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25 September 2025, Volume 34 Issue 10 Previous issue    Next issue

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TOPICAL REVIEW — Advanced magnonics

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Review of magnons in van der Waals materials: From fundamental physics to frontiers Zhen-Nan Wang(王震南), Yan-Pei Lv(吕延培), Hao-Nan Chang(常浩男), and Jun Zhang(张俊) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade06c Abstract ( 69 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (8631KB) ( 43 )   The magnons (the quanta of collective spin-wave excitations) in two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) magnets exhibit some intriguing characteristics, such as spin Nernst effect, topological magnons, Weyl magnons, moiré magnons, magnon valley Hall effect, etc., and can be regulated through approaches such as stacking, electric doping, pressure, strain and twisting, opening unprecedented avenues to explore fundamental magnetic physics and spin-based technologies. Over the past few years, intense research efforts have been invested in unraveling magnon properties in vdW materials. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in understanding magnons in vdW magnetic systems, spanning fundamental theories and experimental frontiers. It also introduces the experimental techniques widely used in this field, including inelastic neutron scattering, Raman/Brillouin spectroscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy and inelastic magneto-tunneling spectroscopy, and discusses the coupling between magnons and other excitations, such as phonons and excitons.

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Recent progress on electron- and magnon-mediated torques Jia-Min Lai(来嘉敏), Bingyue Bian(边冰玥), Zhonghai Yu(于忠海), Kaiwei Guo(郭凯卫), Yajing Zhang(张雅静), Pengnan Zhao(赵鹏楠), Xiaoqian Zhang(张霄倩), Chunyang Tang(汤春阳), Jiasen Cao(曹家森), Zhiyong Quan(全志勇), Fei Wang(王飞), and Xiaohong Xu(许小红) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107501.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add909 Abstract ( 52 )   HTML ( 2 )   PDF (6888KB) ( 29 )   The growing demand for artificial intelligence and complex computing has underscored the urgent need for advanced data storage technologies. Spin-orbit torque (SOT) has emerged as a leading candidate for high-speed, high-density magnetic random-access memory due to its ultrafast switching speed and low power consumption. This review systematically explores the generation and switching mechanisms of electron-mediated torques (including both conventional SOTs and orbital torques) and magnon-mediated torques. We discuss key materials that enable these effects: heavy metals, topological insulators, low-crystal-symmetry materials, non-collinear antiferromagnets, and altermagnets for conventional SOTs; 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals for orbital torques; and antiferromagnetic insulator NiO- and multiferroic BiFeO$_{3}$-based sandwich structures for magnon torques. We emphasize that although key components of SOT devices have been demonstrated, numerous promising materials and critical questions regarding their underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Therefore, this field represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving frontier in spintronics, offering significant potential for advancing next-generation information storage and computational technologies.

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Controlling coupled magnons with pumps Fan Yang(杨帆), Chenxiao Wang(王辰笑), Zhijian Chen(陈志坚), Kaixin Zhao(赵恺欣), Weihao Liu(刘炜豪), Shuhuan Ma(马舒寰), Chunke Wei(魏纯可), Jiantao Song(宋剑涛), Jinwei Rao(饶金威), and Bimu Yao(姚碧霂) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107508.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addce3 Abstract ( 56 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (5395KB) ( 78 )   Strong coupling effects in magnonic systems are highly promising. They combine the advantages of different quasiparticles and enable energy transfer for coherent information processing. When driven by microwave, electric, or optical pumps, these coupling effects can give rise to intriguing nonlinear phenomena, which have become a focal point in the field of magnonics. This review systematically explores pump-engineered magnon-coupling systems from three perspectives: (1) pump-induced hybridization of magnon modes, (2) nonlinear manipulation of magnon dynamics, and (3) implementation of functional magnonic devices. Unlike conventional cavity-magnon interactions that are constrained by electromagnetic boundaries, pumped coupled magnons are liberated from these restrictions. They can operate over a broad frequency band rather than being confined to discrete modes. An example is the recently discovered pump-induced magnon mode (PIM). These magnons arise from the collective excitations of unsaturated spins driven by microwave pumps. They exhibit reduced damping and photon-number-sensitive splitting characteristics, facilitating waveform-controlled coupling strength and enhanced nonlinearity - features that support phenomena such as magnonic frequency combs (MFCs). By expanding this principle to electric pumping schemes, we bridge fundamental physics and practical device applications, enabling nonreciprocal switching and meter-scale strong coupling. These advances establish high-dimensional control capabilities for coupled magnonics and pave the way for their use as a promising platform for dynamically programmable devices, magnetic-field sensing, and coherent networks.

SPECIAL TOPIC — Advanced magnonics

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Spin-wave propagation in a bilayer of van derWaals magnet and ferrimagnetic insulator Tengfei Xie(谢腾飞) and Huajun Qin(秦华军) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107202.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addce4 Abstract ( 65 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1432KB) ( 33 )   Spin waves in van der Waals magnets hold promise for magnonic devices and circuits down to the two-dimensional limit. However, their short decay lengths pose challenges for practical applications. Here, we report on a material platform consisting of a van der Waals magnet, Fe$_5$GeTe$_2$ (FGT), and a ferrimagnetic insulator of yttrium iron garnet, Y$_3$Fe$_5$O$_{12}$ (YIG), which supports the low-loss propagation of spin waves. Using broadband spin-wave spectroscopy, we observed an increase in spin-wave group velocity with decreasing temperature, which peaks at 30 K in the YIG and FGT/YIG films. This effect is ascribed to a change in the saturation magnetization of YIG and FGT/YIG at low temperature, resulting in a change in the spin-wave dispersion relations. Using micromagnetic simulations, we further investigated spin-wave propagation in an FGT/YIG bilayer and revealed a longer spin-wave decay length in the bilayer than in a single FGT layer, which is due to the lower effective damping in the bilayer. Moreover, asymmetric spin-wave dispersion, induced by a chiral dipolar interaction between the YIG and FGT layers, enables nonreciprocal control of spin-wave propagation.

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Propagation, generation, and utilization of topologically trivial magnetic solitons in magnetic nanowires Kai-Tao Huang(黄铠涛) and X. S. Wang(王宪思) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107502.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf4ab Abstract ( 41 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1949KB) ( 21 )   Magnetic solitons are nonlinear, local excitations in magnetic systems. In this study, we theoretically and numerically investigate the properties and generation of one-dimensional (1D) topologically trivial magnetic solitons in ferromagnetic nanowires. An approximate analytical soliton solution described by two free parameters is validated by comparison with the micromagnetic simulation. Across an interface between two media of different anisotropy, the reflection and refraction of a soliton are highly nonlinear, which differ from linear spin waves. A pair of magnetic solitons that propagate in opposite directions can be generated by alternately applying magnetic-field or spin-polarized-current pulses of opposite directions to at least two successive regions. Each soliton corresponds to a soliton solution that can be controlled by the generation process. These magnetic solitons can be used to drive domain wall motion over a distance determined by the soliton magnitude, allowing for discrete manipulation of domain walls compatible with the digital nature of information technology. Our findings pave the way for the application of topologically trivial solitons in spintronics.

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Ballistic magnon circulators with magnetic skyrmions Haichuan Zhang(张海川), Hongbin Wu(武宏斌), and Jin Lan(兰金) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107503.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addaa6 Abstract ( 43 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2001KB) ( 12 )   Spin waves, quantized as magnons, constitute a fundamental class of excitations and serve as one of the primary angular momentum carriers in magnetic systems. Devoid of Joule heating, a magnonic device that routes spin waves between different ports holds promise for an energy-efficient information infrastructure. Here, we systematically investigate the transport behavior of a magnetic skyrmion-based magnon circulator, a representative device that directs spin wave flow in a non-reciprocal manner. Particularly, a ballistic transport model is established, where the scattering of spin waves by magnetic skyrmions is simplified as magnon deflection by fictitious electromagnetic fields within the skyrmions. Through the combination of ballistic analyses and micromagnetic simulations, the circulation performance is rigorously evaluated for multiple magnon circulators.

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Temperature and angle dependence of magnetic damping in manganite thin films Jinghua Ren(任京华), Yuelin Zhang(张跃林), Miming Cai(蔡米铭), Yuhan Li(李语涵), Mingming Li(李明明), Tianqi Wang(王天琦), Dekun Shen(沈德坤), Hongyu Zhou(周鸿渝), Xiangwei Zhu(朱祥维), and Jinxing Zhang(张金星) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107504.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade06d Abstract ( 51 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1730KB) ( 24 )   Magnonics and magnonic materials have attracted widespread interest in the spintronics community and demonstrate potential for applications in the next generation of information technology. Recent advances in manganite thin films highlight their promise for magnonics, in which enhanced film quality and strain control of spin and electronic structures play a crucial role in reducing magnetic damping. Here, we report the fabrication of La$_{0.67}$Sr$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$ thin films of varying quality via pulsed laser deposition. The quality of epitaxial films is characterized using atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction. A pronounced fourfold anisotropy in the magnetic damping (with a ratio of about 150%) is observed, where the minimum damping occurs along the [110] crystalline orientation. Notably, improved sample quality significantly reduces the magnetic damping at low temperatures. The highest-quality sample, featuring atomic-scale terraces, exhibits a magnetic damping of $\sim 2.5\times 10^{-3}$ at 5 K. Our results not only demonstrate effective reduction of low-temperature magnetic damping in high-quality correlated oxide systems but also provides a strategy and material platform for exploring novel quantum phenomena and for designing low-temperature magnonic devices.

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Micromagnetic study of the dipolar-exchange spin waves in antiferromagnetic thin films Jiongjie Wang(王炯杰) and Jiang Xiao(肖江) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107505.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addaa4 Abstract ( 52 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1813KB) ( 15 )   In antiferromagnets, dipolar coupling is often disregarded due to the cancellation of magnetic moments between the two sublattices, so that the spin-wave dispersion is predominantly determined by exchange interactions. However, antiferromagnetic spin waves typically involve a slight misalignment of the magnetic moments on the sublattices, which gives rise to a small net magnetization enabling long-range dipolar coupling. In this paper, we investigate the role of dipolar coupling in spin-wave excitations and its influence on the resulting dispersion. Our findings show that: (i) when the Néel vector is perpendicular to the film plane or lies within the film plane and parallel to the wave vector, the dispersion branches can be divided into two groups: those unaffected by the dipolar field and those influenced by it. In these cases, the total magnetic moment remains linearly polarized, but the polarization directions differ between the two types of branches; (ii) when the Néel vector lies in the film plane and is perpendicular to the wave vector, the dipolar interactions affect both types of dispersion branches, leading to their hybridization. This hybridization alters the polarization of the magnetic moment, resulting in elliptical polarization.

