The nanoscale morphology within the photoactive layer of organic solar cells is critical in determining the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we draw attention to the roles of molecular arrangement, and domain ...The nanoscale morphology within the photoactive layer of organic solar cells is critical in determining the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we draw attention to the roles of molecular arrangement, and domain size in improving performance, which can be tuned by subjecting the photovoltaic materials to solvent vapor annealing (SVA). In our PTB7-Th:ITIC devices, the PCE can be improved by exposing the device to solvent vapor for 60 s after solution casting. The solvent vapor prolongs reorganizational time and increases molecular ordering and domain size/phase separation, which are sub-optimal in pristine PTB7-Th:ITIC blend films. This improved morphology results in better charge mobility, reduced recombination, and ultimately an improved PCE from 7.1% to 7.9% when using CS2 as the annealing solvent. This simple SVA technique can be applied to a range of OPV systems where the molecular ordering is inferior within the as-cast photoactive layer.展开更多
In this paper, I propose new models of quantum information processing using the exchange interaction in physical systems. The partial SWAP operator that can be realized using the exchange interaction is used as the un...In this paper, I propose new models of quantum information processing using the exchange interaction in physical systems. The partial SWAP operator that can be realized using the exchange interaction is used as the underlying resource for defining models of quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum memory and decoherence-free subspaces. Given the non-commutativity of these operators (for adjacent operators operating on a common qubit), a number of quantum states and entanglement patters can be obtained. This zoo of states can be classified, due to the parity constraints and permutation symmetry of the states, into invariant subspaces that are used for the definition of some of the applications in this paper.展开更多
Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocol...Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocols,high-temperature heating process,incompatible solvents,etc.),it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all-metal-oxide-based devices.Here,we developed efficient inverted PSCs(IPSCs)based on solution-processed nickel oxide(NiO_(x))and tin oxide(SnO_(2))nanoparticles,working as hole and electron transport materials respectively,enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers.Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces,we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.5%(the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV),which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all-metal-oxide charge transport materials.Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties,ambient stability(retaining 95%of initial PCE after 1 month),thermal stability(retaining 80%of initial PCE after 2 weeks)and light stability(retaining 90%of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging)of resultant devices are enhanced significantly.In addition,owing to the low-temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device,we have obtained a PCE of over 21%for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.展开更多
Electronic skin,a class of wearable electronic sensors that mimic the functionalities of human skin,has made remarkable success in applications including health monitoring,human-machine interaction and electronic-biol...Electronic skin,a class of wearable electronic sensors that mimic the functionalities of human skin,has made remarkable success in applications including health monitoring,human-machine interaction and electronic-biological interfaces.While electronic skin continues to achieve higher sensitivity and faster response,its ultimate performance is fundamentally limited by the nature of low-frequency AC currents.Herein,highly sensitive skin-like wearable optical sensors are demonstrated by embedding glass micro/nanofibers(MNFs)in thin layers of polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS).Enabled by the transition from guided modes into radiation modes of the waveguiding MNFs upon external stimuli,the skin-like optical sensors show ultrahigh sensitivity(1870 k·Pa^-1),low detection limit(7 mPa)and fast response(10μs)for pressure sensing,significantly exceeding the performance metrics of state-of-the-art electronic skins.Electromagnetic interference(EMI)-free detection of high-frequency vibrations,wrist pulse and human voice are realized.Moreover,a five-sensor optical data glove and a 2×2-MNF tactile sensor are demonstrated.These initial results pave the way toward a new category of optical devices ranging from ultrasensitive wearable sensors to optical skins.展开更多
The effects of blast waves generated by energetic and non-energetic sources are of continuing interest to the ballistics research community.Modern conflicts are increasingly characterised by asymmetric urban warfare, ...The effects of blast waves generated by energetic and non-energetic sources are of continuing interest to the ballistics research community.Modern conflicts are increasingly characterised by asymmetric urban warfare, with improvised explosive devices(IEDs) often playing a dominant role on the one hand and an armed forces requirement for minimal collateral effects from their weapons on the other. These problems are characterised by disparate length- and time-scales and may also be governed by complex physics. There is thus an increasing need to be able to rapidly assess and accurately predict the effects of energetic blast in topologically complex scenarios. To this end, this paper presents a new Qineti Q-developed advanced computational package called EAGLE-Blast, which is capable of accurately resolving the generation, propagation and interaction of blast waves around geometrically complex shapes such as vehicles and buildings. After a brief description of the numerical methodology, various blast scenario simulations are described and the results compared with experimental data to demonstrate the validation of the scheme and its ability to describe these complex scenarios accurately and efficiently. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the use of the code in supporting the development of algorithms for fast running engineering models.展开更多
