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Physics

Watch Physics

Wednesday 22 July

Astrophysics of Galaxies

Nebular continuum in high-redshift galaxies with JWST

Henrique Miranda, Ciro Pappalardo, José Afonso et al. (+2 more)

Studying the relevance of accounting for both stellar and nebular continuum emission when performing optical spectral fitting has been mainly limited to galaxies in the local Universe. The high-quality spectroscopy provided by JWST is now opening the possibility of carrying out these studies in the younger Universe. We aim to estimate the nebular continuum contribution (X$_{\text{neb}}$) of high-redshift star-forming (SF) galaxies, explore its relation to common tracers and galaxy properties, and test the previously established threshold for significant nebular contribution (X$_{\text{neb}}$ $=$ 8%). We select a sample of 54 SF galaxies from the DAWN JWST Archive meeting quality criteria required for spectral fitting with the population synthesis code FADO. The selected galaxies cover the 1.7 $<$ $z$ $<$ 3.9 range and we fit their rest-frame optical spectra to estimate the stellar and nebular continuum emission, plus the physical and evolutionary properties. We show that the H$\alpha$ and H$\beta$ equivalent widths remain suitable tracers of X$_{\text{neb}}$ at high redshift. We also confirm the X$_{\text{neb}}$ $=$ 8% threshold, above which neglecting the nebular continuum can significantly bias spectral modelling. Galaxies above this threshold are generally less massive, younger, exhibit higher SF activity and lower dust extinction relative to those below it. Moreover, these galaxies are light and mass dominated by stellar populations younger than 20 Myr, although their mass contribution is likely overestimated due to the outshining effect. Considering the growing amount of galaxy spectroscopic data at Cosmic Noon from JWST and future facilities, such as MOONS, this work reveals the importance of properly accounting for both stellar and nebular continuum emission when performing optical spectral fitting to obtain reliable stellar population and physical properties estimates.
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All authors Henrique Miranda, Ciro Pappalardo, José Afonso, Polychronis Papaderos, Rodrigo Carvajal

Physics and Society

When Shippers Become Algorithms: Candidate Exposure, Information Design, and the Concentration of LLM-Mediated Freight Markets

Takahiro Ezaki, Naoto Imura and Katsuhiro Nishinari

Shippers are beginning to delegate carrier selection to large language model (LLM) agents. We ask what such delegation does to a freight matching market, and which platform design choices contain it. We carried out agent-based simulations in which fifty shipper agents, built on commercial LLMs from OpenAI (GPT), Anthropic (Claude), and Google (Gemini), procure truckload capacity for thirty days. The market implements the rules of digital freight matching: each load is offered down the shipper's ranked list of carriers (waterfall tendering), carriers have daily capacity limits, spot prices respond to congestion, and carrier ratings accumulate with transactions. We found three risks and one remedy that works. Agents converged at once: for a fixed sampled carrier population, the same carrier was the modal first choice of every model on day one, attracting up to 76% of requests. Because each agent picks from its own randomly drawn list of displayed candidates, the platform controls how many options each shipper sees; concentration rose steeply once lists exceeded about ten carriers, with the onset differing across models. Which carriers ended up dominant varied widely from one sampled market to another, and displaying true quality instead of estimated ratings changed neither the level nor this variability (by design, quality affects only what agents see, never delivery outcomes). Against these risks, disclosing each carrier's remaining daily capacity cut concentration by a third and doubled shipper surplus, while vendor diversification, list-order randomization, and popularity display showed no clearly detectable effect. Platform information design, ahead of model choice or model regulation, is the lever that works.
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Soft Condensed Matter

Emergence of Hexanematic Order in a Growing Confluent Cell Monolayer

Hon Lin Too, Farisan Dary, Isaac Si Yuan Ling et al. (+4 more)

Collective migration of epithelial layers underlies processes ranging from wound healing to cancer invasion. A defining yet challenging feature is the emergence of distinct cell morphologies within a single migrating confluent sheet, with larger, elongated cells at the active boundary and smaller, hexatically ordered cells in the bulk. Here, we develop a stochastic particle-Voronoi framework that captures this hexanematic organization without prescribing target geometries and distinct cell types. We show that boundary-driven collective motion generates an outward velocity gradient. This gradient, coupled to a density and velocity-dependent division rule, produces peripheral cells that are larger, more elongated, and more defect-prone, while bulk cells remain smaller, isotropic, and hexagonally packed. These results show how minimal, non-equilibrium mechanical interactions give rise to emergent, self-organized tissue-scale patterning during collective migration.
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All authors Hon Lin Too, Farisan Dary, Isaac Si Yuan Ling, Dustin Erhard Theofilusa, Duo Zhang, Haiyi Liang, Ee Hou Yong

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

What may come beyond the Wheeler-DeWitt approach?

T. P. Shestakova

The goal of this paper is to compare the Wheeler-DeWitt approach, understood in a broad sense, with an alternative one, the so-called extended phase space approach to quantization of gravity. By "the Wheeler-DeWitt approach", I mean not only quantum geometrodynamics formulated by DeWitt in his seminal paper of 1967, but also any approach to quantization of gravity based on the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in some form. Since the Wheeler-DeWitt equation is a direct consequence of the Dirac formalism, its analysis requires examination of the latter and its application to gravity. In particular, I argue that there is a contradiction between canonical quantization and the idea put forward by founders of quantum gravity that, in this theory, all possible spacetime topologies should be taken into account. The path integral approach seems to be more adequate then the canonical approach. However, to derive the Wheeler-DeWitt equation from the path integral, most authors make the assumption about asymptotic states, that again contradicts the supposition of arbitrary spacetime topology. The extended phase space formalism is entirely based on the path integral approach. Note that if one refuses the assumption about asymptotic states, one cannot prove the gauge invariance of the path integral, and the Wheeler-DeWitt equation loses its sense. In the alternative approach, one derives the Schrodinger equation instead. Thus, the extended phase space approach is really beyond the Wheeler-DeWitt approach. The features of this alternative approach are explored with special emphasis on conclusions that cannot be obtained by using the Wheeler-DeWitt quantum geometrodynamics.
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High Energy Physics (Experiment)

First Measurement of the Relative Phase between Proton Psionic Form Factors

BESIII Collaboration: M. Ablikim, M. N. Achasov, P. Adlarson et al. (+753 more)

