Microwave electrometry with Rydberg atoms in a vapor cell using microwave amplitude modulation

We have theoretically and experimentally studied the dispersive signal of the Rydberg atomic electromagneticallyinduced transparency(EIT)Autler–Townes(AT)splitting spectra obtained using amplitude modulation of the microwave(MW)electric field.In addition to the two zero-crossing points interval△f_(zeros),the dispersion signal has two positive maxima with an interval defined as the shoulder interval△f_(sho),which is theoretically expected to be used to measure a much weaker MW electric field.The relationship of the MW field strength E_(MW)and△f_(sho)is experimentally studied at the MW frequencies of 31.6 GHz and 9.2 GHz respectively.The results show that△f_(sho)can be used to characterize the much weaker E_(MW)than that of△f_(zeros)and the traditional EIT–AT splitting interval△f_(m);the minimum E_(MW)measured by△f_(sho)is about 30 times smaller than that by△f_(m).As an example,the minimum E_(MW)at 9.2 GHz that can be characterized by△f_(sho)is 0.056 mV/cm,which is the minimum value characterized by the frequency interval using a vapor cell without adding any auxiliary fields.The proposed method can improve the weak limit and sensitivity of E_(MW)measured by the spectral frequency interval,which is important in the direct measurement of weak E_(MW).

Research of caged dynamics of clusters center atoms in Pd_(82)Si_(18) amorphous alloy

To date,there is still a lack of a comprehensive explanation for caged dynamics which is regarded as one of the intricate dynamic behaviors in amorphous alloys.This study focuses on Pd_(82)Si_(18)as the research object to further elucidate the underlying mechanism of caged dynamics from multiple perspectives,including the cage's lifetime,atomic local environment,and atomic potential energy.The results reveal that Si atoms exhibit a pronounced cage effect due to the hindrance of Pd atoms,resulting in an anomalous peak in the non-Gaussian parameters.An in-depth investigation was conducted on the caged dynamics differences between fast and slow Si atoms.In comparison to fast Si atoms,slow Si atoms were surrounded by more Pd atoms and occupied lower potential energy states,resulting in smaller diffusion displacements for the slow Si atoms.Concurrently,slow Si atoms tend to be in the centers of smaller clusters with coordination numbers of 9 and 10.During the isothermal relaxation process,clusters with coordination numbers 9 and 10 have longer lifetimes,suggesting that the escape of slow Si atoms from their cages is more challenging.The findings mentioned above hold significant implications for understanding the caged dynamics.

Optical PAM-4/PAM-8 generation via dual-Raman process in Rydberg atoms

A scheme of optical four-level pulse amplitude modulation(PAM-4) is proposed based on dual-Raman process in Rydberg atoms. A probe field counter-propagates with a dual-Raman field which drives the ground and the excited states transition, respectively, and the Rydberg transition is driven by a microwave(MW) field. A gain peak appears in the probe transmission and is sensitive to the MW field strength. Optical PAM-4 can be achieved by encoding an MW signal and decoding the magnitude of a probe signal. Simulation results show that the differential nonlinearity and the integral nonlinearity of the proposed scheme can be reduced by 5 times and 6 times, respectively, compared with the counterparts of previous scheme, and the ratio of level separation mismatch is close to the ideal value 1. Moreover, the scheme is extended to optical PAM-8 signal, which may further improve the spectral efficiency.

Effects of surface chlorine atoms on charge distribution and reaction barriers for photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction

Photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction to produce high value-added carbon-based fuel has been proposed as a promising approach to mitigate global warming issues.However,the conversion efficiency and product selectivity are still low due to the sluggish dynamics of transfer processes involved in proton-assisted multi-electron reactions.Lowering the formation energy barriers of intermediate products is an effective method to enhance the selectivity and productivity of final products.In this study,we aim to regulate the surface electronic structure of Bi_(2)WO_(6)by doping surface chlorine atoms to achieve effective photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction.Surface Cl atoms can enhance the absorption ability of light,affect its energy band structure and promote charge separation.Combined with DFT calculations,it is revealed that surface Cl atoms can not only change the surface charge distribution which affects the competitive adsorption of H_(2)O and CO_(2),but also lower the formation energy barrier of intermediate products to generate more intermediate*COOH,thus facilitating CO production.Overall,this study demonstrates a promising surface halogenation strategy to enhance the photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction activity of a layered structure Bi-based catalyst.

