Central Peak Research Articles

From Phonons to Domain Walls, the Central Peak and “Critical Slowing Down”

We investigate perovskite oxides from different perspectives, namely their pseudo-harmonic dynamical properties, their dynamical properties when strong anharmonicity exists, and the intriguing functionalities arising from domain walls. Taking these viewpoints together yields a rather complex picture of this material class, which has not been found in previous approaches. It opens pathways to novel applications and reveals the rich ground states beyond the fictitious belief in the ‘simplicity of perovskites and such structures’.

Study on flow regime characteristics in 3×3 rod bundle channels based on wire mesh sensor

Abstract The characteristics and evolution of two-phase flow are of critical importance to the safety of pressurized water reactors. Based on the double-layer wire mesh sensors in this paper, the air-water two-phase flow experiment of the 3×3 rod bundle channels is carried out at room temperature and pressure. The results show that the critical bubble diameter range for the reversal of lateral lift direction is 4 to 5.8 mm. In addition, the time-averaged void fraction for bubbly flow reveals a wall peak distribution at lower superficial gas velocities and shifts to a core peak as these velocities increase. For cap flow, the cross-distribution of cap bubbles within adjacent subchannels triggers large-scale mixing of the liquid phase between adjacent subchannels. For slug flow, large-sized bubbles develop along the axis and cross subchannel gaps to aggregate into slug-shaped bubbles, with a more pronounced distribution of the central peak of void fraction. The drift-flux models are evaluated against the experimental data, and the Ozaki model demonstrates higher precision in estimating void fraction, exhibiting a deviation of 9.8% on average.

Parameter characterization of the PBM-DEM method in numerical simulation of shallow buried mine explosions

Abstract To investigate the impact of various parameters on the numerical simulation of shallow buried mine explosions through the particle explosion method and discrete element method, this paper adopts a coupled method of particle blast method and discrete element method, namely the PBM-DEM method, to simulate the response of AL-6XN stainless steel plate under shallow buried mine explosions. This article first combines the experimental results of Børvik to validate the precision of the PBM-DEM approach. Then, the influence of particle quantity, interaction parameters between sand particles, and interaction parameters between sand particles and plate on the outcomes of the numerical simulations are analyzed. The analysis reveals that as the quantity of explosive particles rises, the central displacement and maximum kinetic energy of the plate escalate. In contrast, these values decrease as the number of sand particles increases. The interaction parameters between sand particles have almost no effect on the numerical simulation results. The damping and stiffness parameters between the sand particles and the plate have a pronounced effect on the numerical simulation results, and the center displacement and peak kinetic energy of the plate rise as the damping and stiffness parameters between the sand particles and the plate increase.

Morphological and chronological mapping of Petavius crater, nearside of the Moon

Petavius, a complex crater from the late Imbrian epoch, features a giant central peak, numerous smaller peaks, and an inner terraced wall arising nearly 3 km above the crater floor. The region has seen periods of tectonic and volcanic activity. A meter-scale detailed mapping of LROC- Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images was carried out to understand the tectonic features and associated volcanic history under this crater. We found many fragmented blocks, fields of striated boulders, grabens, layering near grabens and striated boulders, rock exposures, and many fractures from NAC mapping, indicating magmacreating pressure underneath the floor of a crater. The fractures identified from NAC images are probably linked with an underlying magmatic sill of high-density bodies. Crater size-frequency distribution analysis indicates that magmatic activity likely persisted for ∼2.75 Ga in the Petavius crater. It is noteworthy that this relatively recent age of volcanism has not been reported previously. The crustal thickness of the study region varies from 27 to 40 km; at the mapped tectonic features and volcanic regions, the crustal thickness of 30–34 km is found. The unique tectonic environment of the Petavius crater, in combination with the associated morphological variation and numerous exposures of mafic, suggests that the crater formed in phases associated with its structural and morphologic features and is derived from the lower crust. The morphometric analysis and previous studies support a model of magmatic intrusion and sill formation within the fractured crust beneath the crater floor; such a sill would be a likely source both for effusive mare material erupted through floor fractures into low-lying portions of the crater floor. The tectonic system on the floor of the crater was the result of post-impact processes.