The relative phase between the time-like form factors of the proton is a crucial observable for a complete understanding of its internal structure, yet it has remained unmeasured due to the formidable experimental challenge of determining the final-state polarization or having available polarized beams. With a novel technique that measures polarization via secondary scattering on spectrometer material, we use $10.09\times10^{9}$ $J/\psi$ events collected at BESIII to analyze the reaction $e^+e^-\rightarrow J/\psi \rightarrow p\bar{p}$. This allows the first determination of the sine of the relative phase between the proton psionic form factors, $\sin\Delta\Phi=-0.20\pm0.34_{\textrm{stat}}\pm0.11_{\textrm{syst}}$. This result provides the first direct insight into the complex dynamics of proton formation, and offers valuable new information to constrain theoretical models of nucleon structure.
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All authors BESIII Collaboration: M. Ablikim, M. N. Achasov, P. Adlarson, X. C. Ai, C. S. Akondi, R. Aliberti, A. Amoroso, Q. An, Y. H. An, Y. Bai, O. Bakina, Y. Ban, H.-R. Bao, X. L. Bao, V. Batozskaya, K. Begzsuren, N. Berger, M. Berlowski, M. B. Bertani, D. Bettoni, F. Bianchi, E. Bianco, A. Bortone, I. Boyko, R. A. Briere, A. Brueggemann, H. Cai, M. H. Cai, X. Cai, A. Calcaterra, G. F. Cao, N. Cao, S. A. Cetin, X. Y. Chai, J. F. Chang, T. T. Chang, G. R. Che, Y. Z. Che, C. H. Chen, Chao Chen, G. Chen, H. S. Chen, H. Y. Chen, M. L. Chen, S. J. Chen, S. M. Chen, T. Chen, W. Chen, X. R. Chen, X. T. Chen, X. Y. Chen, Y. B. Chen, Y. Q. Chen, Z. K. Chen, J. Cheng, L. N. Cheng, S. K. Choi, X. Chu, G. Cibinetto, F. Cossio, J. Cottee-Meldrum, H. L. Dai, J. P. Dai, X. C. Dai, A. Dbeyssi, R. E. de Boer, D. Dedovich, C. Q. Deng, Z. Y. Deng, A. Denig, I. Denisenko, M. Destefanis, F. De Mori, X. X. Ding, Y. Ding, Y. X. Ding, Yi. Ding, J. Dong, L. Y. Dong, M. Y. Dong, X. Dong, M. C. Du, S. X. Du, Shaoxu Du, X. L. Du, Y. Q. Du, Y. Y. Duan, Z. H. Duan, P. Egorov, G. F. Fan, J. J. Fan, Y. H. Fan, J. Fang, Jin Fang, S. S. Fang, W. X. Fang, Y. Q. Fang, L. Fava, F. Feldbauer, G. Felici, C. Q. Feng, J. H. Feng, L. Feng, Q. X. Feng, Y. T. Feng, M. Fritsch, C. D. Fu, J. L. Fu, Y. W. Fu, H. Gao, Y. Gao, Y. N. Gao, Y. Y. Gao, Yunong Gao, Z. Gao, S. Garbolino, I. Garzia, L. Ge, P. T. Ge, Z. W. Ge, C. Geng, E. M. Gersabeck, A. Gilman, K. Goetzen, J. Gollub, J. B. Gong, J. D. Gong, L. Gong, W. X. Gong, B. Gou, W. Gradl, S. Gramigna, M. Greco, M. D. Gu, M. H. Gu, C. Y. Guan, A. Q. Guo, H. Guo, J. N. Guo, L. B. Guo, M. J. Guo, R. P. Guo, X. Guo, Y. P. Guo, Z. Guo, A. Guskov, J. Gutierrez, J. Y. Han, T. T. Han, X. Han, F. Hanisch, K. D. Hao, X. Q. Hao, F. A. Harris, C. Z. He, K. K. He, K. L. He, F. H. Heinsius, C. H. Heinz, Y. K. Heng, C. Herold, P. C. Hong, G. Y. Hou, X. T. Hou, Y. R. Hou, Z. L. Hou, H. M. Hu, J. F. Hu, Q. P. Hu, S. L. Hu, T. Hu, Y. Hu, Y. X. Hu, Z. M. Hu, G. S. Huang, K. X. Huang, L. Q. Huang, P. Huang, X. T. Huang, Y. P. Huang, Y. S. Huang, T. Hussain, N. Hüsken, N. in der Wiesche, J. Jackson, Q. Ji, Q. P. Ji, W. Ji, X. B. Ji, X. L. Ji, Y. Y. Ji, L. K. Jia, X. Q. Jia, D. Jiang, H. B. Jiang, P. C. Jiang, S. J. Jiang, X. S. Jiang, Y. Jiang, J. B. Jiao, J. K. Jiao, Z. Jiao, L. C. L. Jin, S. Jin, Y. Jin, M. Q. Jing, X. M. Jing, T. Johansson, S. Kabana, X. L. Kang, X. S. Kang, B. C. Ke, V. Khachatryan, A. Khoukaz, O. B. Kolcu, B. Kopf, L. Kröger, L. Krümmel, Y. Y. Kuang, M. Kuessner, X. Kui, N. Kumar, A. Kupsc, W. Kühn, Q. Lan, W. N. Lan, T. T. Lei, M. Lellmann, T. Lenz, C. Li, C. H. Li, C. K. Li, Chunkai Li, Cong Li, D. M. Li, F. Li, G. Li, H. B. Li, H. J. Li, H. L. Li, H. N. Li, H. P. Li, Hui Li, J. S. Li, J. W. Li, K. Li, K. L. Li, L. J. Li, Lei Li, M. H. Li, M. R. Li, M. T. Li, P. L. Li, P. R. Li, Q. M. Li, Q. X. Li, R. Li, S. Li, S. X. Li, S. Y. Li, Shanshan Li, T. Li, T. Y. Li, W. D. Li, W. G. Li, X. Li, X. H. Li, X. K. Li, X. L. Li, X. Y. Li, X. Z. Li, Y. Li, Y. G. Li, Y. P. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. J. Li, Z. L. Li, Z. X. Li, Z. Y. Li, C. Liang, H. Liang, Y. F. Liang, Y. T. Liang, G. R. Liao, L. B. Liao, M. H. Liao, Y. P. Liao, J. Libby, A. Limphirat, C. C. Lin, C. X. Lin, D. X. Lin, T. Lin, B. J. Liu, B. X. Liu, C. Liu, C. X. Liu, F. Liu, F. H. Liu, Feng Liu, G. M. Liu, H. Liu, H. B. Liu, H. M. Liu, Huihui Liu, J. B. Liu, J. J. Liu, K. Liu, K. Y. Liu, Ke Liu, Kun Liu, L. Liu, L. C. Liu, Lu Liu, M. H. Liu, P. L. Liu, Q. Liu, S. B. Liu, T. Liu, W. M. Liu, W. T. Liu, X. Liu, X. K. Liu, X. L. Liu, X. P. Liu, X. Y. Liu, Y. Liu, Y. B. Liu, Yi Liu, Z. A. Liu, Z. D. Liu, Z. L. Liu, Z. Q. Liu, Z. Y. Liu, X. C. Lou, H. J. Lu, J. G. Lu, X. L. Lu, Y. Lu, Y. H. Lu, Y. P. Lu, Z. H. Lu, C. L. Luo, J. R. Luo, J. S. Luo, M. X. Luo, T. Luo, X. L. Luo, Z. Y. Lv, Xiaorong Lyu, X. R. Lyu, Y. F. Lyu, Y. H. Lyu, F. C. Ma, H. L. Ma, Heng Ma, J. L. Ma, L. L. Ma, L. R. Ma, Q. M. Ma, R. Q. Ma, R. Y. Ma, T. Ma, X. T. Ma, X. Y. Ma, Y. M. Ma, F. E. Maas, I. MacKay, M. Maggiora, S. Malde, Q. A. Malik, H. X. Mao, Y. J. Mao, Z. P. Mao, S. Marcello, A. Marshall, F. M. Melendi, Y. H. Meng, Z. X. Meng, G. Mezzadri, H. Miao, T. J. Min, R. E. Mitchell, X. H. Mo, B. Moses, N. Yu. Muchnoi, J. Muskalla, Y. Nefedov, F. Nerling, H. Neuwirth, Z. Ning, S. Nisar, Q. L. Niu, W. D. Niu, Y. Niu, C. Normand, S. L. Olsen, Q. Ouyang, S. Pacetti, X. Pan, Y. Pan, A. Pathak, Y. P. Pei, M. Pelizaeus, G. L. Peng, H. P. Peng, X. J. Peng, Y. Y. Peng, K. Peters, K. Petridis, J. L. Ping, R. G. Ping, S. Plura, V. Prasad, L. Pöpping, F. Z. Qi, H. R. Qi, M. Qi, S. Qian, W. B. Qian, C. F. Qiao, J. H. Qiao, J. J. Qin, J. L. Qin, L. Q. Qin, L. Y. Qin, P. B. Qin, X. P. Qin, X. S. Qin, Z. H. Qin, J. F. Qiu, Z. H. Qu, J. Rademacker, C. F. Redmer, A. Rivetti, M. Rolo, G. Rong, S. S. Rong, F. Rosini, Ch. Rosner, M. Q. Ruan, N. Salone, A. Sarantsev, Y. Schelhaas, M. Schernau, K. Schoenning, M. Scodeggio, W. Shan, X. Y. Shan, Z. J. Shang, J. F. Shangguan, L. G. Shao, M. Shao, C. P. Shen, H. F. Shen, W. H. Shen, X. Y. Shen, B. A. Shi, Ch. Y. Shi, H. Shi, J. L. Shi, J. Y. Shi, M. H. Shi, S. Y. Shi, X. Shi, H. L. Song, J. J. Song, M. H. Song, T. Z. Song, W. M. Song, Y. X. Song, Zirong Song, S. Sosio, S. Spataro, S. Stansilaus, F. Stieler, M. Stolte, S. S Su, G. B. Sun, G. X. Sun, H. Sun, H. K. Sun, J. F. Sun, K. Sun, L. Sun, R. Sun, S. S. Sun, T. Sun, W. Y. Sun, Y. C. Sun, Y. H. Sun, Y. J. Sun, Y. Z. Sun, Z. Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, H. Tabaharizato, C. J. Tang, G. Y. Tang, J. Tang, J. J. Tang, L. F. Tang, Y. A. Tang, L. Y. Tao, M. Tat, J. X. Teng, J. Y. Tian, W. H. Tian, Y. Tian, Z. F. Tian, I. Uman, E. van der Smagt, B. Wang, Bin Wang, Bo Wang, B. Q. Wang, C. Wang, Chao Wang, Cong Wang, D. Y. Wang, H. J. Wang, H. R. Wang, J. Wang, J. J. Wang, J. P. Wang, K. Wang, L. L. Wang, L. W. Wang, M. Wang, Mi Wang, N. Y. Wang, S. Wang, Shun Wang, T. Wang, T. J. Wang, W. Wang, W. P. Wang, X. F. Wang, X. L. Wang, X. N. Wang, Xin Wang, Y. Wang, Y. D. Wang, Y. F. Wang, Y. H. Wang, Y. J. Wang, Y. L. Wang, Y. N. Wang, Yanning Wang, Yaqian Wang, Yi Wang, Yuan Wang, Z. Wang, Z. L. Wang, Z. Q. Wang, Z. Y. Wang, Zhi Wang, Ziyi Wang, D. Wei, D. H. Wei, D. J. Wei, H. R. Wei, F. Weidner, S. P. Wen, U. Wiedner, G. Wilkinson, M. Wolke, J. F. Wu, L. H. Wu, L. J. Wu, Lianjie Wu, S. G. Wu, S. M. Wu, X. W. Wu, Z. Wu, H. L. Xia, L. Xia, B. H. Xiang, D. Xiao, G. Y. Xiao, H. Xiao, Y. L. Xiao, Z. J. Xiao, C. Xie, K. J. Xie, Y. Xie, Y. G. Xie, Y. H. Xie, Z. P. Xie, T. Y. Xing, D. B. Xiong, C. J. Xu, G. F. Xu, H. Y. Xu, M. Xu, Q. J. Xu, Q. N. Xu, T. D. Xu, X. P. Xu, Y. Xu, Y. C. Xu, Z. S. Xu, F. Yan, L. Yan, W. B. Yan, W. C. Yan, W. H. Yan, W. P. Yan, X. Q. Yan, Y. Y. Yan, H. J. Yang, H. L. Yang, H. X. Yang, J. H. Yang, R. J. Yang, X. Y. Yang, Y. Yang, Y. H. Yang, Y. M. Yang, Y. Q. Yang, Y. Z. Yang, Youhua Yang, Z. Y. Yang, Z. P. Yao, M. Ye, M. H. Ye, Z. J. Ye, Junhao Yin, Z. Y. You, B. X. Yu, C. X. Yu, G. Yu, J. S. Yu, L. W. Yu, T. Yu, X. D. Yu, Y. C. Yu, Yongchao Yu, C. Z. Yuan, H. Yuan, J. Yuan, Jie Yuan, L. Yuan, M. K. Yuan, S. H. Yuan, Y. Yuan, C. X. Yue, Ying Yue, A. A. Zafar, F. R. Zeng, S. H. Zeng, X. Zeng, Y. J. Zeng, Yujie Zeng, Y. C. Zhai, Y. H. Zhan, B. L. Zhang, B. X. Zhang, D. H. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, Gengyuan Zhang, H. Zhang, H. C. Zhang, H. H. Zhang, H. Q. Zhang, H. R. Zhang, H. Y. Zhang, Han Zhang, J. Zhang, J. J. Zhang, J. L. Zhang, J. Q. Zhang, J. S. Zhang, J. W. Zhang, J. X. Zhang, J. Y. Zhang, J. Z. Zhang, Jianyu Zhang, Jin Zhang, Jiyuan Zhang, L. M. Zhang, Lei Zhang, N. Zhang, P. Zhang, Q. Zhang, Q. Y. Zhang, Q. Z. Zhang, R. Y. Zhang, S. H. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, Shulei Zhang, X. M. Zhang, X. Y. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Y. T. Zhang, Y. H. Zhang, Y. P. Zhang, Yu Zhang, Z. D. Zhang, Z. H. Zhang, Z. L. Zhang, Z. X. Zhang, Z. Y. Zhang, Zh. Zh. Zhang, Zhilong Zhang, Ziyang Zhang, Ziyu Zhang, G. Zhao, J.-P. Zhao, J. Y. Zhao, J. Z. Zhao, L. Zhao, Lei Zhao, M. G. Zhao, R. P. Zhao, S. J. Zhao, Y. B. Zhao, Y. L. Zhao, Y. P. Zhao, Y. X. Zhao, Z. G. Zhao, A. Zhemchugov, B. Zheng, B. M. Zheng, J. P. Zheng, W. J. Zheng, W. Q. Zheng, X. R. Zheng, Y. H. Zheng, B. Zhong, C. Zhong, H. Zhou, J. Q. Zhou, S. Zhou, X. Zhou, X. K. Zhou, X. R. Zhou, X. Y. Zhou, Y. X. Zhou, Y. Z. Zhou, A. N. Zhu, J. Zhu, K. Zhu, K. J. Zhu, K. S. Zhu, L. X. Zhu, Lin Zhu, S. H. Zhu, T. J. Zhu, W. D. Zhu, W. J. Zhu, W. Z. Zhu, Y. C. Zhu, Z. A. Zhu, X. Y. Zhuang, M. Zhuge, J. H. Zou

Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

Ringing of the Reionization: A first direct measurement of the intergalactic pressure smoothing scale at redshift z>4.2 as imprinted onto small-scale peculiar velocities in the Lyman-alpha forest

Vid Iršič, Matteo Viel, Martin G. Haehnelt et al. (+3 more)

The epoch of reionization leaves detectable imprints in the thermal history of the Universe. In particular, the fast ionization fronts passing over cold gas in the cosmic web overpressurize the gas, leading to the well-established phenomenon of pressure smoothing due to the hydrodynamic response of the gas. Although the effect has been indirectly measured from the power spectra of the Lyman-$\alpha$ forest over the past decades, very few examples exist of directly measuring the typical scale associated with this physical process. This work identifies an acoustic feature in the power spectrum of the projected peculiar velocity gradient $\eta$. Using toy models and linear theory, this work shows that the acoustic feature is likely strongly associated with the pressure smoothing scale. A feature at the same scale is imprinted on the small-scale flux power spectrum of the Lyman-$\alpha$ forest at $k=0.1-1\;\mathrm{s/km}$. A methodology developed for the simulations is applied to the latest measurements of the flux power spectra at $z=4.2-5.0$ to provide the first direct measurements of the pressure smoothing scale at high redshifts, $\lambda_p(z=4.2) > 33.78\;\mathrm{ckpc}\;(1\sigma)$, $\lambda_p(z=4.6) = 32.36\pm8.35\;\mathrm{ckpc}$ and $\lambda_p(z=5.0)=31.27\pm18.28\;\mathrm{ckpc}$. This proof-of-concept study paves the way for future observational programs aimed at recovering the thermal history using small-scale observations of the Lyman-$\alpha$ forest.
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All authors Vid Iršič, Matteo Viel, Martin G. Haehnelt, James S. Bolton, Ewald Puchwein, Luke I. Gilmartin

Materials Science

Symmetry-Based Design Rules for Second-Harmonic Generation in Stacked and Twisted MoS2 Bilayers

Sumanti Patra and Caterina Cocchi

Understanding how stacking controls the nonlinear optical response of two-dimensional materials is key to designing van der Waals heterostructures with tailored functionalities. Here, we establish a comprehensive symmetry-based framework mapping the structural configuration of MoS2 bilayers across four point groups (D3h, D3d, C3v, C3) to their second-order susceptibility tensor chi^(2). Using group-theory arguments benchmarked against first-principles response-function calculations, we demonstrate how symmetry breaking controls the activation and suppression of individual tensor elements in these systems. We show that the emergence of the in-plane component chi_xxx in twisted configurations (C3 group) induces a rigid azimuthal rotation of the second-harmonic generation polar lobes, which remains frequency-independent across the entire optical spectrum, locking to half of the structural twist angle. Our findings establish a direct, wavelength-independent optical route for twist-angle determination and provide a clear roadmap for engineering nonlinear optical responses in two-dimensional materials.
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Instrumentation and Detectors

Gamma irradiation of ATLAS18 ITk strip sensors affected by static charge

M. Mikestikova, V. Fadeyev, P. Federicova et al. (+13 more)

Construction of the new all-silicon ITk, developed by the ATLAS collaboration to be able to track charged particles produced at the HL- LHC, started in 2021 and is expected to continue until 2028. The ITk detector will include ~18,000 highly segmented and radiation hard n+-in-p silicon strip sensors, which are being manufactured by HPK. Upon their delivery, the ATLAS ITk strip sensor collaboration performs detailed measurements of sensors to monitor quality of all fabricated pieces. QC electrical tests include IV and CV tests, full strip tests, and a measurement of the long-term stability of the sensor leakage current. While most sensors demonstrate excellent performance during QC testing, we have nevertheless observed that a number of sensors from several production batches failed the electrical tests. Accumulated data indicates a strong correlation between observed electrical test failures and high electrostatic charge measured on the sensor surface during initial reception tests. This electrostatic charge enhances the risk of "Local trapped charge" events during manufacturing, shipping, and handling procedures, resulting in failed electrical QC tests. In the presented study, we have investigated whether the TID expected in the real experiment can effectively resolve early breakdown or low interstrip isolation caused by the electrostatic charge. Selected charge-affected sensors were irradiated with gamma rays from a 60Co source for a number of TID values. The results of this study indicate that the negative effects of the electrostatic charge on the critical sensors characteristics disappear after a very small amount of an accumulated TID, which actually corresponds to one or two days in the experiment. This finding gives us confidence in mitigating the issue of electrostatic charge during the operation of the ITk strip sensors in the real experiment.
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All authors M. Mikestikova, V. Fadeyev, P. Federicova, J. Fernandez-Tejero, C. Fleta, P. Gallus, C. Jessiman, J. Keller, C. Klein, T. Koffas, J.Kroll, J. Kvasnicka, E. Staats, P. Tuma, M. Ullan, Y. Unno

