As a lens capable of sending images of deep sub-wavelength objects to the far field, the hyperlens has garnered significant attention for its super-resolution and magnification capabilities. However, traditional hyperlenses require extreme permittivity ratios and fail to achieve geometrically perfect imaging, significantly constraining their practical applications. In this paper, we introduce the generalized versions of hyperbolic absolute instruments from the perspective of dispersion and fundamental optical principles. These instruments support the formation of closed orbits in geometric optics, thereby enabling hyperlenses to realize aberration-free perfect imaging. This development not only provides a flexible and practical tool for enhancing the performance of traditional hyperlens, but also opens the possibilities for new optoelectronics applications based on hyperbolic ray dynamics
The polarization of light, a fundamental property governing light-matter interactions, has historically been engineered in the transverse plane perpendicular to its propagation direction and produced a various spatially structured light fields, namely, vector beams, exhibiting intriguing phenomena and effects in focusing and light-matter interaction. With the increasing demand for light field manipulation and multiplexing in more dimensions, the polarization modulations along the propagation direction have unveiled the potential of spatially varying polarization states along the optical axis, with significant propagation properties such as self-activity. This review synthesizes recent research on the longitudinal polarization engineering, emphasizing its theoretical foundations, generation methodologies, and transformative implications. We begin by outlining the polarization evolution dynamics of structured light fields during propagation, highlighting the three-dimensional (3D) variation of state of polarizations. Key techniques for realizing the longitudinal engineering of polarization without changing of transverse intensity profile are discussed. Finally, we discuss the prospect and challenges in longitudinal modulation of polarization such as achieving precise spatiotemporal control and dynamic reconfigurability.
We consider the generation of Schrödinger cat states using a quantum measurement-induced logical gate where entanglement between the input state of the target oscillator and the Fock state of the ancillary system produced by the quantum non-demolition entangling operation is combined with the homodyne measurement. We utilize the semiclassical approach to construct both the input-output mapping of the field variables in the phase space and the wave function of the output state. This approach is found to predict that the state at the gate output can be represented by a minimally disturbed cat-like state which is a superposition of two copies of the initial state symmetrically displaced by momentum variable. For the target oscillator prepared in the coherent state, we show that the fidelity between the exact solution for the gate output state and the “perfect” Schrödinger cat reconstructed from the semiclassical theory can reach high values exceeding 0.99.
In dissipative bosonic systems, dephasing is typically expected to accelerate relaxation and suppress coherent dynamics. However, we show that in networks of coherently coupled bosonic modes with non-uniform local dissipation, the presence of quasi-dark states leads to a nontrivial response to dephasing: while weak dephasing facilitates equilibration, moderate to strong dephasing induces a pronounced slowdown of relaxation, revealing the existence of an optimal dephasing rate that enhances equilibration. Using exact dynamical equations for second-order moments, we demonstrate that dephasing suppresses coherent transport and gives rise to long-lived collective modes that dominate the system’s late-time behavior. This phenomenon bears striking similarities to Lifshitz-tail states, which are known in disordered systems to cause anomalously slow relaxation. Our results uncover a counterintuitive mechanism by which dephasing, rather than promoting equilibration, can dynamically decouple specific modes from dissipation, thereby protecting excitations. These findings highlight how non-Hermitian physics in open bosonic systems can give rise to unexpected dynamical regimes, paving the way for new strategies to control relaxation and decoherence in bosonic quantum systems, with broad implications for both experimental and theoretical quantum science.
Extending attractive phenomena in non-Hermitian systems is crucial for advancing wave manipulation properties. In this study, we extend the phenomena of coherent perfect absorption-lasing (CPAL) as well as super-collimation, which were generally achieved at specific angles and frequencies, to broad-angle and broadband, respectively. In an airborne two-dimensional phononic crystal, the combination of band folding and gain-loss modulation induces a parity−time phase transition, resulting in parity−time broken phase as well as a slab of exceptional points along one of the Brillouin zone boundaries. Based on the analysis of Hamiltonian, we design a Hilbert fractal space-coiling structure that minimizes the dispersion along this boundary. This approach significantly broadens the range of incident angles for CPAL and extends the frequency range for super-collimation. Our findings provide a design strategy for exploring wave manipulation phenomena in two-dimensional parameter spaces.
