Local Density Research Articles

Tunable Out-of-Plane Reconstructions in Moiré Superlattices of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterobilayers.

The reconstructed moiré superlattices of the transition metal chalcogenide (TMD), formed by the combined effects of interlayer coupling and intralayer strain, provide a platform for exploring quantum physics. Here, using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we observe that the strained WSe2/WS2 moiré superlattices undergo various out-of-plane atomically buckled configurations, a phenomenon termed out-of-plane reconstruction. This evolution is attributed to the differentiated response of intralayer strain in high-symmetry stacking regions to external strain. Notably, in larger out-of-plane reconstructions, there is a significant alteration in the local density of states (LDOS) near the Γ point in the valence band, exceeding 300%, with the moiré potential in the valence band surpassing 200 meV. Further, we confirm that the variation in interlayer coupling within high-symmetry stacking regions is the main factor affecting the moiré electronic states rather than the intralayer strain. Our study unveils intrinsic regulating mechanisms of out-of-plane reconstructed moiré superlattices and contributes to the study of reconstructed moiré physics.

Fundamental Understanding of Interface Chemistry and Electrical Contact Properties of Bi and MoS2.

The interface properties and thermal stability of bismuth (Bi) contacts on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) shed light on their behavior under various deposition conditions and temperatures. The examination involves extensive techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Bi contacts formed a van der Waals interface on MoS2 regardless of deposition conditions, such as ultrahigh vacuum (UHV, 3 × 10-11 mbar) and high vacuum (HV, 4 × 10-6 mbar), while the oxidation on MoS2 has been observed. However, the semimetallic properties of Bi suppress the impact of defect states, including oxidized-MoS2 and vacancies. Notably, the n-type characteristic of Bi/MoS2 remains unaffected, and no significant changes in the local density of states near the conduction band minimum are observed despite the presence of defects detected by STM and STS. As a result, the Fermi level (EF) resides below the conduction band of MoS2. The study also examines the impact of annealing on the contact interface, revealing no interface reaction between Bi and MoS2 up to 300 °C. These findings enhance our understanding of semimetal (Bi) contacts on MoS2, with implications for improving the performance and reliability of electronic devices.

Ab Initio Calculation of Coupling-Constant Averaged Exchange-Correlation Holes for Spherically Symmetric Atoms.

Accurate approximation of the exchange-correlation (XC) energy in density functional theory (DFT) calculations is essential for reliably modeling electronic systems. Many such approximations are developed from models of the XC hole; accurate reference XC holes for real electronic systems are crucial for evaluating the accuracy of these models however the availability of reliable reference data is limited to a few systems. In this study, we employ the Lieb optimization with a coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) reference to construct accurate coupling-constant averaged XC holes, resolved into individual exchange and correlation components, for five spherically symmetric atoms: He, Li, Be, N, and Ne. Alongside providing a new set of reference data for the construction and evaluation of model XC holes, we compare our data against the exchange and correlation hole models of the established local density approximation (LDA) and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) density functional approximations. Our analysis confirms the established rationalization for the limitations of LDA and the improvement observed with PBE in terms of the hole depth and its long-range decay, which is demonstrated in real-space for this series of spherically symmetric atoms.

INSPIRE: INvestigating Stellar Population In RElics – VII. The local environment of ultra-compact massive galaxies

ABSTRACT Relic galaxies, the oldest ultra-compact massive galaxies (UCMGs), contain almost exclusively ‘pristine’ stars formed during an intense star formation (SF) burst at high redshift. As such, they allow us to study in detail the early mechanism of galaxy assembly in the Universe. Using the largest catalogue of spectroscopically confirmed UCMGs for which a degree of relicness (DoR) had been estimated, the INSPIRE catalogue, we investigate whether or not relics prefer dense environments. The objective of this study is to determine if the DoR, which measures how extreme the SF history was, and the surrounding environment are correlated. In order to achieve this goal, we employ the AMICO galaxy cluster catalogue to compute the probability for a galaxy to be a member of a cluster, and measure the local density around each UCMG using machine learning-based photometric redshifts. We find that UCMGs can reside both in clusters and in the field, but objects with very low DoR ($\lt 0.3$, i.e. a relatively extended SF history) prefer underdense environments. We additionally report a correlation between the DoR and the distance from the cluster centre: more extreme relics, when located in clusters, tend to occupy the more central regions of them. We finally outline potential evolution scenarios for UCMGs at different DoR to reconcile their presence in both clusters and field environments.