Efficient loading of cesium atoms in a magnetic levitated dimple trap

We report a detailed study of magnetically levitated loading of ultracold ^(133)Cs atoms in a dimple trap.The atomic sample was produced in a combined red-detuned optical dipole trap and dimple trap formed by two small waist beams crossing a horizontal plane.The magnetic levitation for the ^(133)Cs atoms forms an effective potential for a large number of atoms in a high spatial density.Dependence of the number of atoms loaded and trapped in the dimple trap on the magnetic field gradient and bias field is in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.This method has been widely used to obtain the Bose–Einstein condensation atoms for many atomic species.

Simulation of space heavy-ion induced primary knock-on atoms in bipolar devices

Bipolar junction transistors(BJTs) are often used in spacecraft due to their excellent working characteristics. However,the complex space radiation environment induces primary knock-on atoms(PKAs) in BJTs through collisions, resulting in hard-to-recover displacement damage and affecting the performance of electronic components. In this paper, the properties of PKAs induced by typical space heavy ions(C, N, O, Fe) in BJTs are investigated using Monte Carlo simulations. The simulated results show that the energy spectrum of ion-induced PKAs is primarily concentrated in the low-energy range(17eV–100eV) and displays similar features across all tested ions. The PKAs induced by the collision of energetic ions have large forward scattering angles, mainly around 88°. Moreover, the distribution of PKAs within a transistor as a function of depth displays a peak characteristic, and the peak position is linearly proportional to the incident energy at a certain energy range. These simulation outcomes serve as crucial theoretical support for long-term semiconductor material defect evolution and ground testing of semiconductor devices.

Improved Plasmonic Hot‑Electron Capture in Au Nanoparticle/Polymeric Carbon Nitride by Pt Single Atoms for Broad‑Spectrum Photocatalytic H_(2)Evolution

ABSTRACT Rationally designing broad-spectrum photocatalysts to harvest whole visible-light region photons and enhance solar energy conversion is a“holy grail”for researchers,but is still a challenging issue.Herein,based on the common polymeric carbon nitride(PCN),a hybrid co-catalysts system comprising plasmonic Au nanoparticles(NPs)and atomically dispersed Pt single atoms(PtSAs)with different functions was constructed to address this challenge.For the dual co-catalysts decorated PCN(PtSAs–Au_(2.5)/PCN),the PCN is photoexcited to generate electrons under UV and short-wavelength visible light,and the synergetic Au NPs and PtSAs not only accelerate charge separation and transfer though Schottky junctions and metal-support bond but also act as the co-catalysts for H_(2) evolution.Furthermore,the Au NPs absorb long-wavelength visible light owing to its localized surface plasmon resonance,and the adjacent PtSAs trap the plasmonic hot-electrons for H_(2) evolution via direct electron transfer effect.Consequently,the PtSAs–Au_(2.5)/PCN exhibits excellent broad-spectrum photocatalytic H_(2) evolution activity with the H_(2) evolution rate of 8.8 mmol g^(−1) h^(−1) at 420 nm and 264μmol g^(−1) h^(−1) at 550 nm,much higher than that of Au_(2.5)/PCN and PtSAs–PCN,respectively.This work provides a new strategy to design broad-spectrum photocatalysts for energy conversion reaction.

Fine and hyperfine structures of pionic helium atoms

The fine and hyperfine structures of pionic helium metastable states is calculated within the formalism of the Breit-Pauli Hamiltonian by using the variationally generated wave functions in Hylleraas coordinates.Our results not only verify the existing values of Hori et al.[Phys.Rev.A 89,042515(2014)]for the fine structure of π^(4)He^(+),but also determine the hyperfine structure of π^(3)He^(+).