The discovery of superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelate films marks a groundbreaking addition to the family of unconventional superconductors, providing new insights into mechanism of unconventional high temperature superconductivity. However, synthesizing these superconducting nickelates presents significant challenges: they cannot be grown directly and instead require a two-step synthesis protocol involving initial deposition of a perovskite precursor phase (e.g., Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO3) followed by topotactic reduction to the infinite-layer structure (Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2). This process is further complicated by the extreme sensitivity of both steps to synthesis conditions, necessitating stringent control over the crystallinity and stoichiometry of the parent phase. In this study, we uncover nickel deficiency during pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of the parent-phase Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO3. By incorporating 15% excess nickel into the PLD target, we mitigate this loss, suppress secondary phase formation in the Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO3 parent film, and ultimately obtain a phase-pure Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 film exhibiting superconductivity after following reduction. Notably, we observe a doping-dependent insulator-to-superconductor transition in films synthesized from targets with varying nickel content after reduction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms that the Nd/Ni ratio in films derived from nickel-over-doped targets (15% excess) aligns closely with the ideal stoichiometry. These findings underscore the indispensable role of stoichiometric precision in stabilizing infinite-layer nickelates and establish a practical synthesis strategy for optimizing their superconducting performance.
Recently, hardware based bionic perceptual systems have attracted great attention. However, most reported bionic perceptual systems only have a single perceptual function, making it difficult to mimic multi-sensory perception process in real environments. Here, a bionic tactile-visual-morphic system (BTVMS) is proposed by integrating an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) photoelectronic neuromorphic transistor (PNT) and a PDMS-ZnO based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The IGZO-PNT exhibits stable electrical performance and can sensitively perceive optical stimuli. The PDMS-ZnO based TENG can convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, exhibiting a high sensitivity of ~0.75 V/kPa and good durability. The proposed BTVMS exhibits information encryption and decryption functions based on Morse code strategy. In addition, it can simulate the tactile and visual dual cognition behavior of brain. Thus, post-traumatic stress disorder behavior has been mimicked successfully. The present BTVMS provides a valuable idea for intelligent prosthetics and humanoid robots to achieve efficient bionic visual and tactile perceptions.
A theoretical model is presented to describe the surface acoustic wave-driven ferromagnetic resonance (SAW-FMR), systematically and effectively explaining the results of the previous experiment. In our model, the precessional cone angle and the power attenuation are employed to represent the intensity of FMR. The expression of can be divided into three independent parts: a constant term, a frequency-dependent term, and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) equivalent field term; each part is expressed explicitly with various parameters. To deeply understand the special field-sweeping SAW power attenuation spectrum patterns observed in previous experiments, we creatively interpret as a combination of the resonant frequency spectrum and SAW equivalent field spectrum. It is the distinctive SAW equivalent term that makes SAW attenuation spectrum an incomplete pattern compared to traditional electromagnetic wave (EMW). Furthermore, we discuss the influence of multiple factors on the SAW-FMR, including the external magnetic field magnitude and direction, SAW frequency and amplitude, as well as the magnetocrystalline anisotropy direction and distribution. To validate our theoretical model, micromagnetic simulations are also carried out in the corresponding situations.
Non-Hermitian topological insulators have attracted considerable attention due to their distinctive energy band characteristics and promising applications. Here, we systematically investigate non-Hermitian Möbius insulators and graphene-like topological semimetals from the projected symmetry and realize their corresponding topological phenomena in an electric circuit-based framework. By introducing a nonreciprocal hopping term consisting of negative impedance converters into a two-dimensional electric circuit, we establish an experimental platform that effectively demonstrates that introducing non-Hermitian terms significantly enhances the energy localization of topological edge states, which originate from the non-Hermitian skin effect. Furthermore, a thorough comparison of experimental measurements with numerical simulations validates the robustness and reliability of our electric circuit structure. This work not only reveals the physical properties of non-Hermitian topological materials but also provides valuable theoretical and experimental guidance for the implementation of topological circuits and the design of radiofrequency devices in the future.
