Mode Field Research Articles

Laser Control of Specular and Diffuse Reflectance of Thin Aluminum Film-Isolator-Metal Structures for Anti-Counterfeiting and Plasmonic Color Applications

Plasmonic structural color originates from the scattering and absorption of visible light by metallic nanostructures. Stacks consisting of thin, disordered semicontinuous metal films are attractive plasmonic color media, as they can be mass-produced using industry-proven physical vapor deposition techniques. These films are comprised of random nano-island structures of various sizes and shapes resonating at different wavelengths. When irradiated with short-pulse lasers, the nanostructures are locally restructured, and their optical response is altered in a spectrally selective manner. Therefore, various colors are obtained. We demonstrate the generation of structural plasmonic colors through femtosecond laser modification of a thin aluminum film–isolator–metal mirror (TAFIM) structure. Laser-induced structuring of TAFIM’s top aluminum film significantly alters the sample’s specular and diffuse reflectance depending on the fluence value and the number of times a region is scanned. A “negative image” effect is possible, where a dark field observation mode image is a negative of a bright field mode image. This effect is visible using an optical microscope, the naked eye, and a digital camera. The use of self-passivating aluminum results in a long-lasting, non-fading coloration effect. The reported technique could be used in anti-counterfeiting and security applications, as well as in plasmonic color printing and macroscopic and microscopic marking for personalized fine arts and aesthetic products such as jewelry.

Scramblon loops

In large N chaotic quantum systems, the butterfly effect is mediated by a collective field mode known as the “scramblon.” We study self-interactions of the scramblon in variants of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. In spatially extended versions of the model and for large spatial separation, fluctuations described by loop diagrams can invalidate the single-scramblon approximation well before its contribution to out-of-time-order correlators becomes of order one. We find a qualitative difference between an incoherent regime at high temperaure (or in a Brownian version of the model) and a coherent regime at low temperature.

Modulation transfer protocol for Rydberg RF receivers

We propose and demonstrate a modulation transfer protocol to increase the detection sensitivity of a Rydberg RF receiver to fields out of resonance from the transition between Rydberg levels. This protocol is based on a phase modulation of the control field used to create the Electromagnetically Induced Transparency signal. The nonlinear wave mixing of the multi-component coupling laser and the probe laser transfers the modulation to the probe laser, which is used for the RF-field detection. The measurements compare well with semi-classical simulations of atom–light interaction and show an improvement in the RF bandwidth of the sensor and an improved sensitivity of the response to weak fields.

Smeared fixed crack model for quasi-static and dynamic biaxial flexural response analysis of aluminosilicate glass plates

Glass materials are extensively used in load-bearing structures and impact-resistant components because of their distinctive physical and chemical properties. Accurate predictions and assessment of the mechanical responses of glass structures are crucial for structural design and reliability analysis. In this study, quasi-static and dynamic ball-on-ring (BOR) biaxial flexural tests are conducted on aluminosilicate glass. The smeared fixed crack model is calibrated for deformation and failure analyses. First, the model parameters are calibrated carefully, particularly for different failure criteria. Both the deformation field and fracture modes agree well with the experimental observations during the quasi-static tests. For the low-velocity impact biaxial flexural loading condition, three different numerical techniques, namely the initial scaling tensile strength criterion, non-local approach with energy criterion, and rate-dependent failure stress criterion, are implemented in the numerical models for dynamic failure analysis. Finally, the proposed smeared fixed crack model is compared with the widely used Johnson Holmquist Ⅱ (JH-2) model and demonstrates advantages for low-velocity impact response analysis of glass structures.

Intertwined Flexoelectricity and Stacking Ferroelectricity in Marginally Twisted hBN Moiré Superlattice.

