Recent progress in nuclear astrophysics research and its astrophysical implications at the China Institute of Atomic Energy

Nuclear astrophysics is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary feld of research that has received extensive attention from the scientifc community since the midtwentieth century.Broadly,it uses the laws of extremely small atomic nuclei to explain the evolution of the universe.Owing to the complexity of nucleosynthesis processes and our limited understanding of nuclear physics in astrophysical environments,several critical astrophysical problems remain unsolved.To achieve a better understanding of astrophysics,it is necessary to measure the cross sections of key nuclear reactions with the precision required by astrophysical models.Direct measurement of nuclear reaction cross sections is an important method of investigating how nuclear reactions infuence stellar evolution.Given the challenges involved in measuring the extremely low crosssections of nuclear reactions in the Gamow peak and preparing radioactive targets,indirect methods,such as the transfer reaction,coulomb dissociation,and surrogate ratio methods,have been developed over the past several decades.These are powerful tools in the investigation of,for example,neutron-capture(n,r)reactions with short-lived radioactive isotopes.However,direct measurement is still preferable,such as in the case of reactions involving light and stable nuclei.As an essential part of stellar evolution,these low-energy stable nuclear reactions have been of particular interest in recent years.To overcome the diffculties in measurements near or deeply within the Gamow window,the combination of an underground laboratory and high-exposure accelerator/detector complex is currently the optimal solution.Therefore,underground experiments have emerged as a new and promising direction of research.In addition,to better simulate the stellar environment in the laboratory,research on nuclear physics under laser-driven plasma conditions has gradually become a frontier hotspot.In recent years,the CIAE team conducted a series of distinctive nuclear astrophysics studies,relying on the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics platform and accelerators in Earth’s surface laboratories,including the Beijing Radioactive Ion beam Facility,as well as other scientifc platforms at home and abroad.This research covered nuclear theories,numerical models,direct measurements,indirect measurements,and other novel approaches,achieving great interdisciplinary research results,with high-level academic publications and signifcant international impacts.This article reviews the above research and predicts future developments.

Construction of 3D porous Cu_(1.81)S/nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks for ultrafast and long-cycle life sodium-ion storage

Transition metal sulfides have great potential as anode mterials for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)due to their high theoretical specific capacities.However,the inferior intrinsic conductivity and large volume variation during sodiation-desodiation processes seriously affect its high-rate and long-cyde performance,unbeneficial for the application as fast-charging and long-cycling SIBs anode.Herein,the three-dimensional porous Cu_(1.81)S/nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks(Cu_(1.81)S/NC)are synthesized by the simple and facile sol-gel and annealing processes,which can accommodate the volumetric expansion of Cu_(1.81)S nanoparticles and accelerate the transmission of ions and electrons during Na^(+)insertion/extraction processes,exhibiting the excellent rate capability(250.6 mA·g^(-1)at 20.0 A·g^(-1))and outstanding cycling stability(70% capacity retention for 6000 cycles at 10.0 A·g^(-1))for SIBs.Moreover,the Na-ion full cells coupled with Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(3)/C cathode also demonstrate the satisfactory reversible specific capacity of 330.5 mAh·g^(-1)at 5.0 A·g^(-1)and long-cycle performance with the 86.9% capacity retention at 2.0 A·g^(-1)after 750 cycles.This work proposes a promising way for the conversionbased metal sulfides for the applications as fast-charging sodium-ion battery anode.

