TOPICAL REVIEW — Celebrating 30 Years of Chinese Physics B

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    Editorial: Celebrating the 30 Wonderful Year Journey of Chinese Physics B
    Hong-Jun Gao(高鸿钧), and Qihua Xiong(熊启华)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 120101.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/acaa95
    Abstract294)   HTML12)    PDF (195KB)(378)      
    The year 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Chinese Physics B. This editorial provides a brief history of the journal and introduces the anniversary theme collection comprising over 30 invited reviews and perspective articles from renowned scholars in various branches of physics.
    Attosecond spectroscopy for filming the ultrafast movies of atoms, molecules and solids
    Lixin He(何立新), Xiaosong Zhu(祝晓松), Wei Cao(曹伟), Pengfei Lan(兰鹏飞), and Peixiang Lu(陆培祥)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 123301.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/aca6d2
    Abstract343)   HTML6)    PDF (12045KB)(259)      
    Three decades ago, a highly nonlinear nonpertubative phenomenon, now well-known as the high harmonic generation (HHG), was discovered when intense laser irradiates gaseous atoms. As the HHG produces broadband coherent radiation, it becomes the most promising source to obtain attosecond pulses. The door to the attosecond science was opened ever since. In this review, we will revisit the incredible adventure to the attoworld. Firstly, the progress of attosecond pulse generation is outlined. Then, we introduce the efforts on imaging the structures or filming the ultrafast dynamics of nuclei and electrons with unprecedented attosecond temporal and Angstrom spatial resolutions, utilizing the obtained attosecond pulses as well as the high harmonic spectrum itself.
    Research progress of Pt and Pt-based cathode electrocatalysts for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells
    Ni Suo(索妮), Longsheng Cao(曹龙生), Xiaoping Qin(秦晓平), and Zhigang Shao(邵志刚)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 128108.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/aca081
    Abstract282)   HTML3)    PDF (4748KB)(144)      
    Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been widely used commercially to solve the energy crisis and environmental pollution. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode is the rate-determining step in PEMFCs. Platinum (Pt) catalysts are used to accelerate the ORR kinetics. Pt's scarcity, high cost, and instability in an acidic environment at high potentials seriously hinder the commercialization of PEMFCs. Therefore, studies should explore electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity, enhanced stability, and low-Pt loading. This review briefly introduces the research progress on Pt and Pt-based ORR electrocatalysts for PEMFCs, including anticorrosion catalyst supports, Pt, and Pt-based alloy electrocatalysts. Advanced preparation technology and material characterization of Pt-based ORR electrocatalysts are necessary to improve the performance and corresponding reaction mechanisms.
    A sport and a pastime: Model design and computation in quantum many-body systems
    Gaopei Pan(潘高培), Weilun Jiang(姜伟伦), and Zi Yang Meng(孟子杨)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 127101.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/aca083
    Abstract319)   HTML3)    PDF (6474KB)(301)      
    We summarize the recent developments in the model design and computation for a few representative quantum many-body systems, encompassing quantum critical metals beyond the Hertz-Millis-Moriya framework with pseudogap and superconductivity, SYK non-Fermi-liquid with self-tuned quantum criticality and fluctuation induced superconductivity, and the flat-band quantum Moiré lattice models in continuum where the interplay of quantum geometry of flat-band wave function and the long-range Coulomb interactions gives rise to novel insulating phases at integer fillings and superconductivity away from them. Although the narrative choreography seems simple, we show how important the appropriate model design and their tailor-made algorithmic developments - in other words, the scientific imagination inspired by the corresponding fast experimental developments in the aforementioned systems - compel us to invent and discover new knowledge and insights in the sport and pastime of quantum many-body research.
    Molecular beam epitaxy growth of quantum devices
    Ke He(何珂)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 126804.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/aca6d3
    Abstract300)   HTML2)    PDF (1803KB)(196)      
    The inherent fragility and surface/interface-sensitivity of quantum devices demand fabrication techniques under very clean environment. Here, I briefly introduces several techniques based on molecular beam epitaxy growth on pre-patterned substrates which enable us to directly prepare in-plane nanostructures and heterostructures in ultrahigh vacuum. The molecular beam epitaxy-based fabrication techniques are especially useful in constructing the high-quality devices and circuits for solid-state quantum computing in a scalable way.