Chemical Physics

Spin-Consistency Constraints in Noncollinear Tensor TDA

Wenxian Qin, Tai Wang, Yue Yu et al. (+3 more)

TDDFT for open-shell systems, whether spin-conserving or spin-flip, has long suffered from spin contamination. This problem arises because the single-excitation space built upon a single Kohn-Sham determinant is not spin-complete. Adopting spin tensor reference states therefore offers an elegant and promising route to resolving this issue. In this work, we revisit the tensor TDDFT equations within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation (TDA) from a noncollinear perspective. We show that, for S = 1/2 reference states, the internal consistency of the spin tensor formulation can, with the aid of the zero-excitation-energy theorem, be recast as a set of constraints that the exchange-correlation kernel must satisfy. Standard noncollinear functionals, however, generally fail to meet these constraints. To address this, we propose a kernel reconstruction scheme that is independent of the specific functional form and free of empirical parameters. This scheme enforces the required constraints, restoring internal consistency in the full spin tensor structure, with spin adaptation following as a natural consequence. Furthermore, when extended to tensor reference states with other values of S, such as S = 1 for the oxygen molecule, the scheme eliminates the so-called artifact states, namely solutions with severely underestimated excitation energies. In addition, the scheme allows the target states that ROKS reference states aim to describe to be expressed and computed, at the TDA level, within the same unified framework as other states, a capability that spin-adapted spin-conserving TDDFT has so far lacked.
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All authors Wenxian Qin, Tai Wang, Yue Yu, Yuanyang Liu, Yi Qin Gao, Yunlong Xiao

Plasma Physics

Reduced-order non-self-consistent Monte Carlo simulation of a planar magnetron discharge: electron heating, recapture and racetrack formation

Franz F. Locker and Georg Strauß

A reduced-order non-self-consistent Monte Carlo model is presented for a circular planar magnetron discharge in argon. The model combines two magnetic-field representations, namely a superposition of magnetic dipoles and a numerically integrated field of the finite permanent magnets, with a prescribed one-dimensional sheath-bulk potential, adaptive fourth-order Runge-Kutta orbit integration, and a null-collision treatment of electron-argon collisions. The collision module reproduces the dependence of the electron drift velocity on the reduced electric field, but overestimates its absolute value by approximately a factor of 1.5. The resulting transport predictions are therefore interpreted semi-quantitatively. Applied to a magnetron geometry based on published Langmuir-probe measurements, the simulations reproduce the qualitative emergence of a cold electron population away from the cathode while retaining a hotter near-cathode component. Electrons returning to the cathode are reflected with a prescribed probability RC, which controls their availability for further ionising collisions. For racetrack calculations initiated with at least 2 x 10^4 cathode-emitted electrons and RC = 0.5, the finite-magnet field produces a more sharply localised erosion profile whose full width at half maximum is close to a geometric racetrack-width estimate. The dipole approximation yields a broader profile. The model is not a replacement for self-consistent PIC-MCC simulations, but is a computationally light tool for comparing magnetic-field representations and analysing electron heating, ionisation localisation, and racetrack formation.
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High Energy Physics (Experiment)

Proof of principle for nucleon polarization measurement at BESIII

BESIII Collaboration: M. Ablikim, M. N. Achasov, P. Adlarson et al. (+753 more)