Gypsum on Mars: A Detailed View at Gale Crater

Gypsum is a common mineral at Gale crater on Mars, currently being explored by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity. In this paper, we summarize the associations of gypsum with other sulfate minerals (bassanite, anhydrite, jarosite, starkeyite, and kieserite) from the lowest levels of the crater’s northern moat zone (Aeolis Palus) up through ~0.8 km of the stratigraphic section in the lower slopes of the sedimentary mound developed around the central peak, Aeolis Mons (informally, Mount Sharp). The analysis is based on results from the CheMin X-ray diffraction instrument on Curiosity, supplemented with information from the rover’s versatile instrument suite. Gypsum does not occur with the same frequency as less hydrous Ca-sulfates, likely, in most cases, because of its dehydration to bassanite and possibly to anhydrite. All three of these Ca-sulfate phases often occur together and, along with other sulfates, in mixed assemblages that are evidence of limited equilibration on a cold, dry planet. In almost all samples, at least one of the Ca-sulfate minerals is present, except for a very limited interval where jarosite is the major sulfate mineral, with the implication of more acidic groundwater at a much later time in Gale crater’s history. Although observations from orbit reveal a sulfate-rich surface, currently active dark basaltic dunes at Gale crater have only small amounts of a single sulfate mineral, anhydrite. Gale crater has provided the most complete mineralogical analysis of a site on Mars so far, but the data in hand show that Gale crater mineralogy is not a blueprint with planet-wide application. The concurrent study of Jezero crater by the Mars 2020 mission and comparisons to what is believed to be the most extensive deposit of gypsum on Mars, in the dune fields at the north polar ice cap, show significant diversity. Unraveling the stories of gypsum and other sulfates on Mars is just beginning.

Mollow-like Triplets in Ultrafast Resonant Absorption.

We show that resonant absorption of smooth laser fields can yield Mollow-like triplet patterns. General conditions for such triplets are derived and illustrated with a super-Gaussian pulse sequence. Gaussian pulses cannot exhibit triplets, super-Gaussian pulses can form triplets depending on the pulse area, and flattop pulses can produce absorption triplets after one Rabi cycle. Our results are compared side by side with resonance fluorescence to emphasize similarities and differences between these unlike observables. In the high-intensity limit, we show that the central absorption peak is asymmetric, which we attribute to nonlinear photoionization, beyond two-level atomic physics.

Simulations of Femtosecond-Laser Near-Field Ablation Using Nanosphere under Dynamic Excitation.

Femtosecond lasers have garnered widespread attention owing to their subdiffraction processing capabilities. However, their intricate natures, involving intrapulse feedbacks between transient material excitation and laser propagation, often present significant challenges for near-field ablation predictions and simulations. To address these challenges, the current study introduces an improved finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD)-plasma model (plasma)-two-temperature model (TTM) framework for simulating the ablation processes of various nanospheres on diverse substrates, particularly in scenarios wherein dynamic and heterogeneous excitations significantly influence optical-field distributions. Initially, FDTD simulations of a single Au nanosphere on a Si substrate reveal that, with transitions in the excitation states of the substrate, the field-intensity distribution transforms from a profile with a single central peak to a bimodal structure, consistent with experimental reports. Subsequently, simulations of a polystyrene nanosphere array on a SiO2 substrate reveal that different excitation states of the nanospheres yield two distinct modes, namely near-field enhancement and masking. These modes cannot be adequately modeled in the FDTD simulations. Our combined model also considers the intrapulse feedback between the electromagnetic-field distribution resulting from near-field effects and material excitations. Furthermore, the model can quantitatively analyze subsequent electron-phonon coupling and material removal processes resulting from thermal-phase transitions. Consequently, our model facilitates predictions of the femtosecond-laser ablation of single nanospheres or nanosphere arrays with varying sizes and materials placed on substrates subjected to near-field effects.

Quantum Transport through a Quantum Dot Coupled to Majorana Nanowire and Two Ferromagnets with Noncollinear Magnetizations.

We study the electron tunneling (ET) and local Andreev reflection (AR) processes in a quantum dot (QD) coupled to the left and right ferromagnetic leads with noncollinear ferromagnetisms. In particular, we consider that the QD is also side-coupled to a nanowire hosting Majorana bound states (MBSs) at its ends. Our results show that when one mode of the MBSs is coupled simultaneously to both spin-up and spin-down electrons on the QD, the height of the central peak is different from that if the MBS is coupled to only one spin component electrons. The ET and AR conductances, which are mediated by the dot-MBS hybridization, strongly depend on the angle between the left and right magnetic moments in the leads. Interaction between the QD and the MBSs will result in sign change of the angle-dependent tunnel magnetoresistance. This is very different from the case when the QD is coupled to regular fermonic mode, and can be used for detecting the existence of MBSs, a current challenge in condensed matter physics under extensive investigations.