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Coupling of magnon modes in nanodisk with spin texture Zijie Zhou(周子杰), Junning Zhao(赵俊宁), Xinhui Ma(马心慧), Rong Wang(王熔), and Fusheng Ma(马付胜) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107506.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade426 Abstract ( 37 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2983KB) ( 13 )   Magnetic nanostructures with nonhomogeneous magnetic properties exhibit distinct magnon modes, and their interactions are crucial for understanding magnetization dynamics. In this work, we numerically investigate the magnon-magnon coupling in a nanodisk with radially varying magnetic anisotropy by using micromagnetic simulations. By introducing perpendicular magnetic anisotropy into the inner region of the nanodisk, a radially chiral spin texture is observed. The presence of the chiral spin texture results in coupling between the ferromagnetic resonance mode of the whole disk and the higher-order confined modes in the outer region. Moreover, we find that the coupling strength is highly sensitive to the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, the saturation magnetization, and the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Our findings could enrich the understanding of the dynamic characteristics of chiral nanomagnets and suggest a possible route to harnessing tunable magnon-magnon coupling for spin-based quantum information processing.

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Directly tunable magnon frequency comb effect based on domain wall Xiaoxue Yang(杨霄雪), Huiting Li(李慧婷), Xue-Feng Zhang(张雪枫), Xiao-Ping Ma(马晓萍), Je-Ho Shim(沈帝虎), Yingjiu Jin(金迎九), and Hong-Guang Piao(朴红光) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107507.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade856 Abstract ( 51 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (854KB) ( 18 )   Magnon frequency combs have garnered significant attention due to their wide-ranging potential applications, primarily generated by the interplay between spin waves and oscillating magnetic textures. Developing an easily achievable magnon frequency comb with directly tunable comb spacing is pivotal for broadening its utility. In this study, we engineered a Bloch-type magnetic domain wall with a stable structure and fixed position by employing a dual-pinning approach utilizing artificial structural defects and stray fields. We established a magnetic domain wall oscillation mode based on resonant Larmor precession, serving as the foundation for a magnon frequency comb derived from magnetic domain walls. By leveraging the locally distributed Oersted field generated by an alternating current, we achieved precise control over the oscillation frequency of the domain wall, thereby realizing a magnon frequency comb with directly tunable comb spacing. The insights from this research offer a promising shortcut for exploring frequency combs based on the interaction between spin waves and magnetic domain walls.

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Current-driven inertial domain wall dynamics in ferromagnet Zai-Dong Li(李再东) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107513.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adfbd7 Abstract ( 47 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (627KB) ( 10 )   We investigate the inertial domain wall (DW) dynamics driven by spin-polarized current in ferromagnets. The exact solutions reveal an upper limit for DW velocity, given by $V\leq1/\sqrt{\alpha \tau}$. This indicates that damping and inertia become the key factors in achieving higher DW speeds. For the case of uniaxial anisotropy, we analyze the effects of inertia and current on DW dynamics. Due to inertia, the DW velocity, width, rotation frequency, and wave number are mutually coupled. When the DW width varies slightly, the velocity decreases rapidly while the magnetization precession frequency increases sharply with the inertia term. However, once the rotation frequency exceeds its maximum value, both the DW velocity and rotation frequency gradually decline. Regarding current-driven dynamics, we identify a critical current $j_{\rm 1c}$ that directly triggers the Walker breakdown. For currents below this threshold $j_{1}<j_{\rm 1c}$, the absolute DW velocity increases with current, whereas it decreases for $j_{1}>j_{\rm 1c}$. During this process, the DW velocity rapidly peaks under current drive, accompanied by the magnetization rotation frequency nearing its maximum and minimal variation in DW width. These results suggest that the DW behaves like a classical rigid body, reaching its maximum velocity as it approaches peak rotational speed. For biaxial anisotropy, we derive analytical solutions. The competition between hard-axis anisotropy and inertia causes the DW magnetization to lose its spiral structure and rotational symmetry. The inertia effect leads to a slow initial decrease followed by a rapid increase in DW width, whereas current modulation gradually widens the DW. The analytical solution also reveals another critical current, $j_{1\max}=\sqrt{\alpha/\tau}/\beta$, which scales with the square root of the inertia-to-damping ratio and is inversely proportional to the nonadiabatic spin-transfer torque parameter $\beta$.

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Multipartite entanglement and one-way steering in magnon frequency comb Qianjun Zheng(郑芊君), Yunshan Cao(曹云姗), and Peng Yan(严鹏) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107514.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf9fe Abstract ( 52 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1167KB) ( 12 )   We theoretically demonstrate that multipartite entanglement and one-way Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) steering in a magnon frequency comb (MFC) can be generated in a hybrid magnon-skyrmion system. When the system is driven by two microwave fields at the magnonic whispering gallery mode (mWGM) and the skyrmion, the skyrmion can be simultaneously entangled with three magnon modes of the MFC and the entanglement of the first-order magnon pair in the MFC also appears. The results show that the perfect one-way steering between the skyrmion and the three magnons can be obtained. Interestingly, the steering direction can be manipulated by controlling the amplitudes of two drive fields, which provides flexibility in controlling the asymmetry of the EPR steering and may well have practical applications. Moreover, the genuine tripartite entanglement among the skyrmion and the first-order magnon pair can be achieved with appropriate parameters in the steady state. Our work exhibits that the MFC has great potential in preparing multi-mode entanglement resources, with promising applications in quantum communication.

SPECIAL TOPIC — Ultrafast physics in atomic, molecular and optical systems

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Theoretical study of the light-induced conical intersection in the photodissociation of molecule OH Jinqian Liu(刘金倩), Jialong Li(李嘉隆), Dongdong Zhang(张栋栋), and Dajun Ding(丁大军) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  103101.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addcbb Abstract ( 44 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1027KB) ( 18 )   Light-induced conical intersections (LICIs) present a distinctive mechanism for nonadiabatic coupling, thereby facilitating ultrafast chemical reactions, including the indirect photodissociation of diatomic molecules. In contrast to static conical intersections, LICIs are dynamically tunable, providing a pathway for precise control of molecular dissociation. In this study, we employ the time-dependent quantum wave packet method to investigate the dissociation dynamics of the OH molecule, focusing on its ground state X$^{2}\Pi$ and repulsive state 1$^{2}\Sigma^{-}$. By varying laser field parameters (intensity, full width at half maximum (FWHM), and wavelength), we elucidate how nonadiabatic coupling governs selective dissociation channel control. Our findings reveal that the choice of initial vibrational states and the tailoring of laser conditions significantly influence dissociation pathways, providing theoretical insights into manipulating molecular dynamics via LICIs. These results provide a foundation for future experimental studies and the development of advanced molecular control techniques.

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Influence of excited states in high-order harmonic generation at intense mid-infrared field Yan Fang(方言), Da-Wei Tian(田大纬), Yue Cao(曹玥), Xiao-Lei Hao(郝小雷), and Zheng Shu(舒正) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  103201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adda0d Abstract ( 54 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2035KB) ( 44 )   We present a comprehensive study on the role of various excited states in high-order harmonic generation of hydrogen atoms driven by a long-wavelength (1500 nm) laser field. By numerically solving the time-dependent Schr?dinger equation (TDSE) and performing a time-frequency analysis, we investigate the influence of individual excited states on the harmonic spectrum. Our results reveal that the 2s excited state primarily contributes to the enhancement of high-energy harmonic yields by facilitating long electron trajectories, while the 2p excited state predominantly suppresses harmonic yields in the lower-energy region (20th-50th orders) by altering the contributions of electron trajectories. Our results highlight the critical role of the excited states in the HHG process, even at longer laser wavelengths.

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Time-dependent quantum wave packet simulation for strong laser-induced molecular dynamics in multiple electronic states of H2 molecules Jin-Peng Ma(马金鹏), Xiao-Qing Hu(胡晓青), Yong Wu(吴勇), and Jian-Guo Wang(王建国) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  103301.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf319 Abstract ( 52 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1869KB) ( 33 )   We present a fully time-dependent quantum wave packet evolution method for investigating molecular dynamics in intense laser fields. This approach enables the simultaneous treatment of interactions among multiple electronic states while simultaneously tracking their time-dependent electronic, vibrational, and rotational dynamics. As an illustrative example, we consider neutral H$_2$ molecules and simulate the laser-induced excitation dynamics of electronic and rotational states in strong laser fields, quantitatively distinguishing the respective contributions of electronic dipole transitions (within the classical-field approximation) and non-resonant Raman processes to the overall molecular dynamics. Furthermore, we precisely evaluate the relative contributions of direct tunneling ionization from the ground state and ionization following electronic excitation in the strong-field ionization of H$_2$. The developed methodology shows strong potential for performing high-precision theoretical simulations of electronic-vibrational-rotational state excitations, ionization, and dissociation dynamics in molecules and their ions under intense laser fields.

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Nonreciprocal phase shift within zeptosecond temporal scale Xiao Han(韩啸) and Shuai Ben(贲帅) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf1e8 Abstract ( 56 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1728KB) ( 19 )   We investigate the zeptosecond-timescale delayed ionization process induced by ultrafast laser propagation in different directions across the molecule. The experimental measurements by Grundmann et al.[Science 370 339 (2020)] serve as a basis for our study, where they extract the birth time delay of photoelectron emission from two nuclei, amounting to a few hundred zeptoseconds. By comparing and analyzing the results, we observe that asymmetric systems, such as the 2p$\sigma $ state of HeH$^{2+}$, exhibit nonequivalent responses to forward and backward laser propagation, resulting in an asymmetric dependence of the interference structure in the photoelectron momentum spectra. This process is considered as an ultrafast nonreciprocal phase shift with zeptosecond resolution. Through computational simulations, we explore the relationship between this kind of ultrafast nonreciprocity effect and molecular orbital symmetry. This study broadens our understanding of nonreciprocal physical mechanisms in the field of strong-field ultrafast dynamics, and provides a theoretical basis for the experimental investigation of the nonreciprocal phase shift within the zeptosecond timescale in the response processes of matter under ultrafast laser irradiation.

SPECIAL TOPIC — Computational programs in complex systems

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Identification of vital nodes based on global and local features in hypergraphs Li Liang(梁丽), Li-Yao Qi(齐丽瑶), and Shi-Cai Gong(龚世才) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108904.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adfefc Abstract ( 39 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1868KB) ( 15 )   Hypergraphs, which encapsulate interactions of higher-order beyond mere pairwise connections, are essential for representing polyadic relationships within complex systems. Consequently, an increasing number of researchers are focusing on the centrality problem in hypergraphs. Specifically, researchers are tackling the challenge of utilizing higher-order structures to effectively define centrality metrics. This paper presents a novel approach, LGK, derived from the K-shell decomposition method, which incorporates both global and local perspectives. Empirical evaluations indicate that the LGK method provides several advantages, including reduced time complexity and improved accuracy in identifying critical nodes in hypergraphs.

INVITED REVIEW

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Preparation of atomically thin 2D metals Jiaojiao Zhao(赵交交), Guangyu Zhang(张广宇), and Luojun Du(杜罗军) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106104.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ae04d7 Abstract ( 86 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (2252KB) ( 106 )   Two-dimensional (2D) metals, which are appealing for a plethora of emergent phenomena and technological applications, stand as one of the highly sought-after goals in condensed-matter physics and materials science. In stark contrast to the widely-studied 2D van der Waals (vdW) layered materials in which their weak interlayer interactions facilitate the isolation from their bulk, 2D metals are extremely challenging to achieve because of their thermodynamic instability and non-layered nature. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in the reliable production of atomically thin 2D metals, including but not limited to vdW squeezing technique, top-down exfoliation, mechanical pressing, chemical etching, epitaxial growth, and confinement growth. We also present our perspectives and discuss the future opportunities and research directions in this new field.

