to fault-tolerant logical diagonal gates in quantum Calderbank-Shor-Steane (CSS) codes, but their capability is inherently constrained. We develop a homological framework that organizes transversal diagonal gates in terms of their logical action and physical implementation, revealing two layers of structure that govern their behavior. At a fixed level, we establish that their logical action admits a classification in terms of homological data of the underlying chain complex, extending the standard description of logical operators. We then formulate the refinement to finer angles as a lifting problem and derive two Bockstein-type obstruction maps, whose vanishing is a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a transversal logical diagonal gate at the next level. Within this framework, known algebraic conditions such as divisibility and triorthogonality are reinterpreted as necessary conditions for the existence of transversal logical diagonal gates with uniform rotation angles. Our results identify homological obstructions governing transversal implementability and provide a conceptual foundation for a formal theory of transversal structures in quantum error correction.
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Superconductivity

Altermagnetic Even-Odd Effects in CsV$_2$Te$_2$O Josephson Junctions

The interplay between conventional superconductivity and unconventional magnetism offers an exciting platform for realizing exotic superconducting phenomena. Here, we investigate Josephson effects in planar and vertical junctions based on CsV$_2$Te$_2$O-family materials, which host hidden $d$-wave altermagnetism with G-type antiferromagnetic order. In monolayer-based planar junctions, the quasi-1D, nearly flat, spin-polarized bands of the altermagnet, when coupled to $s$-wave superconductors, produce a fully spin-polarized supercurrent with strong directional anisotropy – a spin-selective Josephson effect. In multilayers, we uncover an altermagnetic even-odd effect: spin-polarized supercurrents persist only in odd-layer planar junctions but cancel exactly in even layers. Thus, layer parity acts as a switch for spin-polarized supercurrent. In vertical junctions, odd-layer barriers enhance equal-spin triplet transport while even layers favor opposite-spin transport, yielding a robust period-two oscillation in the total supercurrent with layer number. These layer-parity-dependent responses represent a general even-odd effect in hidden altermagnets, applicable to diverse magnetic and transport phenomena.
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All authors Chuang Li, Jin-Xing Hou, Shuai-Ling Zhu, Hao Zheng, Yu Song, Yang Liu, Song-Bo Zhang, Lun-Hui Hu

Soft Condensed Matter

Self-Viscophoresis: Autonomous Motion by Biasing Thermal Fluctuations via Self-Generated Viscosity Asymmetry

Microscale transport often relies on ubiquitous yet intrinsically random thermal fluctuations. Understanding how such fluctuations can be biased into directed motion has long been a central theme of nonequilibrium physics. Here, we introduce self-viscophoresis, a mechanism of autonomous motion based on the rectification of thermal fluctuations in a self-generated nonequilibrium viscosity field. Asymmetric colloidal particles dispersed in a thermoresponsive polymer solution induce local heating under uniform illumination, producing a spatially asymmetric viscosity profile around the particle and resulting in persistent directed motion. To elucidate the physical origin of this behavior, we develop a minimal Langevin model coupling isotropic thermal fluctuations to a dynamically updating temperature-viscosity field. The model shows that viscosity asymmetry anisotropically damps stochastic dynamics, effectively biasing thermal fluctuations into a net drift. It thus reproduces the observed directed motion without invoking deterministic propulsion terms associated with effective potentials or environmental fluid flows. Our results distinguish self-viscophoresis from conventional self-propulsion mechanisms and establish it as a general framework enabling reversible control of both the direction and dimensionality of motion.
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All authors Bokusui Nakayama, Yusuke Takagi, Ryoya Hirose, Masatoshi Ichikawa, Marie Tani, Ibuki Kawamata, Eiji Yamamoto, Akira Kakugo

Disordered Systems and Neural Networks

Phonon Echo from Multi-Level Systems and Many-Body Interactions in Low-Temperature Glasses

At low temperatures, glasses exhibit distinctive properties compared to crystalline solids. A notable example is the phonon echo, a phenomenon that motivated the two-level-system (TLS) model. This model has successfully explained many universal anomalies in glasses. Here, we extend the TLS framework to a multi-level system and show that phonon echoes persist when nonlinear energy structures and disorder are included. By incorporating virtual phonon exchange, we introduce many-body interactions between these multi-level systems, leading to nonlinear eigen-energies that enhance the echo signal. Meanwhile, finite-temperature thermal fluctuations cause dephasing, resulting in a decay of echo amplitude over time. The analytical and numerical results are consistent across semi-classical and quantum regimes. Our work validates the multi-level-system model and underscores the role of many-body interactions in low-temperature glassy dynamics.
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Materials Science