Morph-linked variation in female pheromone signalling and male response in a polymorphic moth.

Understanding the maintenance of genetic variation in reproductive strategies and polymorphisms in the wild requires a comprehensive examination of the complex interactions between genetic basis, behaviour and environmental factors. We tested the association between three colour genotypes and variation in female pheromone signalling and male antennal morphology in the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis). These moths have genetically determined white (WW, Wy) and yellow (yy) hindwings that are linked to mating success and fitness, with heterozygotes (Wy) having an advantage. We hypothesized that attractiveness and reproductive success are correlated, with Wy females being more attractive than the other two genotypes which could contribute to maintaining the polymorphism. Female attractiveness was tested by baiting traps with females of the three colour genotypes both in low- (i.e. field set-up) and in high-population density (i.e. large enclosure set-up). Male's ability to reach females was correlated to their own colour genotype and antennal morphology (length, area and lamellae count). Contrary to our prediction, morph-related reproductive success and attractiveness were not correlated. Heavier Wy females attracted a lower proportion of males compared to WW and yy females. Specifically, an increase in weight corresponded to a decreased Wy but increased yy female attractiveness. yy females were generally more attractive than others likely due to earlier pheromone release. In males, lamellae count and genetic colour morph were linked to the male's ability to locate females. Furthermore, male traits affected their ability to reach females in a context-specific way. Males with denser antennae (i.e. higher lamellae count) and white males reached the females faster than yellows in the enclosure, while yellow males located females faster than whites in the field. Our results indicate that higher yy female attractiveness was likely affected by the combined effect of early pheromone release, female weight and higher population density. Males' searching success was affected by morph-specific behavioural strategies and local population density. Ultimately, the combined effect of genotype-related pheromone signalling strategies of females together with environment-dependent male behaviour affect male response and potentially contribute to maintaining variation in fitness-related traits.

Orbital selective commensurate modulations of the local density of states in ScV6Sn6 probed by nuclear spins

The kagome network is a unique platform that harbors a diversity of special electronic states due to its inherent band structure features comprising Dirac cones, van Hove singularities, and flat bands. Some kagome-based metals have recently been found to exhibit favorable properties, including superconductivity, charge order, and signatures of an anomalous Hall effect. The kagome system ScV6Sn6 is a promising candidate for studying the emergence of an unconventional charge order and accompanying effects. We use 51V nuclear magnetic resonance to explore the local properties of the charge ordered phase in single crystalline ScV6Sn6, aided by density functional theory. We show the local charge symmetry of V to reflect a commensurate modulation with q=13,13,13\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\bf{q}}}=\\left(\\frac{1}{3},\\frac{1}{3},\\frac{1}{3}\\right)$$\\end{document}, the density of states to drop by about a factor of 2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{2}$$\\end{document} during the phase transition, and an unusual orientation dependent change in the shift splitting symmetry to reveal orbital selective modulations of the local density of states.

Development and Analysis of novel Integrable Nonlinear Dynamical Systems on Quasi-One-Dimensional Lattices. Parametrically Driven Nonlinear System of Pseudo-Excitations on a Two-Leg Ladder Lattice

Following the main principles of developing the evolutionary nonlinear integrable systems on quasi-one-dimensional lattices, we suggest a novel nonlinear integrable system of parametrically driven pseudo-excitations on a regular two-leg ladder lattice. The initial (prototype) form of the system is derivable in the framework of semi-discrete zero-curvature equation with the spectral and evolution operators specified by the properly organized 3 × 3 square matrices. Although the lowest conserved local densities found via the direct recursive method do not prompt us the algebraic structure of system’s Hamiltonian function, but the heuristically substantiated search for the suitable two-stage transformation of prototype field functions to the physically motivated ones has allowed to disclose the physically meaningful nonlinear integrable system with time-dependent longitudinal and transverse inter-site coupling parameters. The time dependencies of inter-site coupling parameters in the transformed system are consistently defined in terms of the accompanying parametric driver formalized by the set of four homogeneous ordinary linear differential equations with the time-dependent coefficients. The physically meaningful parametrically driven nonlinear system permits its concise Hamiltonian formulation with the two pairs of field functions serving as the two pairs of canonically conjugated field amplitudes. The explicit example of oscillatory parametric drive is described in full mathematical details.