A novel technique for measuring the spin polarization of final-state nucleons in a general-purpose spectrometer is validated. Using $10.09\times10^{9}$ $J/\psi$ events at BESIII, the asymmetry of polarized proton scattering on detector support material is measured, and is consistent with the expected value. This proves that a general-purpose spectrometer can be utilized as a large-acceptance polarimeter, providing the spin polarization in addition to the conventional four-momentum information of the final-state particles. With this technique, physics capabilities are enhanced for existing and future facilities in particle and nuclear physics.
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All authors BESIII Collaboration: M. Ablikim, M. N. Achasov, P. Adlarson, X. C. Ai, C. S. Akondi, R. Aliberti, A. Amoroso, Q. An, Y. H. An, Y. Bai, O. Bakina, Y. Ban, H.-R. Bao, X. L. Bao, V. Batozskaya, K. Begzsuren, N. Berger, M. Berlowski, M. B. Bertani, D. Bettoni, F. Bianchi, E. Bianco, A. Bortone, I. Boyko, R. A. Briere, A. Brueggemann, H. Cai, M. H. Cai, X. Cai, A. Calcaterra, G. F. Cao, N. Cao, S. A. Cetin, X. Y. Chai, J. F. Chang, T. T. Chang, G. R. Che, Y. Z. Che, C. H. Chen, Chao Chen, G. Chen, H. S. Chen, H. Y. Chen, M. L. Chen, S. J. Chen, S. M. Chen, T. Chen, W. Chen, X. R. Chen, X. T. Chen, X. Y. Chen, Y. B. Chen, Y. Q. Chen, Z. K. Chen, J. Cheng, L. N. Cheng, S. K. Choi, X. Chu, G. Cibinetto, F. Cossio, J. Cottee-Meldrum, H. L. Dai, J. P. Dai, X. C. Dai, A. Dbeyssi, R. E. de Boer, D. Dedovich, C. Q. Deng, Z. Y. Deng, A. Denig, I. Denisenko, M. Destefanis, F. De Mori, X. X. Ding, Y. Ding, Y. X. Ding, Yi. Ding, J. Dong, L. Y. Dong, M. Y. Dong, X. Dong, M. C. Du, S. X. Du, Shaoxu Du, X. L. Du, Y. Q. Du, Y. Y. Duan, Z. H. Duan, P. Egorov, G. F. Fan, J. J. Fan, Y. H. Fan, J. Fang, Jin Fang, S. S. Fang, W. X. Fang, Y. Q. Fang, L. Fava, F. Feldbauer, G. Felici, C. Q. Feng, J. H. Feng, L. Feng, Q. X. Feng, Y. T. Feng, M. Fritsch, C. D. Fu, J. L. Fu, Y. W. Fu, H. Gao, Y. Gao, Y. N. Gao, Y. Y. Gao, Yunong Gao, Z. Gao, S. Garbolino, I. Garzia, L. Ge, P. T. Ge, Z. W. Ge, C. Geng, E. M. Gersabeck, A. Gilman, K. Goetzen, J. Gollub, J. B. Gong, J. D. Gong, L. Gong, W. X. Gong, B. Gou, W. Gradl, S. Gramigna, M. Greco, M. D. Gu, M. H. Gu, C. Y. Guan, A. Q. Guo, H. Guo, J. N. Guo, L. B. Guo, M. J. Guo, R. P. Guo, X. Guo, Y. P. Guo, Z. Guo, A. Guskov, J. Gutierrez, J. Y. Han, T. T. Han, X. Han, F. Hanisch, K. D. Hao, X. Q. Hao, F. A. Harris, C. Z. He, K. K. He, K. L. He, F. H. Heinsius, C. H. Heinz, Y. K. Heng, C. Herold, P. C. Hong, G. Y. Hou, X. T. Hou, Y. R. Hou, Z. L. Hou, H. M. Hu, J. F. Hu, Q. P. Hu, S. L. Hu, T. Hu, Y. Hu, Y. X. Hu, Z. M. Hu, G. S. Huang, K. X. Huang, L. Q. Huang, P. Huang, X. T. Huang, Y. P. Huang, Y. S. Huang, T. Hussain, N. Hüsken, N. in der Wiesche, J. Jackson, Q. Ji, Q. P. Ji, W. Ji, X. B. Ji, X. L. Ji, Y. Y. Ji, L. K. Jia, X. Q. Jia, D. Jiang, H. B. Jiang, P. C. Jiang, S. J. Jiang, X. S. Jiang, Y. Jiang, J. B. Jiao, J. K. Jiao, Z. Jiao, L. C. L. Jin, S. Jin, Y. Jin, M. Q. Jing, X. M. Jing, T. Johansson, S. Kabana, X. L. Kang, X. S. Kang, B. C. Ke, V. Khachatryan, A. Khoukaz, O. B. Kolcu, B. Kopf, L. Kröger, L. Krümmel, Y. Y. Kuang, M. Kuessner, X. Kui, N. Kumar, A. Kupsc, W. Kühn, Q. Lan, W. N. Lan, T. T. Lei, M. Lellmann, T. Lenz, C. Li, C. H. Li, C. K. Li, Chunkai Li, Cong Li, D. M. Li, F. Li, G. Li, H. B. Li, H. J. Li, H. L. Li, H. N. Li, H. P. Li, Hui Li, J. S. Li, J. W. Li, K. Li, K. L. Li, L. J. Li, Lei Li, M. H. Li, M. R. Li, M. T. Li, P. L. Li, P. R. Li, Q. M. Li, Q. X. Li, R. Li, S. Li, S. X. Li, S. Y. Li, Shanshan Li, T. Li, T. Y. Li, W. D. Li, W. G. Li, X. Li, X. H. Li, X. K. Li, X. L. Li, X. Y. Li, X. Z. Li, Y. Li, Y. G. Li, Y. P. Li, Z. H. Li, Z. J. Li, Z. L. Li, Z. X. Li, Z. Y. Li, C. Liang, H. Liang, Y. F. Liang, Y. T. Liang, G. R. Liao, L. B. Liao, M. H. Liao, Y. P. Liao, J. Libby, A. Limphirat, C. C. Lin, C. X. Lin, D. X. Lin, T. Lin, B. J. Liu, B. X. Liu, C. Liu, C. X. Liu, F. Liu, F. H. Liu, Feng Liu, G. M. Liu, H. Liu, H. B. Liu, H. M. Liu, Huihui Liu, J. B. Liu, J. J. Liu, K. Liu, K. Y. Liu, Ke Liu, Kun Liu, L. Liu, L. C. Liu, Lu Liu, M. H. Liu, P. L. Liu, Q. Liu, S. B. Liu, T. Liu, W. M. Liu, W. T. Liu, X. Liu, X. K. Liu, X. L. Liu, X. P. Liu, X. Y. Liu, Y. Liu, Y. B. Liu, Yi Liu, Z. A. Liu, Z. D. Liu, Z. L. Liu, Z. Q. Liu, Z. Y. Liu, X. C. Lou, H. J. Lu, J. G. Lu, X. L. Lu, Y. Lu, Y. H. Lu, Y. P. Lu, Z. H. Lu, C. L. Luo, J. R. Luo, J. S. Luo, M. X. Luo, T. Luo, X. L. Luo, Z. Y. Lv, Xiaorong Lyu, X. R. Lyu, Y. F. Lyu, Y. H. Lyu, F. C. Ma, H. L. Ma, Heng Ma, J. L. Ma, L. L. Ma, L. R. Ma, Q. M. Ma, R. Q. Ma, R. Y. Ma, T. Ma, X. T. Ma, X. Y. Ma, Y. M. Ma, F. E. Maas, I. MacKay, M. Maggiora, S. Malde, Q. A. Malik, H. X. Mao, Y. J. Mao, Z. P. Mao, S. Marcello, A. Marshall, F. M. Melendi, Y. H. Meng, Z. X. Meng, G. Mezzadri, H. Miao, T. J. Min, R. E. Mitchell, X. H. Mo, B. Moses, N. Yu. Muchnoi, J. Muskalla, Y. Nefedov, F. Nerling, H. Neuwirth, Z. Ning, S. Nisar, Q. L. Niu, W. D. Niu, Y. Niu, C. Normand, S. L. Olsen, Q. Ouyang, S. Pacetti, X. Pan, Y. Pan, A. Pathak, Y. P. Pei, M. Pelizaeus, G. L. Peng, H. P. Peng, X. J. Peng, Y. Y. Peng, K. Peters, K. Petridis, J. L. Ping, R. G. Ping, S. Plura, V. Prasad, L. Pöpping, F. Z. Qi, H. R. Qi, M. Qi, S. Qian, W. B. Qian, C. F. Qiao, J. H. Qiao, J. J. Qin, J. L. Qin, L. Q. Qin, L. Y. Qin, P. B. Qin, X. P. Qin, X. S. Qin, Z. H. Qin, J. F. Qiu, Z. H. Qu, J. Rademacker, C. F. Redmer, A. Rivetti, M. Rolo, G. Rong, S. S. Rong, F. Rosini, Ch. Rosner, M. Q. Ruan, N. Salone, A. Sarantsev, Y. Schelhaas, M. Schernau, K. Schoenning, M. Scodeggio, W. Shan, X. Y. Shan, Z. J. Shang, J. F. Shangguan, L. G. Shao, M. Shao, C. P. Shen, H. F. Shen, W. H. Shen, X. Y. Shen, B. A. Shi, Ch. Y. Shi, H. Shi, J. L. Shi, J. Y. Shi, M. H. Shi, S. Y. Shi, X. Shi, H. L. Song, J. J. Song, M. H. Song, T. Z. Song, W. M. Song, Y. X. Song, Zirong Song, S. Sosio, S. Spataro, S. Stansilaus, F. Stieler, M. Stolte, S. S Su, G. B. Sun, G. X. Sun, H. Sun, H. K. Sun, J. F. Sun, K. Sun, L. Sun, R. Sun, S. S. Sun, T. Sun, W. Y. Sun, Y. C. Sun, Y. H. Sun, Y. J. Sun, Y. Z. Sun, Z. Q. Sun, Z. T. Sun, H. Tabaharizato, C. J. Tang, G. Y. Tang, J. Tang, J. J. Tang, L. F. Tang, Y. A. Tang, L. Y. Tao, M. Tat, J. X. Teng, J. Y. Tian, W. H. Tian, Y. Tian, Z. F. Tian, I. Uman, E. van der Smagt, B. Wang, Bin Wang, Bo Wang, B. Q. Wang, C. Wang, Chao Wang, Cong Wang, D. Y. Wang, H. J. Wang, H. R. Wang, J. Wang, J. J. Wang, J. P. Wang, K. Wang, L. L. Wang, L. W. Wang, M. Wang, Mi Wang, N. Y. Wang, S. Wang, Shun Wang, T. Wang, T. J. Wang, W. Wang, W. P. Wang, X. F. Wang, X. L. Wang, X. N. Wang, Xin Wang, Y. Wang, Y. D. Wang, Y. F. Wang, Y. H. Wang, Y. J. Wang, Y. L. Wang, Y. N. Wang, Yanning Wang, Yaqian Wang, Yi Wang, Yuan Wang, Z. Wang, Z. L. Wang, Z. Q. Wang, Z. Y. Wang, Zhi Wang, Ziyi Wang, D. Wei, D. H. Wei, D. J. Wei, H. R. Wei, F. Weidner, S. P. Wen, U. Wiedner, G. Wilkinson, M. Wolke, J. F. Wu, L. H. Wu, L. J. Wu, Lianjie Wu, S. G. Wu, S. M. Wu, X. W. Wu, Z. Wu, H. L. Xia, L. Xia, B. H. Xiang, D. Xiao, G. Y. Xiao, H. Xiao, Y. L. Xiao, Z. J. Xiao, C. Xie, K. J. Xie, Y. Xie, Y. G. Xie, Y. H. Xie, Z. P. Xie, T. Y. Xing, D. B. Xiong, C. J. Xu, G. F. Xu, H. Y. Xu, M. Xu, Q. J. Xu, Q. N. Xu, T. D. Xu, X. P. Xu, Y. Xu, Y. C. Xu, Z. S. Xu, F. Yan, L. Yan, W. B. Yan, W. C. Yan, W. H. Yan, W. P. Yan, X. Q. Yan, Y. Y. Yan, H. J. Yang, H. L. Yang, H. X. Yang, J. H. Yang, R. J. Yang, X. Y. Yang, Y. Yang, Y. H. Yang, Y. M. Yang, Y. Q. Yang, Y. Z. Yang, Youhua Yang, Z. Y. Yang, Z. P. Yao, M. Ye, M. H. Ye, Z. J. Ye, Junhao Yin, Z. Y. You, B. X. Yu, C. X. Yu, G. Yu, J. S. Yu, L. W. Yu, T. Yu, X. D. Yu, Y. C. Yu, Yongchao Yu, C. Z. Yuan, H. Yuan, J. Yuan, Jie Yuan, L. Yuan, M. K. Yuan, S. H. Yuan, Y. Yuan, C. X. Yue, Ying Yue, A. A. Zafar, F. R. Zeng, S. H. Zeng, X. Zeng, Y. J. Zeng, Yujie Zeng, Y. C. Zhai, Y. H. Zhan, B. L. Zhang, B. X. Zhang, D. H. Zhang, G. Y. Zhang, Gengyuan Zhang, H. Zhang, H. C. Zhang, H. H. Zhang, H. Q. Zhang, H. R. Zhang, H. Y. Zhang, Han Zhang, J. Zhang, J. J. Zhang, J. L. Zhang, J. Q. Zhang, J. S. Zhang, J. W. Zhang, J. X. Zhang, J. Y. Zhang, J. Z. Zhang, Jianyu Zhang, Jin Zhang, Jiyuan Zhang, L. M. Zhang, Lei Zhang, N. Zhang, P. Zhang, Q. Zhang, Q. Y. Zhang, Q. Z. Zhang, R. Y. Zhang, S. H. Zhang, S. N. Zhang, Shulei Zhang, X. M. Zhang, X. Y. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Y. T. Zhang, Y. H. Zhang, Y. P. Zhang, Yu Zhang, Z. D. Zhang, Z. H. Zhang, Z. L. Zhang, Z. X. Zhang, Z. Y. Zhang, Zh. Zh. Zhang, Zhilong Zhang, Ziyang Zhang, Ziyu Zhang, G. Zhao, J.-P. Zhao, J. Y. Zhao, J. Z. Zhao, L. Zhao, Lei Zhao, M. G. Zhao, R. P. Zhao, S. J. Zhao, Y. B. Zhao, Y. L. Zhao, Y. P. Zhao, Y. X. Zhao, Z. G. Zhao, A. Zhemchugov, B. Zheng, B. M. Zheng, J. P. Zheng, W. J. Zheng, W. Q. Zheng, X. R. Zheng, Y. H. Zheng, B. Zhong, C. Zhong, H. Zhou, J. Q. Zhou, S. Zhou, X. Zhou, X. K. Zhou, X. R. Zhou, X. Y. Zhou, Y. X. Zhou, Y. Z. Zhou, A. N. Zhu, J. Zhu, K. Zhu, K. J. Zhu, K. S. Zhu, L. X. Zhu, Lin Zhu, S. H. Zhu, T. J. Zhu, W. D. Zhu, W. J. Zhu, W. Z. Zhu, Y. C. Zhu, Z. A. Zhu, X. Y. Zhuang, M. Zhuge, J. H. Zou