Structure and electrochemical performance of delafossite AgFeO_(2)nanoparticles for supercapacitor electrodes

Delafossite AgFeO_(2)nanoparticles with a mixture of 2H and 3R phases were successfully fabricated by using a simple co-precipitation method.The resulting precursor was calcined at temperatures of 100,200,300,400,and 500℃to obtain the delafossite AgFe0_(2)phase.The morphology and microstructure of the prepared AgFeO_(2)samples were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),N_(2) adsorption/desorption,X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS),and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)techniques.A three-electrode system was employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of the delafossite AgFeO_(2)nanoparticles in a 3 M KOH electrolyte.The delafossite AgFeO_(2)nanoparticles calcined at 100℃(AFO100)exhibited the highest surface area of 28.02 m^(2)·g^(-1)and outstanding electrochemical performance with specific capacitances of 229.71 F·g^(-1)at a current density of 1 A·g^(-1)and 358.32 F·g^(-1)at a scan rate of 2 mV·s^(-1).This sample also demonstrated the capacitance retention of 82.99% after 1000 charge/discharge cycles,along with superior specific power and specific energy values of 797.46 W·kg^(-1)and 72.74Wh·kg^(-1),respectively.These findings indicate that delafossite AgFeO_(2)has great potential as an electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

Molecular simulation study of the microstructures and properties of pyridinium ionic liquid[HPy][BF_(4)]mixed with acetonitrile

The microstructures and thermodynamic properties of mixed systems comprising pyridinium ionic liquid[HPy][BF_(4)]and acetonitrile at different mole fractions were studied using molecular dynamics simulation in this work.The following properties were determined:density,self-diffusion coefficient,excess molar volume,and radial distribution function.The results show that with an increase in the mole fraction of[HPy][BF_(4)],the self-diffusion coefficient decreases.Additionally,the excess molar volume initially decreases,reaches a minimum,and then increases.The rules of radial distribution functions(RDFs)of characteristic atoms are different.With increasing the mole fraction of[HPy][BF_(4)],the first peak of the RDFs of HA1-F decreases,while that of CT6-CT6 rises at first and then decreases.This indicates that the solvent molecules affect the polar and non-polar regions of[HPy][BF_(4)]differently.

Designing Electronic Structures of Multiscale Helical Converters for Tailored Ultrabroad Electromagnetic Absorption

Atomic-scale doping strategies and structure design play pivotal roles in tailoring the electronic structure and physicochemical property of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)materials.However,the relationship between configuration and electromagnetic(EM)loss mechanism has remained elusive.Herein,drawing inspiration from the DNA transcription process,we report the successful synthesis of novel in situ Mn/N co-doped helical carbon nanotubes with ultrabroad EMWA capability.Theoretical calculation and EM simulation confirm that the orbital coupling and spin polarization of the Mn–N4–C configuration,along with cross polarization generated by the helical structure,endow the helical converters with enhanced EM loss.As a result,HMC-8 demonstrates outstanding EMWA performance,achieving a minimum reflection loss of−63.13 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.29 mm.Through precise tuning of the graphite domain size,HMC-7 achieves an effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 6.08 GHz at 2.02 mm thickness.Furthermore,constructing macroscale gradient metamaterials enables an ultrabroadband EAB of 12.16 GHz at a thickness of only 5.00 mm,with the maximum radar cross section reduction value reaching 36.4 dB m2.This innovative approach not only advances the understanding of metal–nonmetal co-doping but also realizes broadband EMWA,thus contributing to the development of EMWA mechanisms and applications.

Physics-constrained deep-inverse point spread function model:toward non-line-of-sight imaging reconstruction

Non-line-of-sight(NLOS)imaging has emerged as a prominent technique for reconstructing obscured objects from images that undergo multiple diffuse reflections.This imaging method has garnered significant attention in diverse domains,including remote sensing,rescue operations,and intelligent driving,due to its wide-ranging potential applications.Nevertheless,accurately modeling the incident light direction,which carries energy and is captured by the detector amidst random diffuse reflection directions,poses a considerable challenge.This challenge hinders the acquisition of precise forward and inverse physical models for NLOS imaging,which are crucial for achieving high-quality reconstructions.In this study,we propose a point spread function(PSF)model for the NLOS imaging system utilizing ray tracing with random angles.Furthermore,we introduce a reconstruction method,termed the physics-constrained inverse network(PCIN),which establishes an accurate PSF model and inverse physical model by leveraging the interplay between PSF constraints and the optimization of a convolutional neural network.The PCIN approach initializes the parameters randomly,guided by the constraints of the forward PSF model,thereby obviating the need for extensive training data sets,as required by traditional deep-learning methods.Through alternating iteration and gradient descent algorithms,we iteratively optimize the diffuse reflection angles in the PSF model and the neural network parameters.The results demonstrate that PCIN achieves efficient data utilization by not necessitating a large number of actual ground data groups.Moreover,the experimental findings confirm that the proposed method effectively restores the hidden object features with high accuracy.