Neighbors affect vocal behavior of tropical wrens: a multispeaker density-manipulation experiment.

For territorial animals, the behavior of conspecific neighbors sets the social context of communication. Despite numerous investigations of vocalizations related to territory defense and mate attraction, the effect of neighbor density on animal vocal behavior has received little attention, particularly in tropical animals and animals where both sexes produce complex acoustic signals. In this study, we used an innovative multispeaker playback experiment to manipulate the apparent density of neighbors in rufous-and-white wrens, Thryophilus rufalbus, living in Costa Rica's tropical dry forest. In this tropical songbird, both males and females defend year-round territories and sing complex, learned songs for territory defense. We recorded the singing behavior of 24 subjects (12 pairs), and then we used an array of 6 loudspeakers to simulate the presence of 6 new territorial neighbors (3 simulated pairs) outside each subject pair's breeding territory. The stimuli persisted for 3 consecutive days, with both male and female songs broadcast at a natural rate from dawn to dusk. We found that the mean male song rate increased by almost 50% in response to the simulated increase in local density. Females showed less frequent song-type switching rates following the simulated increase in local density, although it was a marginal increase. These findings reveal that male and female songbirds' vocal behavior varies with the local density of territorial neighbors. We conclude that birds are sensitive to acoustic signals of conspecific density arising from sounds beyond their territory boundaries, and that they use this public information to guide their vocal behavior.

A new non‐equilibrium modification of the k−ω$$ k-\omega $$ turbulence model for supersonic turbulent flows with transverse jet

AbstractThe goal of this research is to propose a new modification of a non‐equilibrium effect in the turbulence model to better predict high‐speed turbulent flows. For that, the two local compressibility coefficients are included in the balance production/dissipation terms in a specific dissipation rate equation. The specific dissipation rate reacts to changes in the local Mach number and density through these local coefficients. The developed model is applied to the numerical simulation of the spatial supersonic turbulent airflow with round hydrogen injection. In that, the effects of the proposed turbulence model on the flow field behavior (shock wave and vortex formations, shock wave/boundary layer interaction, and mixture layer) are studied via the solution of three‐dimensional Favre‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a third‐order Essentially Non‐Oscillatory scheme. A series of numerical experiments are performed, in which an allowable range of local constants by comparing results with experimental data is obtained. The non‐equilibrium modification by simultaneous decrease of the turbulence kinetic energy and increase of the specific dissipation rate gives a good agreement of the hydrogen depth penetration with experimental data. Also, the numerical experiment of the supersonic airflow with a nitrogen jet shows wall pressure distribution is consistent well with experimental data.

High-resolution observations of 12CO and 13CO J = 3 2 towards the NGC 6334 extended filament. I. Emission morphology and velocity structure

NGC 6334 is a giant molecular cloud (GMC) complex that exhibits elongated filamentary structure and harbours numerous OB-stars, H II regions, and star-forming clumps. To study the emission morphology and velocity structure of the gas in the extended NGC 6334 region using high-resolution molecular line data, we made observations of the 12CO and 13CO $J=3 2$ lines with the LAsMA instrument at the APEX telescope . The LAsMA data provided a spatial resolution of 20" (sim 0.16 pc) and sensitivity of 0.4 K at a spectral resolution of 0.25 km $. Our observations revealed that gas in the extended NGC 6334 region exhibits connected velocity coherent structure over sim 80 pc parallel to the Galactic plane. The NGC 6334 complex has its main velocity component at $ -3.9$ km $ with two connected velocity structures at velocities $ -9.2$ km $ (the `bridge' features) and $ km $ (the northern filament, NGC 6334-NF). We observed local velocity fluctuations at smaller spatial scales along the filament that are likely tracing local density enhancement and infall, while the broader V-shaped velocity fluctuations observed towards the NGC 6334 central ridge and G352.1 region located in the eastern filament EF1 indicate globally collapsing gas onto the filament. We investigated the 13CO emission and velocity structure around 42 WISE H II regions located in the extended NGC 6334 region and found that most H II regions show signs of molecular gas dispersal from the centre (36 of 42) and intensity enhancement at their outer radii (34 of 42). Furthermore most H II regions (26 of 42) are associated with least one ATLASGAL clump within or just outside of their radii, the formation of which may have been triggered by H II bubble expansion. Typically towards larger H II regions we found visually clear signatures of bubble shells emanating from the filamentary structure. Overall the NGC 6334 filamentary complex exhibits sequential star formation from west to east. Located in the west, the GM-24 region exhibits bubbles within bubbles and is at a relatively evolved stage of star formation. The NGC 6334 central ridge is undergoing global gas infall and exhibits two gas bridge features possibly connected to the cloud-cloud collision scenario of the NGC 6334-NF and the NGC 6334 main gas component. The relatively quiescent eastern filament (EF1 - G352.1) is a hub-filament in formation, which shows the kinematic signature of global gas infall onto the filament. Our observations highlight the important role of H II regions in shaping the molecular gas emission and velocity structure as well as the overall evolution of the molecular filaments in the NGC 6334 complex.