Moiré superlattices in twisted van der Waals homo/heterostructures present a fascinating interplay between electronic and atomic structures, with potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Flexoelectricity, an electromechanical coupling between electric polarization and strain gradient, is intrinsic to these superlattices because of the lattice misfit strain at the atomic scale. However, due to its weak magnitude, the effect of flexoelectricity on moiré ferroelectricity has remained underexplored. Here, the role of flexoelectricity in shaping and modulating the moiré ferroelectric patterns in twisted hBN homojunction is unveiled. Enhanced flexoelectric effects induce unique stacking ferroelectric domains with hollow triangular structures. Interlayer bubbles influence domain shape and periodicity through local electric field modulation, and tip-stress enables the reversible manipulation of domain area and polarization direction. These findings highlight the impact of flexoelectric effects on moiré ferroelectricity, offering a new tuning knob for its manipulation.

Topological valley waveguide state transport based on the nesting difference

Acoustic topological waveguide states are characterized by topologically protected transport. Existing acoustic topological valley-locked waveguide state transport structures can only realize single-scene acoustic field modulation due to the limitation of structural tunability, and it is difficult to realize width degree of freedom and reconfigurable transport paths of acoustic waves by adjusting the transport structure for complex acoustic field. Therefore, the transport structures become a conceptualized idea in terms of tunability. Our study introduces a nesting method in the design of the sonic crystal scatterer, which splits the scatterer structure into a removable outer shell and a core, and three topological phase transitions can be realized by only changing the nesting method of the sonic crystal shell, this approach constructs a fully reconfigurable topological waveguide. The results demonstrate that changing the nesting of the sonic crystals induces effective spatial inversion symmetry breaking, which leads to the valley topological phase transitionSimulations and experiments demonstrate that this transport structure has excellent robust transport properties with large inflection corners, and it is capable of realizing acoustic focusing, acoustic channeling, and acoustic logic gates. This fully reconfigurable sonic crystal design method can provide implications for the modulation of other classical waves.

Strong noninertial radiative shifts in atomic spectra at low accelerations

Despite numerous proposals investigating various properties of accelerated detectors in different settings, detecting the Unruh effect remains challenging due to the typically weak signal at achievable accelerations. For an atom with frequency gap ω0, accelerated in free space, significant acceleration-induced modification of properties like transition rates and radiative energy shifts requires accelerations of the order of ω0c. In this paper, we make the case for a suitably modified density of field states to be complemented by a judicious selection of the system property to be monitored. We study the radiative energy-level shift in inertial and uniformly accelerated atoms coupled to a massless quantum scalar field inside a cylindrical cavity. Uniformly accelerated atoms experience thermal correlations in the inertial vacuum, and the radiative shifts are expected to respond accordingly. We show that the noninertial contribution to the energy shift can be isolated and significantly enhanced relative to the inertial contribution by suitably modifying the density of field modes inside a cylindrical cavity. Moreover, we demonstrate that monitoring the radiative energy shift, as compared to transition rates, allows us to reap a stronger purely noninertial signal. We find that a purely noninertial radiative shift as large as 50 times the inertial energy shift can be obtained at small, experimentally achievable accelerations (a∼10−9ω0c) if the cavity’s radius R is specified with a relative precision of δR/R0∼10−7. Given that radiative shifts for inertial atoms have already been measured with high accuracy, we argue that the radiative energy-level shift is a promising observable for detecting Unruh thermality with current technology. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The low-dimensional units modulation of 3D floral Fe/Ni@C towards efficient microwave absorption