Random lasing in micron-sized individual supraparticles.

Self-assembled fluorescent particles have shown promise as a potential structure for random lasers. However, obtaining micron-sized random lasers made with fluorescent particles remains a challenge. Theoretically, achieving micron-sized random lasers could be possible by assembling supraparticles composed of colloidal particles. Despite extensive research on supraparticles, the generation of random lasers from this structure is rarely reported. In this study, we introduce a rapid and efficient method for producing supraparticles from fluorescent particles. The resulting supraparticles exhibit diameters ranging from 50 to 150 µm with particles well-connected and uniformly distributed throughout their structure. Under optical excitation, supraparticles with a diameter larger than 80 µm demonstrate lasing emission with a threshold of approximately 77 μJ·mm-2. Larger supraparticles exhibit a distinct redshift in lasing wavelength compared to the smaller ones. Specifically, the central peak lasing wavelength shows a shift of about 7.5 nm as the supraparticle diameter increases from 80 to 150 μm.

A Hot Core in the Group-dominant Elliptical Galaxy NGC 777

NGC 777 provides an example of a phenomenon observed in some group-central ellipticals, in which the temperature profile shows a central peak, despite the short central cooling time of the intragroup medium. We use deep Chandra X-ray observations of the galaxy, supported by uGMRT 400 MHz radio imaging, to investigate the origin of this hot core. We confirm the centrally peaked temperature profile and find that the entropy and cooling time both monotonically decline to low values (2.62 −0.18+0.19 keV cm2 and 71.3−13.1+12.8 Myr, respectively) in the central ∼700 pc. Faint diffuse radio emission surrounds the nuclear point source, with no clear jets or lobes but extending to ∼10 kpc on the northwest–southeast axis. This alignment and extent agree well with a previously identified filamentary Hα + [N ii] nebula. While cavities are not firmly detected, we see X-ray surface brightness decrements on the same axis at 10–20 kpc radii, which are consistent with the intragroup medium having been pushed aside by expanding radio lobes. Any such outburst must have occurred long enough ago for lobe emission to have faded below detectability. Cavities on this scale would be capable of balancing radiative cooling for at least ∼240 Myr. We consider possible causes of the centrally peaked temperature profile, including gravitational heating of gas as the halo relaxes after a period of active galactic nucleus jet activity, and heating by particles leaking from the remnant relativistic plasma of the old radio jets.

Note on the emission spectrum and trapping states in the Jaynes–Cummings model

The emission of light from an atom represents a fundamental process that provides valuable insights into the atom–light interaction. The Jaynes–Cummings model is one of the simplest fully quantized models to deal with these interactions, allowing for an analytical solution, while exhibiting notable nontrivial effects. We explore new, to our knowledge, features in the fluorescence emission spectrum for initial “trapping states,” which suppress the atomic population inversion. Despite the seemingly dormant activity of the atom, the resulting emission spectra exhibit rich features, and using a dressed-state coordinates formalism, we are able to quantitatively explain the different profiles in the spectrum. We generalize the trapping conditions for nonzero atom-field detuning and also unveil two types of trapping states that lead to spectra with three peaks, in contrast to previously known states: a center peak and one secondary peak on each side. These are a trapping state formed by a Schrödinger cat state with Poissonian statistics (Yurke–Stoler state) and also a different type of “perfect trapping state.”