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Time-resolved x-ray scattering study on quantum materials Xinyi Jiang(蒋心怡), Qingzheng Qiu(仇清正), and Yingying Peng(彭莹莹) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107801.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adfa7b Abstract ( 80 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (6127KB) ( 87 )   Quantum materials have attracted a great deal of attention because of their rich landscape of electronic structures, topological phases, strong correlation effects, and exotic orders. These systems provide a fertile platform for the exploration of novel quantum phenomena and materials applications. Particularly exciting is the exploration of nonequilibrium dynamics in quantum materials, which has significant research and potential application values. Pump-probe techniques play a key role in revealing the dynamics of quantum materials on remarkably short timescales, providing an attractive yet challenging avenue of research. In this context, time-resolved x-ray as an emerging probe exhibits high time resolution, momentum resolution, and substantial momentum coverage. It can reveal unprecedented transient states, distinguish between entangled ordered states, and has a compelling potential to probe ultrafast dynamics in a wide variety of quantum materials. Despite its unique advantages, time-resolved x-ray scattering still faces several technological and methodological challenges. In this review, we highlight recent advances focusing on the use of time-resolved x-ray scattering to probe dynamic processes in quantum materials. We discuss representative examples across structural, electronic, magnetic, and lattice degrees of freedom, and outline promising directions for future research in this rapidly evolving field.

DATA PAPER

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HTSC-2025: A benchmark dataset of ambient-pressure high-temperature superconductors for AI-driven critical temperature prediction Xiao-Qi Han(韩小琪), Ze-Feng Gao(高泽峰), Xin-De Wang(王馨德), Zhenfeng Ouyang(欧阳振峰), Peng-Jie Guo(郭朋杰), and Zhong-Yi Lu(卢仲毅) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100301.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf042 Abstract ( 116 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (865KB) ( 149 )   The discovery of high-temperature superconducting materials holds great significance for human industry and daily life. In recent years, research on predicting superconducting transition temperatures using artificial intelligence (AI) has gained popularity, with most of these tools claiming to achieve remarkable accuracy. However, the lack of widely accepted benchmark datasets in this field has severely hindered fair comparisons between different AI algorithms and impeded further advancement of these methods. In this work, we present HTSC-2025, an ambient-pressure high-temperature superconducting benchmark dataset. This comprehensive compilation encompasses theoretically predicted superconducting materials discovered by theoretical physicists from 2023 to 2025 based on BCS superconductivity theory, including the renowned $X_2Y$H$_6$ system, perovskite $MX$H$_3$ system, $M_3X$H$_8$ system, cage-like BCN-doped metal atomic systems derived from LaH$_{10}$ structural evolution, and two-dimensional honeycomb-structured systems evolving from MgB$_2$. In addition, we note a range of approaches inspired by physical intuition for designing high-temperature superconductors, such as hole doping, the introduction of light elements to form strong covalent bonds, and the tuning of spin-orbit coupling. The dataset presented in this paper is openly available at ScienceDB. The HTSC-2025 benchmark has been open-sourced on Hugging Face at https://huggingface.co/datasets/xiao-qi/HTSC-2025 and will be continuously updated, while the Electronic Laboratory for Material Science platform is available at https://in.iphy.ac.cn/eln/link.html#/124/V2s4.

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Database of superconductors with kagome lattice by high-throughput screening Lihong Wang(王历宏), Qi Li(李琦), Ke Ma(马克), Yingpeng Yu(于英鹏), Shifeng Jin(金士锋), and Xiaolong Chen(陈小龙) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106101.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf041 Abstract ( 77 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (1770KB) ( 71 )   The kagome lattice, characterized by a hexagonal arrangement of corner-sharing equilateral triangles, has garnered significant attention as a fascinating quantum material system that hosts exotic magnetic and electronic properties. The identification and characterization of this class of materials are critical for advancing our understanding of their role in emergent phenomena such as superconductivity. In this study, we developed a high-throughput screening framework for the systematic identification and classification of superconducting materials with kagome lattices, integrating them into established materials databases. Leveraging the Materials Project (MP) database and the MDR SuperCon dataset, we analyzed over 150000 inorganic compounds and cross-referenced 26000 known superconductors. Using geometry-based structural modeling and experimental validation, we identified 129 kagome superconductors belonging to 17 distinct structural families, many of which had not previously been recognized as kagome systems. The materials are further classified into three categories in terms of topological flat bands, clean band structures, and coexisting magnetic or charge density wave (CDW) orderings. Based on these results, we established a database comprising 129 kagome superconductors, including the detailed crystallographic, electronic, and superconducting properties of these materials.

RAPID COMMUNICATION

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Optimal parameter combinations of entanglement in the general Heisenberg model Da-Chuang Li(李大创), Wei-Wei Pan(潘维韦), Xing-Dong Zhao(赵兴东), and Xiao-Lan Zong(宗晓岚) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100308.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adec5c Abstract ( 48 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1564KB) ( 10 )   Thermal entanglement, as influenced by interaction parameters, is investigated within the general Heisenberg $XYZ$ model. We calculate the relationship between entanglement and the system interaction parameters, including spin-spin interaction parameters (SSIPs) and spin-orbit interaction parameters (SOIPs). By considering various parameter orientations, we identify four optimal combinations of the SSIPs and find that the optimal vector of the spin-orbit interaction aligns with the coordinate axis corresponding to the maximal SSIP component. Furthermore, we obtain three effective optimal combinations of the SOIPs corresponding to the optimal SSIPs, which can maximize the system entanglement when the parameters are tuned accordingly. To demonstrate the feasibility of our results under realistic experimental conditions, we propose an optical lattice scheme with tunable parameters.

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Interfacial thermal resistance in amorphous Mo/Si structures: A molecular dynamics study Weiwu Miao(苗未午), Hongyu He(贺虹羽), Yi Tao(陶毅), Qiong Wu(吴琼), Chao Wu(吴超), and Chenhan Liu(刘晨晗) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106501.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf9ff Abstract ( 56 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1250KB) ( 19 )   Efficient thermal management is critical to the reliability and performance of nanoscale electronic and photonic devices, particularly those incorporating multilayer structures. In this study, non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to systematically investigate the effects of temperature, penetration depth, and Si layer thickness on the interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) in nanometer-scale Mo/Si multilayers, widely employed in extreme ultraviolet lithography. The results indicate that: (i) temperature variations exert a negligible influence on the ITR of amorphous Mo/Si interfaces, which remains stable across the range of 200-900 K; (ii) increasing penetration depth enhances the overlap of phonon density of states, thereby significantly reducing ITR; (iii) the ITR decreases with increasing Si thickness up to 4.2 nm due to quasi-ballistic phonon transport, but rises again as phonon scattering becomes more pronounced at larger thicknesses. This study provides quantitative insights into heat transfer mechanisms at amorphous interfaces and also offers a feasible strategy for tailoring interfacial thermal transport through structural design.

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Freestanding La2CuO4/La1.55Sr0.45CuO4 heterostructure membranes with high-TC interface superconductivity Hot! Xueshan Cao(曹雪珊), Chuanyu Shi(史传宇), Yanzhi Wang(王彦智), Meng Zhang(张蒙), Jirong Sun(孙继荣), and Yanwu Xie(谢燕武) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107301.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf4a3 Abstract ( 226 )   HTML ( 15 )   PDF (1658KB) ( 140 )   We report the fabrication of freestanding La$_{2}$CuO$_{4}$/La$_{1.55}$Sr$_{0.45}$CuO$_{4}$ (LCO/LSCO) heterostructure membranes, which were fabricated by selectively etching water-soluble Sr$_{3}$Al$_{2}$O$_{6}$ sacrificial layers from pulsed-laser-deposited heterostructures on SrTiO$_{3}$ substrates. Transport measurements reveal that these membranes exhibit superconducting behavior with an onset temperature of approximately 19 K. Comprehensive structural characterization using x-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the membranes retain excellent crystalline quality after release. The superconducting properties remain stable following mild post-annealing treatment under vacuum. This work establishes LCO/LSCO as a promising platform for developing flexible high-temperature superconducting interfaces, opening new possibilities for the development of flexible devices.

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Characterization of interlayer coupling in YIG/Py bilayer using polarized neutron reflectometry Hot! He Bai(白鹤), Wei He(何为), Dan Liu(刘丹), Jialiang Li(李嘉亮), Xiao Deng(邓霄), Yuan Sun(孙远), Songwen Xiao(肖松文), Sheng Cheng(成晟), Xiaozhi Zhan(詹晓芝), Jianwang Cai(蔡建旺), and Tao Zhu(朱涛) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107509.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf31e Abstract ( 151 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (913KB) ( 130 )   The complex interplay of magnetic interactions at the yttrium iron garnet (YIG)/ferromagnet interface is important for spintronic and magnonic devices. In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation of the interlayer coupling and switching mechanisms in YIG/Py (permalloy) heterostructures based on gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) and SiO$_{2}$ substrates. We observe antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling between Py and YIG on SiO$_{2}$ substrates, whereas ferromagnetic interlayer coupling is observed on GGG substrates. Using polarized neutron reflectometry with depth- and element-resolved measurements, we obtain an in-depth understanding of the magnetic interactions between the YIG and Py layers. We demonstrate that polycrystalline YIG gives rise to antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling. This work provides valuable insights into designing and controlling magnetic coupling in hybrid structures for spintronic applications.

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Magnetic-field-induced photoluminescence enhancement in type-I quantum wells: A quantitative probe for interface flatness Hot! Jun Shao(邵军), Man Wang(王嫚), Xiren Chen(陈熙仁), Liangqing Zhu(朱亮清), F. X. Zha(查访星), H. Zhao, Shumin Wang(王庶民), and Wei Lu(陆卫) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107802.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf5a7 Abstract ( 142 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (1050KB) ( 113 )   Interfacial disorders in semiconductor quantum wells (QWs) determine material properties and device performance and have attracted great research efforts using different experimental methods. However, so far, there has been no way to quantify the lateral length distribution of the interfacial disorders in QWs. Since photoluminescence (PL) is sensitive to exciton localization, the evolutions of PL energy and linewidth under external perpendicular magnetic fields have served as effective measurement methods for QW analysis; however, the evolution of PL intensity has not played a matching role. In this paper, we develop a theoretical model correlating the PL intensity with the interfacial disorders of type-I QWs under an external perpendicular magnetic field. We verify the model's rationality and functionality using InGa(N)As/GaAs single QWs. In addition, we derive the Urbach energy and determine the lateral length distribution of interfacial disorders. The results show that the magnetic field-dependent PL intensity, as described by our model, serves as a valid probe for quantifying the interface flatness. The model also reveals that the mechanism of magnetic-field-induced intensity enhancement is a joint effect of interfacial disorder-induced exciton localization and the transfer of excitons from dark to bright states. These insights may benefit performance improvements of type-I QW materials and devices.

