A frequency servo SoC with output power stabilization loop technology for miniaturized atomic clocks

A frequency servo system-on-chip(FS-SoC)featuring output power stabilization technology is introduced in this study for high-precision and miniaturized cesium(Cs)atomic clocks.The proposed power stabilization loop(PSL)technique,incorporating an off-chip power detector(PD),ensures that the output power of the FS-SoC remains stable,mitigating the impact of power fluctuations on the atomic clock's stability.Additionally,a one-pulse-per-second(1PPS)is employed to syn-chronize the clock with GPS.Fabricated using 65 nm CMOS technology,the measured phase noise of the FS-SoC stands at-69.5 dBc/Hz@100 Hz offset and-83.9 dBc/Hz@1 kHz offset,accompanied by a power dissipation of 19.7 mW.The Cs atomic clock employing the proposed FS-SoC and PSL obtains an Allan deviation of 1.7×10^(-11) with 1-s averaging time.

Atomic layer deposition in advanced display technologies:from photoluminescence to encapsulation

Driven by the growing demand for next-generation displays,the development of advanced luminescent materials with exceptional photoelectric properties is rapidly accelerating,with such materials including quantum dots and phosphors,etc.Nevertheless,the primary challenge preventing the practical application of these luminescent materials lies in meeting the required durability standards.Atomic layer deposition(ALD)has,therefore,been employed to stabilize luminescent materials,and as a result,flexible display devices have been fabricated through material modification,surface and interface engineering,encapsulation,cross-scale manufacturing,and simulations.In addition,the appropriate equipment has been developed for both spatial ALD and fluidized ALD to satisfy the low-cost,high-efficiency,and high-reliability manufacturing requirements.This strategic approach establishes the groundwork for the development of ultra-stable luminescent materials,highly efficient light-emitting diodes(LEDs),and thin-film packaging.Ultimately,this significantly enhances their potential applicability in LED illumination and backlighted displays,marking a notable advancement in the display industry.

Tailoring local structures of atomically dispersed copper sites for highly selective CO_(2) electroreduction

Atomically‐dispersed copper sites coordinated with nitrogen‐doped carbon(Cu–N–C)can provide novel possibilities to enable highly selective and active electrochemical CO_(2) reduction reactions.However,the construction of optimal local electronic structures for nitrogen‐coordinated Cu sites(Cu–N_(4))on carbon remains challenging.Here,we synthesized the Cu–N–C catalysts with atomically‐dispersed edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4) sites(Cu–N_(4)C_(8))located in a micropore between two graphitic sheets via a facile method to control the concentration of metal precursor.Edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4)C_(8) catalysts outperformed the previously reported M–N–C catalysts for CO_(2)‐to‐CO conversion,achieving a maximum CO Faradaic efficiency(FECO)of 96%,a CO current density of–8.97 mA cm^(–2) at–0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE),and over FECO of 90%from–0.6 to–1.0 V versus RHE.Computational studies revealed that the micropore of the graphitic layer in edge‐hosted Cu–N_(4)C_(8) sites causes the d‐orbital energy level of the Cu atom to shift upward,which in return decreases the occupancy of antibonding states in the*COOH binding.This research suggests new insights into tailoring the locally coordinated structure of the electrocatalyst at the atomic scale to achieve highly selective electrocatalytic reactions.

Atomic transport dynamics in crossed optical dipole trap

We study the dynamical evolution of cold atoms in crossed optical dipole trap theoretically and experimentally. The atomic transport process is accompanied by two competitive kinds of physical mechanics, atomic loading and atomic loss.The loading process normally is negligible in the evaporative cooling experiment on the ground, while it is significant in preparation of ultra-cold atoms in the space station. Normally, the atomic loading process is much weaker than the atomic loss process, and the atomic number in the central region of the trap decreases monotonically, as reported in previous research. However, when the atomic loading process is comparable to the atomic loss process, the atomic number in the central region of the trap will initially increase to a maximum value and then slowly decrease, and we have observed the phenomenon first. The increase of atomic number in the central region of the trap shows the presence of the loading process, and this will be significant especially under microgravity conditions. We build a theoretical model to analyze the competitive relationship, which coincides with the experimental results well. Furthermore, we have also given the predicted evolutionary behaviors under different conditions. This research provides a solid foundation for further understanding of the atomic transport process in traps. The analysis of loading process is of significant importance for preparation of ultra-cold atoms in a crossed optical dipole trap under microgravity conditions.