Use of GIS tools, enhanced by FFT filtering methods, to detect blurred craters in Synthetic Digital Elevation Models, to improve their location and morphological characterisation

Filtered Geomorphic Reference Models (FGRMs), extracted from High-Pass Filters based on the Fast Fourier Transform (HPF-FFT), provide a semi-automated and objective detection of a wide range of geoforms and geomorphic situations (flat areas, slopes, depressions, or valley bottoms). The method is sensitive enough to reveal numerous inflection points that enable the identification of subtle changes in relief polarity, resulting in accurate representations of real land depressions. The effectiveness of this method has been demonstrated in lunar landscapes, utilizing altimetry extracted from high-precision Planetary Digital Elevation Models (PDEMs) to construct crater inventories with well-defined FGRMs. However, when analysing lunar environments with closely-spaced geomorphic features, the FGRMs display blurring and generalization effects, reducing their capability to identify all existing crater depressions. This limitation controls the ability of FGRMs, to generate reliable crater inventories. This study examines such effects in three experiments. Using Synthetic Digital Relief Models (SDRMs) constructed by means of a MATLAB script two experiments are performed. In Experiment_1 different scenarios of proximity between aligned craters are analysed. The marks, or footprints, formed by craters of identical size and shape (i.e., circular bowl-shaped depressions with central peaks) are considered, resulting in simplified PDEMs. Various scenarios of crater centre separation (proximity) and the presence of internal features within craters are also analysed. Experiment_2 validates the method with different proximities, locations and crater sizes. Experiment_3 validates the approach in a sampled area of LRO lunar PDEM corresponding to Zelinskiy crater (Mare Ingenii area). To address these blurring effects, a hybrid methodology is employed, generating FGRMs extracted from HPF-FFT, in conjunction with other GIS and remote sensing tools, such as singular point zoning, aspect-slope zoning, and edge-limits zoning. As a result, the correspondence between the FGRMs and the synthetic forms is examined, aiding the comprehension of the graphical response provided by filtering in these cratered areas. The methodology demonstrates that FGRMs derived from HPF-FFT are sensitive to capturing connections between shapes as soon as the crater features start to merge, while blurring becomes evident when the craters are located at a proximity of <20 model units. Additionally, the results highlight the method's utility in accurately locating crater footprints and morphologically characterizing inner crater features, even when crater centres are closely spaced. This approach effectively mitigates blurring effects and enables the precise localization of crater marks and their internal features. The validations carried out in complex relief and high precise DEMs provide a use in real situation.

A finite element framework for fluid–structure interaction of turbulent cavitating flows with flexible structures

We present a finite element framework for the numerical prediction of cavitating turbulent flows interacting with flexible structures. The vapor–fluid phases are captured through a homogeneous mixture model, with a scalar transport equation governing the spatio-temporal evolution of cavitation dynamics. High-density gradients in the two-phase cavitating flow motivate the use of a positivity-preserving Petrov–Galerkin stabilization method in the variational framework. A mass transfer source term introduces local compressibility effects arising as a consequence of phase change. The turbulent fluid flow is modeled through a dynamic subgrid-scale method for large eddy simulations. The flexible structure is represented by a set of eigenmodes, obtained through a modal decomposition of the linear elasticity equations. While a partitioned iterative approach is adopted to couple the structural dynamics and cavitating fluid flow, the deforming flow domain is described by an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian frame of reference. We establish the fidelity of the proposed framework by comparing it against experimental and numerical studies for both rigid and flexible hydrofoils in cavitating flows. Under unstable partial cavitating conditions, we identify specific vortical structures leading to cloud cavity collapse. We further explore features of cavitating flow past a rigid body such as re-entrant jet and turbulence-cavity interactions during cloud cavity collapse. Based on the validation study conducted over a flexible NACA66 rectangular hydrofoil, we elucidate the role of cavity and vortex shedding in governing the structural dynamics. Subsequently, we identify a broad spectrum frequency band whose central peak does not correlate to the frequency content of the cavitation dynamics or the natural frequencies of the structure, indicating the induction of unsteady flow patterns around the hydrofoil. Finally, we discuss the coupled fluid–structure dynamics during a cavitation cycle and the underlying mechanism associated with the promotion and mitigation of cavitation.

Morphometric and structural parameters of impact craters in Algeria: Control of sedimentary target rocks and effect of post impact process