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Oxygen activation-triggered thermal instability in Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 cathode Hot! Supeng Chen(陈苏鹏), Yingli Li(李英丽), Yande Li(李彦德), Keqiang Li(李克强), Peirong Li(李培荣), Jianwei Meng(孟建伟), Zilong Zhao(赵子龙), Yuanyuan Pan(潘圆圆), Qinghao Li(李庆浩), and Pengfei Yu(于鹏飞) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ae0436 Abstract ( 301 )   HTML ( 13 )   PDF (6124KB) ( 294 )   Ni-rich layered LiNi$_{0.8}$Co$_{0.1}$Mn$_{0.1}$O$_{2}$ (NCM811) is a leading cathode candidate for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries because of its high energy density. In practice, NCM811 exhibits poor thermal stability that can lead to thermal runaway, which is a critical bottleneck for the practical application of this promising material. The fundamental factors underlying thermal failure and the relationship between surface and bulk degradation, however, remain unclear. In this work, we track the evolution of the atomic and electronic structures of high-voltage delithiated NCM811 using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and synchrotron-based soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy (sXAS). Oxygen hole states formed upon delithiation are thermodynamically unstable and lead to O$_2$ release upon heating. This O$_2$ release occurs prior to phase transitions and therefore constitutes the primary cause of thermal failure in NCM811 cathodes. Although surface oxygen is inherently less stable, the presence of similar oxygen hole states at the surface and in the bulk causes surface and bulk degradation to proceed almost simultaneously. These findings delineate the degradation pathway of NCM811 during thermal runaway and provide rational guidelines for material design and optimization.

GENERAL

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An epidemic model considering multiple factors based on multilayer hypernetworks Yue-Yue Zheng(郑月月), Zhi-Ping Wang(王志平), Ya-Nan Sun(孙雅楠), Shi-Jie Xie(谢仕杰), and Lin Wang(王琳) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add50c Abstract ( 70 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1654KB) ( 43 )   The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 has made people pay more attention to infectious diseases. In order to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, it is crucial to strengthen individual immunization measures and to restrain the diffusion of negative information relevant to vaccines at the opportune moment. This study develops a three-layer coupling model within the framework of hypernetwork evolution, examining the interplay among negative information, immune behavior, and epidemic propagation. Firstly, the dynamic topology evolution process of hypernetwork includes node joining, aging out, hyperedge adding and reconnecting. The three-layer communication model accounts for the multifaceted influences exerted by official media channels, subjective psychological acceptance capabilities, self-identification abilities, and physical fitness levels. Each level of the decision-making process is described using the Heaviside step function. Secondly, the dynamics equations of each state and the prevalence threshold are derived using the microscopic Markov chain approach (MMCA). The results show that the epidemic threshold is affected by three transmission processes. Finally, through the simulation testing, it is possible to enhance the intensity of official clarification, improve individual self-identification ability and physical fitness, and thereby promote the overall physical enhancement of society. This, in turn, is beneficial in controlling false information, heightening vaccination coverage, and controlling the epidemic.

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Generic stability of cooperative equilibria for multi-leader-follower-population mixed games Wenjun Wu(武文俊), Hui Yang(杨辉), and Guanghui Yang(杨光惠) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100202.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade666 Abstract ( 43 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (501KB) ( 24 )   This paper proposes a mixed game with finitely many leaders and follower populations. In such a game, two types of equilibria are defined. First, a Nash equilibrium is introduced for the scenario in which leaders and follower populations are in perfect competition, each maximizing its own payoff. Second, a cooperative equilibrium is proposed for the case where leaders and follower populations, respectively, form coalitions and cooperate. Moreover, the existence of both Nash and cooperative equilibria is proved under the condition that the payoff functions are continuous and quasi-concave. Finally, we demonstrate the generic stability of cooperative equilibria in mixed games. More concretely, in the sense of Baire category, the cooperative equilibria in most mixed games are stable under perturbations of the payoff functions. In short, this paper presents two main contributions. On the one hand, we provide a novel mixed-game framework, which differs from both classical leader-follower games and leader-follower population games. On the other hand, the Nash and cooperative equilibria in our mixed games are distinct from those in existing leader-follower population games. The results are further illustrated with examples.

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Dicke-Ising quantum battery of an ion chain driven by a mechanical oscillator Jun Wen(文军), Zheng Wen(文政), Ping Peng(彭娉), and Guan-Qiang Li(李冠强) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100302.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add50d Abstract ( 66 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1100KB) ( 19 )   A scheme for implementing quantum batteries in a realizable and controllable platform based on a trapped ion chain driven by a mechanical oscillator is proposed. The effects of the hopping interaction between the two-level ions and the coupling interaction between the ions and the external mechanical oscillator on the charging process of the battery are investigated. The importance of the counter-rotating wave terms in the system's Hamiltonian, which are often ignored, is analyzed, and it is found that the charging energy and the ergotropy of the battery are dramatically affected by the counter-rotating wave terms. The quantum phase transition of the two-level system is restrained by the counter-rotating wave terms due to the destruction of the quantum coherence. Lastly, the power-law dependence of the charging process on the distance between the ions is discussed. Our theoretical analysis provides a solid foundation for the development of a practical quantum battery.

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Exact quantum algorithm for unit commitment optimization based on partially connected quantum neural networks Jian Liu(刘键), Xu Zhou(周旭), Zhuojun Zhou(周卓俊), and Le Luo(罗乐) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100303.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf4aa Abstract ( 76 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (644KB) ( 26 )   The quantum hybrid algorithm has recently become a very promising and speedy method for solving larger-scale optimization problems in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era. The unit commitment (UC) problem is a fundamental problem in the field of power systems that aims to satisfy the power balance constraint with minimal cost. In this paper, we focus on the implementation of the UC solution using exact quantum algorithms based on the quantum neural network (QNN). This method is tested with a ten-unit system under the power balance constraint. In order to improve computing precision and reduce network complexity, we propose a knowledge-based partially connected quantum neural network (PCQNN). The results show that exact solutions can be obtained by the improved algorithm and that the depth of the quantum circuit can be reduced simultaneously.

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Entangling operations in a quantum repeater node using synchronized fast adiabatic pulses Hai-Ping Wan(万海平), Xing-Yu Zhu(朱行宇), Zhu-Cheng Yue(岳祝成), Tao Tu(涂涛), and Chuan-Feng Li(李传锋) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100304.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add67e Abstract ( 79 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (973KB) ( 19 )   Solid-state rare-earth ions are promising candidates for implementing repeater nodes for quantum networks. However, the state-of-the-art quantum nodes use only a single qubit per node, which greatly limits the functionality of the node and the scalability of the network. Here, we propose a scheme that utilizes a hybrid system of two ion qubits coupled to a nanophotonic cavity as a quantum node. Simultaneously applying a fast adiabatic pulse to the two ions can lead to an effective interaction between the two ion spin qubits by exchanging virtual photons in the cavity. Using this interaction, a controlled phase gate between the two ion qubits can be realized with a fidelity of 99.6%. Further utilizing this interaction, entangled states within the node can be generated deterministically with high fidelity, and are robust to a variety of noises and fluctuations. These results pave a way for fully functional quantum repeater nodes based on solid-state rare-earth ions.

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Computing the ground state solution of Bose-Einstein condensates by an energy-minimizing normalized residual network Ren-Tao Wu(吴任涛), Ji-Dong Gao(高济东), Yu-Han Wang(王宇晗), Zhen-Wei Deng(邓振威), Ming-Jun Li(李明军), and Rong-Pei Zhang(张荣培) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100305.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade062 Abstract ( 57 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (1227KB) ( 19 )   This paper introduces a novel numerical method based on an energy-minimizing normalized residual network (EM-NormResNet) to compute the ground-state solution of Bose-Einstein condensates at zero or low temperatures. Starting from the three-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE), we reduce it to the 1D and 2D GPEs because of the radial symmetry and cylindrical symmetry. The ground-state solution is formulated by minimizing the energy functional under constraints, which is directly solved using the EM-NormResNet approach. The paper provides detailed solutions for the ground states in 1D, 2D (with radial symmetry), and 3D (with cylindrical symmetry). We use the Thomas-Fermi approximation as the target function to pre-train the neural network. Then, the formal network is trained using the energy minimization method. In contrast to traditional numerical methods, our neural network approach introduces two key innovations: (i) a novel normalization technique designed for high-dimensional systems within an energy-based loss function; (ii) improved training efficiency and model robustness by incorporating gradient stabilization techniques into residual networks. Extensive numerical experiments validate the method's accuracy across different spatial dimensions.

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Manipulation of gray-ring dark solitons in a two-component Bose gas with tunable soft-core interactions Qiu-Ling He(何秋玲), Lin-Xue Wang(王林雪), Rui Jin(金瑞), Fang Wang(王芳), Ya-Jun Wang(王雅君), and Xiao-Fei Zhang(张晓斐) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100306.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addcbf Abstract ( 46 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1610KB) ( 18 )   We explore the manipulation of gray-ring dark solitons in a two-component Bose gas with tunable soft-core interactions through numerical simulations of the time-dependent Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Our results demonstrate that the lifetime of gray solitons with periodically modulated soft-core interactions significantly depends on their initial depth. Specifically, shallower initial depths lead to longer lifetimes when exceeding a critical depth threshold. Furthermore, the soliton depth also governs the number and dynamic of vortex pairs resulting from the collapse of the ring dark soliton. These depth-dependent topological transformations open new perspectives for quantum manipulation.

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Antichiral edge states in a square lattice Peng-Yu Guo(郭鹏宇), Wei Li(黎炜), Junhui Hu(胡君辉), and Hai-Xiao Wang(王海啸) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100307.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add90c Abstract ( 70 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (12615KB) ( 19 )   Recent advances in topological phases with broken time-reversal symmetry unveil a novel gapless topological phase, i.e., antichiral edge state, featuring co-propagating along the parallel edges. However, to date, such antichiral edge states are only realized in the modified Haldane model, which are based on the honeycomb lattice. Here, we realize the antichiral edge states in a square-lattice tight-binding model with complex nearest-neighbor coupling and both positive and negative next-nearest-neighbor couplings. In contrast to previous proposals, the complex nearest-neighbor coupling breaks the time-reversal symmetry, and the negative next nearest-neighbor coupling shift two Dirac points in energy. We also propose a possible scheme to realize our model with the assistance of acoustic metamaterials. The existence of antichiral edge states is revealed through full-wave simulation of the band structure and acoustic fields excited by a point source.

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Condensation and criticality of eigen microstates of phase fluctuations in Kuramoto model Ning-Ning Wang(王宁宁), Qing Yao(姚卿), Ying Fan(樊瑛), Zeng-Ru Di(狄增如), and Xiao-Song Chen(陈晓松) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100501.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addd84 Abstract ( 64 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (3806KB) ( 34 )   The Kuramoto model is one of the most profound and classical models of coupled phase oscillators. Because of the global couplings between oscillators, its precise critical exponents can be obtained using the mean-field approximation (MFA), where the time average of the modulus of the mean-field is defined as the order parameter. Here, we further study the phase fluctuations of oscillators from the mean-field using the eigen microstate theory (EMT), which was recently developed. The synchronization of phase fluctuations is identified by the condensation and criticality of eigen microstates with finite eigenvalues, which follow the finite-size scaling with the same critical exponents as those of the MFA in the critical regime. Then, we obtain the complete critical behaviors of phase oscillators in the Kuramoto model. We anticipate that the critical behaviors of general phase oscillators can be investigated by using the EMT and different critical exponents from those of the MFA will be obtained.