Nuclear Theory

Charge-Exchange Reactions Accompanied by a Single $\pi^+$ Production in Medium-Energy Heavy-Ion Collisions

Xiao-lei Chen, Jin-yu Yang, Shi-kang Dong et al. (+3 more)

Heavy-ion charge-exchange (CE) reactions provide a sensitive probe of isospin dynamics in nuclear collisions. We investigate the reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}(^{12}\mathrm{C},\,^{12}\mathrm{N}\,\pi^{+})\,^{12}\mathrm{Be}$ at 400–600 A MeV within the ultra-relativistic quantum molecular dynamics model combined with a phase-space coalescence approach. This reaction represents a nontrivial CE channel accompanied by a single $\pi^+$ production in heavy-ion collisions, extending previous studies from lepton-induced to hadronic systems. The $^{12}\mathrm{N}$ fragment is formed via nucleon and meson exchange, whereas $\pi^+$ production is primarily governed by $\Delta$ resonance excitation and decay, enabling simultaneous investigations of CE processes and $\Delta$-induced pion production within the same reaction system. We calculate the reaction cross section and analyze the four-momentum distributions of $^{12}\mathrm{N}$ and $\pi^+$. Characteristic phase-space features reflect different production mechanisms and provide guidance for future experimental designs. Additionally, this reaction may serve as a potential pathway for rare-isotope production.
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All authors Xiao-lei Chen, Jin-yu Yang, Shi-kang Dong, Bao-wei Ding, Bi-tao Hu, Xi-yu Qiu

Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics

CATKit2-HCI: a collaborative framework for advancing high-contrast coronagraph testbeds

Rémi Soummer, Iva Laginja, Emiel H. Por et al. (+19 more)

High-contrast exoplanet imaging requires dedicated laboratory testbeds for the development and validation of coronagraph architectures, wavefront sensing and control methods, calibration strategies, and system-level observing concepts. These testbeds often share similar software needs, yet many tools are developed independently at each institution. The CATKit2-High-Contrast-Imaging collaboration, or CATKit2-HCI, addresses this gap by providing a shared software framework for reusable HCI infrastructure. Built on top of CATKit2, an open-source hardware control and synchronization framework originally developed for the High-contrast Imager for Complex Aperture Telescopes (HiCAT) testbed at the Space Telescope Science Institute, CATKit2-HCI provides the collaborative layer for HCI-specific algorithms, calibration tools, diagnostics, visualization, and performance metrics. The collaboration currently includes multiple coronagraph testbeds in the United States and Europe. Its goals are to reduce duplicated software development, improve code quality through shared review, enable more direct comparison of results across facilities, and facilitate the movement of students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators between laboratories. We describe the motivation, architecture, collaboration model, shared technical capabilities, and early cross-testbed examples of CATKit2-HCI as a framework for accelerating coronagraph technology development.
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All authors Rémi Soummer, Iva Laginja, Emiel H. Por, Raphaël Pourcelot, Sarah Steiger, Bryony Nickson, Alexis Lau, Pierre Baudoz, Clarissa Do Ó, Jules Fowler, Raphaël Galicher, Tyler D. Groff, Rebecca Jensen-Clem, Dimitri P. Mawet, Johan Mazoyer, Michael W. McElwain, Lane Meier, Axel Potier, Laurent A. Pueyo, Susan F. Redmond, Scott D. Will, Neil T. Zimmerman

Soft Condensed Matter

Effective Complexity Reduction of the Landau-de Gennes Elastic Energy: A Quantitative Framework and Numerical Validation

Razvan-Dumitru Ceuca, Simone Rusconi and Arghir-Dani Zarnescu

We revisit the elastic energy formulation of the Landau-de Gennes model for nematic liquid crystals, focusing on quantitative reductions of the multi-constant elastic energy. Building on the generalized optimal scaling procedure (GOS) introduced by Rusconi et al. in 2025, we identify explicit parameter regimes in which the three-constant model $(L_1,L_2,L_3)$ can be reduced to $(L_1,L_2,0)$ and how the two-constant model $(L_1,L_2,0)$ can be reduced to the commonly used one-constant configuration $(L_1,0,0)$. The analytical scaling predictions are tested numerically using the openQmin simulation framework, confirming that below a critical threshold for $L_3$ or $L_2$, given by GOS, the deviation from the reduced model remains of the same order of magnitude as predicted by the scaling theory. These results provide a quantitative criterion for the validity of reduced elastic models and establish a direct connection between optimal scaling arguments and numerical observations within the Landau-de Gennes framework.
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Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

QCD CP-violation scenario for a revised cosmological dynamics: analysis of the binned Pantheon Sample of Super Novae Ia

Giovanni Montani, Nakia Carlevaro, Maria Giovanna Dainotti et al. (+1 more)

We investigate a modified cosmological dynamics in which the Universe is composed of baryonic matter and a complex (classical) scalar field. The phase component of this field is identified with the axion field, which accounts for the dark matter contribution, while its modulus follows a $\lambda\phi^4$-like theory, associated with a dominant constant energy density and describing the dark energy component of the Universe. When the potential term of this complex scalar field is studied near its maximum, it naturally provides an interaction term between dark matter and dark energy. The cosmological model that emerges from this physical framework leads to a modified $\Lambda$CDM dynamics, in which the dark matter contribution is slightly and monotonically suppressed. We then construct the effective running Hubble constant associated with this revised cosmological scenario and we compare this diagnostic tool with the binned data of the Pantheon Sample of Type Ia Supernovae. As a result of the fitting procedure, we are able to provide a satisfactory interpretation of the data in terms of our theoretical conjecture that results statistically favored with respect to the $\Lambda$CDM model.
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All authors Giovanni Montani, Nakia Carlevaro, Maria Giovanna Dainotti, Eleonora Giovannetti

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Geometry-Induced Termination of the Repetitive Penrose Process in Rotating Simpson-Visser Black Holes

Mohammad Ali S. Afshar, Mohammad Reza Alipour, Saeed Noori Gashti et al. (+1 more)

We examine the Repetitive Penrose Process in the rotating Simpson-Visser spacetime, whose parameter space includes regular black holes, black-bounce geometries, and traversable wormholes. Assuming that the regularization parameter remains unchanged throughout the evolution, the analysis shows that the endpoint of the repetitive process is not always determined solely by the conventional minimum spin condition. Instead, for sufficiently large values of the regularization parameter, the evolving solution may leave the parameter domain corresponding to the original two horizon black hole branch before the dynamical spin limit is reached. Within the present framework, this provides an additional geometry-induced condition that limits the continuation of the iterative sequence. The numerical results further show that the relative importance of the dynamical and geometry-induced termination mechanisms depends sensitively on the regularization parameter. For small deformations, the evolution remains qualitatively similar to that of the Kerr spacetime. As the regularization parameter increases, however, the cumulative extracted energy, the number of admissible Penrose iterations, and the efficiency of the process are progressively reduced. We also examine how the extracted energy, the final irreducible mass, and two complementary efficiency measures vary with both the regularization parameter and the particle decay radius. Overall, the present analysis indicates that, within the RSV geometry, the underlying spacetime structure influences not only the cumulative efficiency of the repetitive Penrose process but also the parameter range over which the iterative evolution remains self-consistent. These results highlight the role that spacetime geometry can play in shaping the long-term evolution of idealized Penrose-type energy extraction processes in regular rotating black-hole spacetimes.
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All authors Mohammad Ali S. Afshar, Mohammad Reza Alipour, Saeed Noori Gashti, J. Sadeghi