Unveiling the early stage evolution of local atomic structures in the crystallization process of a metallic glass

The early stage evolution of local atomic structures in a multicomponent metallic glass during its crystallization process has been investigated via molecular dynamics simulation.It is found that the initial thermal stability and earliest stage evolution of the local atomic clusters show no strong correlation with their initial short-range orders,and this leads to an observation of a novel symmetry convergence phenomenon,which can be understood as an atomic structure manifestation of the ergodicity.Furthermore,in our system we have quantitatively proved that the crucial factor for the thermal stability against crystallization exhibited by the metallic glass is not the total amount of icosahedral clusters,but the degree of global connectivity among them.

Dependence of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations in one atomic-vapor cell

The atomic-vapor cell is a vital component for Rydberg atomic microwave sensors,and impacts on overall capability of Rydberg sensors.However,the conventional analysis approach on effect of vapor-cell length contains two implicit assumptions,that is,the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,which make it unable to accurately capture actual response about effect of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations.Here,utilizing a stepped cesium atomic-vapor cell with five different dimensions at the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,the height and full width at half maximum of electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT)signal,and the sensitivity of the atomic superheterodyne sensor are comprehensively investigated under conditions of the same Rabi frequencies(saturated laser power).It is identified that EIT signal height is proportional to the cell length,full width at half maximum and sensitivity grow with the increment of cell length to a certain extent.Employing the coherent integration signal theory and atomic linear expansion coefficient method,theoretical analysis of the EIT height and sensitivity are further investigated.The results could shed new light on understanding and design of ultrahigh-sensitivity Rydberg atomic microwave sensors and find promising applications in quantum measurement,communication,and imaging.

The penetration depth of atomic radicals in tubes with catalytic surface properties

Catalysis of molecular radicals is often performed in interesting experimental configurations.One possible configuration is tubular geometry.The radicals are introduced into the tubes on one side,and stable molecules are exhausted on the other side.The penetration depth of radicals depends on numerous parameters,so it is not always feasible to calculate it.This article presents systematic measurements of the penetration depth of oxygen atoms along tubes made from nickel,cobalt,and copper.The source of O atoms was a surfatron-type microwave plasma.The initial density of O atoms depended on the gas flow and was 0.7×10^(21)m^(-3),2.4×10^(21)m^(-3),and 4.2×10^(21)m^(-3)at the flow rates of 50,300,and 600 sccm,and pressures of 10,35,and 60 Pa,respectively.The gas temperature remained at room temperature throughout the experiments.The dissociation fraction decreased exponentially along the length of the tubes in all cases.The penetration depths for well-oxidized nickel were 1.2,1.7,and 2.4 cm,respectively.For cobalt,they were slightly lower at 1.0,1.3,and 1.6 cm,respectively,while for copper,they were 1.1,1.3,and 1.7 cm,respectively.The results were explained by gas dynamics and heterogeneous surface association.These data are useful in any attempt to estimate the loss of molecular fragments along tubes,which serve as catalysts for the association of various radicals to stable molecules.

Atomically Dispersed Ruthenium Catalysts with Open Hollow Structure for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Lithium–oxygen battery with ultrahigh theoretical energy density is considered a highly competitive next-generation energy storage device,but its practical application is severely hindered by issues such as difficult decomposition of discharge products at present.Here,we have developed N-doped carbon anchored atomically dispersed Ru sites cathode catalyst with open hollow structure(h-RuNC)for Lithium–oxygen battery.On one hand,the abundance of atomically dispersed Ru sites can effectively catalyze the formation and decomposition of discharge products,thereby greatly enhancing the redox kinetics.On the other hand,the open hollow structure not only enhances the mass activity of atomically dispersed Ru sites but also improves the diffusion efficiency of catalytic molecules.Therefore,the excellent activity from atomically dispersed Ru sites and the enhanced diffusion from open hollow structure respectively improve the redox kinetics and cycling stability,ultimately achieving a high-performance lithium–oxygen battery.