Semantic Segmentation-Driven Integration of Point Clouds from Mobile Scanning Platforms in Urban Environments

Precise and complete 3D representations of architectural structures or industrial sites are essential for various applications, including structural monitoring or cadastre. However, acquiring these datasets can be time-consuming, particularly for large objects. Mobile scanning systems offer a solution for such cases. In the case of complex scenes, multiple scanning systems are required to obtain point clouds that can be merged into a comprehensive representation of the object. Merging individual point clouds obtained from different sensors or at different times can be difficult due to discrepancies caused by moving objects or changes in the scene over time, such as seasonal variations in vegetation. In this study, we present the integration of point clouds obtained from two mobile scanning platforms within a built-up area. We utilized a combination of a quadruped robot and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The PointNet++ network was employed to conduct a semantic segmentation task, enabling the detection of non-ground objects. The experimental tests used the Toronto 3D dataset and DALES for network training. Based on the performance, the model trained on DALES was chosen for further research. The proposed integration algorithm involved semantic segmentation of both point clouds, dividing them into square subregions, and performing subregion selection by checking the emptiness or when both subregions contained points. Parameters such as local density, centroids, coverage, and Euclidean distance were evaluated. Point cloud merging and augmentation enhanced with semantic segmentation and clustering resulted in the exclusion of points associated with these movable objects from the point clouds. The comparative analysis of the method and simple merging was performed based on file size, number of points, mean roughness, and noise estimation. The proposed method provided adequate results with the improvement of point cloud quality indicators.

Sn-modified Cu nanosheets catalyze CO2 reduction to C2H4 efficiently by stabilizing CO intermediates and promoting C[sbnd]C coupling

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a process in which CO2 is reduced to high-value-added C1 and C2 energy sources, particularly ethylene (C2H4), thereby supporting carbon–neutral recycling with minimal consumption. This makes it a promising technology with significant potential. Nevertheless, the low selectivity for C2H4 remains a significant challenge in practical applications. In this paper, a strategy based on Cu–Sn bimetallic catalysts is proposed to improve the selectivity of electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to C2H4 over Cu-based catalysts. The experimental results show that the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2H4 can reach up to 48.74 %, and the FE of C2 product reaches 60 %, at which time the local current density is 11.99 mA/cm2. Compared with pure Cu catalyst, the FE and local current density of C2H4 increased by 55.27 % and 35.33 %, respectively. Moreover, the FE of C2H4 remained above 40 % after 8 h over Cu10-Sn catalyst. The addition of Sn facilitates the transfer of local electrons from Cu to Sn, stabilizes the *CO intermediate, promotes CC coupling, significantly lowers the reaction energy barrier, and enables highly efficient CO2RR catalysis for C2H4 production.

Quantitative cytoarchitectural phenotyping of deparaffinized human brain tissues.