The possibility of modifying a conventional Cavendish torsion pendulum into a half-armed pendulum oscillator to measure the horizontal gravitational acceleration is discussed. A new kind of gravitational detector, gra...The possibility of modifying a conventional Cavendish torsion pendulum into a half-armed pendulum oscillator to measure the horizontal gravitational acceleration is discussed. A new kind of gravitational detector, gravieye, as we named, can be made by a proper combination of such oscillators to ＂see＂ remote objects and to be used, e.g. to detect the movement of huge mass at a long distance.展开更多
Based on the collected multiwavelength data, namely in the radio(NVSS, FIRST, RATAN-600), IR(WISE),optical(Pan-STARRS), UV(GALEX), and X-ray(ROSAT, Swift-XRT) ranges, we have performed a cluster analysis for the blaza...Based on the collected multiwavelength data, namely in the radio(NVSS, FIRST, RATAN-600), IR(WISE),optical(Pan-STARRS), UV(GALEX), and X-ray(ROSAT, Swift-XRT) ranges, we have performed a cluster analysis for the blazars of the Roma-BZCAT catalog. Using two machine learning methods, namely a combination of PCA with k-means clustering and Kohonen's self-organizing maps(SOMs), we have constructed an independent classification of the blazars(five classes) and compared the classes with the known Roma-BZCAT classification(FSRQs, BL Lacs, galaxy-dominated BL Lacs, and blazars of an uncertain type) as well as with the high synchrotron peaked(HSP) blazars from the 3HSP catalog and blazars from the TeVCat catalog. The obtained groups demonstrate concordance with the BL Lac/FSRQ classification along with a continuous character of the change in the properties. The group of HSP blazars stands out against the overall distribution. We examine the characteristics of the five groups and demonstrate distinctions in their spectral energy distribution shapes. The effectiveness of the clustering technique for objective analysis of multiparametric arrays of experimental data is demonstrated.展开更多
We propose a numerical methodology for the simultaneous numerical simulation of four states of matter:gas,liquid,elastoplastic solids,and plasma.The distinct,interacting physical processes are described by a combinati...We propose a numerical methodology for the simultaneous numerical simulation of four states of matter:gas,liquid,elastoplastic solids,and plasma.The distinct,interacting physical processes are described by a combination of compressible,inert,and reactive forms of the Euler equations,multi-phase equations,elastoplastic equations,and resistive MHD equations.Combinations of systems of equations are usually solved by coupling finite element for solid modelling and CFD models for fluid modelling or including material effects through boundary conditions rather than full material discretisation.Our simultaneous solution methodology lies on the recasting of all the equations in the same,hyperbolic form allowing their solution on the same grid with the same finite volume numerical schemes.We use a combination of sharp-and diffuse-interface methods to track or capture material interfaces,depending on the application.The communication between the distinct systems of equations(i.e.,materials separated by sharp interfaces)is facilitated by means of mixed-material Riemann solvers at the boundaries of the systems,which represent physical material boundaries.To this end,we derive approximate mixed-material Riemann solvers for each pair of the above models based on characteristic equations.To demonstrate the applicability of the new methodology,we consider a case study,where we investigate the possibility of ignition of a combustible gas that lies over a liquid in a metal container that is struck by a plasma arc akin to a lightning strike.We study the effect of the metal container material and its conductivity on the ignition of the combustible gas,as well as the effects of an additional dielectric coating,the sensitivity of the gas,and differences between scenarios with sealed and pre-damaged metal surfaces.展开更多
In 1951, Dirac proposed a formalism for a Lorentz invariant Aether with a vacuum state that contains all possible velocity states at each space-time point. Dirac showed no explicit path from the Aether towards the Qua...In 1951, Dirac proposed a formalism for a Lorentz invariant Aether with a vacuum state that contains all possible velocity states at each space-time point. Dirac showed no explicit path from the Aether towards the Quantum Mechanics. In this paper, we demonstrate that Dirac’s proposed Aether can be described by a lattice of possible events in space-time built in the local Lorentz frame. The idealised case of single velocity state leads to the famous Dirac equation for a plane wave state and is compatible with quantum statistics. On the lattice, possible space-time events are connected by the Dirac spinors which provide the probability of observing an event. The inertial mass of a particle is shown to be equivalent to the density of possible events on the lattice. Variation of the lattice density of events modifies the metric and provides a space-time curvature leading to the Hilbert action associated with general relativity. In classical limit, the perturbation in the density of possible events of the Aether is proportional to the Newtonian gravitational potential.展开更多