RF field characterization and rectification effects in spin pumping and spin-torque FMR for spin-orbitronics

Quantifying spin-orbital-to-charge conversion efficiency is crucial for spin-orbitronics. Two widely used methods for determining these efficiencies are based on ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), spin pumping FMR for the inverse effect, and spin-torque FMR for the direct effect. A key parameter to achieve accurate quantification, especially for spin-pumping FMR, is the RF field strength, $h_{\mathrm{RF}}$. We present a comprehensive theoretical model and experimental protocol that allow a correct quantification of $h_{\mathrm{RF}}$. It was validated by extensive experimental results and it was rigorously tested across various antennas geometries and ferromagnetic systems. We demonstrate that odd-symmetric Lorentzian voltages-which perfectly mimic spin-pumping or spin-torque FMR signals-can arise purely from rectification effects (due to anisotropic magnetoresistance) when $h_{\mathrm{RF}}$ orientation is parallel to the ferromagnetic surface. Through a systematic study of various 10-nm-thick ferromagnetic layers, such as Ni, NiFe, Fe, and CoFeB, we find that while Fe and CoFeB exhibit minimal rectification, Ni and NiFe generate strong rectified signals that must be corrected. We further demonstrate that these rectification effects become negligible for ferromagnetic thicknesses $\leq$ 6 nm, as validated in NiFe/Pt bilayers, providing an important guideline for the design of future heterostructures.
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All authors Melissa Yactayo, Michel Hehn, J.-C. Rojas-Sánchez, Sébastien Petit-Watelot

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics · Cross-listed from quant-ph

Electron readout contrast enhancement in the parallel nuclear regime of an exchange-coupled donor spin qubit system

Recent experiments on donor-based spin qubits in silicon have leveraged the exchange interaction between electrons bound to separate donor nuclei to perform two-qubit operations. A consistently observed yet unexplained phenomenon in such systems is the significant increase in electron readout contrast, measured via Elzerman-style readout to a single-electron transistor (SET) island, when the donor nuclei are initialized in a parallel spin orientation compared to an anti-parallel orientation. In this work, we present a detailed analysis of the exchange-coupled donor system in the parallel nuclear regime and propose a physical mechanism for this effect. We attribute the enhanced readout contrast to an additional electron tunneling event to the SET during a single read period, when the donor nuclei are aligned in a parallel spin configuration. These insights inform strategies for improving electron readout fidelity in these systems and contribute to a more complete understanding of spin-dependent tunnelling processes in donor-based qubit architectures.
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All authors Holly G. Stemp, Mark R. van Blankenstein, Benjamin Wilhelm, Serwan Asaad, Mateusz T. Mądzik, Arne Laucht, Fay E. Hudson, Andrew S. Dzurak, Kohei M. Itoh, Alexander M. Jakob, Brett C. Johnson, David N. Jamieson, Andrea Morello

Materials Science

Convergent-Beam X-ray Crystallography

Molecular and polymeric crystals show a wide range of functional properties that arise from the interplay between the atomic-scale structure of their constituent molecules and the organization of these molecules within the crystal lattice at macroscopic length scales. X-ray diffraction can provide structural information at these disparate length scales, but usually only through experiments that address one or the other of molecular (or unit-cell) structure versus crystal structure. Consequently, the accuracy of determined molecular or polymer structures may be limited by unaccounted crystal inhomogeneities of the crystal lattice and the characterization of crystalline materials might not reveal the underlying causes of crystal morphology. Here we introduce X-ray convergent-beam diffraction to obtain spatially-resolved structural information from crystals by projection topographic imaging. Using highly focusing X-ray multilayer Laue lenses, we show that Bragg reflections can be mapped into tomographic images of the crystal, for the characterization of strain and defects at high resolution. We demonstrate how the crystal morphology obtained this way can be accounted for when determining structure factors as a function of position in the crystal. The approach may assist in studies such as diffusion and binding in MOFS, protein-drug binding, crystal growth, and the mechanical responses of photo-reactive or thermally driven dynamic crystals.
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All authors Chufeng Li, Margarita Zakharova, Mauro Prasciolu, Jia Chyi Wong, Holger Fleckenstein, Nikolay Ivanov, Wenhui Zhang, Mansi Butola, J. Lukas Dresselhaus, Ivan De Gennaro Aquino, Dmitry Egorov, Philipp Middendorf, Alessa Henkel, Bjarne Klopprogge, Lars Klemeyer, Tobias Beck, Oleksandr Yefanov, Miriam Barthelmess, Janina Sprenger, Dominik Oberthuer, Saša Bajt, Henry N. Chapman