    Single-molecular methodologies for the physical biology of protein machines
    Shuang Wang(王爽), Ying Lu(陆颖), and Ming Li(李明)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 128702.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac98a2
    Abstract262)   HTML3)    PDF (5227KB)(186)      
    Physical biology is an interdisciplinary field that bridges biology with physical sciences and engineering. Single-molecule physical biology focuses on dynamics of individual biomolecules and complexes, aiming to answering basic questions about their functions and mechanisms. It takes advantages of physical methodologies to gain quantitative understanding of biological processes, often engaging precise physical measurements of reconstructed objects to avoid interference from unnecessary complications. In this review, we (i) briefly introduce concepts of single-molecule physical biology, (ii) describe extensively used single-molecule methodologies that have been developed to address key questions in two important objects of single-molecule physical biology, namely, nucleic acid-interacting proteins and membrane-interacting proteins, and (iii) show by a few successful examples how one may use single-molecule methods to deepen our understanding of protein machines.
    Advances of phononics in 2012—2022
    Ya-Fei Ding(丁亚飞), Gui-Mei Zhu(朱桂妹), Xiang-Ying Shen(沈翔瀛),Xue Bai(柏雪), and Bao-Wen Li(李保文)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (12): 126301.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac935d
    Abstract317)   HTML5)    PDF (3132KB)(232)      
    Due to its great potential applications in thermal management, heat control, and quantum information, phononics has gained increasing attentions since the first publication in Rev. Mod. Phys. 84 1045 (2012). Many theoretical and experimental progresses have been achieved in the past decade. In this paper, we first give a critical review of the progress in thermal diodes and transistors, especially in classical regime. Then, we give a brief introduction to the new developing research directions such as topological phononics and quantum phononics. In the third part, we discuss the potential applications. Last but not least, we point out the outlook and challenges ahead.
    From microelectronics to spintronics and magnonics
    Xiu-Feng Han(韩秀峰), Cai-Hua Wan(万蔡华), Hao Wu(吴昊), Chen-Yang Guo(郭晨阳), Ping Tang(唐萍), Zheng-Ren Yan(严政人), Yao-Wen Xing(邢耀文), Wen-Qing He(何文卿), and Guo-Qiang Yu(于国强)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (11): 117504.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac9048
    Abstract370)   HTML6)    PDF (2474KB)(280)      
    In this review, the recent developments in microelectronics, spintronics, and magnonics have been summarized and compared. Firstly, the history of the spintronics has been briefly reviewed. Moreover, the recent development of magnonics such as magnon-mediated current drag effect (MCDE), magnon valve effect (MVE), magnon junction effect (MJE), magnon blocking effect (MBE), magnon-mediated nonlocal spin Hall magnetoresistance (MNSMR), magnon-transfer torque (MTT) effect, and magnon resonant tunneling (MRT) effect, magnon skin effect (MSE), etc., existing in magnon junctions or magnon heterojunctions, have been summarized and their potential applications in memory and logic devices, etc., are prospected, from which we can see a promising future for spintronics and magnonics beyond micro-electronics.
    Understanding the battery safety improvement enabled by a quasi-solid-state battery design
    Luyu Gan(甘露雨), Rusong Chen(陈汝颂), Xiqian Yu(禹习谦), and Hong Li(李泓)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (11): 118202.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac9221
    Abstract343)   HTML9)    PDF (916KB)(193)      
    The rapid development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is faced with challenge of its safety bottleneck, calling for design and chemistry innovations. Among the proposed strategies, the development of solid-state batteries (SSBs) seems the most promising solution, but to date no practical SSB has been in large-scale application. Practical safety performance of SSBs is also challenged. In this article, a brief review on LIB safety issue is made and the safety short boards of LIBs are emphasized. A systematic safety design in quasi-SSB chemistry is proposed to conquer the intrinsic safety weak points of LIBs and the effects are accessed based on existing studies. It is believed that a systematic and targeted solution in SSB chemistry design can effectively improve the battery safety, promoting larger-scale application of LIBs.
    Epitaxy of III-nitrides on two-dimensional materials and its applications
    Yu Xu(徐俞), Jianfeng Wang(王建峰), Bing Cao(曹冰), and Ke Xu(徐科)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (11): 117702.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac921f
    Abstract215)   HTML2)    PDF (1726KB)(135)      
    III-nitride semiconductor materials have excellent optoelectronic properties, mechanical properties, and chemical stability, which have important applications in the field of optoelectronics and microelectronics. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely focused in recent years due to their peculiar properties. With the property of weak bonding between layers of 2D materials, the growth of III-nitrides on 2D materials has been proposed to solve the mismatch problem caused by heterogeneous epitaxy and to develop substrate stripping techniques to obtain high-quality, low-cost nitride materials for high-quality nitride devices and their extension in the field of flexible devices. In this progress report, the main methods for the preparation of 2D materials, and the recent progress and applications of different techniques for the growth of III-nitrides based on 2D materials are reviewed.