Evidence for metallization in dense oxygen has been reported for over 30 years[Desgreniers et al.,J.Phys.Chem.94,1117(1990)]at a now routinely accessible 95 GPa[Shimizu et al.,Nature 393,767(1998)].However,despite the...Evidence for metallization in dense oxygen has been reported for over 30 years[Desgreniers et al.,J.Phys.Chem.94,1117(1990)]at a now routinely accessible 95 GPa[Shimizu et al.,Nature 393,767(1998)].However,despite the longevity of this result and the technological advances since,the nature of the metallic phase remains poorly constrained[Akahama et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.74,4690(1995);Goncharov et al.,Phys.Rev.B 68,224108(2003);Ma,Phys.Rev.B 76,064101(2007);and Weck et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.102,255503(2009)].In this work,through Raman spectroscopy,we report the distinct vibrational characteristics of metallicζ-O_(2) from 85 to 225 GPa.In comparison with numerical simulations,wefind reasonable agreement with the candidate structure up to about 150 GPa.At higher pressures,the C2/mstructure is found to be unstable and incompatible with experimental observations.Alternative candidate structures,and Ci,with C2/m C2/conly two molecules in the primitive unit cell,are found to be stable and more compatible with measurements above 175 GPa,indicative of the dissociation of(O_(2))4 units.Further,we report and discuss a strong hysteresis and metastability with the precursory phaseϵ-O_(2).Thesefindings will reinvigorate experimental and theoretical work into the dense oxygen system,which will have importance for oxygen-bearing chemistry,prevalent in the deep Earth,as well as fundamental physics.展开更多
In this paper, we discuss a Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. The universe is viewed cosmologically as a fermionic fluid with a hydrostatic pressure from “Zitterbewegung”, the quantum ...In this paper, we discuss a Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. The universe is viewed cosmologically as a fermionic fluid with a hydrostatic pressure from “Zitterbewegung”, the quantum “zig-zagging” of Dirac particles. At each point in space-time, the pressure from all possible velocity states existing in the Many Worlds sums to provide a dark energy. This provides a ratio of matter energy to pressure energy close to that observed experimentally. Visible matter is the matter observed or measured in a particular velocity state and dark matter is then considered as the unobserved fermion contributions from different orthogonal spatial directions.展开更多
When a film of soft matter solutions is being dried, a skin layer often forms at its surface, which is a gel-like elastic phase made of concentrated soft matter solutions. We study the dynamics of this process by usin...When a film of soft matter solutions is being dried, a skin layer often forms at its surface, which is a gel-like elastic phase made of concentrated soft matter solutions. We study the dynamics of this process by using the solute based Lagrangian scheme which was proposed by us recently. In this scheme, the process of the gelation（i.e., the change from sol to gel） can be naturally incorporated in the diffusion equation. Effects of the elasticity of the skin phase, the evaporation rate of the solvents, and the initial concentration of the solutions are discussed. Moreover, the condition for the skin formation is provided.展开更多
We report an optical spectroscopy study on LaSb, a compound recently identified to exhibit extremely large magnetoresistance. Our optieal measurement indicates that the material has a low carrier density. More inter- ...We report an optical spectroscopy study on LaSb, a compound recently identified to exhibit extremely large magnetoresistance. Our optieal measurement indicates that the material has a low carrier density. More inter- estingly, the study reveals that the plasma frequency increases with decreasing temperature. This phenomenon suggests either an increase of the conducting carrier density or/and a decrease of the effective mass of carriers with decreasing temperature. We attribute it primarily to the latter effect. Two possible scenarios on its physical origin are examined and discussed. The study offers new insight into the electronic structure of this compound.展开更多
We report the epitaxial growth of YBCO （YBa2Cu3O7） films on YSZ （Yttria-stabilized Zirconia） （100） substrates by chemical solution deposition. The precursor solution was prepared by dissolving stoichiometric amo...We report the epitaxial growth of YBCO （YBa2Cu3O7） films on YSZ （Yttria-stabilized Zirconia） （100） substrates by chemical solution deposition. The precursor solution was prepared by dissolving stoichiometric amounts of acetates of Y（OOCCH3）3·4H2O, Ba（OOCCH3）2 and Cu（OOCCH3）·2H2O in an aqueous solution of oxalic acid （H2C2O4） and following the sol-gel route. This solution was directly dripped onto YSZ （100） substrates with the help of a Fisher pipette. To form the YBCO film, the sample was crystallized by annealing at 860 ℃ for 12 h in an oxidizing atmosphere. The characterization was performed by XRD （X-ray diffraction） analysis which revealed high intensity （001） reflections and denoted that most of the grains were c-axis oriented. Randomly oriented grains and other phases such as Y2BaCuO5 and CuO were also detected. The superconducting YBCO phase is demonstrated from the susceptibility versus temperature measurements which indicate a superconducting critical temperature ≈ 90 K. In addition, a surface morphology analysis was performed by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy which revealed an average roughness of 0.2197 μm.展开更多
Recent advances in heterojunction and interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have enabled great progress in developing highly efficient and stable devices.Nevertheless,the effect of halide choice on th...Recent advances in heterojunction and interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have enabled great progress in developing highly efficient and stable devices.Nevertheless,the effect of halide choice on the formation mechanism,crystallography,and photoelectric properties of the lowdimensional phase still requires further detailed study.In this work,we present key insights into the significance of halide choice when designing passivation strategies comprising large organic spacer salts,clarifying the effect of anions on the formation of quasi-2D/3D heterojunctions.To demonstrate the importance of halide influences,we employ novel neo-pentylammonium halide salts with different halide anions(neoPAX,X=I,Br,or Cl).We find that regardless of halide selection,iodide-based(neoPA)_(2)(FA)_((n-1))PbnI_((3n+1))phases are formed above the perovskite substrate,while the added halide anions diffuse and passivate the perovskite bulk.In addition,we also find the halide choice has an influence on the degree of dimensionality(n).Comparing the three halides,we find that chloride-based salts exhibit superior crystallographic,enhanced carrier transport,and extraction compared to the iodide and bromide analogs.As a result,we report high power conversion efficiency in quasi-2D/3D PSCs,which are optimal when using chloride salts,reaching up to 23.35%,and improving long-term stability.展开更多