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Dynamical behavior of ring-star neural networks with small-world characteristics Minglin Ma(马铭磷), Zhiyi Yuan(袁芷依), Umme Kalsoom, Weizheng Deng(邓为政), and Shaobo He(贺少波) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100502.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adde39 Abstract ( 64 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (14269KB) ( 34 )   This paper proposes a ring-star neural network with small-world characteristics (RS-SWNN) based on the classical ring-star network, and combines the Izhikevich neuron model. RS-SWNN incorporates small-world characteristics, better mimicking the non-uniform connectivity of biological neural networks. According to the different coupling strength settings of $D_{\rm ring}$ and $D_{\rm star}$, the dynamical behavior of the network is studied, and the synchronicity differences of the network under different coupling strengths are revealed. In addition, a discrete memristor is used to simulate the effects of electromagnetic radiation. The modulation effects of varying radiation intensities on the network synchronization are further analyzed. The study shows that the electromagnetic radiation effect significantly impacts the neuronal synchronization behavior, especially in its modulation of network synchronization under varying coupling strengths. Numerical simulation is carried out using MATLAB software, and the corresponding results are obtained.

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Observer-based prescribed-time time-varying output formation-containment control of heterogeneous multi-agent systems Haiyang Hu(胡海洋), Tao Li(李涛), Xiaowen Zhao(赵小文), Yuanmei Wang(王圆妹), Jialong Tian(田家龙), and Zijie Jiang(姜子杰) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100503.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addaa5 Abstract ( 86 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1145KB) ( 56 )   This paper investigates the observer-based prescribed-time time-varying output formation-containment (PT-TV-OFC) control problem for heterogeneous multi-agent systems in which the different agents have different state dimensions. The system comprises one tracking leader, multiple formation leaders, and followers, where two types of leaders are used to generate a reference trajectory for movement and achieve specific formation, respectively. Firstly, a prescribed-time dynamics observer is constructed for the formation leaders to estimate the tracking leader's dynamic model and state. On this basis, a prescribed-time control protocol is designed for the formation leaders to achieve time-varying output formation. Then, a prescribed-time convex hull observer is designed for the followers to estimate information regarding the convex hull formed by the formation leaders. Using the estimated convex hull information, a prescribed-time containment control protocol is designed to ensure the followers converge into the convex hull. Furthermore, using Lyapunov stability theory, the stability of systems is proved in detail, which implies that the heterogeneous multi-agent systems can achieve PT-TV-OFC control. Finally, numerical simulations validate the feasibility of the theoretical results.

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Application of Gauss-Newton method in magnetic dipole model Junchen Gao(高骏琛), Chaobo Liu(刘超波), Jinjing Zhang(张津菁), Yu Duan(段宇), Hao-Ran Yang(杨浩冉), and Daqiang Gao(高大强) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  100701.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addcd1 Abstract ( 60 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (704KB) ( 12 )   With the increasing accuracy requirements of satellite magnetic detection missions, reducing low-frequency noise has become a key focus of satellite magnetic cleanliness technology. Traditional satellite magnetic simulation methods have matured in static magnetic dipole simulations, but there is still significant room for optimization in the simulation and computation of low-frequency magnetic dipole models. This study employs the Gauss-Newton method and Fourier transform techniques for modeling and simulating low-frequency magnetic dipoles. Compared to the traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, this method achieves significant improvements, with errors reaching the order of 10$^{-13}$% under noise-free conditions and maintaining an error level of less than 0.5% under 10% noise. Additionally, the use of Fourier transform and the Gauss-Newton method enables high-precision magnetic field frequency identification and rapid computation of the dipole position and magnetic moment, greatly enhancing the computational efficiency and accuracy of the model.

ELECTROMAGNETISM, OPTICS, ACOUSTICS, HEAT TRANSFER, CLASSICAL MECHANICS, AND FLUID DYNAMICS

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Effects of the buffer layer on the Casimir pressure of peptide films deposited on a substrate Dingding Lv(吕丁丁), Shuai Zhou(周帅), Kaipeng Liu(柳开鹏), Shiwei Dai(戴士为), and Lixin Ge(葛力新) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104202.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adde36 Abstract ( 65 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (667KB) ( 13 )   The Casimir pressure plays an important role in the adhesion stability of nanofilms at submicro scales. In this work, the Casimir pressure of peptide films deposited on a layered substrate is investigated. Three types of semi-infinite substrates, i.e., silica, silicon and gold, are considered. The buffer layer between the peptide film and substrate consists of silicon or silica. The switching sign of the Casimir pressure can be controlled in a region ranging from about 130 nm to 1000 nm, depending on the thickness of the buffer layer and the substrate. The results suggest that the critical thickness of peptide films for Casimir equilibrium increases (or decreases) by increasing the thickness of the silicon (or silica) buffer film. The influences of wetting and electrolyte screening on the Casimir pressure are also investigated. Our finding provides a theoretical guide for the adhesion stability of peptide films in organic electronics.

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Non-synchronous strain effects on a hetero-bonded van derWaals material CrSBr Junming Guo(郭俊明), Wenqiang Shi(时文强), Kaipeng Ni(倪凯鹏), Xing Chen(陈行), Daxiang Liu(刘大象), Xue Liu(刘学), Shouguo Wang(王守国), Qian Li(李倩), Rui-Chun Xiao(肖瑞春), and Mengmeng Yang(杨蒙蒙) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104203.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add90d Abstract ( 65 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2272KB) ( 27 )   The van der Waals (vdW) material CrSBr exhibits a distinctive hetero-bonded structure, characterized by fence-like and rectangular configurations viewed from different crystallographic orientations. Mechanical deformation of this unique structure can induce significant anisotropic electronic and optical properties. In this study, we systematically investigate the non-synchronous strain response of CrSBr through theoretical and experimental approaches. Our results reveal that the electronic band structure of CrSBr is predominantly governed by the intralayer Cr-S bonds along the $b$-axis, whereas the characteristic Raman peak A$_{\rm g}^{3}$ arises from interlayer Cr-S bond vibrations in each quasi-monolayer. Notably, the different strain responses of these two types of bonds, stemming from the hetero-bonded architecture, lead to distinct behaviors in photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectra under uniaxial strain. Specifically, the electronic band structure demonstrates heightened sensitivity to tensile strain along the $b$-axis, while the A$_{\rm g}^{3}$ Raman mode exhibits greater sensitivity to strain along the $a$-axis. These insights advance the understanding of strain-induced anisotropies in CrSBr and provide valuable guidance for the design of vdW-based optoelectronic devices.

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A tunable acoustic metasurface via one-dimensional mechanical adjustment for real-time focusing Jie Hu(胡洁), Mengqi Jiang(姜梦琦), Rui Zang(藏瑞), and Yuhang Qian(钱宇航) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104301.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add7ac Abstract ( 54 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (3925KB) ( 11 )   Adjustable or programmable metamaterials offer versatile functions, while the complex multi-dimensional regulation increases workload, and hinders their applications in practical scenarios. To address these challenges, we present a mechanically programmable acoustic metamaterial for real-time focal tuning via one-dimensional phase-gradient modulation in this paper. The device integrates a phase gradient structure with concave cavity channels and an x-shaped telescopic mechanical framework, enabling dynamic adjustment of inter-unit spacing (1 mm-3 mm) through a microcontroller-driven motor. By modulating the spacing between adjacent channels, the phase gradient is precisely controlled, allowing continuous focal shift from 50 mm to 300 mm along the $x$-axis at 7500 Hz. Broadband focusing is also discussed in the range 6800 Hz-8100 Hz, with transmission coefficients exceeding 0.5, ensuring high efficiency and robust performance. Experimental results align closely with simulations, validating the design's effectiveness and adaptability. Unlike conventional programmable metamaterials requiring multi-dimensional parameter optimization, this approach simplifies real-time control through single-axis mechanical adjustment, significantly reducing operational complexity. Due to the advantages of broadband focusing, simple control mode, real-time monitoring, and so on, the device may have extensive applications in the fields of acoustic imaging, nondestructive testing, ultrasound medical treatment, etc.

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Coupled oscillation model of spherical bubble cluster in liquid cavity wrapped by elastic shell Xin-Yi Zuo(左馨怡), Rui Liu(刘睿), Zhao-Kang Lei(雷照康), Yu-Ting Wu(吴玉婷), Xiu-Ru Li(李秀如), and Cheng-Hui Wang(王成会) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104302.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addce7 Abstract ( 64 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1216KB) ( 33 )   Bubbles within an elastic shell, which undergo ultrasound-driven oscillation to treat tumors and soft tissues, are frequently treated as viscoelastic media. Therefore, studying the dynamic behavior of bubbles wrapped in a viscoelastic medium while considering an elastic shell can provide theoretical support for ultrasound biotherapy. Bubbles are always in the form of clusters. Therefore, a model of spherical bubble clusters in a liquid cavity wrapped by an elastic shell was constructed, the coupled oscillation equations of bubbles were obtained by taking into account the dynamic effects of the elastic shell and the viscoelastic media outside the cavity, and the oscillation behaviors of the bubbles were analyzed. Acoustic waves at 1.5 MHz could cause bubbles with a radius of 1 μm to resonate. Increasing the number of bubbles increased the suppressing effect of bubble oscillation caused by bubble interaction. The bubble cluster oscillation caused the elastic shell to oscillate and be stressed, and the stress trend was the inverse of the bubble oscillation trend with maximal tensile and compressive stresses. Bubbles with an equilibrium radius of 2 μm exhibited the lowest inertial cavitation threshold, making inertial cavitation more likely under high-frequency acoustic excitation. The inertial cavitation threshold of bubbles was heavily influenced by the acoustic wave frequency, bubble number density, and bubble cluster radius. The nonspherical oscillation stability of bubbles was primarily affected by the driving acoustic pressure amplitude and frequency, bubble initial radius, bubble number density, and bubble cluster radius. The acoustic frequency and amplitude exhibited a synergistic effect, with a minimum unstable driving acoustic pressure threshold of approximately 0.13 MPa. The initial radius within the elastic shell affected the minimum unstable driving acoustic pressure threshold.

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Density-driven segregation of binary granular mixtures in a vertically vibrating drum: The role of filling fraction Anghao Li(李昂昊), Zaizheng Wang(王在政), Haoyu Shi(史浩瑜), Min Sun(孙敏), and Decai Huang(黄德财) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104501.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade070 Abstract ( 43 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (3193KB) ( 13 )   This paper investigates the influence of filling fraction on the segregation patterns of binary granular mixtures in a vertically vibrating drum through experiments and simulations. Glass and stainless steel spherical grains, which differ in mass density, are used to give rise to density-driven segregation. The results reveal four segregation patterns, including Brazil nut effect segregation, counterclockwise two-eye-like segregation, dumpling-like segregation and clockwise two-eye-like segregation. The theoretical analysis demonstrates that grains predominantly exhibit counterclockwise convection at low filling fractions, while clockwise convection dominates at high filling fractions. Competition between buoyancy and convection forces determines the final stable segregation pattern. These findings provide valuable insights into controlling segregation in granular systems, which is crucial for optimizing industrial processes in fields such as pharmaceuticals and chemical engineering.