High efficient Raman sideband cooling and strong three-body recombination of atoms

We report a highly efficient three-dimensional degenerated Raman sideband cooling(3D dRSC)that enhances the loading of a magnetically levitated optical dipole trap,and observe the strong atom loss due to the three-body recombination.The 3D dRSC is implemented to obtain 5×10^(7)Cs atoms with the temperature of~480 nK.The cold temperature enables 1.8×10^(7)atoms loaded into a crossed dipole trap with an optimized excessive levitation magnetic gradient.Compared to the loading of atoms from a bare magneto-optical trap or the gray-molasses cooling,there is a significant increase in the number of atoms loaded into the optical dipole trap.We derive for the three-body recombination coefficient of L_(3)=7.73×10^(-25)cm^(6)/s by analyzing the strong atom loss at a large scattering length of 1418 Bohr radius,and discover the transition from the strong three-body loss to the dominant one-body loss.Our result indicates that the lifetime of atoms in the optical dipole trap is finally decided by the one-body loss after the initial strong three-body loss.

Investigation of cyclohexane catalytic degradation driven by N atoms from N_(2)discharges

The effect of N_(2)discharge products on cyclohexane degradation over a MnO_(2)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3)catalyst has been evaluated by feeding N_(2)discharge products to the catalyst using a specially designed dielectric barrier discharge reactor.At a reaction temperature of 100℃,the cyclohexane conversion increased from 2.46%(without N_(2)discharge products)to 26.3%(with N_(2)discharge products).N-and O-containing by-product(3,4-dehydroproline)was found on the catalyst surface using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry identification,in which C=N–C and C=N–H bonds were also confirmed from x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis results.Operando analysis results using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy revealed that N atoms can react with surface H_(2)O possibly to NH and OH reactive species that have reactivities to promote CO oxidation to CO_(2).The mechanism of N-atom-driven cyclohexane degradation to CO and CO_(2)is proposed.

Electric field intensity measurement by using doublet electromagnetically induced transparency of cold Rb Rydberg atoms

We demonstrate a simple method to measure electric field intensity by using doublet electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT) spectra of cold Rb Rydberg atoms, where the frequency of the coupling laser does not need to be locked. Based on the Stark splitting of the Rb Rydberg state, 10D_(3/2), under electric fields and the corresponding calculated polarizabilities, the real electric field intensity is calculated using the difference in radio-frequency diffraction between two acousto-optic modulators, which acts as a frequency criterion that allows us to measure the electrical field without locking the coupling laser. The value measured by this simple method shows a good agreement with our previous work [Opt.Express 29 1558(2021)] where the frequency of the coupling laser needs to be locked with an additional EIT spectrum based on atom vapor and a proportional–integral–differential feedback circuit. Our presented method can also be extended to the measurement of electric field based on hot Rydberg atom vapor, which has application in industry.

Metal-organic framework-based single-atom electro-/ photocatalysts: Synthesis, energy applications, and opportunities

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)have gained substantial attention because of their exceptional catalytic properties.However,the high surface energy limits their synthesis,thus creating significant challenges for further development.In the last few years,metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)have received significant consideration as ideal candidates for synthesizing SACs due to their tailorable chemistry,tunable morphologies,high porosity,and chemical/thermal stability.From this perspective,this review thoroughly summarizes the previously reported methods and possible future approaches for constructing MOF-based(MOF-derived-supported and MOF-supported)SACs.Then,MOF-based SAC's identification techniques are briefly assessed to understand their coordination environments,local electronic structures,spatial distributions,and catalytic/electrochemical reaction mechanisms.This review systematically highlights several photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of MOF-based SACs for energy conversion and storage,including hydrogen evolution reactions,oxygen evolution reactions,O_(2)/CO_(2)/N_(2) reduction reactions,fuel cells,and rechargeable batteries.Some light is also shed on the future development of this highly exciting field by highlighting the advantages and limitations of MOF-based SACs.

Recent progress on copper catalysts with different surface states for CO_(2)electroreduction

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction(eCO_(2)RR),which converts CO_(2)into various hydrocarbons or alcohols,has been extensively researched because it promises a sustainable energy economy.However,only copper(Cu)can currently achieve stable and efficient hydrocarbon conversion in the eCO_(2)RR.Therefore,understanding the catalytic mechanisms and summarizing the research progress on synthesis strategies of Cu catalysts are essential for the eCO_(2)RR.This paper reviews Cu catalysts with different surface states of Cu catalysts:oxide-derived Cu,Cu nanoparticles,Cu single atoms,and Cu nanoclusters.It then reviews the development and progress of different Cu-catalyst preparation methods in recent years,focusing on the activity and selectivity of materials.Besides revealing the tendencies of catalytic selection and deep reactive mechanisms of Cu catalysts with four different surface states,this review can guide the subsequent construction of catalysts and provides an understanding of catalytic mechanisms.