Soft Condensed Matter

Programming active-molecule dynamics via intramolecular nonreciprocity

The dynamics of a self-propelled particle are typically hard-wired by its microscopic construction, limiting the range of behaviors accessible without redesigning the particle itself. Here we show that intramolecular nonreciprocity provides a minimal and versatile mechanism to overcome this constraint. We construct active molecules from short chains of two species of self-propelled particles whose propulsion directions are coupled nonreciprocally according to a prescribed internal sequence. At the single-molecule level, homogeneous sequences exhibit standard persistent random-walk dynamics, whereas heterogeneous sequences produce distinct trajectories inaccessible to either constituent species alone. At the collective level, using motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) as a representative example, we find that modifying the internal sequence shifts the MIPS onset by multiple orders of magnitude in propulsion strength, without altering particle-level interactions. These results demonstrate that intramolecular nonreciprocity among a small set of active components enables sequence-level programmability from single-molecule dynamics to emergent collective behavior, providing a minimal mechanism to encode and control active-matter dynamics across scales.
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Superconductivity

Reversible tuning of magnetic order and intrinsic superconductivity in strained FeTe films via stoichiometry control

FeTe is a prototypical parent compound of iron-based superconductors. While bulk FeTe is non-superconducting with a long-range bicollinear antiferromagnetic order, superconductivity has been achieved in thin films. However, the approaches usually involve complex oxygen incorporation or interfacial effects, the microscopic mechanisms of which remain elusive. Here, we prepare high-purity, bare FeTe thin films on SrTiO3 and investigate their magnetic and superconducting states combining both microscopic and macroscopic characterizations. By reducing the interstitial Fe impurities, we successfully suppress the long-range antiferromagnetic order, enhance the quasiparticle coherence and induce superconductivity at ~10 K. Moreover, this process is readily reversible by tuning the Fe concentration. Our findings reveal that precise stoichiometric control is sufficient to induce intrinsic superconductivity in strained FeTe thin films. This work provides insights into the competition between magnetism and superconductivity in iron chalcogenides, and supplies methods for developing stable, high-purity superconducting FeTe films.
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All authors Hao Xu, Jing Jiang, Xuesong Gai, Rui-Qi Cao, Kaiwei Chen, Xiao-Xiao Man, Haicheng Lin, Peng Deng, Ke He, Kai Liu, Dapeng Zhao, Zhong-Yi Lu, Kai Chang, Chong Liu

Materials Science

M-CODE: Materials Categorization via Ontology, Dimensionality and Evolution

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in materials science requires data standards and data management practices that can capture the complexity of real-world structures, including surfaces, interfaces, defects, and dimensionality reduction. We present M-CODE - Materials Categorization via Ontology, Dimensionality and Evolution - a compact categorization system that links materials-science-specific terminology to a set of reusable concepts as building blocks and provenance-aware transformations. M-CODE classifies structures by dimensionality, structural complexity (from pristine to compound pristine, defective, and processed), and variants that capture common structure creation and evolution approaches. A practical implementation of the categorization is provided in an open-source codebase that includes JSON schemas, examples, and Python and TypeScript types/interfaces, designed to support reproducible dataset generation, validation, and community contributions.
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Materials Science

Ilmenite-Type Ca$_x$IrO$_3$ via Topochemical Ion Exchange: Stacking Faults and Low-Temperature Magnetic Anomaly