Advanced 3D imaging techniques and image segmentation and classification methods can profoundly transform biomedical research by offering deep insights into the cytoarchitecture of the human brain in relation to pathological conditions. Here, we propose a comprehensive pipeline for performing 3D imaging and automated quantitative cellular phenotyping on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) human brain specimens, a valuable yet underutilized resource. We exploited the versatility of our method by applying it to different human specimens from both adult and pediatric, normal and abnormal brain regions. Quantitative data on neuronal volume, ellipticity, local density, and spatial clustering level were obtained from a machine learning-based analysis of the 3D cytoarchitectural organization of cells identified by different molecular markers in two subjects with malformations of cortical development (MCD). This approach will grant access to a wide range of physiological and pathological paraffin-embedded clinical specimens, allowing for volumetric imaging and quantitative analysis of human brain samples at cellular resolution. Possible genotype-phenotype correlations can be unveiled, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of various brain diseases and enlarging treatment opportunities.

The effect of pre-heat parameters and final-heat parameters on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy

In this study, an ultra-high strength Mg-13Gd-4Y–0Zn-0.5Zr (wt.%) alloy with tensile yield strength (TYS) of 456 MPa and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 486 MPa was prepared by using different pre-heat parameters and subsequent final-heat treatment combined with backward extrusion (BE) deformation process. It was shown that the pre-heat teratment could significantly enhance the UTS and TYS of the secondary backward extruded (BEed) alloy compared with none treatment. The reason was that the pre-heat treatment promoted the particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism and continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX), significantly increasing the fraction of dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The strengthening of the secondary BEed alloy was attributed to the unique microstructure characteristics: (I) the fine DRXed grains pinned by dynamic precipitates, (II) the dense dynamic precipitation phases, (III) the effect of the fine-grain strengthening. However, the overly densely distributed second phase, which increased the local dislocation density due to the narrower spacing, made it difficult to prevent crack propagation and caused premature fracture of the alloy. In addition, the subsequent final-heat treatment also facilitated the precipitation of the second phases of the secondary BEed alloys and brought in the ultra-high mechanical properties.

Ultrahigh Transparent Safety Film for Spectrally Selective Photo/Electrothermal Conversion via Surface-Enhanced Plasma Resonance Dynamics.

Traditional deicing methods are increasingly insufficient for modern technologies like 5G infrastructure, photovoltaic systems, nearspace aerocraft, and terrestrial observatories. To address the challenge of combining anti-icing efficiency with operational performance, an innovative, spectrally selective, photo/electrothermic, ice-phobic film was prepared through a cost-effective mist deposition method. By manipulating the diameter ratio and density of nanowires, the local density of free electrons within this film is controlled to precisely dictate the position and intensity of surface plasmon resonance to achieve spectrally selective photo/electrothermal conversion. Additionally, the synthesized hydrophobic N-Boroxine-PDMS/SiO2 layer improves thermal stability and accelerates the deicing process. It achieves rapid deicing within 86 s under photothermal conditions and 65 s with Joule heating while maintaining high optical transmittance. The film improves the operational efficiency and thermal safety of equipment while preserving aesthetics and stability, thereby underscoring its broad suitability for advanced outdoor installations in cold environments.

Revealing the origin of dendritic deposition regulated solid electrolyte interphase enabled by cation receptor in Zn-ion batteries

Aqueous Zn-metal batteries open up promising prospects for large-scale energy storage due to the advantages of ample components, cost-effectiveness, and safety features. However, the notorious dendritic development and unavoidable hydrogen evolution reaction of Zn have grown to be one of the main barriers inhibiting its further commercialization. Despite substantial studies, the mechanism of nucleation and deposition of Zn2+ ions on zinc layer surfaces remains elusive. Here, inspired by additive, the SnCl2 additive is introduced to initiate the in-situ formation of the ZnS-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the Zn anode, which creates a protective “shielding effect” that hinders direct contact between water and the zinc surface, suppressing the random growth of Zn dendrites in the whole process. The mechanism of Zn nucleation was revealed by employing high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, consecutive electron diffraction coupled with finite element method (FEM) simulations. Moreover, spontaneously formed 3D architecture consists of micorsized hemispherical Sn particles not only suppresses the Zn dendrite growth by reducing the local current density, but also enables the lateral growth of Zn crystals by increasing the average surface energy. Such an electrolyte enables a long cycle life of over 2000 h in the Zn||Zn cell. Importantly, the assembled Zn||MnVO full cells with SnCl2 electrolyte also delivers substantial capacity (171.1mA h g−1 at 1 A h g−1), presenting a promising application. These discoveries not only deepen the comprehension of fundamental scientific knowledge regarding the microscopic reaction mechanism of the Zn anode but also offer significant insights for optimizing performance.