Distinct MLT asymmetry of auroral kilometric radiation observed by the FAST satellite

Auroral Kilometric Radiation (AKR) is a common radio emission,which can contribute to the magnetosphere-ionosphereatmosphere co u pling.Similar emissions have been observed in all magnetic planet magnetospheres of the solar system.In this study,using observations from the FAST satellite from 30 August 1996 to 9 September 2001,the distribution of AKR in altitude=500-4500 km and invariant latitude (|ILAT|)=60°-80°has been analyzed.63045 AKR samples have been identified with~48%(52%) samples on the dayside (nightside).Of considerable interest,there is a distinct MLT asymmetry with the high occurrence rate in MLT=05-08 and 18-22(02-05 and 12-17) in the northern (southern) hemisphere.The distinct MLT asymmetry is associated with the direction of Bxof the interplaneta ry magnetic field.In addition,the occurrence rate on the nightside clearly increases as the AE^(*) index increases.This study further enriches the information and understanding of AKR in the magnetosphere as well as other similar radio emissions.

School of Physics,Southeast University

Overview Originated from the"Gezhi"department of Sanjiang Normal School established in 1904,the physics discipline of Southeast University(SEU)has evolved for more than one century.During the past century,numerous distinguished scholars have either studied or worked in our school of physics and its predecessors,including Prof.Chien-Shiung Wu,Prof.You-Hsun Wu,Prof.Chung-Yao Chao,and Prof.Jici Yan.Now,the School of Physics in SEU is focusing on cutting edge scientific researches and first-class education.

Current Situation and Improvement of Homestead Qualification Right in China

The paper is to study the qualification right in the homestead system of China,and to put forward the corresponding improvement scheme.By analyzing the definition and nature of homestead land,the paper explores the historical background and development of the homestead land system and emphasizes the importance of the qualification right in ensuring housing rights for rural residents and social stability.Concerning the current status of the qualification right,the paper identifies existing problems and challenges,such as unclear rights to homestead land,difficulties in determining qualification,issues with the distribution of benefits between qualification rights and usage rights,and inheritance and transfer of qualification rights.These issues constrain the fairness and effectiveness of the homestead land system.To improve the qualification right,the paper puts forward measures such as revising legal regulations,adjusting homestead land policies,and enhancing the standardization of management of qualification rights.By optimizing the formulation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations,adjusting homestead policies,and strengthening the regulation of qualification right management,these issues can be addressed,improving the fairness and transparency of the homestead land system.Finally,the paper analyzes the impact of improving the qualification right on rural residents,land utilization,and social stability,offering related suggestions.Improving the qualification right can not only protect the housing rights of rural residents but also promote the rational use of rural land resources and the sustainable development of rural socio-economic conditions.In conclusion,this paper is expected to provide a theoretical support and practical guidance for the improvement of the homestead land system and to promote the sustainable development of rural society.

Rising above:exploring the therapeutic potential of natural product-based compounds in human cancer treatment