Structural and magnetic studies of monophasic maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) magnetic nanocrystallites (MNCs) synthesized by the co-precipitation chemical route are reported in this paper. For the synthesis, a starting precurso...Structural and magnetic studies of monophasic maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) magnetic nanocrystallites (MNCs) synthesized by the co-precipitation chemical route are reported in this paper. For the synthesis, a starting precursor of magnetite (Fe3O4) in basic medium was oxidized at room temperature by adjusting the pH = 3.5 at 80°C in an acidic medium without surfactants. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows widened peaks indicating nanometric size and Rietveld Refinement confirms only one single-phase assigned to γ-Fe2O3 MNCs. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) demonstrates the formation of nanoparticles with diameter around D ≈ 6.8 ± 0.1 nm which is in good agreement with Rietveld Refinement (6.4 ± 1 nm). A selected area electron diffraction pattern was carried out to complement the study of the crystalline structure of the γ-Fe2O3 MNCs. M(H) measurements taken at different temperatures show almost zero coercivity and remanence indicating superparamagnetic domain and high magnetic saturation.展开更多
Most thin-film photovoltaic modules are constructed on soda-lime glass(SLG)substrates containing alkali oxides,such as Na_(2)O.Na may diffuse from SLG into a module's active layers through P1 lines,an area between...Most thin-film photovoltaic modules are constructed on soda-lime glass(SLG)substrates containing alkali oxides,such as Na_(2)O.Na may diffuse from SLG into a module's active layers through P1 lines,an area between a module's constituent cells where the substrate-side charge transport layer(CTL)is in direct contact with SLG.Na diffusion from SLG is known to cause several important effects inⅡ-Ⅵand chalcogenide solar modules,but it has not been studied in perovskite solar modules(PSMs).In this work,we use complementary microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to show that Na diffusion occurs in the fabrication process of PSMs.Na diffuses vertically inside P1 lines and then laterally from P1 lines into the active area for up to 360 pm.We propose that this process is driven by the high temperatures the devices are exposed to during CTL and perovskite annealing.The diffused Na preferentially binds with Br,forming Br-poor,l-rich perovskite and a species rich in Na and Br(Na-Br)close to P1 lines.Na-Br passivates defect sites,reducing non-radiative recombination in the perovskite and boosting its luminescence by up to 5×.Na-Br is observed to be stable after 12 weeks of device storage,suggesting long-lasting effects of Na diffusion.Our results not only point to a potential avenue to increase PSM performance but also highlight the possibility of unabated Na diffusion throughout a module's lifetime,especially if accelerated by the electric field and elevated temperatures achievable during device operation.展开更多
Dielectric metasurfaces can achieve strong light-matter interaction based on several types of collective(nonlocal)resonances,such as surface lattice resonances(SLRs)and quasi-bound states in the continuum(quasi-BICs)....Dielectric metasurfaces can achieve strong light-matter interaction based on several types of collective(nonlocal)resonances,such as surface lattice resonances(SLRs)and quasi-bound states in the continuum(quasi-BICs).Spectral selectivity,field enhancement,and high and controllable Q-factors make these resonances appealing for technological applications in lasing,sensing,nonlinear optics,and quantum photon sources.An emerging challenge focuses on tailoring light-matter interaction via mode coupling and hybridisation between the fundamental resonances of a metasurface.While strong coupling phenomena have been demonstrated between various resonant modes,the interplay between collective resonances of different natures has not been observed to date.Here,we theoretically,numerically,and experimentally demonstrate the onset of coupling and hybridisation between symmetry-protected quasi-BICs and SLRs in a dielectric metasurface.We show the emergence of anticrossing(or Rabi splitting)in the strong coupling regime with suppression of reflection,observed under TE-polarised excitation,and the manifestation of an accidental BIC under TM-polarised illumination as a result of energy exchange between the participating collective resonances in the weak coupling regime.The first effect is accompanied by hybridised near fields of the modes.The observed coupling mechanisms can be controlled by modifying the angle of incidence,polarisation,and the surrounding environment.This foundational study on the coupling and hybridisation of collective resonances offers insights that can be leveraged for the design of metasurfaces with targeted quasi-aBIC and collective hybridised resonances.It could also open new possibilities to control the near fields associated with such resonances,with promising applications in tunable nanophotonics and light manipulation.展开更多
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (Grant no. 2018CFA055)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants no. 21774097)
文摘The nanoscale morphology within the photoactive layer of organic solar cells is critical in determining the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we draw attention to the roles of molecular arrangement, and domain size in improving performance, which can be tuned by subjecting the photovoltaic materials to solvent vapor annealing (SVA). In our PTB7-Th:ITIC devices, the PCE can be improved by exposing the device to solvent vapor for 60 s after solution casting. The solvent vapor prolongs reorganizational time and increases molecular ordering and domain size/phase separation, which are sub-optimal in pristine PTB7-Th:ITIC blend films. This improved morphology results in better charge mobility, reduced recombination, and ultimately an improved PCE from 7.1% to 7.9% when using CS2 as the annealing solvent. This simple SVA technique can be applied to a range of OPV systems where the molecular ordering is inferior within the as-cast photoactive layer.