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Modelling and simulation of autonomous train operation based on a car-following model Guangyi Ma(马广义) and Keping Li(李克平) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104502.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf17b Abstract ( 48 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (921KB) ( 13 )   The growing demand for capacity has prompted the rail industry to explore next-generation train control systems, such as train autonomous operation control systems, which transmit real-time information between trains with the help of train-to-train communication. The communication delay affects the operation of the system. In addition, the train monitors real-time traffic information through on-board sensors. However, no measurement can be perfect, including sensors, which are affected by factors such as railway geometry and weather conditions. The sensor detection error is uncertain, resulting in multiple information uncertainties. Therefore, this paper proposes a train-following model based on the full velocity difference model by considering multiple information uncertainties and communication delay time to describe the autonomous operation of the train under a train autonomous operation control system. Based on this train-following model, a stability analysis and numerical simulation of train traffic flow are carried out. The results show that when the velocity measured by the sensor is smaller than the real velocity or the headway monitored by the sensor is greater than the real headway, the delay will increase and continue to propagate and accumulate backward, resulting in blockage. Otherwise, the opposite occurs. These findings suggest that the effects of multiple information uncertainties are two-sided, depending on the degree of uncertainty of velocity information and headway information. In addition, communication delay time has little effect on train flow and delay.

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Innovative dielectric elastomer actuator driver based on salamander muscle structures Chenghong Zhang(张成红) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  104503.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ae030a Abstract ( 51 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (807KB) ( 27 )   Salamander robots represent an innovative class of crawling robots that combine flexible limbs and spines to achieve exceptional motion stability and adaptability in unstructured environments. These biomimetic systems employ soft actuators that replicate the smooth, organic movements of living organisms, significantly enhancing fluid interaction efficiency and propulsion performance. This research specifically focuses on improving dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA)-based fish-like underwater robots by developing a novel drive mechanism inspired by the salamander musculature. While aquatic organisms such as fish possess complex muscle structures that challenge direct imitation, salamanders offer a more tractable model due to their simpler anatomical organization. Notably, the lateral inferior axonal muscles in salamanders exhibit a nearly flat configuration, with myomangial membranes arranged in a linear distribution from the lateral midline to the abdominal midline - a structural feature that is particularly amenable to DEA replication. Through systematic analysis of salamander morphology, this study develops a DEA driver model that investigates two critical performance parameters: (i) the impact of electrode geometry on the bending angle; and (ii) the relationship between driver quantity and angular displacement. The experimental results confirm that DEAs mimicking salamander muscle architecture can achieve substantially increased bending angles under optimized conditions, thereby demonstrating measurable improvements in robotic propulsion capabilities.

PHYSICS OF GASES, PLASMAS, AND ELECTRIC DISCHARGES

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Pulse interval tunable terahertz radiation from electron beam-plasma interactions Die Jian(简蝶), Jie Cai(蔡杰), Li-Qi Han(韩立琦), Xing-Yu Zhao(赵兴宇), Han Wen(温寒), and Jin-Qing Yu(余金清) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  105201.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add67a Abstract ( 36 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (775KB) ( 12 )   Terahertz (THz) radiation is rapidly emerging as a powerful tool with diverse applications, including high-speed imaging, laser-driven particle acceleration, and ultra-high frequency (UHF) communications. However, generating multi-pulse THz radiation with controllable time intervals remains a significant challenge. This study presents an approach to overcome this hurdle by exploiting the interaction between an electron beam and plasma. Using numerical simulations and theoretical analysis, we investigated the behavior of an electron beam within a plasma and its interaction with the longitudinal sheath field. This interaction resulted in the generation of multiple distinct THz pulses. We demonstrated that the plasma length adjustment allows for precise tuning of the interval between THz pulses. Moreover, the radiation intensity could be controlled by the electron beam energy and the electron bunch duration. The proposed scheme can generate multi-pulse THz radiation in a flexible and precise manner, paving the way for advancements in applications requiring high temporal resolution.

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Quantified causality dependence of dynamical relation between zonal flow and heat transport on isotope mass in tokamak edge plasmas Yu He(何钰), Zhongbing Shi(石中兵), Yuhong Xu(许宇鸿), Jun Cheng(程钧), Jianqiang Xu(许健强), Zhihui Huang(黄治辉), Na Wu(吴娜), Kaiyang Yi(弋开阳), Weice Wang(王威策), Min Jiang(蒋敏), Longwen Yan(严龙文), Xiaoquan Ji(季小全), and Wulyu Zhong(钟武律) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  105202.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade069 Abstract ( 49 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (992KB) ( 22 )   The isotope effect on zonal flows (ZFs) and turbulence remains a key issue that is not completely solved in fusion plasmas. This paper presents the first experimental results of the ab initio prediction of causal relation between geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) and ambient turbulence at different isotope masses in the edge of HL-2A tokamak, where transfer entropy method based on information-theoretical approach is utilized as a quantified indicator of causality. Analysis shows that GAM is more pronounced in deuterium plasmas than in hydrogen, leading to a lower heat transport as well as more peaked profiles in the former situation. The causal impact of GAM on conductive heat flux component is stronger than on the convective component, which is resulted from a larger causal influence of zonal flow on temperature fluctuation. While a stronger GAM in deuterium plasmas has larger influence on all flux components, the relative change in temperature fluctuation and coefficient is more obvious when the ion mass varies. These findings not only offer an in-depth understanding of the real causality between zonal flow and turbulence in the present isotope experiments, but also provide useful ways for the physical understandings of transport and zonal flow dynamics in future deuterium-tritium fusion plasmas.

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Effect of the confinement on two-dimensional complex plasmas with the shear force Haoyu Qi(齐颢与), Yang Liu(刘阳), Shaohuang Bian(卞少皇), Runing Liang(梁儒宁), Dan Zhang(张丹), and Feng Huang(黄峰) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  105203.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf17c Abstract ( 39 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1012KB) ( 9 )   Langevin molecular dynamics simulations reveal the impact of confinement strength on the structure and dynamics of a two-dimensional complex plasma under constant shear force. Structural analysis via Voronoi diagrams and the local bond-order parameter $|\varPsi_6|$ shows that stronger confinement enhances hexagonal order and mitigates shear-induced disorder. Dynamical properties, determined by mean-square displacement (MSD) and the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF), indicate that the shear-induced superdiffusion weakens with increasing confinement strength. The entropy change ($\Delta{S}$) shows that strong confinement ($\omega > 1$) balances particle dynamics between shear and shear-free regions, thereby stabilizing the system. These findings highlight the interplay between confinement and shear force.

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Electron-acoustic solitons in multi-species space plasmas: Supersoliton perspectives Ln Mbuli and Z Mtumela Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  105204.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add4f4 Abstract ( 50 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (2213KB) ( 11 )   Since the discovery of the electrostatic wave emissions such as broadband electrostatic noise (BEN) and electrostatic hiss in space plasmas, both kinetic and nonlinear fluid studies have been employed to study the properties and characteristics of the solitons. Here, we use the Sagdeev pseudo-potential method to investigate the existence of the high-frequency supersolitons in a four-component unmagnetised plasma model composed of hot, warm, and cool electrons and cool ions species. All species are treated as adiabatic and are considered as stationary in our soliton analysis. Although the model supports both slow and fast electron-acoustic soliton, only the solutions of a negative-polarity supersoliton solution of the fast electron-acoustic type are discussed in this research study. It is shown that high-frequency supersoliton exists in a very narrower region of parameter space. Furthermore, the lower and upper Mach numbers for the supersolitons are computed and discussed. We have constructed the existence domains of the supersolitons, and the maximum potential amplitudes are computed. Positive potential supersolitons are not found in our numerical analysis. The importance and applications of our numerical findings in space-plasma environments are also discussed.

CONDENSED MATTER: STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL, AND THERMAL PROPERTIES

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Displacement damage effects on the p-GaN HEMT induced by neutrons at Back-n in the China Spallation Neutron Source Yu-Fei Liu(刘宇飞), Li-Li Ding(丁李利), Yuan-Yuan Xue(薛院院), Shu-Xuan Zhang(张书瑄), Wei Chen(陈伟), and Yong-Tao Zhao(赵永涛) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106102.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addd80 Abstract ( 39 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (813KB) ( 20 )   Irradiation experiments on p-GaN gate high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) were conducted using neutrons at Back-streaming White Neutron (Back-n) facility at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Two groups of devices were float-biased, while one group was ON-biased. Post-irradiation analysis revealed that the electrical performance of the devices exhibited progressive degradation with increasing Back-n fluence, with the ON-biased group demonstrating the most pronounced deterioration. This degradation was primarily characterized by a negative shift in the threshold voltage, a significant increase in reverse gate leakage current, and a slight reduction in forward gate leakage. Further analysis of the gate leakage current and capacitance-voltage characteristics indicated an elevated concentration of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG), attributed to donor-type defects introduced within the barrier layer by Back-n irradiation. These defects act as hole traps, converting into fixed positive charges that deepen the quantum-well conduction band, thereby enhancing the 2DEG density. Additionally, through the trap-assisted tunneling mechanism, these defects serve as tunneling centers, increasing the probability of electron tunneling and consequently elevating the reverse gate leakage current.

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Displacement damage of the space broad-spectrum proton in semiconductor materials Yue-Qian Jiang(姜月千), Li-Chao Tian(田立朝), Guo-Bo Zhang(张国博), Run-Zhou Yu(余润洲), Bi-Hao Xu(徐碧浩), Xiang-Cheng Li(李翔城), Yan-Qing Deng(邓彦卿), De-Bin Zou(邹德滨), Tong Wu(吴桐), Yan-Yun Ma(马燕云), and Xiao-Hu Yang(杨晓虎) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106103.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adf9fb Abstract ( 64 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (918KB) ( 14 )   Displacement damage induced by high-energy protons in the space radiation environment presents a serious risk to the reliability of spacecraft materials and onboard electronics. Nevertheless, studies on displacement damage induced by space-based broad-spectrum protons are still limited. In this paper, the nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) of space broad-spectrum protons at different orbital altitudes in semiconductor materials is investigated using Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations. We find that the NIEL of silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs) first increases and then decreases with orbital altitude, and that shielding effects can result in either the saturation or continuous increase of NIEL, depending on the shielding layer thickness. A fast NIEL calculation method for arbitrary broad spectra is proposed based on statistical probability principles and the effective proton proportion. Meanwhile, a more uniform spatial distribution of mean damage energy per source particle ($T_{\rm dam}$) deposition from broad-spectrum protons can be achieved by increasing the shielding layer thickness and lowering the orbital altitude. Notably, the relative contribution of displacement damage caused by nuclear reactions decreases with increasing orbital altitude and shielding layer thickness. The results provide a quantitative reference for space displacement damage in semiconductor materials.