Tumors,due to their diversity and heterogeneity,pose a significant threat to human health.Multidrug resistance is a prevalent and grave issue in clinical treatment,resulting in treatment failure and cancer recurrence.This resistance renders conventional drug therapies ineffective,presenting a substantial challenge to human health and medical care.Exploring natural products as potential sources for anti-cancer drugs could lead to the development of innovative and efficacious cancer treatments.This article aims to investigate the health implications of natural products(such as paclitaxel,podophyllotoxin,homoharringtonine,camptothecin,and vinblastine)in the discovery of anti-cancer drugs while discussing the methods and progress made in researching novel anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products.The paper discusses the diversity,intricate structures,and target affinity of natural products along with their structural modification techniques,combination therapies utilization possibilities with prodrugs or nanoparticles.Additionally,considering the escalating multidrug resistance observed in tumors nowadays;certain natural products offer new insights and approaches for discovering effective anti-tumor drugs that are crucial for addressing global public health challenges.The challenges faced by natural products during drug development including issues related to bioavailability toxicity concerns as well as limited resources are examined thoroughly.Potential opportunities current issues along with future challenges are highlighted aiming at facilitating the clinical translation of original anti-cancer drugs using natural products.

The Role of Initial Cloud Condensation Nuclei Concentration in Hail Using the WRF NSSL 2-moment Microphysics Scheme

The effects of the initial cloud condensation nuclei （CCN） concentrations （100-3000 mg-1） on hail properties were investigated in an idealized non-severe hail storm experiment using the Weather Research and Forecasting （WRF） model, with the National Severe Storms Laboratory 2-moment microphysics scheme. The initial CCN concentration （CCNC） had obvious non-monotonic effects on the mixing ratio, number concentrations, and radius of hail, both in clouds and at the surface, with a CCNC threshold between 300 and 500 mg-1. An increasing CCNC is conducive （suppressive） to the amount of surface hail precipitation below （above） the CCNC threshold. The non-monotonic effects were due to both the thermodynamics and microphysics. Below the CCNC threshold, the mixing ratios with the increasing CCNC, resulting in more latent heat released of cloud droplets and ice crystals increased dramatically from condensation and frozen between 4 and 8 km and intensified updraft volume. The extent of the riming process, which is the primary process for hail production, increased dramatically. Above the CCNC threshold, the mixing ratio of cloud droplets and ice crystals increased continuously, but the maximum updraft volume was weakened because of reduced frozen latent heating at low level. The smaller ice crystals reduced the formation of hail and smaller clouds, with decreased rain water reducing riming efficiency so that graupel and hail also decreased with increasing CCNC, which is unfavorable for hail growth.

The Impact of Moist Physics on the Sensitive Area Identification for Heavy Rainfall Associated Weather Systems

The impact of moist physics on the sensitive areas identified by conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation(CNOP)is examined based on four typical heavy rainfall cases in northern China through performing numerical experiments with and without moist physics.Results show that the CNOP with moist physics identifies sensitive areas corresponding to both the lower-(850−700 hPa)and upper-level(300−100 hPa)weather systems,while the CNOP without moist physics fails to capture the sensitive areas at lower levels.The reasons for the CNOP peaking at different levels can be explained in both algorithm and physics aspects.Firstly,the gradient of the cost function with respect to initial perturbations peaks at the upper level without moist physics which results in the upper-level peak of the CNOP,while it peaks at both the upper and lower levels with moist physics which results in both the upper-and lower-level peaks of the CNOP.Secondly,the upper-level sensitive area is associated with high baroclinicity,and these dynamic features can be captured by both CNOPs with and without moist physics.The lower-level sensitive area is associated with moist processes,and this thermodynamic feature can be captured only by the CNOP with moist physics.This result demonstrates the important contribution of the initial error of lower-level systems that are related to water vapor transportation to the forecast error of heavy rainfall associated weather systems,which could be an important reference for heavy rainfall observation targeting.

Characteristics and underlying physics of ionic wind in dc corona discharge under different polarities

During a dc corona discharge, the ions’ momentum will be transferred to the surrounding neutral molecules, inducing an ionic wind.The characteristics of corona discharge and the induced ionic wind are investigated experimentally and numerically under different polarities using a needle-to-ring electrode configuration.The morphology and mechanism of corona discharge, as well as the characteristics and mechanism of the ionic wind, are different when the needle serves as cathode or anode.Under the different polarities of the applied voltage, the ionic wind velocity has a linear relation with the overvoltage.The ionic wind is stronger but has a smaller active region for positive corona compared to that for negative corona under a similar condition.The involved physics are analyzed by theoretical deduction as well as simulation using a fluid model.The ionic wind of negative corona is mainly affected by negative ions.The discharge channel has a dispersed feature due to the dispersed field, and therefore the ionic wind has a larger active area.The ionic wind of positive corona is mainly affected by positive ions.The discharge develops in streamer mode, leading to a stronger ionic wind but a lower active area.