文摘In this paper, I propose new models of quantum information processing using the exchange interaction in physical systems. The partial SWAP operator that can be realized using the exchange interaction is used as the underlying resource for defining models of quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum memory and decoherence-free subspaces. Given the non-commutativity of these operators (for adjacent operators operating on a common qubit), a number of quantum states and entanglement patters can be obtained. This zoo of states can be classified, due to the parity constraints and permutation symmetry of the states, into invariant subspaces that are used for the definition of some of the applications in this paper.
基金UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC)New Investigator Award(2018,EP/R043272/1)Newton Advanced Fellowship(192097)for financial support+3 种基金the Royal Society,the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC,EP/R023980/1,EP/V027131/1)the European Research Council(ERC)under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program(HYPERION,Grant Agreement Number 756962)the Royal Society and Tata Group(UF150033)EPSRC SPECIFIC IKC(EP/N020863/1)
文摘Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long-term stable and potentially low-cost perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,due to some technical difficulties(e.g.,intricate fabrication protocols,high-temperature heating process,incompatible solvents,etc.),it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all-metal-oxide-based devices.Here,we developed efficient inverted PSCs(IPSCs)based on solution-processed nickel oxide(NiO_(x))and tin oxide(SnO_(2))nanoparticles,working as hole and electron transport materials respectively,enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers.Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces,we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 23.5%(the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV),which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all-metal-oxide charge transport materials.Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties,ambient stability(retaining 95%of initial PCE after 1 month),thermal stability(retaining 80%of initial PCE after 2 weeks)and light stability(retaining 90%of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging)of resultant devices are enhanced significantly.In addition,owing to the low-temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device,we have obtained a PCE of over 21%for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.
基金This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFB1001300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11527901)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Electronic skin,a class of wearable electronic sensors that mimic the functionalities of human skin,has made remarkable success in applications including health monitoring,human-machine interaction and electronic-biological interfaces.While electronic skin continues to achieve higher sensitivity and faster response,its ultimate performance is fundamentally limited by the nature of low-frequency AC currents.Herein,highly sensitive skin-like wearable optical sensors are demonstrated by embedding glass micro/nanofibers(MNFs)in thin layers of polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS).Enabled by the transition from guided modes into radiation modes of the waveguiding MNFs upon external stimuli,the skin-like optical sensors show ultrahigh sensitivity(1870 k·Pa^-1),low detection limit(7 mPa)and fast response(10μs)for pressure sensing,significantly exceeding the performance metrics of state-of-the-art electronic skins.Electromagnetic interference(EMI)-free detection of high-frequency vibrations,wrist pulse and human voice are realized.Moreover,a five-sensor optical data glove and a 2×2-MNF tactile sensor are demonstrated.These initial results pave the way toward a new category of optical devices ranging from ultrasensitive wearable sensors to optical skins.
文摘The effects of blast waves generated by energetic and non-energetic sources are of continuing interest to the ballistics research community.Modern conflicts are increasingly characterised by asymmetric urban warfare, with improvised explosive devices(IEDs) often playing a dominant role on the one hand and an armed forces requirement for minimal collateral effects from their weapons on the other. These problems are characterised by disparate length- and time-scales and may also be governed by complex physics. There is thus an increasing need to be able to rapidly assess and accurately predict the effects of energetic blast in topologically complex scenarios. To this end, this paper presents a new Qineti Q-developed advanced computational package called EAGLE-Blast, which is capable of accurately resolving the generation, propagation and interaction of blast waves around geometrically complex shapes such as vehicles and buildings. After a brief description of the numerical methodology, various blast scenario simulations are described and the results compared with experimental data to demonstrate the validation of the scheme and its ability to describe these complex scenarios accurately and efficiently. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the use of the code in supporting the development of algorithms for fast running engineering models.
文摘The possibility of modifying a conventional Cavendish torsion pendulum into a half-armed pendulum oscillator to measure the horizontal gravitational acceleration is discussed. A new kind of gravitational detector, gravieye, as we named, can be made by a proper combination of such oscillators to ＂see＂ remote objects and to be used, e.g. to detect the movement of huge mass at a long distance.