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

Reversive and Non-Reversive Magnetic CP Stars. I. Catalog

I. I. Romanyuk

An analysis of the distribution of signs of the longitudinal magnetic field component $B_z$ is presented for a sample of 307 chemically peculiar (CP) stars with reliably measured magnetic fields. For each star, the root-mean-square field $B_{\rm rms}$ and the extreme values of $B_z$ are used to classify the field configuration as either reversive or non-reversive. Among the 173 non-reversive stars, 100 exhibit a predominantly negative $B_z$ sign, while only 73 display a positive sign, corresponding to an excess of negative polarities by a factor of about 1.37. A subsample of stars with at least five independent measurements (254 objects) yields a similar ratio of 1.38, confirming the robustness of the asymmetry. The observed predominance of negative $B_z$ values among non-reversive CP stars in the solar neighbourhood is statistically significant. Possible origins of this asymmetry remain unclear and will be addressed in future studies.
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Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics

THz-Driven Floquet Spin Valve-Modulator

R.G. Nazmitdinov

Within the scattering matrix ($S$-matrix) framework adapted to the high-frequency Floquet–Magnus formalism based on the length gauge, we investigate spin-dependent quantum transport in a 1D quantum ring with an asymmetric ($\pi/2$) configuration of quantum point contacts. We demonstrate the realization of a contactless electromagnetic analog of the Datta–Das spin field-effect transistor with ferromagnetic leads operating at zero static magnetic field. It is shown that an off-resonance terahertz (THz) field enables high-precision switching between spin channels without altering the static parameters of the nanostructure. Driven by an electronic Vernier effect, the quantum interference in the asymmetric geometry yields a selective spin phase rotator alongside an ultra-high-contrast current-suppression regime (“optical shutter”). The proposed architecture is fundamentally robust against multiphoton leakage sidebands, offering a thermally immune, high-speed alternative to conventional semiconductor static spin transistors.
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Quantum Physics

Construction of a Class of Communication-Efficient Quantum Secret Sharing Schemes

Chenhao Li, Zhihui Li, Jiansheng Guo et al. (+2 more)

Quantum secret sharing is a fundamental technique in quantum cryptography. However, in practical quantum networks, it still faces several bottlenecks, such as high quantum communication cost and low transmission efficiency. To reduce the communication cost, ramp quantum secret sharing schemes have been proposed in existing studies. Nevertheless, intermediate sets in such schemes may leak partial information about the secret. To address this problem, this paper presents a method for detecting intermediate sets. Based on this method, we further propose a communication-efficient perfect quantum secret sharing scheme with eavesdropping detection capability.We analyze the communication cost under different numbers of participating parties and determine the range of participants that minimizes the reconstruction communication cost. The results verify the communication efficiency and security of the proposed scheme.
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All authors Chenhao Li, Zhihui Li, Jiansheng Guo, Yixin Chen, Yewei Wang

Applied Physics

Elastic Trapped States at Dislocation Defects in Scaled Coupling and Hofstadter Models

Yangkai Liu, Cheng Lin, Yuan Liu et al. (+4 more)

Elastic topological dislocations provide a pathway for trapping elastic wave energy at internal defects, rather than being confined solely to external boundaries or corners, which are typically associated with topological insulators (TIs). However, two practical constraints persist. First, highly confined dislocation states based on conventional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) dimerization usually require a large coupling contrast and a correspondingly enlarged bandgap, which may be challenging to realize. Second, some Hamiltonians with richer topological physics often contain complex hopping terms, synthetic gauge fields or nonlocal couplings, which substantially increase the geometric complexity of experimental samples. Here, dislocation-induced trapped states are demonstrated in both a scaled coupling (SC) model and a Hofstadter model (HM) within an elastic platform. In the SC model, the trapped mode is treated as a higher localized state in the continuum rather than an in-gap mode in the SSH model. Consequently, the SC-induced dislocation can trap an enhanced mode without the requirement of an enlarged bandgap. For the HM, Householder tridiagonalization is used to map the original tight-binding Hamiltonian with complex hopping terms onto a tridiagonal matrix with only positive-real-valued nearest-neighbour (NN) hopping terms. Truncation at a weak-hopping position preserves the topological phenomena and allows a dislocation defect to be constructed from the shortened aperiodic chain. The results establish a practical route for designing highly localized modes without relying solely on bandgap enlargement or complex couplings, which advance the topological physics of elastic wave systems and promise enhanced possibilities for elastic functional devices.
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All authors Yangkai Liu, Cheng Lin, Yuan Liu, Jiao Shen, Yifan Zhu, Haiyan Fan, Hui Zhang

High Energy Physics (Phenomenology)

Power of Axion Microwave Absorbed by Quantum Hall State in Haloscope

Aiichi Iwazaki

We propose a new method for detecting dark matter axions using a resonant cavity coupled to a two-dimensional electron system in the quantum Hall regime. When the cavity is tuned to the axion frequency, the axion-induced electromagnetic field is resonantly enhanced and drives a transverse Hall current in the quantum Hall system. On a quantum Hall plateau, the longitudinal dissipative response is strongly suppressed, $\mathrm{Re}(\sigma_{xx})\simeq0$, while the Hall conductivity remains finite and quantized, $\mathrm{Re}(\sigma_{xy})=\nu e^2/h$. Consequently, the Hall current is essentially nondissipative and introduces only a small additional loss to the cavity, allowing the loaded quality factor to approach the unloaded value, $Q_L\simeq Q_0$. The resulting Hall current is therefore enhanced by the large cavity quality factor, $I_H\propto\mathrm{Re}(\sigma_{xy})E\propto Q_L$. For a 2D electron density of $3\times10^{11}\mathrm{cm}^{-2}$, filling factor $\nu=2$, and $Q_L\sim10^5$–$10^6$, we estimate a Hall current of order $I_H\sim10^{-13}$–$10^{-12}\mathrm{A}$ for an axion mass $m_a\sim10^{-5}\mathrm{eV}$ and a magnetic field $\sim 5\times 10^4\mathrm{G}$. The current is more enhanced by increasing the size of 2D electrons keeping the strength of magnetic field. Under the assumed thermal-noise level and readout conditions, the estimated Hall-current signal can achieve a signal-to-noise ratio greater than unity for an observation time of order $100\mathrm{s}$. The proposed method exploits the unique combination of a finite, quantized transverse response and a strongly suppressed longitudinal dissipation in the quantum Hall state, providing an alternative to conventional metallic-antenna detection in axion haloscopes.
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Materials Science

The origin of ferroelectricity, polarization and high resistivity in Aurivillius CaBi2B2O9 (B = Ta, Nb)

Fengzhang Tang, Shi Wei, Qi Hu et al. (+4 more)

Aurivillius layered oxides are important candidates for high-temperature ferroelectric and piezoelectric application. In this work, we combine group theoretic analysis with first-principles calculations to systematically investigate the origin of ferroelectric phase transition, polarization, piezoelectric response, and intrinsic electrical insulation of the two-layer Aurivillius ferroelectrics CaBi$_{2}$B$_{2}$O$_{9}$ (B = Ta, Nb). The results show that the \textit{A2$_1$am} ferroelectric phase arises from the cooperative condensation of a polar mode and nonpolar oxygen octahedral rotation/tilting modes, whose the $\Gamma_5^-$X$_2^+$X$_3^-$ trilinear coupling substantially lowers the total energy and deepens the ferroelectric potential well. The spontaneous polarization and anisotropic piezoelectric response are governed primarily by the cooperative displacements of the Bi$_{2}$O$_{2}$ layers and Ta/NbO$_{6}$ octahedra, with Bi ions providing an indispensable contribution to both responses. More importantly, the polar distortion can be traced to the relative in-plane displacement between adjacent the Bi$_{2}$O$_{2}$ layer and the perovskite-like block. Because this displacement is intrinsic to the alternating Bi$_{2}$O$_{2}$/perovskite-block stacking topology and is independent of the number of perovskite layers, we identify interlayer sliding as a general, layer-number-independent structural mechanism for ferroelectricity in Aurivillius oxides. Our findings establish a unified microscopic picture linking structural distortions, ferroelectric polarization, piezoelectric response, and electronic insulation in CaBi$_{2}$B$_{2}$O$_{9}$ (B = Ta, Nb), and provide theoretical guidance for designing layered ferroelectric oxides with high Curie temperatures and robust insulating behavior.
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All authors Fengzhang Tang, Shi Wei, Qi Hu, Jie Xing, Jianguo Zhu, Zhi Tan, Qiang Chen

Quantum Physics

Propagation dynamics of high-gain vortex beams in symmetry-broken media via forward and backward three-wave mixing

Fan Meng, Hao Zhu, Xin-Yao Huang et al. (+1 more)