Selected topics of quantum computing for nuclear physics

Nuclear physics,whose underling theory is described by quantum gauge field coupled with matter,is fundamentally important and yet is formidably challenge for simulation with classical computers.Quantum computing provides a perhaps transformative approach for studying and understanding nuclear physics.With rapid scaling-up of quantum processors as well as advances on quantum algorithms,the digital quantum simulation approach for simulating quantum gauge fields and nuclear physics has gained lots of attention.In this review,we aim to summarize recent efforts on solving nuclear physics with quantum computers.We first discuss a formulation of nuclear physics in the language of quantum computing.In particular,we review how quantum gauge fields(both Abelian and non-Abelian)and their coupling to matter field can be mapped and studied on a quantum computer.We then introduce related quantum algorithms for solving static properties and real-time evolution for quantum systems,and show their applications for a broad range of problems in nuclear physics,including simulation of lattice gauge field,solving nucleon and nuclear structures,quantum advantage for simulating scattering in quantum field theory,non-equilibrium dynamics,and so on.Finally,a short outlook on future work is given.

Generation Model of Particle Physics with Excited Rishon States

It is proposed that the Generation Model (GM) of particle physics, which describes the elementary particles, the six leptons, the six quarks and the three weak bosons, of the Standard Model (SM) as composite particles in terms of three kinds of rishons and their antiparticles may be mimicking a simpler model, employing only two kinds of rishons and their antiparticles.

Free Energy of Anisotropic Strangeon Stars

Can pulsar-like compact objects release further huge free energy besides the kinematic energy of rotation?This is actually relevant to the equation of state of cold supra-nuclear matter,which is still under hot debate.Enormous energy is surely needed to understand various observations,such asγ-ray bursts,fast radio bursts and softγ-ray repeaters.In this paper,the elastic/gravitational free energy of solid strangeon stars is revisited for strangeon stars,with two anisotropic models to calculate in general relativity.It is found that huge free energy(>10^(46)erg)could be released via starquakes,given an extremely small anisotropy((p_(t)-p_(r))/p_(r)~10^(-4),with pt/pr the tangential/radial pressure),implying that pulsar-like stars could have great potential of free energy release without extremely strong magnetic fields in the solid strangeon star model.

Remote sensing of air pollution incorporating integrated-path differential-absorption and coherent-Doppler lidar

An innovative complex lidar system deployed on an airborne rotorcraft platform for remote sensing of atmospheric pollution is proposed and demonstrated.The system incorporates integrated-path differential absorption lidar(DIAL) and coherent-doppler lidar(CDL) techniques using a dual tunable TEA CO_(2)laser in the 9—11 μm band and a 1.55 μm fiber laser.By combining the principles of differential absorption detection and pulsed coherent detection,the system enables agile and remote sensing of atmospheric pollution.Extensive static tests validate the system’s real-time detection capabilities,including the measurement of concentration-path-length product(CL),front distance,and path wind speed of air pollution plumes over long distances exceeding 4 km.Flight experiments is conducted with the helicopter.Scanning of the pollutant concentration and the wind field is carried out in an approximately 1 km slant range over scanning angle ranges from 45°to 65°,with a radial resolution of 30 m and10 s.The test results demonstrate the system’s ability to spatially map atmospheric pollution plumes and predict their motion and dispersion patterns,thereby ensuring the protection of public safety.