文摘Based on the collected multiwavelength data, namely in the radio(NVSS, FIRST, RATAN-600), IR(WISE),optical(Pan-STARRS), UV(GALEX), and X-ray(ROSAT, Swift-XRT) ranges, we have performed a cluster analysis for the blazars of the Roma-BZCAT catalog. Using two machine learning methods, namely a combination of PCA with k-means clustering and Kohonen's self-organizing maps(SOMs), we have constructed an independent classification of the blazars(five classes) and compared the classes with the known Roma-BZCAT classification(FSRQs, BL Lacs, galaxy-dominated BL Lacs, and blazars of an uncertain type) as well as with the high synchrotron peaked(HSP) blazars from the 3HSP catalog and blazars from the TeVCat catalog. The obtained groups demonstrate concordance with the BL Lac/FSRQ classification along with a continuous character of the change in the properties. The group of HSP blazars stands out against the overall distribution. We examine the characteristics of the five groups and demonstrate distinctions in their spectral energy distribution shapes. The effectiveness of the clustering technique for objective analysis of multiparametric arrays of experimental data is demonstrated.
基金This work was supported by Jaguar Land Rover and the UK-EPSRC Grant EP/K014188/1 as part of the jointly funded Programme for Simulation Innovation and Boeing Research&Technology(BR&T)Grant SSOW-BRT-L0516-0569.
文摘We propose a numerical methodology for the simultaneous numerical simulation of four states of matter:gas,liquid,elastoplastic solids,and plasma.The distinct,interacting physical processes are described by a combination of compressible,inert,and reactive forms of the Euler equations,multi-phase equations,elastoplastic equations,and resistive MHD equations.Combinations of systems of equations are usually solved by coupling finite element for solid modelling and CFD models for fluid modelling or including material effects through boundary conditions rather than full material discretisation.Our simultaneous solution methodology lies on the recasting of all the equations in the same,hyperbolic form allowing their solution on the same grid with the same finite volume numerical schemes.We use a combination of sharp-and diffuse-interface methods to track or capture material interfaces,depending on the application.The communication between the distinct systems of equations(i.e.,materials separated by sharp interfaces)is facilitated by means of mixed-material Riemann solvers at the boundaries of the systems,which represent physical material boundaries.To this end,we derive approximate mixed-material Riemann solvers for each pair of the above models based on characteristic equations.To demonstrate the applicability of the new methodology,we consider a case study,where we investigate the possibility of ignition of a combustible gas that lies over a liquid in a metal container that is struck by a plasma arc akin to a lightning strike.We study the effect of the metal container material and its conductivity on the ignition of the combustible gas,as well as the effects of an additional dielectric coating,the sensitivity of the gas,and differences between scenarios with sealed and pre-damaged metal surfaces.
文摘In 1951, Dirac proposed a formalism for a Lorentz invariant Aether with a vacuum state that contains all possible velocity states at each space-time point. Dirac showed no explicit path from the Aether towards the Quantum Mechanics. In this paper, we demonstrate that Dirac’s proposed Aether can be described by a lattice of possible events in space-time built in the local Lorentz frame. The idealised case of single velocity state leads to the famous Dirac equation for a plane wave state and is compatible with quantum statistics. On the lattice, possible space-time events are connected by the Dirac spinors which provide the probability of observing an event. The inertial mass of a particle is shown to be equivalent to the density of possible events on the lattice. Variation of the lattice density of events modifies the metric and provides a space-time curvature leading to the Hilbert action associated with general relativity. In classical limit, the perturbation in the density of possible events of the Aether is proportional to the Newtonian gravitational potential.
基金The computational resources were provided by the Cambridge Tier-2 sys-tem operated by the University of Cambridge Research Computing Service and funded by the UK EPSRC(Grant No.EP/P020259/1).
文摘Evidence for metallization in dense oxygen has been reported for over 30 years[Desgreniers et al.,J.Phys.Chem.94,1117(1990)]at a now routinely accessible 95 GPa[Shimizu et al.,Nature 393,767(1998)].However,despite the longevity of this result and the technological advances since,the nature of the metallic phase remains poorly constrained[Akahama et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.74,4690(1995);Goncharov et al.,Phys.Rev.B 68,224108(2003);Ma,Phys.Rev.B 76,064101(2007);and Weck et al.,Phys.Rev.Lett.102,255503(2009)].In this work,through Raman spectroscopy,we report the distinct vibrational characteristics of metallicζ-O_(2) from 85 to 225 GPa.In comparison with numerical simulations,wefind reasonable agreement with the candidate structure up to about 150 GPa.At higher pressures,the C2/mstructure is found to be unstable and incompatible with experimental observations.Alternative candidate structures,and Ci,with C2/m C2/conly two molecules in the primitive unit cell,are found to be stable and more compatible with measurements above 175 GPa,indicative of the dissociation of(O_(2))4 units.Further,we report and discuss a strong hysteresis and metastability with the precursory phaseϵ-O_(2).Thesefindings will reinvigorate experimental and theoretical work into the dense oxygen system,which will have importance for oxygen-bearing chemistry,prevalent in the deep Earth,as well as fundamental physics.