Atomically Substitutional Engineering of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Layers for Enhancing Tailored Properties and Superior Applications

Transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)are a promising class of layered materials in the post-graphene era,with extensive research attention due to their diverse alternative elements and fascinating semiconductor behavior.Binary MX2 layers with different metal and/or chalcogen elements have similar structural parameters but varied optoelectronic properties,providing opportunities for atomically substitutional engineering via partial alteration of metal or/and chalcogenide atoms to produce ternary or quaternary TMDs.The resulting multinary TMD layers still maintain structural integrity and homogeneity while achieving tunable(opto)electronic properties across a full range of composition with arbitrary ratios of introduced metal or chalcogen to original counterparts(0–100%).Atomic substitution in TMD layers offers new adjustable degrees of freedom for tailoring crystal phase,band alignment/structure,carrier density,and surface reactive activity,enabling novel and promising applications.This review comprehensively elaborates on atomically substitutional engineering in TMD layers,including theoretical foundations,synthetic strategies,tailored properties,and superior applications.The emerging type of ternary TMDs,Janus TMDs,is presented specifically to highlight their typical compounds,fabrication methods,and potential applications.Finally,opportunities and challenges for further development of multinary TMDs are envisioned to expedite the evolution of this pivotal field.

Synthesis and Modulation of Low-Dimensional Transition Metal Chalcogenide Materials via Atomic Substitution

In recent years,low-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide(TMC)materials have garnered growing research attention due to their superior electronic,optical,and catalytic properties compared to their bulk counterparts.The controllable synthesis and manipulation of these materials are crucial for tailoring their properties and unlocking their full potential in various applications.In this context,the atomic substitution method has emerged as a favorable approach.It involves the replacement of specific atoms within TMC structures with other elements and possesses the capability to regulate the compositions finely,crystal structures,and inherent properties of the resulting materials.In this review,we present a comprehensive overview on various strategies of atomic substitution employed in the synthesis of zero-dimensional,one-dimensional and two-dimensional TMC materials.The effects of substituting elements,substitution ratios,and substitution positions on the structures and morphologies of resulting material are discussed.The enhanced electrocatalytic performance and photovoltaic properties of the obtained materials are also provided,emphasizing the role of atomic substitution in achieving these advancements.Finally,challenges and future prospects in the field of atomic substitution for fabricating low-dimensional TMC materials are summarized.

Atomically dispersed Ni electrocatalyst for superior urea-assisted water splitting

Urea oxidation reaction(UOR) has been selected as substitution for oxygen evolution reaction ascribing to its low thermodynamic voltage as well as utilization of nickel as electrocatalyst.Herein,we report the formation of nickel single atoms(Ni-SAs) as exceptional bifunctional electrocatalyst toward UOR and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) in urea-assisted water splitting.In UOR catalysis,Ni-SAs perform a superior catalytic performance than Ni-NP/NC and Pt/C ascribing to the formation of HOO-Ni-N_(4) structure evidenced by in-situ Raman spectroscopy,corresponding to a boosted mass activity by 175-fold at 1.4 V vs.RHE than Ni-NP/NC.Furthermore,Ni-SAs requires only 450 mV overpotential to obtain HER current density of 500 mA cm^(-2).136 mA cm^(-2) is achieved in urea-assisted water splitting at1.7 V for Ni-SAs,boosted by 5.7 times than Pt/C-IrO_(2) driven water splitting.

Optimal preparation of Bose and Fermi atomic gas mixtures of ^(87)Rb and ^(40)K in a crossed optical dipole trap

We report on the optimal production of the Bose and Fermi mixtures with ^(87) Rb and ^(40)K in a crossed optical dipole trap(ODT).We measure the atomic number and lifetime of the mixtures in combination of the spin state |F=9/2,m_(F)=9/2> of^(40)K and |1,1>of ^(87) Rb in the ODT,which is larger and longer compared with the combination of the spin state |9/2,9/2> of^(40)K and 12,2) of ^(87)Rb in the ODT.We observe the atomic numbers of ^(87)Rb and ^(40)K shown in each stage of the sympathetic cooling process while gradually reducing the depth of the optical trap.By optimizing the relative loading time of atomic mixtures in the MOT,we obtain the large atomic number of ^(40)K(~6 ×10^(6)) or the mixtures of atoms with an equal number(~1.6 × 10^(6)) at the end of evaporative cooling in the ODT.We experimentally investigate the evaporative cooling in an enlarged volume of the ODT via adding a third laser beam to the crossed ODT and found that more atoms(8 × 10^(6)) and higher degeneracy(T/T_(F)=0.25) of Fermi gases are obtained.The ultracold atomic gas mixtures pave the way to explore phenomena such as few-body collisions and the Bose-Fermi Hubbard model,as well as for creating ground-state molecules of ^(87)Rb^(40)K.