In recent years, vortex light, a distinctive form of structured light, has attracted considerable attention owing to its unique properties and the rich physical phenomena arising from its interaction with matter. In this paper, we investigate the propagation dynamics of vortex beams in a symmetry-broken three-level system based on forward and backward three-wave mixing (TWM) processes. We find that both processes enable the transfer of high-gain vortex light, with the associated topological charges obeying identical algebraic relations. The forward process exhibits periodic oscillatory transmission and modulates the transverse spatial profile of the generated signal vortex field, whereas the backward process features stable transmission and produces a signal field with higher gain and improved fidelity. Under the Autler-Townes splitting (ATS) regime, the probe field detuning in both schemes has a negligible influence on the gain. Optical depth influences only the rate at which the gain approaches its maximum, while the peak value remains unchanged. These results constitute a meaningful extension of the work reported in reference [40] and may provide a feasible approach for quantum communication, quantum computation, and the generation of high-gain, high-fidelity vortex light.
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All authors Fan Meng, Hao Zhu, Xin-Yao Huang, Guo-Feng Zhang

Quantum Physics

Nonreciprocal phonon blockade in spin quadratic optomechanical systems

Yao Dong and Guo-Feng Zhang

We propose a scheme for achieving nonreciprocal phonon blockade in a quadratic optomechanical (QOM) system consisting of two spinning resonators near-field coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator. Due to the Sagnac-Fizeau effect, pump fields propagating in opposite directions experience distinct effective detunings,thereby leading to asymmetric intracavity intensities. Through the optical spring effect, this intensity imbalance gives rise to direction-dependent shifts in the effective mechanical frequency, providing the core mechanism for nonreciprocal phonon blockade. By judiciously setting parameters, single-phonon resonant excitation leads to conventional phonon blockade for one pump direction, whereas two-phonon resonance facilitates phononinduced tunneling (PIT) for the other. The pronounced nonreciprocity is quantified by a contrast ratio in the phonon second-order correlation function exceeding 55 dB. To elucidate the nonreciprocal statistics, the phonon blockade is further analyzed in terms of interference between the coherent component and squeezed fluctuations. Incorporating thermal phonons, we reveal an extended nonreciprocal thermal effect, where increasing thermal noise degrades antibunching toward Poissonian statistics in one direction, yet reverses the statistics from bunching to antibunching in the opposite direction. Our work provides a pathway toward nonreciprocal phonon devices and directional phonon switches, with potential applications in chiral networks and phononic information processing.
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Quantum Physics

A reduction scheme for general-order Ising-like Hamiltonians in quantum heuristic solvers

Chengsi Mao, Pavel Mosharev, Yao Wang et al. (+1 more)

The Ising model is ubiquitous in various optimization problems but notoriously difficult to solve due to combinatorial explosion. In view of this, Hamiltonian reduction is a useful preprocessing technique for reducing the effective problem size before applying heuristic solvers. However, existing reduction techniques mainly target second-order Ising models, whereas many pseudo-Boolean formulations naturally contain higher-order interactions. In this work, we generalize the concept of non-separable groups to arbitrary-order Ising-like models and develop a Hamiltonian reduction framework that iteratively detects and merges constrained spin groups into single variables. We benchmark the reduction on synthetic hypergraphs and higher-order network datasets, and evaluate its integration with downstream order-reduction and solver workflows. Our results establish a foundation for Hamiltonian reduction in higher-order Ising-like optimization problems.
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All authors Chengsi Mao, Pavel Mosharev, Yao Wang, Man-Hong Yung

Quantum Physics

Emergent boundary-memory from unitarity constraints in a minimal two interacting quantum particles

Ibrahim Yahaya Muhammad, Tanapat Deesuwan and Monsit Tanasittikosol

We construct a simple model of two particles mutually attracting/repulsing in a one-dimensional lattice and investigate the corresponding dynamics. We show that enforcing reversible unitary evolution on a minimal direct-motion interaction rule necessarily gives rise to emergent boundary-memory and non-trivial dynamics. Remarkably, the resulting boundary-memory leads to event-horizon-like behaviour, entanglement between subsystem, and Page-curve-like entanglement dynamics.
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High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

Peculiar Behavior of Optical Polarization in Blazar 1ES 1959+650: Role of Jet Magnetic Field and Geometry

A. Singh, A. Tolamatti, K. K. Singh et al. (+2 more)

Measurements of high degree of optical polarization from blazars provide a strong evidence for the optically thin synchrotron radiation from the relativistic leptons in the jet. This in turn characterizes the presence of a partially ordered magnetic field in the emission region. However, the topology of magnetic field and acceleration of electrons to ultrarelativistic energies within the blazar jet are poorly understood. In this work, we investigate the decade long optical light curve of the well-known blazar 1ES 1959+650 to probe the role of jet magnetic field in the peculiar behavior of the highly varying degree of linear polarization in the wavelength band 500- 700 nm. The optical light curves in V and R-bands exhibit a strong flare without any significant change in the contemporaneous degree of linear polarization. However, the degree of linear polarization shows strong positive and negative/anti-correlations with the V and R-band fluxes measured during the epochs before and after the flare, respectively. This can be satisfactorily explained using the helical magnetic field and transverse shock under the framework of a relativistic jet with modestly varying orientations. During the flare, the fractional linear polarization is explained by the turbulent emission multi-zone model.
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All authors A. Singh, A. Tolamatti, K. K. Singh, A. C. Gupta, K. K. Yadav

Optics

Band Engineering of Exciton Polaritons in Resonant Polaritonic Metasurfaces

Polina Pantiukhina, Daria Smirnova and Kirill Koshelev

Polaritonic metasurfaces provide a versatile platform for engineering hybrid light-matter states through the interplay of optical resonances and excitonic excitations. Yet, predictive models often remain phenomenological and rely on coupled-mode equations. Here, we develop an effective Hamiltonian framework for exciton polaritons in resonant polaritonic metasurfaces, derived from a semiclassical single-pole description of excitonic polarization and a Green's-function description of guided-mode resonances. The resulting non-Hermitian Hamiltonian rigorously incorporates resonant photonic harmonics, multiple excitonic degrees of freedom, and radiative losses. The model reveals selection rules governing photonic-excitonic coupling classified by orbital multipole index and polarization, and shows that the minimal number of excitonic degrees of freedom equals the number of relevant photonic modes. We apply the framework to a bulk van der Waals WS$_2$ metasurface patterned into a hexagonal lattice of triangular holes and uncover a new geometry-controlled topological transition driven by dipole-quadrupole band inversion, distinct from the conventional breathing-honeycomb-lattice transition. Full-wave simulations confirm the predicted topological phase diagram and the emergence of photonic and polaritonic edge states at a topological interface. Our results establish a theoretical multimode framework for geometry-controlled bandstructure engineering in polaritonic metasurfaces, with applications in topological, chiral, and quantum integrated photonics.
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General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Quasinormal modes of scalar and Maxwell field perturbations coupled to the Einstein tensor in generalized Nariai spacetimes

Xin Qin, Xiongying Qiao, Qiyuan Pan et al. (+3 more)

We investigate the quasinormal modes of scalar and Maxwell field perturbations coupled to the Einstein tensor in generalized Nariai spacetimes. Our results show that, for both types of perturbations, the coupling introduces different critical values, which separate the frequency spectrum into distinct branches. Near these critical values, the square-root term that determines $\omega_R^2$ may change sign, giving rise to a parameter interval in which the modes are purely imaginary. Away from this regime, the coupling affects the oscillatory parts of the two fields in opposite ways: $\omega_R^2$ generally increases with the coupling constant $\eta$ for the scalar field, whereas it decreases with $\eta$ for the Maxwell field. The magnetic charge tends to enhance the oscillatory response, while increasing the spacetime dimension narrows the purely imaginary regime. This comparison shows analytically that the same curvature coupling can affect scalar and Maxwell perturbations in qualitatively different ways.
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All authors Xin Qin, Xiongying Qiao, Qiyuan Pan, Xiangyun Fu, Xuan Zhou, Ying Yang

Quantum Physics

A Multi-Resolvent Hierarchy for the ETH Smooth Function

Zhiqiang Huang

The eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH) parametrizes off-diagonal matrix elements by a smooth function whose microscopic origin remains largely phenomenological. We develop a multi-resolvent hierarchy that derives this smooth structure from the microscopic Hamiltonian. Starting from exact projection identities, we express the ETH variance as $f_{ji}^2=D_{ji}+g_{ji}$, where $D_{ji}$ is the diagonal-overlap baseline and $g_{ji}=\sum_{r\ge2}g_{ji}^{(r)}$ is a systematically improvable hierarchy of multi-channel interference processes. The leading $r=3$ sector generates an odd-parity component in the energy difference, inaccessible to parity-preserving single-resolvent closures. The same resolvent construction yields an exact covariance representation of eigenstate fluctuations. Under amplitude isotropy, decorrelation, and regularity, it reduces to the Gaussian limit, with $q-3=\kappa_4/\langle c^2\rangle^2$; normalization further fixes the cross-channel covariance $\bar C_i$, including its energy-resolved form. Exact diagonalization verifies these relations in random-matrix and structured systems, while the latter exhibit controlled breakdown of the isotropic Gaussian closure. The framework thus provides a microscopic hierarchy for both the smooth and fluctuation sectors of subsystem ETH.
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