Enantioselective optical trapping of chiral nanoparticles by tightly focused fractional vector beams

Enantiomers exhibit markedly different chemical properties although they have the same chemical structure. The identification and separation of enantiomers have been significant issues in biomedicine and chemistry. In this work, we proposed an optical method that selective trapping of enantiomers by using tightly focused fractional vector beams (FVBs). In our proposed model, such a focused beam forms multiple local optical chirality densities (OCDs) with opposite signs at the focal plane. We found that focused FVBs can stably trap the enantiomers at the local positions with the minimum or maximum OCD according to the handedness of enantiomers. The positions and numbers of the trapped enantiomers have a relationship with the fractional topological charge. These results indicate that tightly focused FVBs are an all-optical method capable of dynamic modulation and achieving precise and stable trapping of multiple pairs of enantiomers. Our findings have practical applications in the multi-throughput and multi-sample manipulation of chiral materials.

Learning grain boundary segregation behavior through fingerprinting complex atomic environments

Although continuum-scale segregation is a well-documented behavior in multi-species materials, detailed site-specific behavior remains largely unexplored. This is partially due to the complexity of analyzing materials at the requisite time and length scales for describing segregation with full atomic accuracy. Here, we better evaluate the segregation behavior of disordered grain boundary (GB) atomic environments through leveraging a set of Strain Functional Descriptors (SFDs) to generate an atomic descriptor (i.e., fingerprint). Using this atomic fingerprint, we resolve key relationships between atomic structure and segregation energy. Machine learning (ML) techniques are utilized in concert with this SFD fingerprint to elucidate complex relationships relating segregation potential to changes in specific features of the local Gaussian density captured by the SFDs. Finally, we identify relationships that indicate both individual and joint structure-property correlations. Linking atomic segregation energy to key structural features demonstrates the value of higher-order descriptors for uncovering complex structure-property relationships at an atomic scale.

Experimental investigation on operational stability and its influencing mechanisms for PEMFC with dead-ended anode

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with dead-ended anode (DEA) suffers from nitrogen diffusion and water accumulation, leading to unstable performance. The core of this paper is to enhance the stability of DEA operation. By coupling the flow field structure with the DEA mode, the factors affecting the stability are explored, the performance degradation mechanism after DEA operation is revealed, and the purging strategy is formulated by combining the energy management with the voltage stability as a prerequisite. The experimental results show that the serpentine flow field is advantageous for maintaining the most stable DEA operation with a minimum voltage recession of 17.01 mV and a voltage undershoot of 11.63 mV. The local current density distribution exhibited a pattern of highest values at anode inlet and lowest at anode outlet, which could be improved by increasing operating pressure and reducing load current density. In this experiment, PCB was innovatively combined to investigate the degradation of each region of PEMFC after 60h of DEA operation. It is found that the most severe performance degradation occurs in anode outlet with a degradation rate exceeding 50%, while the center area has a degradation rate of no more than 20%.

Photonic defect modes in cholesteric liquid crystal resonators with embedded isotropic layers

Photonic defect modes are explored as a viable alternative to standard photonic band edge modes in photonic crystal applications, especially due to their typically high Q-factors and local density of states. For example, they can be used in nonlinearity enhancement, lasing, and cavity quantum electrodynamics. However, they are strongly dependent on any structural change and need to be well-controlled to ensure the desired resonance frequency. Here, we present a study of the photonic defect modes that appear in a structure where a layer of isotropic material is embedded between two layers of cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), using full electrodynamics numerical simulations. We present typical transmission spectra and electric field profiles of selected defect modes and then analyze the influence of geometrical and material parameters on the eigenfrequencies and Q-factors of the modes within and around the photonic bandgap, including refractive indices and thicknesses of isotropic and liquid crystal layers, and different anchoring orientations at the boundaries of the isotropic defect layer. Additionally, a connection of such defect modes to previously extensively analyzed twist defect modes is given. Eigenmodes in asymmetric resonators are also presented, where CLC layers surrounding the intermediate isotropic layer are not equally thick, enabling biasing of specific directional light emission. More generally, this work aims to contribute to the understanding and design capability in topological soft matter photonics where defect mode lasing could be realized in CLC geometries with different singular and solitonic topological defect structures.