Hidden spin polarization (HSP) with zero-net spin polarization in total but non-zero local spin polarization has been proposed in certain nonmagnetic centrosymmetric compounds, where the individual sectors forming the inversion partners are all inversion asymmetry. Here, we extend this idea to antiferromagnetic materials with PT symmetry (the joint symmetry of space inversion symmetry (P) and time-reversal symmetry (T)), producing zero-net spin polarization in total, but either of the two inversion-partner sectors possesses altermagnetism, giving rise to non-zero local spin polarization in real space. This phenomenon can also be termed as hidden altermagnetism. By the first-principle calculations, we predict that PT-symmetric bilayer Cr2SO can serve as a possible candidate showing altermagnetic HSP. By applying an external electric field to break the global P lattice symmetry, the altermagnetic HSP can be separated and observed experimentally. Our works extend the hidden physics, and will also advance the theoretical and experimental search for new type of spin-polarized materials.
We investigate the band structures of strained monolayer and bilayer graphene superlattice, which is formed by subjecting graphene to a periodic uniaxial strain. The strain superlattice is attained by imposing distinctively positive and negative strains on opposite halves of the supercell. A controllable band gap and partial flat band are observed in superlattice, with the strain applied along the zigzag and armchair direction respectively. The band gap can be achieved with a small strain applied, and the magnitude of band gap can be tuned by adjusting the strength and smoothness of the strain, with maximal band gaps reaching 1200 meV and 900 meV for monolayer and bilayer graphene, respectively. The partial flat band can be used in inducing quantum valley Hall interface state (QVHIS) localized at the strain interface of bilayer strain superlattice, with a vertical electric field applied simultaneously. Our results provide a strategy for creating controllable band gap or QVHIS in graphene, which could be useful in designing graphene-based electronic devices.
Guiding center theories are crucial in astrophysics, space plasmas, fusion research, and arc plasmas for addressing the multi-scale dynamics of magnetized plasmas. In this paper, we derive a new Lagrangian function of guiding center in 6D variables different from the Littlejohn’s one by employing two different approaches. Based on the new Lagrangian function, we prove that the guiding center dynamics can be generally described as a constrained canonical Hamiltonian system with two constraints in six dimensional phase space. By explicitly expressing the Lagrangian multipliers, we can reformulate the constrained Hamiltonian system into equivalent Hamiltonian−Dirac equations in coordinates . In these coordinates, the guiding center dynamics’ solution flow resides on a symplectic sub-manifold, ensuring the exact conservation of the symplectic structure. Thus, we identify the canonical coordinates of the guiding center. In this context, the guiding center behaves as a pseudo-particle with an intrinsic magnetic moment, effectively replacing charged particle dynamics over time scales longer than the gyro-period. The complete dynamical behaviors, including acceleration and force, of the guiding center pseudo-particle can be derived clearly and consistently from this theory. Additionally, this framework enables the systematic development of related theories, such as symplectic guiding center algorithms, canonical gyro-kinetic theory, and canonical particle-in-cell methods, enhancing the global accuracy of gyrokinetics and associated numerical techniques. The theory also sheds light on the origin of the intrinsic magnetic moment within the scope of classical mechanics.
While visualization plays a crucial role in high-energy physics (HEP) experiments, the existing detector description formats including Geant4, ROOT, GDML, and DD4hep face compatibility limitations with modern visualization platforms. This paper presents a universal interface that automatically converts these four kinds of detector descriptions into FBX, an industry standard 3D model format which can be seamlessly integrated into advanced visualization platforms like Unity. This method bridges the gap between HEP instrumental display frameworks and industrial-grade visualization ecosystems, enabling HEP experiments to harness rapid technological advancements. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for the future development of additional HEP visualization applications, such as event display, virtual reality, and augmented reality.