The Earth Impact Database (EID) currently includes four impact craters located in Algeria. These craters are well-exposed, morphologically visible, partially covered and all situated in a vast, very arid Saharan geological domain devoid of any vegetation cover. Consequently, they can be easily identified using the TanDEM-X digital elevation model and Alsat-1B satellite images. The aim of this work is to identify the characteristics of sedimentary target rocks that control the morphometric and structural parameters of Algerian craters, as well as the effects of post-impact processes. Crater exposure, type, and structure (depth-diameter ratio, rim-to-floor height, central peak and moat diameters), outline (circular, polygonal, elongated) and impactite types are therefore discussed. Relative or stratigraphic dating and erosion/burial rates are estimated for the craters. Results indicate that Amguid and Talemzane are simple, well-preserved young craters, closer to a pristine state. Tin Bider is a complex exposed structure showing an irregular outline with a well-developed central peak and two rings. Ouarkziz is a transitional crater; based on its diameter alone it is classified as a complex crater; however, a topographic central peak is not observed. A deep formation uplift is detected in the central zone, interpreted as a stratigraphic peak where the uplift has not reached significant heights to form a clearly visible peak. This may be due to the reduced diameter of Ouarkziz, which is smaller than what has always been described.

Customized femtosecond laser-inscribed superstructure fiber Bragg grating: A novel approach to decoupling temperature and strain.

This paper introduces a novel technique to simultaneously measure temperature and strain using a single 5 mm femtosecond laser-inscribed superstructure fiber Bragg grating (SFBG). This SFBG enables improved spectral capabilities, resulting in side-resonances within the optical spectrum. The characteristics of the device depend on three key factors: the length of the SFBG, the inscribed FBG’s periodic perturbations, and the length of the uninscribed sections that compose the entire structure. Initially, mathematical expressions were derived to calculate the separation between the central peak and a resonance on each side, which plays a crucial role in determining the sensor’s response. Then, a series of complete simulations using OptiGrating software, and a theoretical analysis were performed to comprehend the functioning of this superstructure. Subsequently, the fabrication process employed a femtosecond laser following a point-by-point inscription. Finally obtaining a comprehensive study on the principle, design, simulation, and implementation of the proposed SFBG. The sensitivities of the central Bragg wavelength and the distance between central peak and first-order resonance when applying temperature and strain were calibrated. The results yielded sensitivities for the central Bragg peak of 10.58 pm/°C and 1.1598 pm/µɛ, while the peak-to-resonance distance had sensitivities of 0.3495 pm/°C and 0.03052 pm/µɛ. The different response of both magnitudes makes it possible to distinguish the contributions of strain and temperature within short distances, having the possibility to improve measurements in sensing applications. This study finally provides a critical insight into the design process, as it aligns with the theoretical expectations.

INTERACTION BETWEEN A BEYOND-BAND DISCRETE SOLITON AND A DIRAC SOLITON IN BINARY WAVEGUIDE ARRAYS

We investigate the intricate interactions between a beyond-band discrete soliton (BBDS) and Dirac soliton in a binary waveguide array (BWA). Through comprehensive analysis, we demonstrate that the behavior of these soliton interactions remains largely unaffected by the presence of central peaks or dips at the center of each soliton, or the initial phase differences between them. Our research highlights the critical role of the BBDS intensity in determining the nature of its interaction with Dirac solitons. We reveal that low-intensity BBDS exhibit consistent attraction towards Dirac solitons across multiple encounters, while high-intensity BBDSs show an initial phase of attraction followed by a repulsion phase, causing a subsequent divergence. These findings not only enhance our understanding of soliton interactions on a fundamental level but also set the stage for the development of innovative optical communication and signal processing technologies leveraging the distinctive properties of BBDSs and Dirac solitons.

Preflight Spectral Calibration of the Ozone Monitoring Suite-Nadir on FengYun 3F Satellite

The Ozone Monitoring Suite-Nadir (OMS-N) instrument is the first hyperspectral remote sensor in the ultraviolet band of China’s Fengyun series satellites. It can be used to detect several kinds of atmospheric constituents. This paper describes the prelaunch spectral calibration of the OMS-N onboard FengYun 3F. Several critical spectral parameters including the spectral resolution, spectral dispersion, and the instrument spectral response function were determined through laser-based measurements. A secondary peak of the instrument spectral response function from the short wavelength side of the ultraviolet band was found, and the possible influence on data applications was analyzed using a reference solar model and radiative transfer model. The results indicate that the spectral resolution and spectral accuracy of OMS-N meet the mission requirements. However, the asymmetries in the instrument spectral response function in the ultraviolet band were found near nadir rows, which are expressed as the “asymmetric central peak” and “secondary peak”. The analysis results show that if the influences of the instrument spectral response function “asymmetric central peak” and “secondary peak” in the ultraviolet band are ignored, they will bring an error as large as 5% at the center of the absorption line.