    Topological photonic states in gyromagnetic photonic crystals: Physics, properties, and applications
    Jianfeng Chen(陈剑锋) and Zhi-Yuan Li(李志远)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (11): 114207.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac92d7
    Abstract347)   HTML5)    PDF (6618KB)(192)      
    Topological photonic states (TPSs) as a new type of waveguide state with one-way transport property can resist backscattering and are impervious to defects, disorders and metallic obstacles. Gyromagnetic photonic crystal (GPC) is the first artificial microstructure to implement TPSs, and it is also one of the most important platforms for generating truly one-way TPSs and exploring their novel physical properties, transport phenomena, and advanced applications. Herein, we present a brief review of the fundamental physics, novel properties, and practical applications of TPSs based on GPCs. We first examine chiral one-way edge states existing in uniformly magnetized GPCs of ordered and disordered lattices, antichiral one-way edge states in cross magnetized GPCs, and robust one-way bulk states in heterogeneously magnetized GPCs. Then, we discuss the strongly coupling effect between two co-propagating (or counter-propagating) TPSs and the resulting physical phenomena and device applications. Finally, we analyze the key issues and prospect the future development trends for TPSs in GPCs. The purpose of this brief review is to provide an overview of the main features of TPSs in GPC systems and offer a useful guidance and motivation for interested scientists and engineers working in related scientific and technological areas.
    Ultrafast Coulomb explosion imaging of molecules and molecular clusters
    Xiaokai Li(李孝开), Xitao Yu(余西涛), Pan Ma(马盼), Xinning Zhao(赵欣宁), Chuncheng Wang(王春成), Sizuo Luo(罗嗣佐), and Dajun Ding(丁大军)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 103304.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac89df
    Abstract242)   HTML4)    PDF (8816KB)(184)      
    Taking an image of their structure and a movie of their dynamics of small quantum systems have always been a dream of physicists and chemists. Laser-induced Coulomb explosion imaging (CEI) provides a great opportunity to make this dream a reality for small molecules or their aggregation —— clusters. The method is unique for identifying the atomic locations with ångstrom spatial resolution and capturing the structural evolution with a femtosecond time scale, in particular for imaging transient state products. This review summarizes the determination of three-dimensional equilibrium geometry of molecules and molecular cluster system through the reconstruction from the fragments momenta, and also shows that the dissociation dynamics on the complex potential energy surface can be tracked in real-time with the ultrafast CEI (UCEI). Furthermore, the detailed measurement and analysis procedures of the CEI, theoretical methods, exemplary results, and future perspectives of the technique are described.
    Advances and challenges in DFT-based energy materials design
    Jun Kang(康俊), Xie Zhang(张燮), and Su-Huai Wei(魏苏淮)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 107105.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac89d7
    Abstract379)   HTML1)    PDF (1642KB)(253)      
    The growing worldwide energy needs call for developing novel materials for energy applications. Ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations allow the understanding and prediction of material properties at the atomic scale, thus, play an important role in energy materials design. Due to the fast progress of computer power and development of calculation methodologies, DFT-based calculations have greatly improved their predictive power, and are now leading to a paradigm shift towards theory-driven materials design. The aim of this perspective is to introduce the advances in DFT calculations which accelerate energy materials design. We first present state-of-the-art DFT methods for accurate simulation of various key properties of energy materials. Then we show examples of how these advances lead to the discovery of new energy materials for photovoltaic, photocatalytic, thermoelectric, and battery applications. The challenges and future research directions in computational design of energy materials are highlighted at the end.
    Recent advances in quasi-2D superconductors via organic molecule intercalation
    Mengzhu Shi(石孟竹), Baolei Kang(康宝蕾), Tao Wu(吴涛), and Xianhui Chen(陈仙辉)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 107403.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac8e9d
    Abstract241)   HTML1)    PDF (2577KB)(158)      
    Superconductivity at the 2D limit shows emergent novel quantum phenomena, including anomalously enhanced Hc2, quantum metallic states and quantum Griffiths singularity, which has attracted much attention in the field of condensed matter physics. In this article, we focus on new advances in quasi-2D superconductors in the bulk phase using an organic molecular electrochemical intercalation method. The enhanced superconductivity and emergent pseudogap behavior in these quasi-2D superconductors are summarized with a further prospect.
    Momentum-space polarization fields in two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs: Physics and applications
    Wen-Zhe Liu(刘文哲), Lei Shi(石磊), Che-Ting Chan(陈子亭), and Jian Zi(资剑)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 104211.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac8ce5
    Abstract339)   HTML5)    PDF (2083KB)(109)      
    In addition to non-radiative guided modes, two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs support guided resonant ones which can radiate into free space. From the polarization states of these guided resonances, a polarization field on a photonic band can be constructed in momentum space. Momentum-space polarization fields display complicated configurations and patterns with different types of polarization singularities inside, shedding new light on the manipulations of light flows. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress on momentum-space polarization fields and singularities in two-dimensional photonic-crystal slabs, focusing on their unique optical properties and potential applications as well.