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) derivatives have great potential in microwave absorption (MA) due to their customizable components, topology, and high porosity. However, the correlation between the structural parameters of the low-dimensional units and the MA performance of the 3D MOF derivatives remains unclear. Herein, we prepared a series of floral Fe/Ni@C with different petal sizes and aspect ratios to investigate the effect of low-dimensional structural parameters on the MA properties of 3D MOF derivatives. Specifically, we proposed a competitive coordination strategy. By adjusting the ratio of coordination metals, we successfully obtained floral FeNi-MOF-74 with different petal sizes and aspect ratios. Subsequently, the floral Fe/Ni@C was obtained by thermal-field modulation. It shows that, on the one hand, as the petal size increases, the conductive path is extended and the electron hopping is enhanced, thus facilitating the conductivity loss. And, with the rise of the petal aspect ratio, the tip effect is enhanced, which strengthens the polarization loss. On the other hand, the graphitization degree of the carbon components as well as the size and magnetic properties of the alloy particles can be effectively modulated by optimizing the thermal field modulation temperature. Noteworthily, under the conditions of a coordination metal ratio of 1:1 and an annealing temperature of 700 °C, the obtained MOF derivative exhibited excellent microwave absorption (−65.47 dB at 1.56 mm) and broadband (6.09 GHz at 1.76 mm). This strategy provides new ideas for modulating the microstructure and electromagnetic properties of MOF derivatives.

Quantum scalar field on fuzzy de Sitter space. Part I. Field modes and vacua

We study a scalar field on a noncommutative model of spacetime, the fuzzy de Sitter space, which is based on the algebra of the de Sitter group SO(1, d) and its unitary irreducible representations. We solve the Klein-Gordon equation in d = 2, 4 and show, using a specific choice of coordinates and operator ordering, that all commutative field modes can be promoted to solutions of the fuzzy Klein-Gordon equation. To explore completeness of this set of modes, we specify a Hilbert space representation and study the matrix elements (integral kernels) of a scalar field: in this way the complete set of solutions of the fuzzy Klein-Gordon equation is found. The space of noncommutative solutions has more degrees of freedom than the commutative one, whenever spacetime dimension is d > 2. In four dimensions, the new non-geometric, internal modes are parametrised by S2 × W, where W is a discrete matrix space. Our results pave the way to analysis of quantum field theory on the fuzzy de Sitter space.

Two types of corner states in two dimensional photonic crystals with finite sizes

Abstract Using two-dimensional square lattice photonic crystals (PCs) with different topological properties, we design different combined structures to construct two types of topological corner states (CSs), named as Type I and Type II CSs. Then by tuning sizes of inner PCs in the combined structures, we systematically investigate size effects on the two types of CSs. Numerical results demonstrate as the structures decrease to their critical sizes, due to the interactions of opposite interfaces and the couplings of corners, size changes of inner PCs in the combined structures have significant effects on the frequencies, degeneracies and mode field distributions of the two types of CSs. Moreover, Type I CSs peform better topological stability than Type II CSs during the size changes of structures. We also monitor mode field localizations of the two types of CSs and reveal that their localizations are only related to the types of the CSs, and have no relations to sizes and overall symmetries of the combined structures. Our research enriches the study of higher order topological CSs and paves the way for design and manufacture of optical micro–nano devices with photonic topological CSs.

Double modulation of the electric field in InGaAs/Si APD by groove rings for the achievement of THz gain-bandwidth product

Abstract Avalanche photodiode (APD) is commonly used as a receiver in optical communication and light detection and ranging (LIDAR), offering highly sensitive photodetection capabilities. A key strategy for improving the gain-bandwidth product (GBP) of the APD involves the optimization of the electric field distribution using the charge layer. However, traditional modulation methods to adjust the carrier transport and avalanche process using the charge layer often face challenges (inefficiency and non-uniformity). An InGaAs/Si APD based on the wafer bonding method with a GBP up to 1.03 terahertz (THz) is reported theoretically in this work. The charge layer and groove rings are inserted at the InGaAs/Si bonded interface to modulate the electric field in the APD effectively, demonstrating low dark current and reduced avalanche bias of the device. This approach induces a dramatic and rapid variation of the electric field at the interface while reducing the gradient of the electric field in the multiplication layer. Additionally, the indirect impact of the groove ring on mitigating the adverse effects of the lattice mismatch is pointed out, and the optimal doping concentration range of the charge layer is identified to enhance the modulation effect of the electric field for stronger impact ionization. These findings provide valuable insights for the next-generation InGaAs/Si APDs with high GBP for high-speed data transmission.