We report the synthesis of an ilmenite-type polymorph of Ca$_x$IrO$_3$ distinct from the known post-perovskite and perovskite phases, via low-temperature topochemical Ca$^{2+}$/2Na$^+$ exchange from Na$_2$IrO$_3$. Powder X-ray diffraction is indexable in $R\bar{3}$, and whole pattern modelling that includes layer glide faults indicates that the selective broadening can be captured by a first order Markov stacking description based on stochastic switching between two symmetry equivalent lateral stacking steps, with explicit model dependence and an uncertainty of at least several percent. A freezing-like bulk magnetic anomaly is suggested at $T^* \sim 25$ K (defined by the onset of a ZFC/FC bifurcation at $\mu_{0}H = 10$ mT), accompanied by a broad heat capacity feature and Curie-Weiss behavior with a large negative Weiss temperature of $\theta_W \sim -98$ K. The effective moment $\mu_{\rm eff} = 1.68 \mu_{\rm B}$ per Ir is consistent with $J_{\rm eff} = 1/2$ for an Ir$^{4+}$. SEM-EDX suggests an A-site content below unity (Ca/Ir $<$ 1); accordingly, we describe the ion-exchanged product using the nonstoichiometric formula Ca$_x$IrO$_3$. These results identify ilmenite-type CaIrO$_3$ as a honeycomb iridate in which stacking disorder can be quantified (with caveats regarding model and instrument correlations) and related to its low-temperature magnetic behavior.
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All authors Haruki Kira, Yuya Haraguchi, Wataru Yokoshima, Daisuke Nishio-Hamane, Hiroko Aruga Katori

Soft Condensed Matter

Polymer Brushes and Grafted Polymers: AI/ML-Driven Synthesis, Simulation, and Characterization towards autonomous SDL

Polymer brushes and grafted polymers have attracted significant interest at the intersection of polymers, interfacial chemistry, colloidal science, and nanostructuring. The confinement of high-density grafted polymers and differences in swelling regimes govern the synthetic challenges and the interesting physics underlying their macromolecular dynamics. In this article, we focus on another intersection, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), and how workflows will enhance the microstructure and composition of these systems. It will also accelerate potential applications through high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and data-driven intelligence, enabling scientific discovery and optimization. Applications in microfluidics, sensors, bioimplants, drug delivery, and related areas may yet offer more opportunities for ML-driven optimization. There is also interest in applying these studies with self-driving laboratories (SDLs) that can leverage autonomous systems for synthesis screening, characterization, and application evaluation.
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Sunday 15 February

Materials Science · Cross-listed from physics.med-ph

Controlled release from polyurethane films: drug release mechanisms

In this study, polyurethane-films loaded diclofenac were used to analyze the drug release kinetics and mechanisms. For this purpose, the experimental procedures were developed under static and dynamic conditions with different initial drug loads of 10, 20, and 30%. In the dynamic condition, to better simulate the biological flow, drug release measurements were investigated at flow rates of 7.5 and 23.5 ml/s. These values indicate the flow rate of the internal carotid artery (ICA) for a normal state of a body and for a person during the exercise, respectively. The experimental data were analyzed and adjusted by Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, First-order, zero-order, and Peppas-Sahlin models in order to understand the mechanisms contributed. Finally, Drug release mechanisms were specified by investigating the model correlation coefficients. Experimental results showed that increasing the flow rate and initial drug loads enhance drug liberation. In addition, the rate of release is more influenced by the drug dosage in the static state. The analysis revealed that diffusion, burst, and osmotic pressure are the principal mechanisms contributed. Moreover, Fickian type was the dominant mechanism at all duration of release. However, it was discovered using Peppas-Sahlin model that the contribution of the diffusion mechanism decreases with increasing flow rate and initial dosage. Furthermore, the tests at different drug dosages showed that the number of stages in medication release profile is independent of the flow rate and the medicine percentage. One can conclude that the drug release kinetic in static state is more influenced by drug dosage compare to dynamic state.
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All authors N. Abbasnezhad, N. Zirak, M. Shirinbayan, S. Kouidri, E. Salahinejad, A. Tcharkhtchi, F. Bakir

Materials Science · Cross-listed from physics.app-ph

Polyvinylpyrrolidone planarized liquid crystalline 1T-WS2/rGO hybrid nanocomposites-based humidity sensing platform