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.

A simple atomization approach enables monolayer dispersion of nano graphenes in cementitious composites with excellent strength gains

Carbon nano additives(CNAs)are critical to achieving the unique properties of functionalized composites,however,controlling the dispersion of CNAs in material matrix is always a challenging task.In this study,a simple atomization approach was successfully developed to promote the dispersion efficiency of graphene nanoplatelets(GNPs)in cement composites.This atomization approach can be integrated with the direct,indirect and combined ultrasonic stirrings in a homemade automatic stirring-atomization device.Mechanical and microstructure tests were performed on hardened cement pastes blended with GNPs in different stirring and mixing approaches.Results show that the direct ultrasonic stirrings enabled more homogeneous dispersions of GNP particles with a smaller size for a longer duration.The atomized droplets with the mean size of~100μm largely mitigated GNPs’agglomerations.Monolayer GNPs were observed in the cement matrix with the strength gain by up to 54%,and the total porosity decrease by 21%in 0.3 wt%GNPs dosage.The greatly enhanced dispersion efficiency of GNPs in cement also raised the cement hydration.This work provides an effective and manpower saving technique toward dispersing CNAs in engineering materials with great industrialization prospects.

Nanomotion of bacteria to determine metabolic profile

In addition to their visible motion such as swimming(e.g.,with the help offlagella),bacteria can also exhibit nanomotion that is detectable only with highly sensitive instruments,and this study shows that it is possible to detect bacterial nanomotion using an AFM detection system.The results show that the nanomotion characteristics depend on the bacterial strain,and that nanomotion can be used to sense the metabolic activity of bacteria because the oscillations are sensitive to the food preferences of the bacteria and the type of surrounding medium.

Single-atom Pt on carbon nanotubes for selective electrocatalysis

Utilizing supported single atoms as catalysts presents an opportunity to reduce the usage of critical raw materials such as platinum,which are essential for electrochemical reactions such as hydrogen oxidation reaction(HOR).Herein,we describe the synthesis of a Pt single electrocatalyst inside single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs)via a redox reaction.Characterizations via electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron microscopy,and X-ray absorption spectroscopy show the single-atom nature of the Pt.The electrochemical behavior of the sample to hydrogen and oxygen was investigated using the advanced floating electrode technique,which minimizes mass transport limitations and gives a thorough insight into the activity of the electrocatalyst.The single-atom samples showed higher HOR activity than state-of-the-art 30%Pt/C while almost no oxygen reduction reaction activity in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell operating range.The selective activity toward HOR arose as the main fingerprint of the catalyst confinement in the SWCNTs.

Tailoring local structures of atomically dispersed copper sites for highly selective CO2 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.

FPGA and computer-vision-based atom tracking technology for scanning probe microscopy

Atom tracking technology enhanced with innovative algorithms has been implemented in this study,utilizing a comprehensive suite of controllers and software independently developed domestically.Leveraging an on-board field-programmable gate array(FPGA)with a core frequency of 100 MHz,our system facilitates reading and writing operations across 16 channels,performing discrete incremental proportional-integral-derivative(PID)calculations within 3.4 microseconds.Building upon this foundation,gradient and extremum algorithms are further integrated,incorporating circular and spiral scanning modes with a horizontal movement accuracy of 0.38 pm.This integration enhances the real-time performance and significantly increases the accuracy of atom tracking.Atom tracking achieves an equivalent precision of at least 142 pm on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite(HOPG)surface under room temperature atmospheric conditions.Through applying computer vision and image processing algorithms,atom tracking can be used when scanning a large area.The techniques primarily consist of two algorithms:the region of interest(ROI)-based feature matching algorithm,which achieves 97.92%accuracy,and the feature description-based matching algorithm,with an impressive 99.99%accuracy.Both implementation approaches have been tested for scanner drift measurements,and these technologies are scalable and applicable in various domains of scanning probe microscopy with broad application prospects in the field of nanoengineering.

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.