Modulation method of studying two-phase antiferromagnetic domain structures created by a pulsed magnetic field

It is shown that studies of the coercivity of AFM domain walls that arise in antiferromagnets during the first-order spin-orientation transition can be used as a tool for detecting, identifying, and studying spin structures realized in a crystal under the influence of an external magnetic field. The use of high-frequency modulation of the magnetic field made it possible to expand the capabilities of the standard induction method of studying magnetic phase transitions in antiferromagnets. The proposed measurement method was tested on well-known MnF2 and Cr2O3 crystals.

Quasi-normal modes of loop quantum black holes formed from gravitational collapse

In this paper, we study the quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of a scalar field in the background of a large class of quantum black holes that can be formed from gravitational collapse of a dust fluid in the framework of effective loop quantum gravity. The loop quantum black holes (LQBHs) are characterized by three free parameters, one of which is the mass parameter, while the other two are purely due to quantum geometric effects. Among these two quantum parameters, one is completely fixed by black hole thermodynamics and its effects are negligible for macroscopic black holes, while the second parameter is completely free (in principle). In the studies of the QNMs of such LQBHs, we pay particular attention to the difference of the QNMs between LQBHs and classical ones, so that they can be observed for the current and forthcoming gravitational wave observations, whereby place the LQBH theory directly under the test of observations.

Bistability in the sunspot cycle

A direct dynamical test of the sunspot cycle is carried out to indicate that a stochastically forced nonlinear oscillator characterizes its dynamics. The sunspot series is then decomposed into its eigen time-delay coordinates. The relevant analysis reveals that the sunspot series exhibits bistability, with the possibility of modeling the solar cycle as a stochastically and periodically forced bistable oscillator, accounting for poloidal and toroidal modes of the solar magnetic field. Such a representation enables us to conjecture stochastic resonance as the key mechanism in amplifying the planetary influence on the Sun, and that extreme events, due to turbulent convection noise inside the Sun, dictate crucial phases of the sunspot cycle, such as the Maunder minimum.

Separate prediction of underwater noise from drain pipes base on Vibration-acoustic coupling method

Abstract Since drain pipes on ships radiate underwater noise when in use, the components and radiation characteristics of flow noise and flow-induced noise from drain pipes on ships are explored, and the relationship between peak spectral values and wet mode frequencies is analyzed. The numerical calculation models of the flow field and structure for drain pipes are created respectively to obtain pulsating pressures in the flow field and structural mode values. Then, the flow noise and flow-induced noise are separately measured in an acoustic model developed for drain pipes upon the mapping of wall fluid meshes, structural meshes and acoustic meshes. A vibration-acoustic coupling model with the radiated sound field nephogram is presented based on the wall pulsating pressure and structural mode values. The numerical calculation indicated a significantly louder flow noise from drain pipes than the negligible flow-induced noise. The resulting wet mode of drain pipes solved by the Boundary Element Method (BEM) reflects the similarity between the peak spectral value and the wet mode frequency of flow-induced noise, marking that the fluid pulsating pressure excites noise.

Mechanism and Characteristics of Cogging Torque in Surface-Mounted PMSM: A General Airgap Field Modulation Theory Approach

Mechanism and Characteristics of Cogging Torque in Surface-Mounted PMSM: A General Airgap Field Modulation Theory Approach

Modulation of pulsed electric field induced oxidative processes in protein solutions by pro- and antioxidants sensed by biochemiluminescence.