Two-dimensional hybrid nanocomposites combining graphene-like materials and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are created using various synthesis methods and are vital for environmental sensing due to the synergistic effects of their components. These hybrid materials offer enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, surface-to-volume ratio, tunable electronic properties, strong interaction with analytes, and fast detection capabilities, which address the limitations of individual materials. This is due to their outstanding surface-to-volume ratio, tunable electronic properties, strong interactions with analytes, as well as their high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast detection capabilities, which are crucial for environmental sensing. Herein, a hydrothermally synthesized and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized 1T phase tungsten disulfide/reduced graphene oxide, 1T-WS2/PVP/rGO, hybrid nanocomposite is reported. The intrinsic liquid crystalline behavior of the synthesized composite enables the formation of highly uniform films for effective humidity sensing. The optostructural characterization and key performance parameters, including response and recovery times, of the 1T-WS2/PVP/rGO hybrid nanocomposite-based structure are comprehensively analyzed and studied. This is the first to report on the synthesis of a 1T-WS2/PVP/rGO hybrid nanocomposite, its liquid crystalline phase formation, and application in humidity sensing. The proposed sensing platform introduces a novel approach to humidity sensing using 1T-WS2/PVP/rGO liquid crystalline films, which combine the metallic advantages of 1T-WS2, the stabilizing role of PVP and the conductive framework of rGO into aligned LC structures for enhanced sensitivity, rapid response and environmental robustness.
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All authors A. Vasilev, M. Zhezhu, S. Gyozalyan, L. Avanesyan, Y. Grigoryan, A.A. Kuzanyan, A.A. Hovhannisyan, Mohamed Aly Saad Aly, D.A. Ghazaryan, H. Gharagulyan

Soft Condensed Matter

Dislocation dynamics on deformable surfaces

We develop a fully coupled theoretical description of dislocation dynamics on deformable crystalline surfaces, using continuum modeling and the amplitude-phase-field crystal (APFC) framework extended to curved geometries. We derive a general kinematic expression for dislocation velocity directly from the complex-amplitude evolution equations, which is also applicable to deformed surfaces through curvature-modified differential operators. From numerical simulations, we show that even small out-of-plane deformations reshape the phenomenology of defect motion through curvature-induced self-propulsion, modified glide directions, and non-classical defect-defect interactions. Our results show how surface geometry profoundly influences defect dynamics and establish the surface-APFC model as a powerful framework for predicting and interpreting curvature-defect coupling across a wide range of systems, from stiff but deformable layers to soft matter surfaces and membranes that retain crystalline order.
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Quantum Gases

Probing atom-surface interactions from tunneling-time measurements via rotation-transport on an atom chip

We propose a novel method to measure the interaction between an ultracold gas of neutral atoms and a surface. This solution combines an optical dipole trap reflected by the surface, a magnetic trap formed by current carrying wires embedded below the surface, and a rotation of the surface itself. It allows to adiabatically transport a $^{87}$Rb BEC from few $\mu$m to few hundred nm of the surface. At such distances, atom-surface interaction strongly affects the trapping potential, causing an increase of the tunneling rate towards the surface. In this paper, we show that the measurement of the lifetime of the cloud and its comparison to a tunneling model will allow to extract the Casimir-Polder (CP) force coefficient in the retarded regime ($c_4$). Our model includes noise-induced heating, calibration biases of experimentally controlled parameters and accuracy of the atom lifetime measurement. Using typical trapping parameters and experimental uncertainties, we numerically estimate the relative uncertainty of $c_4$ to be 10%. This method can be implemented with any atomic species that can be magnetically and optically trapped.
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All authors J-B. Gerent, R. Veyron, V. Mancois, R. Huang, E. Beraud, S. Bernon

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

Supersonic Microparticle Impact Experiments at Temperatures Approaching 2000 {\deg}C

Experiments at extreme strain rates and temperatures are critical for characterizing materials in high-speed applications. In this study, we develop a laser-driven particle impact platform capable of accelerating microparticles to supersonic velocities and impacting targets heated to temperatures approaching 2000 {\deg}C. The conventional laser-induced particle impact testing (LIPIT) system has been modified to enable high-temperature experiments through the integration of a resistive heating system and the development of a robust launch pad assembly suitable for accelerating particles in high-temperature environments. To eliminate the oxidation of materials at elevated temperatures, an optically accessible portable vacuum chamber has been developed and integrated into the setup. The capabilities of the system are demonstrated through a study of the temperature dependent particle impact cratering behavior of POCO graphite. With this new platform, high-velocity, high-temperature impact experiments can be performed in a controlled environment, supporting the investigation of materials under extreme conditions.
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All authors Jamshid Ochilov, Isaac Faith Nahmad, Intekhab Alam, Peter Yip, Suraj Ravindran