Implementation of sub-100 nm vertical channel-all-around(CAA) thin-film transistor using thermal atomic layer deposited IGZO channel

In-Ga-Zn-O(IGZO) channel based thin-film transistors(TFT), which exhibit high on-off current ratio and relatively high mobility, has been widely researched due to its back end of line(BEOL)-compatible potential for the next generation dynamic random access memory(DRAM) application. In this work, thermal atomic layer deposition(TALD) indium gallium zinc oxide(IGZO) technology was explored. It was found that the atomic composition and the physical properties of the IGZO films can be modulated by changing the sub-cycles number during atomic layer deposition(ALD) process. In addition, thin-film transistors(TFTs) with vertical channel-all-around(CAA) structure were realized to explore the influence of different IGZO films as channel layers on the performance of transistors. Our research demonstrates that TALD is crucial for high density integration technology, and the proposed vertical IGZO CAA-TFT provides a feasible path to break through the technical problems for the continuous scale of electronic equipment.

Performance optimization of a SERF atomic magnetometer based on flat-top light beam

We explore the impact of pumping beams with different transverse intensity profiles on the performance of the spinexchange relaxation-free(SERF) atomic magnetometers(AMs). We conduct experiments comparing the traditional Gaussian optically-pumped AM with that utilizing the flat-top optically-pumped(FTOP) method. Our findings reveal that the FTOP-based approach outperforms the conventional method, exhibiting a larger response, a narrower magnetic resonance linewidth, and a superior low-frequency noise performance. Specifically, the use of FTOP method leads to a 16% enhancement in average sensitivity within 1 Hz–30 Hz frequency range. Our research emphasizes the significance of achieving transverse polarization uniformity in AMs, providing insights for future optimization efforts and sensitivity improvements in miniaturized magnetometers.

Atomically dispersed Fe sites on hierarchically porous carbon nanoplates for oxygen reduction reaction

Developing cost-effective,robust and stable non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) is of paramount importance for electrochemical energy conversion devices such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries.Although Fe-N-C single atom catalysts(SACs) have been hailed as the most promising candidate due to the optimal binding strength of ORR intermediates on the Fe-N_(4) sites,they suffer from serious mass transport limitations as microporous templates/substrates,i.e.,zeolitic imidazolate frameworks(ZIFs),are usually employed to host the active sites.Motivated by this challenge,we herein develop a hydrogen-bonded organic framework(HOF)-assisted pyrolysis strategy to construct hierarchical micro/mesoporous carbon nanoplates for the deposition of atomically dispersed Fe-N_(4) sites.Such a design is accomplished by employing HOF nanoplates assembled from 2-aminoterephthalic acid(NH_(2)-BDC) and p-phenylenediamine(PDA) as both soft templates and C,N precursors.Benefitting from the structural merits inherited from HOF templates,the optimized catalyst(denoted as Fe-N-C SAC-950) displays outstanding ORR activity with a high half-wave potential of 0.895 V(vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)) and a small overpotential of 356 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2) for the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).More excitingly,its application potential is further verified by delivering superb rechargeability and cycling stability with a nearly unfading charge-discharge gap of 0.72 V after 160 h.Molecular dynamics(MD) simulations reveal that micro/mesoporous structure is conducive to the rapid mass transfer of O_(2),thus enhancing the ORR performance.In situ Raman results further indicate that the conversion of O_(2) to~*O_(2)-the rate-determining step(RDS) for Fe-N-C SAC-950.This work will provide a versatile strategy to construct single atom catalysts with desirable catalytic properties.

Building Feedback-Regulation System Through Atomic Design for Highly Active SO_(2)Sensing

Reasonably constructing an atomic interface is pronouncedly essential for surface-related gas-sensing reaction.Herein,we present an ingen-ious feedback-regulation system by changing the interactional mode between single Pt atoms and adjacent S species for high-efficiency SO_(2)sensing.We found that the single Pt sites on the MoS_(2)surface can induce easier volatiliza-tion of adjacent S species to activate the whole inert S plane.Reversely,the activated S species can provide a feedback role in tailoring the antibonding-orbital electronic occupancy state of Pt atoms,thus creating a combined system involving S vacancy-assisted single Pt sites(Pt-Vs)to synergistically improve the adsorption ability of SO_(2)gas molecules.Further-more,in situ Raman,ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy testing and density functional theory analysis demonstrate the intact feedback-regulation system can expand the electron transfer path from single Pt sites to whole Pt-MoS_(2)supports in SO_(2)gas atmosphere.Equipped with wireless-sensing modules,the final Pt1-MoS_(2)-def sensors array can further realize real-time monitoring of SO_(2)levels and cloud-data storage for plant growth.Such a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic link between atomic interface and sensing mechanism is thus expected to broaden the rational design of highly effective gas sensors.