Technologies based on pulsed electric field (PEF) are increasingly pervasive in medical and industrial applications. However, the detailed understanding of how PEF acts on biosamples including proteins at the molecular level is missing. There are indications that PEF might act on biomolecules via electrogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, it is unclear how this action is modulated by the pro- and antioxidants, which are naturally present components of biosamples. This knowledge gap is often due to insufficient sensitivity of the conventionally utilized detection assays. To overcome this limitation, here we employed an endogenous (bio)chemiluminescence sensing platform, which enables sensitive detection of PEF-generated ROS and oxidative processes in proteins, to inspect effects of pro-and antioxidants. Taking bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein, we found that the chemiluminescence signal arising from its solution is greatly enhanced in the presence of as a prooxidant, especially during PEF treatment. In contrast, the chemiluminescence signal decreases in the presence of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase), indicating the involvement of both and electrogenerated superoxide anion in oxidation-reporting chemiluminescence signal before, during, and after PEF treatment. We also performed additional biochemical and biophysical assays, which confirmed that BSA underwent structural changes after treatment, with PEF having only a minor effect. We proposed a scheme describing the reactions leading from interfacial charge transfer at the anode by which ROS are generated to the actual photon emission. Results of our work help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of PEF on proteins via electrogenerated reactive oxygen species and open up new avenues for the application of PEF technology. The developed chemiluminescence technique enables label-free, in-situ and non-destructive sensing of interactions between ROS and proteins. The technique may be applied to study oxidative damage of other classes of biomolecules such as lipids, nucleic acids or carbohydrates.

A Method of Laser Frequency Stabilization Based on the Effect of Linear Dichroism in Alkali Metal Vapors in a Modulated Transverse Magnetic Field

We present a method of laser frequency stabilization based on the linear dichroism signal in a transverse magnetic field. This method is similar to the DAVLL (Dichroic Atomic Vapor Laser Lock) method. It differs from DAVLL and from its existing modifications primarily by the fact that it uses signals of linearly polarized light caused by alignment, rather than circular refraction caused by orientation, and therefore allows us to obtain error signals at the magnetic field modulation frequency (or its second harmonic) by extremely simple means. The method allows the laser frequency to be stabilized in the vicinity of the low-frequency transition in the D1 line of Cs; it does not require strong magnetic fields or careful shielding of cells containing cesium atoms. Although the absorption line in a gas-filled cell is typically gigahertz wide, the achievable resolution, limited by the signal-to-noise ratio of photon shot noise, can reach units or tens of kilohertz in a one hertz bandwidth.

Efficient single-mode operation in a 10 dB/m absorption very-large-mode-area ytterbium-doped optical fiber via curvature-induced mode filtering

In this paper we report our findings on the design, manufacturing and testing of low numerical aperture active step-index optical fibers with very large mode area, operating in a truly single-mode regime. Our approach to efficiently filter higher-order modes in the core relies on applying curvature in a specific direction at a given diameter on a specially designed fiber containing boron-doped silica rods on both sides of the core. The fabricated ytterbium-doped fibers exhibit a mode field diameter of 32μm, a cladding pump absorption of 10 dB/m and were designed for use in a compact monolithic configuration due to its all-solid nature and its 14 cm targeted bend diameter.

All-fiber miniature non-contact photoacoustic probe based on photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy for vascular imaging in vivo.

Photoacoustic (PA) remote sensing (PARS) microscopy represents a significant advancement by eliminating the need for traditional acoustic coupling media in PA microscopy (PAM), thereby broadening its potential applications. However, current PARS microscopy setups predominantly rely on free-space optical components, which can be cumbersome to implement and limit the scope of imaging applications. In this study, we develop an all-fiber miniature non-contact PA probe based on PARS microscopy, utilizing a 532-nm excitation wavelength, and showcase its effectiveness in in vivo vascular imaging. Our approach integrates various fiber-optic components, including a wavelength division multiplexer, a mode field adaptor, a fiber lens, and an optical circulator, to streamline the implementation of the PARS microscopy system. Additionally, we have successfully developed a miniature PA probe with a diameter of 4 mm. The efficacy of our imaging setup is demonstrated through in vivo imaging of mouse brain vessels. By introducing this all-fiber miniature PA probe, our work may open up new opportunities for non-contact PAM applications.