Superconductivity

Pattern recognition with superconducting wirelet neurons

Neuromorphic computing aims to reproduce the energy efficiency and adaptability of biological intelligence in hardware. Superconducting devices are an attractive platform due to their ultra-low dissipation and fast switching dynamics. Here we employ a resistively shunted superconducting wirelet as a minimal artificial neuron for temporal neuromorphic computation. This simple architecture enables straightforward fabrication, electronic control, and high scalability. Through experiments and advanced simulations, we show that it exhibits spiking voltage dynamics driven by the interplay of resistive switching and relaxation, with threshold, firing frequency, and refractory time tunable through applied current, temperature, and shunt resistance. We demonstrate neural network operation by synaptically training temporal voltage signals generated by individual neurons. In this approach, trainable temporal weights act directly on the time-dependent wirelet-neuron responses rather than on static neuron outputs alone, allowing the computation to exploit the full temporal structure of the superconducting spikes. As an illustrative example, we apply this framework to handwritten digit recognition and show accurate classification using only three superconducting wirelet neurons. We further discuss on-chip training based on related gated wirelets as tunable synaptic elements, establishing shunted superconducting wirelets as scalable, energy-efficient building blocks for cryogenic artificial intelligence hardware that can be integrated with other emerging superconducting technologies.
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Quantum Gases

Dirac Spin Liquid Candidate in a Rydberg Quantum Simulator

We experimentally investigate a frustrated spin-exchange antiferromagnet in a quantum simulator, composed of N = 114 dipolar Rydberg atoms arranged into a kagome array. Motivated by a recent theoretical proposal of a gapless U(1) Dirac spin liquid ground state, we use local addressing to adiabatically prepare low-energy states. We measure the local polarization and spin-spin correlations over this adiabatic protocol, and observe our system move from a staggered product state, through an intermediate magnetic crystal, and finally into a disordered, correlated liquid. We estimate the entropy density of this atomic liquid to be similar to that of frustrated magnetic insulators at liquid nitrogen temperatures. We compare the correlations in our liquid to those of a simple, parameter-free ansatz for the Dirac spin liquid, and find good agreement in the sign structure and spatial decay. Finally, we probe the static susceptibility of our system to a local field perturbation and to a geometrical distortion. Our results establish Rydberg atom arrays as a promising platform for the preparation and microscopic characterization of quantum spin liquid candidates.
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All authors Guillaume Bornet, Marcus Bintz, Cheng Chen, Gabriel Emperauger, Mu Qiao, Romain Martin, Daniel Barredo, Shubhayu Chatterjee, Vincent S. Liu, Thierry Lahaye, Michael P. Zaletel, Norman Y. Yao, Antoine Browaeys

Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

Propagation processing of short pulses in Rydberg exciton medium under blockade conditions

Propagation of short pulses through Cu$_2$O crystal containing Rydberg excitons is studied with the use of density matrix formalism and FDTD method. Saturation effects related to the so-called Rydberg blockade are studied extensively, exploring not only reduction of absorption (bleaching) but also power-dependent changes of the dispersive properties of the medium. The role of exciton lifetime and coherent population oscillations in the dynamics of the system is investigated. A pump-probe setup with two pulses is also studied, showing good agreement with recent experimental studies.
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Materials Science

Enhancement of mechanical properties of graphene oxide fibers via liquid crystalline phase formation and flake size optimization

Graphene oxide (GO) fibers are promising materials for lightweight, high-strength applications due to their unique structural tunability and mechanical performance. However, the properties of GO fibers strongly depend on the ordering of GO flakes during the assembly process. In this work, we demonstrate that GO fibers spun from a liquid crystalline (LC) GO dispersion exhibit significantly enhanced mechanical properties compared to those produced from non-LC GO dispersions. The improved tensile strength is attributed to the larger GO flake size and highly ordered alignment achieved in the LC phase. The LC-derived fibers demonstrated a Young's modulus of 12.3 GPa, a tensile strength of 146.8 MPa, and an elongation at break of 2.5%. These findings emphasize the critical role of flake size and LC ordering in enhancing the performance of GO-based fibers and suggest a straightforward pathway toward scalable fabrication of strong yet flexible carbon-based materials.
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All authors M. Zhezhu, G. Baghdasaryan, G. Gevorgyan, S. Gyozalyan, Y. Grigoryan, K. Margaryan, H. Gharagulyan

Statistical Mechanics

Magnetocardiography measurements using an optically pumped magnetometer under ambient conditions