文摘In this paper, we discuss a Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of Dark Energy and Dark Matter. The universe is viewed cosmologically as a fermionic fluid with a hydrostatic pressure from “Zitterbewegung”, the quantum “zig-zagging” of Dirac particles. At each point in space-time, the pressure from all possible velocity states existing in the Many Worlds sums to provide a dark energy. This provides a ratio of matter energy to pressure energy close to that observed experimentally. Visible matter is the matter observed or measured in a particular velocity state and dark matter is then considered as the unobserved fermion contributions from different orthogonal spatial directions.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science of China(Grant Nos.21434001,51561145002,and 11421110001)
文摘When a film of soft matter solutions is being dried, a skin layer often forms at its surface, which is a gel-like elastic phase made of concentrated soft matter solutions. We study the dynamics of this process by using the solute based Lagrangian scheme which was proposed by us recently. In this scheme, the process of the gelation（i.e., the change from sol to gel） can be naturally incorporated in the diffusion equation. Effects of the elasticity of the skin phase, the evaporation rate of the solvents, and the initial concentration of the solutions are discussed. Moreover, the condition for the skin formation is provided.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 11327806 and GZ1123the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant No 2016YFA0300902
文摘We report an optical spectroscopy study on LaSb, a compound recently identified to exhibit extremely large magnetoresistance. Our optieal measurement indicates that the material has a low carrier density. More inter- estingly, the study reveals that the plasma frequency increases with decreasing temperature. This phenomenon suggests either an increase of the conducting carrier density or/and a decrease of the effective mass of carriers with decreasing temperature. We attribute it primarily to the latter effect. Two possible scenarios on its physical origin are examined and discussed. The study offers new insight into the electronic structure of this compound.
文摘We report the epitaxial growth of YBCO （YBa2Cu3O7） films on YSZ （Yttria-stabilized Zirconia） （100） substrates by chemical solution deposition. The precursor solution was prepared by dissolving stoichiometric amounts of acetates of Y（OOCCH3）3·4H2O, Ba（OOCCH3）2 and Cu（OOCCH3）·2H2O in an aqueous solution of oxalic acid （H2C2O4） and following the sol-gel route. This solution was directly dripped onto YSZ （100） substrates with the help of a Fisher pipette. To form the YBCO film, the sample was crystallized by annealing at 860 ℃ for 12 h in an oxidizing atmosphere. The characterization was performed by XRD （X-ray diffraction） analysis which revealed high intensity （001） reflections and denoted that most of the grains were c-axis oriented. Randomly oriented grains and other phases such as Y2BaCuO5 and CuO were also detected. The superconducting YBCO phase is demonstrated from the susceptibility versus temperature measurements which indicate a superconducting critical temperature ≈ 90 K. In addition, a surface morphology analysis was performed by optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy which revealed an average roughness of 0.2197 μm.
基金X.L.and T.W.are contributed equally to this work.W.Z.acknowledges the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC)New Investigator Award(2018EP/R043272/1)+8 种基金Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowships(839136)H.L.acknowledges the Newton Advanced Fellowship(192097)X.L.acknowledges the financial support from Zhengzhou University ScholarshipT.W thanks the University of Surrey Doctoral College for financial supportS.J.S.gratefully acknowledges the support of EPSRC(UK)under grant number EP/N021037/1L.D.thanks the China Scholarship Council and the Cambridge Trusts for fundingR.C.K.and J.A.S.thank the company Xenocs for their ongoing support through the X-ray scattering user program at the University of Sheffield and the EPSRC for funding the purchase of this instrumentZ.W.,Y.S.,and G.S.thank the financial support from Zhengzhou Materials Genome InstituteS.D.S.and K.J.acknowledge the Royal Society for funding。
文摘Recent advances in heterojunction and interfacial engineering of perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have enabled great progress in developing highly efficient and stable devices.Nevertheless,the effect of halide choice on the formation mechanism,crystallography,and photoelectric properties of the lowdimensional phase still requires further detailed study.In this work,we present key insights into the significance of halide choice when designing passivation strategies comprising large organic spacer salts,clarifying the effect of anions on the formation of quasi-2D/3D heterojunctions.To demonstrate the importance of halide influences,we employ novel neo-pentylammonium halide salts with different halide anions(neoPAX,X=I,Br,or Cl).We find that regardless of halide selection,iodide-based(neoPA)_(2)(FA)_((n-1))PbnI_((3n+1))phases are formed above the perovskite substrate,while the added halide anions diffuse and passivate the perovskite bulk.In addition,we also find the halide choice has an influence on the degree of dimensionality(n).Comparing the three halides,we find that chloride-based salts exhibit superior crystallographic,enhanced carrier transport,and extraction compared to the iodide and bromide analogs.As a result,we report high power conversion efficiency in quasi-2D/3D PSCs,which are optimal when using chloride salts,reaching up to 23.35%,and improving long-term stability.