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Dynamically generating superflow in a bosonic ring via phase imprinting Ke-Ji Chen(陈科技) and Fan Wu(吴凡) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106701.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add67b Abstract ( 51 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (806KB) ( 13 )   Phase imprinting enables the dynamic generation of superflow in bosonic atoms, effectively overcoming traditional limitations such as vortex number constraints and heating effects. However, the mechanisms underlying superflow formation remain insufficiently understood. In this work, we reveal these mechanisms by studying the time evolution of the transferred total angular momentum and the quantized current throughout the phase imprinting process, achieved through numerically solving the time-dependent Schr?dinger and Gross-Pitaevskii equations. We demonstrate that the Bose gas dynamically acquires angular momentum through the density depletion induced by the phase imprinting potential, whereas quantized currents emerge from azimuthal phase slips accompanied by complete density depletions. Regarding the impact of system parameters, such as interactions, we find that interactions hinder superflow formation, as the azimuthal density distribution becomes less susceptible to the phase imprinting potential. Our findings offer microscopic insights into the dynamic development of superflow during the phase imprinting process and provide valuable guidance for ongoing experimental efforts.

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Pairing transitions in a binary Bose gas Zesheng Shen(沈泽盛) and Lan Yin(尹澜) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106702.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade075 Abstract ( 33 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (631KB) ( 4 )   The stable Bardeen-Schrieffer-Cooper (BCS) pairing state of a bosonic system has long been sought theoretically and experimentally. Here we propose that a stable BCS state of bosons can be realized in a binary Bose gas with s-wave intra-species repulsion and an inter-species attraction in the mean-field-stable region. We find that above the Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) transition temperature, there is a phase transition from the normal state to a BCS state driven by inter-species pairing. When the temperature decreases, another phase transition from the BCS state to a mixed state featuring both atomic BEC and inter-species pairing occurs. As the temperature is further lowered, the mixed state is eventually taken over by the pure BEC state. We present the phase diagram of this system and discuss its experimental implications.

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Epitaxial growth of Bi nanowires on Pb-√77 × √3 surface Siyu Huo(霍思宇), Jieying Li(李洁莹), Yuzhou Liu(刘宇舟), Desheng Cai(蔡德胜), Yitong Gu(谷易通), Haoen Chi(迟浩恩), Wenhui Pang(庞文慧), Gan Yu(于淦), Xiaoying Shi(史晓影), Wenguang Zhu(朱文光), and Shengyong Qin(秦胜勇) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  106801.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addeb9 Abstract ( 43 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1318KB) ( 30 )   Confining particles in one-dimensional (1D) systems profoundly modifies their electronic behaviors, which have been extensively demonstrated in carbon nanotubes and atomic chains. Structural instabilities and electron localizations often dominate the conductivity of 1D nanowires. Here, we successfully grew Bi single nanowires and nanowire arrays on Pb-$\sqrt 7 \times\sqrt 3 $ substrates via molecular beam epitaxy, both of which exhibit metallic behavior. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and first-principles density functional theory calculations, the interwire coupling and the correlation between nanowire bundles and electronic properties are investigated. A characteristic peak at 0.75 eV is observed on single wires and wire bundles of up to four nanowires, whereas interwire coupling weakens it and makes it disappear for wire bundles of five and above. These findings illustrate that the interwire coupling plays a critical role in the electronic structure of the 1D system, which provides insights for the design of nano-electronics materials.

CONDENSED MATTER: ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE, ELECTRICAL, MAGNETIC, AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES

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Single crystal growth and electronic structure of Fe-doped Sr3Ir2O7 Muhammad Waqas, Bingqian Wang(王冰倩), Shuting Peng(彭舒婷), Jianchang Shen(沈建昌), Linwei Huai(淮琳崴), Xiupeng Sun(孙秀鹏), Yu Miao(缪宇), Pelda Uzun, Runqing Luan(栾润青), Zikun Feng(冯梓琨), Dai Pan(潘岱), Xinru Yong(勇欣茹), Hongxu Sun(孙鸿绪), Zhipeng Ou(欧志鹏), and Junfeng He(何俊峰) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107101.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adda0b Abstract ( 42 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (4025KB) ( 15 )   Metal-insulator transition (MIT) in perovskite iridium oxides Sr$_{n+1}$Ir$_{n}$O$_{3n+1}$ represents one of the most attractive phenomena exemplifying the cooperation of Coulomb interaction and spin-orbit coupling (SOC). MIT takes place when Sr$_{n+1}$Ir$_{n}$O$_{3n+1}$ ($n = 1$, 2) is doped with carriers. While electron-doped Sr$_{n+1}$Ir$_{n}$O$_{3n+1}$ ($n = 1$, 2) systems have been extensively investigated, hole-doped samples are still limited. Here, we report the first growth of Fe-doped (hole-doped) Sr$_{3}$Ir$_{2}$O$_{7}$ single crystals [Sr$_{3}$(Ir$_{1-x}$Fe$_{x}$)$_{2}$O$_{7}$] with the doping level $0.1\le x \le 0.28$. An MIT behavior is observed at the doping level of $x \sim 0.16$ from resistivity measurements. Electronic structures of Fe-doped Sr$_{3}$Ir$_{2}$O$_{7}$ have been revealed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) measurements. The evident energy shift of the band structure indicates higher hole-doping level as compared with Rh-doped Sr$_{3}$Ir$_{2}$O$_{7}$. Our results demonstrate that Fe doping serves as an effective approach for heavily hole doping in Sr$_{3}$Ir$_{2}$O$_{7}$, thereby offering a powerful strategy to modulate MIT in this material system.

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Realize high thermoelectric performance in both zone-melted ingots and powder-metallurgy bulks of Bi0.46Sb1.54Te3 Kai-Wen Zhao(赵凯雯), Meng-Yao Li(李梦瑶), Ying-Jiu Zhang(张迎九), and Hong-Zhang Song(宋红章) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107203.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add503 Abstract ( 48 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1016KB) ( 8 )   Bi(Sb)$_{2}$Te(Se)$_{3}$ alloys, as the only commercial thermoelectric materials, have been applied widely in cooling fields. While, the current energy conversion efficiency (dominated by the dimensionless ZT) of commercial products is still lower and cannot meet the market demand. In this paper, high thermoelectric performance at room temperature in both zone-melted (ZM) Bi$_{0.46}$Sb$_{1.54}$Te$_{3}$ ingots and powder-metallurgy (PM) Bi$_{0.46}$Sb$_{1.54}$Te$_{3}$ blocks with a large size was realized successfully by optimizing their preparation process. The peak ZT values of ZM and PM p-type Bi$_{0.46}$Sb$_{1.54}$Te$_{3}$ alloys reached 1.26 and 1.45, respectively. They are higher than those of all the n-type or p-type Bi$_{2}$Te$_{3}$-based products in current commercial applications. In particular, their production process of large size p-type Bi$_{0.46}$Sb$_{1.54}$Te$_{3}$ alloys could be directly industrialized.

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Chemical pressure manipulation of ferromagnetism in magnetic semiconductor Ba(Zn,Mn,Cu)2As2 Xueqin Zhao(赵雪芹), Jinou Dong(董金瓯), Lingfeng Xie(谢玲凤), Xun Pan(潘洵), Haoyuan Tang(唐浩原), Zhicheng Xu(徐之程), and Fanlong Ning(宁凡龙) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107510.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addbce Abstract ( 36 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1245KB) ( 12 )   We report the manipulation of ferromagnetism in magnetic semiconductor Ba(Zn,Mn,Cu)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ through chemical pressure. The substitutions of Sr for Ba and Sb for As introduce positive and negative chemical pressures, respectively; neither Sr doping nor Sb doping change the tetragonal crystal structure. Based on Ba(Zn$_{0.75}$Mn$_{0.125}$Cu$_{0.125}$)$_{2}$As$_{2}$ with $T_{{\rm C}}$ $\sim34$ K, 10% Sr/Ba substitutions significantly improve $T_{{\rm C}}$ by $\sim15$% to 39 K, whereas 10% Sb/As substitutions substantially reduce $T_{{\rm C}}$ by $\sim47$% to 18 K. The AC magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that Sr-doped and Sb-doped samples evolve into a spin glass state below the spin freezing temperature $T_{{\rm f}}$. Electrical transport measurements demonstrate that Sr-doped specimens retain semiconducting behavior; additionally, they display a significant negative magnetoresistance effect under applied magnetic fields and the magnetoresistance reaches $\sim-19%$ at 8 T.

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Tunable anomalous Hall effect and anisotropic magnetism in In-doped TbMn6Sn6 kagome magnets Detong Wu(吴德桐), Jianwei Qin(秦建伟), and Bing Shen(沈冰) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107511.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adde37 Abstract ( 47 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (998KB) ( 10 )   Kagome magnets TbMn$_6$Sn$_{6-x}$In$_x$ ($x = 0$-1.2) exhibit a robust anomalous Hall effect (AHE) that persists above room temperature, demonstrating significant potential for high-temperature spintronics applications. At elevated temperatures, a spin-reorientation transition induces a ferrimagnetic state (FIM1) with in-plane magnetic moments, accompanied by a non-monotonic Hall response that differs markedly from the low-temperature behavior. Upon indium doping, the long-range ferrimagnetic transition is progressively suppressed to lower temperatures, along with a noticeable reduction in magnetic anisotropy. Interestingly, at a doping level of $x = 1.2$, the FIM1 state observed in the parent compound is completely eliminated. These systematic changes in magnetic ordering and transport properties underscore a coherent evolution of the electronic and magnetic states with doping, offering critical insights into the interplay among lattice structure, magnetism, and electronic behavior in kagome lattices.

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Stability and characteristic modes of skyrmions in magnetic nanotubes Tijjani Abdulrazak, Qizhi Cai(蔡淇智), and Guangwei Deng(邓光伟) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107512.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade071 Abstract ( 54 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (799KB) ( 16 )   We study the stability and dynamic behaviors of skyrmions in magnetic nanotubes, where curvature and cylindrical symmetry provide unique mechanisms for skyrmion formation and control. Unlike planar geometries, skyrmions confined in nanotubes exhibit elliptical shapes, stabilized through the interplay of curvature-induced effects, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), and magnetic anisotropy. Using micromagnetic simulations, we construct phase diagrams of skyrmion stability as functions of DMI strength and anisotropy, identifying transitions to saturated or helical configurations in unstable regimes. The dynamics reveal distinct counterclockwise gyration modes, strongly influenced by tube geometry and applied microwave fields. We find that external magnetic fields significantly enhance the azimuthal velocity ($\bar{v}_\phi$) while maintaining a consistent axial motion ($\bar{v}_z$) along the $-z$-direction. Furthermore, transitions between gyration and linear translation modes emerge, governed by the combined effects of magnetic field, DMI, and curvature. Notably, the skyrmion's motion direction depends on the excitation mode and DMI sign, while curvature-modified spin textures produce effective fields without conventional pinning. These results demonstrate that magnetic nanotubes offer a robust and tunable platform for skyrmion manipulation, with potential applications in next-generation memory and logic devices. Our findings also highlight the role of curvature in enabling stable and controllable topological spin textures for advanced spintronic technologies.