Analysis of enthalpy and energy conversion efficiency in high-power inductively coupled plasma

The Near-Space Plasma Electromagnetic Science Experimental Research Apparatus is designed for ground-based simulation of plasma sheath and is capable of providing pure, high-enthalpy, and high-density plasma jets. The high enthalpy implies a high plasma state, which can achieve high Mach equivalent simulation in flight conditions. This paper takes this device as the research object and establishes a multi-physics coupling magnetohydrodynamics model to simulate the heat transfer process under high-power conditions. Through numerical simulation, the distribution rules of plasma temperature and enthalpy value under different power states considering the radiation source are obtained. By combining numerical simulation with experimental verification, the simulated enthalpy and energy conversion efficiency results are compared with experimental data, showing good consistency. The study finds that the enthalpy at the center of the jet outlet is higher, increasing from 5.4 MJ/kg to 9.5 MJ/kg when the high-frequency power increases from 150 kW to 426 kW, with an increase of 4.0 MJ/kg. The overall distribution of plasma jet enthalpy exhibits a central peak, gradually decreasing radially from the center to both sides. Meanwhile, during the axial jet injection process, there is a transition in the radial distribution of temperature and enthalpy, shifting from a saddle-shaped distribution at the coil position to an arch-shaped distribution at the nozzle outlet. In this power range, the energy conversion efficiency of the high-frequency power source ranges from 53% to 30%, with both calculated and measured efficiencies decreasing with increasing power. Additionally, the paper discusses the impact of radiation source terms on the distribution of enthalpy in high-power inductive-coupled plasma. In conclusion, the model proposed in this paper can be used to estimate the outlet enthalpy distribution and energy conversion efficiency of the Near-Space Plasma Electromagnetic Science Experimental Research Apparatus, providing data support for the design, control, and application of the device.

Extracting accurate light–matter couplings from disordered polaritons

Abstract The vacuum Rabi splitting (VRS) in molecular polaritons stands as a fundamental measure of collective light–matter coupling. Despite its significance, the impact of molecular disorder on VRS is not fully understood yet. This study delves into the complexities of VRS amidst various distributions and degrees of disorder. Our analysis provides precise analytical expressions for linear absorption, transmission, and reflection spectra, along with a “sum” rule, offering a straightforward protocol for extracting accurate collective light–matter coupling values from experimental data. Importantly, our study cautions against directly translating large VRS to the onset of ultrastrong coupling regime. Furthermore, for rectangular disorder, we witness the emergence of narrow side bands alongside a broad central peak, indicating an extended coherence lifetime even in the presence of substantial disorder. These findings not only enhance our understanding of VRS in disordered molecular systems but also open avenues for achieving prolonged coherence lifetimes between the cavity and molecules via the interplay of collective coupling and disorder.

Classification images for aerial images capture visual expertise for binocular disparity and a prior for lighting from above.

Using a novel approach to classification images (CIs), we investigated the visual expertise of surveyors for luminance and binocular disparity cues simultaneously after screening for stereoacuity. Stereoscopic aerial images of hedges and ditches were classified in 10,000 trials by six trained remote sensing surveyors and six novices. Images were heavily masked with luminance and disparity noise simultaneously. Hedge and ditch images had reversed disparity on around half the trials meaning hedges became ditch-like and vice versa. The hedge and ditch images were also flipped vertically on around half the trials, changing the direction of the light source and completing a 2 × 2 × 2 stimulus design. CIs were generated by accumulating the noise textures associated with "hedge" and "ditch" classifications, respectively, and subtracting one from the other. Typical CIs had a central peak with one or two negative side-lobes. We found clear differences in the amplitudes and shapes of perceptual templates across groups and noise-type, with experts prioritizing binocular disparity and using this more effectively. Contrariwise, novices used luminance cues more than experts meaning that task motivation alone could not explain group differences. Asymmetries in the luminance CIs revealed individual differences for lighting interpretation, with experts less prone to assume lighting from above, consistent with their training on aerial images of UK scenes lit by a southerly sun. Our results show that (i) dual noise in images can be used to produce simultaneous CI pairs, (ii) expertise for disparity cues does not depend on stereoacuity, (iii) CIs reveal the visual strategies developed by experts, (iv) top-down perceptual biases can be overcome with long-term learning effects, and (v) CIs have practical potential for directing visual training.