Analysis of gravity wave activity during stratospheric sudden warmings in the northern hemisphere

Due to the significant changes they bring to high latitude stratospheric temperature and wind,stratospheric sudden warmings(SSWs)can have an impact on the propagation and energy distribution of gravity waves(GWs).The variation characteristics of GWs during SSWs have always been an important issue.Using temperature data from January to March in 2014−2016,provided by the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology,Ionosphere and Climate(COSMIC)mission,we have analyzed global GW activity at 15−40 km in the Northern Hemisphere during SSW events.During the SSWs that we studied,the stratospheric temperature rose in one or two longitudinal regions in the Northern Hemisphere;the areas affected extended to the east of 90°W.During these SSWs,the potential energy density(E_(p)of GWs expanded and covered a larger range of longitude and altitude,exhibiting an eastward and downward extension.The E_(p)usually increased,while partially filtered by the eastward zonal winds.When zonal winds weakened or turned westward,E_(p)began to strengthen.After SSWs,the E_(p)usually decreased.These observations can serve as a reference for analyzing the interaction mechanism between SSWs and GWs in future work.

Effect of cognitive training on brain dynamics

The human brain is highly plastic.Cognitive training is usually used to modify functional connectivity of brain networks.Moreover,the structures of brain networks may determine its dynamic behavior which is related to human cognitive abilities.To study the effect of functional connectivity on the brain dynamics,the dynamic model based on functional connections of the brain and the Hindmarsh–Rose model is utilized in this work.The resting-state fMRI data from the experimental group undergoing abacus-based mental calculation(AMC)training and from the control group are used to construct the functional brain networks.The dynamic behavior of brain at the resting and task states for the AMC group and the control group are simulated with the above-mentioned dynamic model.In the resting state,there are the differences of brain activation between the AMC group and the control group,and more brain regions are inspired in the AMC group.A stimulus with sinusoidal signals to brain networks is introduced to simulate the brain dynamics in the task states.The dynamic characteristics are extracted by the excitation rates,the response intensities and the state distributions.The change in the functional connectivity of brain networks with the AMC training would in turn improve the brain response to external stimulus,and make the brain more efficient in processing tasks.

Two methods for separating the magnetospheric solar wind charge exchange soft X-ray emission from the diffuse X-ray background

Solar wind charge exchange(SWCX)is the process of solar wind high-valence ions exchanging charges with neutral components and generating soft X-rays.Recently,detecting the SWCX emission from the magnetosphere is proposed as a new technique to study the magnetosphere using panoramic soft X-ray imaging.To better prepare for the data analysis of upcoming magnetospheric soft X-ray imaging missions,this paper compares the magnetospheric SWCX emission obtained by two methods in an XMM-Newton observation,during which the solar wind changed dramatically.The two methods differ in the data used to fit the diffuse X-ray background(DXB)parameters in spectral analysis.The method adding data from the ROSAT All-Sky Survey(RASS)is called the RASS method.The method using the quiet observation data is called the Quiet method,where quiet observations usually refer to observations made by the same satellite with the same target but under weaker solar wind conditions.Results show that the spectral compositions of magnetospheric SWCX emission obtained by the two methods are very similar,and the changes in intensity over time are highly consistent,although the intensity obtained by the RASS method is about 2.68±0.56 keV cm^(-2)s^(-1)sr^(-1)higher than that obtained by the Quiet method.Since the DXB intensity obtained by the RASS method is about 2.84±0.74 keV cm^(-2)s^(-1)sr^(-1)lower than that obtained by the Quiet method,and the linear correlation coefficient between the difference of SWCX and DXB obtained by the two methods in diffe rent energy band is close to-1,the diffe rences in magnetospheric SWCX can be fully attributed to the diffe rences in the fitted DXB.The difference between the two methods is most significant when the energy is less than 0.7 keV,which is also the main energy band of SWCX emission.In addition,the difference between the two methods is not related to the SWCX intensity and,to some extent,to solar wind conditions,because SWCX intensity typically va ries with the solar wind.In summary,both methods are robust and reliable,and should be considered based on the best available options.