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Josephson diode effect in altermagnet-based s-wave superconductor junction Yi Jiang(蒋易), Han-Lin Liu(刘翰林), and Jun Wang(汪军) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  107803.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add7aa Abstract ( 44 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (548KB) ( 17 )   We investigate the possible Josephson diode effect (JDE) in a two-dimensional (2D) nonmagnetic planar s-wave superconductor junction, which is constructed on a spin-collinear d-wave altermagnet (AM) material in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit interaction. It is demonstrated that the JDE is critically dependent on the crystalline axis of the AM relative to the current direction. The ${\rm d}_{x^2-y^2}$ magnetization symmetry can support a JDE whereas the ${\rm d}_{xy}$ symmetry does not facilitate it. The JDE efficiency can reach up to $40%$ and can be adjusted by an additional asymmetric gate voltage applied to the non-superconducting region of the junction, including control of its polarity. Our findings provide an electrical means to control the JDE within a non-magnetic AM-based superconducting junction.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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High-performance bilayer IGZO thin-film transistors by sputtering heterojunction with differences in indium elemental content Longfei Zhang(张龙飞), Hanzhe Zhang(张翰哲), Yuhang Wang(王宇航), Shichen Su(宿世臣), Xianghu Wang(王相虎), Dezhen Shen(申德振), and Hai Zhu(朱海) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108101.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add67d Abstract ( 92 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1138KB) ( 78 )   The high-quality semiconductor InGaZnO (IGZO) alloy thin films with different indium (In) elemental contents were deposit utilized magnetron sputtering. The novel bilayer heterojunction TFT devices based on our fabricated IGZO films were proposed, and their performance exhibited significant improvement compared to single layer IGZO TFTs. In the bilayer heterojunction TFT, the field-effect mobility was promoted to 23.5 cm$^{2}\cdot$V$^{-1}\cdot$s$^{-1}$, the switching ratio reached 4.1$\times10^{7}$, and the subthreshold swing was reduced to 0.42 V/dec. Moreover, the variation of bilayer TFTs threshold voltage ($V_{\rm th}$) was significantly suppressed, Under positive gate bias stress (PBS) and negative gate bias stress (NBS), the threshold shift is reduced to be 1.5 V and $-1.1 $ V, respectively. The heterojunction within the bilayer IGZO films constructs a potential barrier at the interface, which facilitated the accumulation of channel electrons. Additionally, the low In-element content passivation layer in IGZO films not only preserved the channel of TFT but also reduced electron scattering, thereby the performance properties of TFT were enhancing. The excellent transistor characteristics of devices demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed bilayer heterojunction TFT, which will promote the basic research of IGZO device and accelerate the practical application of transparency IGZO TFT.

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Phase-field simulation dendritic growth under forced convection with hypergravity Jianjing Zheng(郑建靖), Xuanxuan Zhou(周旋旋), Daosheng Ling(凌道盛), and Kunming Song(宋坤明) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108102.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ade068 Abstract ( 56 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (3322KB) ( 11 )   The phase-field method is used to study the free dendritic crystal growth under forced convection with hypergravity, the hypergravity term is introduced into the liquid-phase momentum equation to examine the dendritic growth. The paper focuses on the morphology of dendrite growth as well as the tip radius of the upstream dendritic arm and the average growth velocity of dendrite tips under different hypergravity levels. The results show that the morphology of dendrite changes significantly under represent simulation conditions when the hypergravity reaches $35\bm g_0$, the upstream dendritic arm will bifurcate and the horizontal dendrite arms gradually tilt upwards. This change is mainly caused by the hypergravity and flow changing the temperature field near the dendrite interface. In addition, before the morphology of the dendrite is significantly altered, the radius of the tip of the dendrite upstream arm becomes larger with the increase in hypergravity, and the average growth velocity will increase linearly with it. The morphology of dendritic growth under different hypergravity and the changes in the tip radius along with the average growth velocity of the upstream dendritic tip with hypergravity are given in this paper. Finally, the reasons for these phenomena are analyzed.

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Synthesis, characterizations, electrochemical and molecular docking studies of CoxFe1-xFe2O4/Fe2O3 nanoparticle M. I. M. Ismail, Hassen Harzali, HaikelHrichi, Hasan A. El-adawy, Khaled A. Abdelshafeek, and Ahmed A. Elhenaw Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108202.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adde35 Abstract ( 40 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1908KB) ( 25 )   The advantageous magnetic, optical, and antibacterial properties of magnetic nanoparticles have recently drawn a lot of attention in the field of biomedicine. One of the most famous super paramagnetic materials, nanoferrite, is made up of two types of spinel structures: inverse and normal. Cobalt ferrite's inverse spinel structure offers several benefits, including excellent magnetostrictivity, good coupling efficiency, and inexpensive cost. This study's objective is to synthesize, characterize, and investigate the characteristics of the electrochemical properties of Co$_{x}$Fe$_{1-x}$Fe$_{2}$O$_{4}$/Fe$_{2}$O$_{3 }$ ($x = 0.30$ and 0.77) nanoparticles using the chemical co-precipitation method. The physical properties of the produced nanoparticles were investigated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The band gap properties of magneto-nano powders, including the direct and indirect band gap energies, and Urbach energy, are found. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherical nanoparticles ranging from 20.7 nm-23.7 nm. The analysis of Co$_{x}$Fe$_{1-x}$Fe$_{2}$O$_{4}$/Fe$_{2}$O$_{3 }$ ($x = 0.30$ and 0.77) nanoparticles, for instance, reveals differences in their surface characteristics that are significant for their potential applications. Parameters like $d_{\rm norm}$, $d_{\rm e}$, and $d_{\rm i}$, along with shape index and curvedness, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the molecular surface, which is crucial for the design of new materials with desired physical and chemical properties. Molecular docking studies have revealed promising interactions between certain crystals and DNA gyrase, mirroring the binding mode of known inhibitors. This suggests potential for these crystals to serve as antimicrobial agents in future research. Such findings are crucial as they contribute to the development of new treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health concern.

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Mechanical activation of DNA transport across single-walled carbon nanotubes Junjie Gao(高俊杰), Yichao Wu(吴逸超), Siqi Yu(俞斯棋), Xiaoyan Zhou(周晓艳), and Hangjun Lu(陆杭军) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108701.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adce9b Abstract ( 49 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (4459KB) ( 9 )   We employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the directed transport of a double-stranded oligonucleotide (dsDNA) through a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) powered by external mechanical vibrations. It is thermodynamically favorable for dsDNA to adsorb inside the SWNT, and its transport through the nanotube is challenging due to the high energy barrier. However, we demonstrate that mechanical vibrations at specific frequencies can effectively drive the dsDNA through the nanotube based on a ratchet effect. The system is driven away from thermal equilibrium, and the spatial inversion symmetry is broken by mechanical vibrations. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of mechanically activated DNA transport and highlights the potential of using SWNTs as nanoscale conduits for dsDNA delivery in nanobiotechnology and biomedicine.

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Adaptive polynomial approximation-based virtual coupled cooperative control for high-speed trains Kai-Xiang Wang(王凯祥), Ming-Yue Ren(任明月), Qian-Ling Wang(王千龄), and Xue Lin(林雪) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108901.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/adde34 Abstract ( 37 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1132KB) ( 7 )   Virtual coupling is a novel technology that enables trains to run closely together without physical connections through communication and automation systems. The paper addresses an adaptive polynomial approximation algorithm for the cooperative control of high-speed trains (HSTs) under virtual coupling. It aims to solve the cooperative tracking control problem of HST formation operations under various scenarios, including known and unknown parameters. To enable the HST formation system to achieve cooperative operation while ensuring an appropriate spacing distance, the tracking errors of displacement and speed throughout the entire operation converge to zero. The proposed control strategy focuses on adopting polynomial approximation to handle unknown parameters, which are estimated via adaptive laws. Additionally, the unknown parameters of the HSTs are estimated online through adaptive laws. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of this method.

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A novel deceleration traffic flow model with oscillatory congested states Junxia Wang(王君霞) and Tiandong Xu(徐天东) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108902.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/add500 Abstract ( 59 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (11406KB) ( 33 )   A novel deceleration traffic flow model is established based on the oscillatory congested states and the slow-to-start rule. The novel model considers human overreaction and mechanical restrictions as limited deceleration capacity, effectively avoiding the unrealistic deceleration behavior found in most existing traffic flow models. In order to consider that the acceleration of a stationary vehicle is slower than that of a moving vehicle due to reasons such as driver inattention, the slow-to-start rule is introduced. In actual traffic, the driver will take different deceleration measures according to local traffic conditions, divided into ordinary and emergency deceleration. The deceleration setting in the deceleration model with only ordinary deceleration is modified. Computer simulations show that the novel model can achieve smooth, comfortable acceleration and deceleration behavior. Introducing the slow-to-start rule can realize the first-order transition from free flow to synchronized flow. The oscillatory congested states enable a first-order transition from synchronized flow to wide moving jam. Under periodic boundary conditions, the novel model can reproduce three traffic flow phases (free flow, synchronized flow, and wide moving jam) and two first-order transitions between three phases. In addition, the novel model can reproduce empirical results such as linear synchronized flow and headway distribution of free flow below 1 s. Under open boundary conditions, different congested patterns caused by on-ramps are analyzed. Compared with the classic deceleration model, this model can better reproduce the phenomenon and characteristics of actual traffic flow and provide more accurate decision support for daily traffic management of expressways.

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Extracting fuzzy clusters from massive attributed graphs using Markov lumpability optimization Kai-Yue Jiang(蒋凯悦), Li-Heng Xu(徐力恒), Shi-Pei Lin(林诗佩), Li-Yang Zhou(周李阳), Hui-Jia Li(李慧嘉), and Ge Gao(高歌) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  108903.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/addaa2 Abstract ( 61 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (1075KB) ( 26 )   Attributed graph clustering plays a vital role in uncovering hidden network structures, but it presents significant challenges. In recent years, various models have been proposed to identify meaningful clusters by integrating both structural and attribute-based information. However, these models often emphasize node proximities without adequately balancing the efficiency of clustering based on both structural and attribute data. Furthermore, they tend to neglect the critical fuzzy information inherent in attributed graph clusters. To address these issues, we introduce a new framework, Markov lumpability optimization, for efficient clustering of large-scale attributed graphs. Specifically, we define a lumped Markov chain on an attribute-augmented graph and introduce a new metric, Markov lumpability, to quantify the differences between the original and lumped Markov transition probability matrices. To minimize this measure, we propose a conjugate gradient projection-based approach that ensures the partitioning closely aligns with the intrinsic structure of fuzzy clusters through conditional optimization. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed framework compared to existing clustering algorithms. This framework has many potential applications, including dynamic community analysis of social networks, user profiling in recommendation systems, functional module identification in biological molecular networks, and financial risk control, offering a new paradigm for mining complex patterns in high-dimensional attributed graph data.

CORRIGENDUM

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Corrigendum to “Enhanced thermoelectric properties of the topological phase of monolayer HfC” Wenlai Mu(母文来), Nisar Muhammad(穆罕默德 尼萨), Baojuan Dong(董宝娟), Nguyen Tuan Hung(阮俊兴), Huaihong Guo(郭怀红), Riichiro Saito(斋藤理一郎), Weijiang Gong(公卫江), Teng Yang(杨腾), and Zhidong Zhang(张志东) Chin. Phys. B, 2025, 34 (10):  109901.  DOI: 10.1088/1674-1056/ae0c7b Abstract ( 45 )   HTML ( 0 )   PDF (688KB) ( 12 )   Figure 3(d) in the paper [Chin. Phys. B 34 057301 (2025)] contained typos in the $ZT$ values. Figure A4 contained typo in the label. The correct figures are provided. This modification does not affect the result presented in the paper.