In this work, we report the development of a rubidium-based single-beam scalar optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) and demonstrate its application in measuring human cardiac magnetic fields in an unshielded environment. The developed magnetometers exhibit a noise floor below 15 pT/sqrt(Hz) in the frequency range of 1 to 35 Hz, with a measurement bandwidth of 100 Hz. When operated in a gradiometric configuration, the noise floor is further reduced to below 3 pT/sqrt(Hz) over the same frequency range. Magnetocardiography (MCG) signals were recorded at five different locations across the thorax. A clear polarity reversal of the QRS complex was observed across these measurement positions, confirming the spatial sensitivity of the system. The proposed system shows strong potential for clinical diagnostics, offering valuable physiological information through non-contact MCG measurements
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All authors Kushal Patel, Kesavaraja C, Pranab Dutta, Korak Biswas

Superconductivity

Topology optimization of low-temperature type-II superconductors with superconductor-dielectric/vacuum interfaces based on Ginzburg-Landau theory under Weyl gauge

Geometrical design is a crucial and challenging strategy for improving the performance of type-II superconductors, because the proper placement of intended defects in the current path contribute to flux pinning, a reduction in dissipation, and an increase in achievable current density. Topology optimization is currently one of the most powerful approaches used to determine consistent structural geometries. Therefore, a topology optimization approach is presented to inversely design structural geometries of low-temperature type-II superconductors with superconductor-dielectric/vacuum interfaces.
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Quantum Gases

Optical transport of cold atoms to quantum degeneracy

Efficient transport of cold atoms is essential for continuous operation, enabling applications ranging from atomic lasers to continuously operated qubits. However, deep potentials required to overcome vibrations, axial trap nonuniformity and insufficient cooling have limited transport of cold atoms near quantum degeneracy. Here we demonstrate rapid optical transport of cold atoms to Bose-Einstein condensation using a moving optical lattice formed by two Bessel beams. A gas of $3 \times 10^5$ ytterbium atoms at a temperature of $340\,$nK is transported over $34\,$cm in $350\,$ms with efficiency over $60\%$. Furthermore, a degenerate gas of $1 \times 10^5$ atoms with a $40\%$ condensate fraction emerges from the phase synchronization process driven by atomic interactions. This demonstration enables the fast preparation of ultracold atomic beams and large-scale atom arrays for quantum sensing, simulation and computing.
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All authors Yanqing Tao, Yufei Wang, Ligeng Yu, Bo Song

Superconductivity

Upper critical field in few-layer Ising superconductors

The N-layer 2H-stacked transition metal dichalcogenides 2H-NbSe2 and 2H-TaS2 are superconductors in which each quasi-two-dimensional layer breaks inversion symmetry. In this paper, we show that, as for the individual monolayers, it is crucial to include all pockets at the Fermi surface to accurately determine the upper critical field. Furthermore, we propose an experiment where a distinct scaling with a varying displacement field is predicted for an intralayer spin-singlet order in a bilayer. The scaling of the upper critical field with external tuning parameters can thus be used to extract information about the spin-symmetry of the superconducting order. We also explore the possibility of a mixed-parity spin-singlet and -triplet order parameter. In that case, we predict that the experimentally observable scaling would remain that of the spin-singlet component.
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Strongly Correlated Electrons

Composite Boson Theory of Fractional Chern Insulators

The understanding of fractional Chern insulators (FCIs) has been deeply guided by band topology and quantum geometry. Here, we introduce a real-space theoretical framework in which FCIs are understood in terms of composite bosons, local objects consisting of electrons bound to their energetically excluded surrounding orbitals. The central element of our framework is the construction of a radially ordered set of maximally localized basis for Chern bands without requiring continuous rotational symmetry. Within this basis, the complex many-body problem simplifies to a real-space organizing principle: a stable FCI occurs if the orbitals excluded around central electrons are those maximizing the two-body interaction energy. We validate this with direct numerical evidence for composite boson formation in the Haldane model, demonstrating that our criterion reliably characterizes FCIs. Importantly, our analysis illustrates that the composite boson framework bridges the fractional quantum Hall effect in continuum and lattice paradigms, providing a unified and intuitive real-space interpretation for distinct correlated phases. It thus establishes a foundation for diagnosing and guiding the design of both Abelian and non-Abelian topologically ordered phases across distinct platforms.
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