文摘Structural and magnetic studies of monophasic maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) magnetic nanocrystallites (MNCs) synthesized by the co-precipitation chemical route are reported in this paper. For the synthesis, a starting precursor of magnetite (Fe3O4) in basic medium was oxidized at room temperature by adjusting the pH = 3.5 at 80°C in an acidic medium without surfactants. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows widened peaks indicating nanometric size and Rietveld Refinement confirms only one single-phase assigned to γ-Fe2O3 MNCs. High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) demonstrates the formation of nanoparticles with diameter around D ≈ 6.8 ± 0.1 nm which is in good agreement with Rietveld Refinement (6.4 ± 1 nm). A selected area electron diffraction pattern was carried out to complement the study of the crystalline structure of the γ-Fe2O3 MNCs. M(H) measurements taken at different temperatures show almost zero coercivity and remanence indicating superparamagnetic domain and high magnetic saturation.
基金the Jardine Foundation and Cambridge Trust for a doctoral scholarshipthe European Union(EU)Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant No.764047(ESPResSo)+12 种基金funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No.823717-ESTEEM3.J.F.Oacknowledges funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(EPSRC)Nano Doctoral Training Centre(EP/L015978/1)J.F.O.,G.K.,and R.A.O.acknowledge Attolight and EPSRC(EP/R025193/1)for funding and supporting the SEM-CL systemE.M.T.thanks the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement no.841265.S.D.S.E.M.T.acknowledge funding from the EPSRC(EP/R023980/1)the EPSRC Centre for Advanced Materials for Integrated Energy Systems(CAM-IES,EP/P007767/1)Cambridge Royce facilities grant(EP/P024947/1)S.D.S.acknowledges funding from the Royal Society and Tata Group(UF150033)from the European Research Council under the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant No.756962(HYPERION)W.L.and J.L.M.-D.acknowledge support from the EPSRC(EP/L011700/1,EP/N004272/1)the Leverhulme Trust(RPG-2015-017)the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies(CiET1819_24)We wish to acknowledge the support of the Henry Royce Institute(HRI)for F.U.K.through the Royce PhD Equipment Access Scheme enabling access to the NanoSIMS facility at Manchester.The NanoSIMS was funded by UK Research Partnership Investment Funding(UKRPIF)Manchester RPIF Round 2.This work was supported by the HRI,funded through EPSRC grants EP/R00661X/1,EP/S019367/1,EP/P025021/1,and EP/P025498/1
文摘Most thin-film photovoltaic modules are constructed on soda-lime glass(SLG)substrates containing alkali oxides,such as Na_(2)O.Na may diffuse from SLG into a module's active layers through P1 lines,an area between a module's constituent cells where the substrate-side charge transport layer(CTL)is in direct contact with SLG.Na diffusion from SLG is known to cause several important effects inⅡ-Ⅵand chalcogenide solar modules,but it has not been studied in perovskite solar modules(PSMs).In this work,we use complementary microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to show that Na diffusion occurs in the fabrication process of PSMs.Na diffuses vertically inside P1 lines and then laterally from P1 lines into the active area for up to 360 pm.We propose that this process is driven by the high temperatures the devices are exposed to during CTL and perovskite annealing.The diffused Na preferentially binds with Br,forming Br-poor,l-rich perovskite and a species rich in Na and Br(Na-Br)close to P1 lines.Na-Br passivates defect sites,reducing non-radiative recombination in the perovskite and boosting its luminescence by up to 5×.Na-Br is observed to be stable after 12 weeks of device storage,suggesting long-lasting effects of Na diffusion.Our results not only point to a potential avenue to increase PSM performance but also highlight the possibility of unabated Na diffusion throughout a module's lifetime,especially if accelerated by the electric field and elevated temperatures achievable during device operation.
基金supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG,German Research Foundation)under Germany’s Excellence Strategy within the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD(EXC 2122,Project ID 390833453)the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation,the ERC iCOMM project(789340)the UK EPSRC project EP/Y015673/1.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.
文摘Dielectric metasurfaces can achieve strong light-matter interaction based on several types of collective(nonlocal)resonances,such as surface lattice resonances(SLRs)and quasi-bound states in the continuum(quasi-BICs).Spectral selectivity,field enhancement,and high and controllable Q-factors make these resonances appealing for technological applications in lasing,sensing,nonlinear optics,and quantum photon sources.An emerging challenge focuses on tailoring light-matter interaction via mode coupling and hybridisation between the fundamental resonances of a metasurface.While strong coupling phenomena have been demonstrated between various resonant modes,the interplay between collective resonances of different natures has not been observed to date.Here,we theoretically,numerically,and experimentally demonstrate the onset of coupling and hybridisation between symmetry-protected quasi-BICs and SLRs in a dielectric metasurface.We show the emergence of anticrossing(or Rabi splitting)in the strong coupling regime with suppression of reflection,observed under TE-polarised excitation,and the manifestation of an accidental BIC under TM-polarised illumination as a result of energy exchange between the participating collective resonances in the weak coupling regime.The first effect is accompanied by hybridised near fields of the modes.The observed coupling mechanisms can be controlled by modifying the angle of incidence,polarisation,and the surrounding environment.This foundational study on the coupling and hybridisation of collective resonances offers insights that can be leveraged for the design of metasurfaces with targeted quasi-aBIC and collective hybridised resonances.It could also open new possibilities to control the near fields associated with such resonances,with promising applications in tunable nanophotonics and light manipulation.