    Recent advances of interface engineering in inverted perovskite solar cells
    Shiqi Yu(余诗琪), Zhuang Xiong(熊壮), Zhenhan Wang(王振涵), Haitao Zhou(周海涛), Fei Ma(马飞), Zihan Qu(瞿子涵), Yang Zhao(赵洋), Xinbo Chu(楚新波), and Jingbi You(游经碧)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 107307.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac8e9f
    Abstract322)   HTML8)    PDF (8178KB)(955)      
    Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have witnessed great achievement in the past decade. Most of previous researches focus on the n—i—p structure of PSCs with ultra-high efficiency. While the n—i—p devices usually used the unstable charge transport layers, such as the hygroscopic doped spiro-OMeTAD, which affect the long-term stability. The inverted device with the p—i—n structure owns better stability when using stable undoped organic molecular or metal oxide materials. There are significant progresses in inverted PSCs, most of them related to charge transport or interface engineering. In this review, we will mainly summarize the inverted PSCs progresses related to the interface engineering. After that, we prospect the future direction on inverted PSCs.
    Quantum simulation and quantum computation of noisy-intermediate scale
    Kai Xu(许凯), and Heng Fan(范桁)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (10): 100304.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac89de
    Abstract344)   HTML1)    PDF (919KB)(178)      
    In the past years, great progresses have been made on quantum computation and quantum simulation. Increasing the number of qubits in the quantum processors is expected to be one of the main motivations in the next years, while noises in manipulation of quantum states may still be inevitable even the precision will improve. For research in this direction, it is necessary to review the available results about noisy multiqubit quantum computation and quantum simulation. The review focuses on multiqubit state generations, quantum computational advantage, and simulating physics of quantum many-body systems. Perspectives of near term noisy intermediate-quantum processors will be discussed.
    Anionic redox reaction mechanism in Na-ion batteries
    Xueyan Hou(侯雪妍), Xiaohui Rong(容晓晖), Yaxiang Lu(陆雅翔), and Yong-Sheng Hu(胡勇胜)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (9): 098801.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac81ab
    Abstract337)   HTML1)    PDF (2096KB)(127)      
    Na-ion batteries (NIBs), as one of the next-generation rechargeable battery systems, hold great potential in large-scale energy storage applications owing to the abundance and costeffectiveness of sodium resources. Despite the extensive exploration of electrode materials, the relatively low attainable capacity of NIBs hinders their practical application. In recent years, the anionic redox reaction (ARR) in NIBs has been emerging as a new paradigm to deliver extra capacity and thus offers an opportunity to break through the intrinsic energy density limit. In this review, the fundamental investigation of the ARR mechanism and the latest exploration of cathode materials are summarized, in order to highlight the significance of reversible anionic redox and suggest prospective developing directions.
    Hydrodynamic metamaterials for flow manipulation: Functions and prospects
    Bin Wang(王斌) and Jiping Huang (黄吉平)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (9): 098101.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac7f8c
    Abstract333)   HTML1)    PDF (5381KB)(185)      
    As an emerging branch in the area of flow control, hydrodynamic metamaterials have received considerable attention because of their novel flow control capabilities. In this review, we present prominent studies on hydrodynamic metamaterials in porous media, non-porous media, creeping flows, and non-creeping flows from several perspectives. In particular, for hydrodynamic cloaking metamaterials, we unify the descriptive form of transformation hydrodynamics for hydrodynamic metamaterials in porous and non-porous media by the hydrodynamic governing equations. Finally, we summarize and outlook the current shortcomings and challenges of current hydrodynamic metamaterials and propose possible future research directions, especially for microfluidics, exotic fluids, hydrodynamic cloaking in high Reynolds numbers, and turbulence.
    Computational studies on magnetism and ferroelectricity
    Ke Xu(徐可), Junsheng Feng(冯俊生), and Hongjun Xiang(向红军)
    Chin. Phys. B, 2022, 31 (9): 097505.   DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ac7b1b
    Abstract335)   HTML6)    PDF (2190KB)(247)      
    Magnetics, ferroelectrics, and multiferroics have attracted great attentions because they are not only extremely important for investigating fundamental physics, but also have important applications in information technology. Here, recent computational studies on magnetism and ferroelectricity are reviewed. We first give a brief introduction to magnets, ferroelectrics, and multiferroics. Then, theoretical models and corresponding computational methods for investigating these materials are presented. In particular, a new method for computing the linear magnetoelectric coupling tensor without applying an external field in the first principle calculations is proposed for the first time. The functionalities of our home-made Property Analysis and Simulation Package for materials (PASP) and its applications in the field of magnetism and ferroelectricity are discussed. Finally, we summarize this review and give a perspective on possible directions of future computational studies on magnetism and ferroelectricity.