Preparation of palladium-based catalyst by plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition and its applications in CO_(2) hydrogenation reduction

Supported Pd catalyst is an important noble metal material in recent years due to its high catalytic performance in CO_(2)hydrogenation.A fluidized-bed plasma assisted atomic layer deposition(FP-ALD) process is reported to fabricate Pd nanoparticle catalyst over γ-Al_(2)O_(3)or Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support,using palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate as the Pd precursor and H_(2)plasma as counter-reactant.Scanning transmission electron microscopy exhibits that highdensity Pd nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed over Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)support with an average diameter of 4.4 nm.The deposited Pd-Fe_(2)O_(3)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)shows excellent catalytic performance for CO_(2)hydrogenation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor.Under a typical condition of H_(2)to CO_(2)ratio of 4 in the feed gas,the discharge power of 19.6 W,and gas hourly space velocity of10000 h^(-1),the conversion of CO_(2)is as high as 16.3% with CH_(3)OH and CH4selectivities of 26.5%and 3.9%,respectively.

Strong synergy between physical and chemical properties:Insight into optimization of atomically dispersed oxygen reduction catalysts

Atomically dispersed catalysts exhibit significant influence on facilitating the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)kinetics with high atom economy,owing to remarkable attributes including nearly 100%atomic utilization and exceptional catalytic functionality.Furthermore,accurately controlling atomic physical properties including spin,charge,orbital,and lattice degrees of atomically dispersed catalysts can realize the optimized chemical properties including maximum atom utilization efficiency,homogenous active centers,and satisfactory catalytic performance,but remains elusive.Here,through physical and chemical insight,we review and systematically summarize the strategies to optimize atomically dispersed ORR catalysts including adjusting the atomic coordination environment,adjacent electronic orbital and site density,and the choice of dual-atom sites.Then the emphasis is on the fundamental understanding of the correlation between the physical property and the catalytic behavior for atomically dispersed catalysts.Finally,an overview of the existing challenges and prospects to illustrate the current obstacles and potential opportunities for the advancement of atomically dispersed catalysts in the realm of electrocatalytic reactions is offered.

Atomic Dispersed Hetero‑Pairs for Enhanced Electrocatalytic CO_(2)Reduction

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)involves a variety of intermediates with highly correlated reaction and ad-desorption energies,hindering optimization of the catalytic activity.For example,increasing the binding of the*COOH to the active site will generally increase the*CO desorption energy.Breaking this relationship may be expected to dramatically improve the intrinsic activity of CO_(2)RR,but remains an unsolved challenge.Herein,we addressed this conundrum by constructing a unique atomic dispersed hetero-pair consisting of Mo-Fe di-atoms anchored on N-doped carbon carrier.This system shows an unprecedented CO_(2)RR intrinsic activity with TOF of 3336 h−1,high selectivity toward CO production,Faradaic efficiency of 95.96%at−0.60 V and excellent stability.Theoretical calculations show that the Mo-Fe diatomic sites increased the*COOH intermediate adsorption energy by bridging adsorption of*COOH intermediates.At the same time,d-d orbital coupling in the Mo-Fe di-atom results in electron delocalization and facilitates desorption of*CO intermediates.Thus,the undesirable correlation between these steps is broken.This work provides a promising approach,specifically the use of di-atoms,for breaking unfavorable relationships based on understanding of the catalytic mechanisms at the atomic scale.

Theory and Properties of Atomic Spacetime

Following A. Einsteins aspirations for an atomic theory, a novel theory of spacetime quantization/atomization based on finite Atomic AString Functions evolving since the 1970s is offered. Atomization Theorems allow representing polynomials, analytic functions, and solutions of General Relativity via the superposition of solitonic atoms which can be associated with flexible spacetime quanta, metriants, or elementary distortions. With multiple interpretations discussed, discrete-continuous spacetime is conceptualized as a lattice network of flexible solitonic atoms adjusting locations to reproduce different metrics. The theory may offer some variants of unified field theory under research based on Atomic AString Function where, like in string theory, fields become interconnected having a common mathematical ancestor.