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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Magnetic polaron formation in EuZn2P2

Colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) has been observed across many Eu2+-based materials; however, its origin is not completely understood. Here we investigate the antiferromagnetic insulator EuZn2⁢P2 through single crystal x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electrical transport, magnetization, dilatometry, and electron spin resonance measurements complemented by density functional theory calculations. Our electrical resistivity data reveal a large negative magnetoresistance, MR=[𝑅⁡(𝐻)−𝑅⁡(0)]/𝑅⁡(0), that reaches MR=−99.7% at 9 T near the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature 𝑇𝑁=23K. Dilatometry measurements show an accompanying field-induced lattice strain. Additionally, Eu2+ electron spin resonance reveals a strong ferromagnetic exchange interaction between Eu2+ and conduction electrons. Our experimental results in EuZn2⁢P2 are consistent with a magnetic polaron scenario and suggest magnetic polaron formation as a prevailing explanation of CMR in Eu2+-based compounds.

Cook, Matt [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000288777505)↗

Crust Composition and the Shallow Heat Source in KS 1731–260

The presence of a strong shallow heat source of unknown origin in accreting neutron star crusts has been inferred by analyzing x-ray observations of their cooling in quiescence. Here, we model the cooling of KS 1731–260 using realistic crust compositions and nuclear heating and cooling sources from detailed nuclear reaction network calculations. We find that the required strength of the shallow heat source in KS 1731–260 is reduced by more than a factor of 3 compared to previous analysis, a 5⁢𝜎 difference that alleviates the need for exotic solutions. Our analysis also suggests the existence of an impure nuclear pasta layer in the inner crust of KS 1731–260, though future observations will provide more stringent constraints. In addition, we obtain constraints on the dominant surface burning modes of KS 1731–260 over its history.

neutron star cooling↗

Acausality-driven instabilities in relativistic viscous hydrodynamics

We investigate non-linear instabilities stemming from superluminal propagation of information in Israel-Stewart-like models of relativistic viscous fluid dynamics. In relativity, the characteristic speed of propagation of information, $w$, and the speed of the fluid, $v$, allow us to differentiate between regimes of the hydrodynamic equations that are acausal but stable ($w>1$), unstable ($v^{2} w^{2} \geq 1$), and covariantly ill-posed ($w^{2} \leq 0$). As an analytical benchmark, we present a new solution that illustrates these distinct regimes. We compare this analytical solution to the result of a numerical relativistic viscous fluid dynamics solver, and confirm that the analytical result can be recovered numerically in the stable regime, whether causal or acausal. The onset of numerical instabilities is further found to occur in the regime predicted by the analytical solution.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

High-field magnetic phase diagrams of the 𝑅⁢Mn 6 ⁢Sn 6 (𝑅=Gd–Tm) kagome metals

𝑅⁢Mn 6 ⁢Sn 6 (𝑅=Y, Gd–Lu) kagome metals are promising materials hosting flat electronic bands and Dirac points that interact with magnetism. The coupling between the two magnetic 𝑅 and Mn sublattices can drive complex magnetic states with potential consequences for spin and charge transport and other topological properties. Here, in this work, we use a detailed magnetic Hamiltonian to calculate and predict the magnetic phase diagrams for 𝑅⁢Mn 6 ⁢Sn 6 kagome metals within the mean-field approximation. These calculations reveal a variety of collinear, noncollinear, and noncoplanar phases that arise from competition between various interlayer magnetic exchange interactions and magnetic anisotropies of the 𝑅 and Mn ions. We enumerate these phases and their magnetic space groups for future analysis of their impact on topological and trivial bands near the Fermi surface.

kagome metal↗

Effective Action for Relativistic Hydrodynamics from the Crooks Fluctuation Theorem

A new effective theory framework for fluctuating hydrodynamics in the relativistic regime is derived using standard thermodynamical principles and general properties of nonequilibrium stochastic dynamics. For the first time, we establish clear and concise conditions for ensuring that the resulting effective theories are causal, stable, and well-posed within general relativity. Here, these properties are independent of spacetime foliation and are valid in the full nonlinear regime. Out-of-equilibrium fluctuations are constrained by a relativistically covariant version of the Crooks fluctuation theorem, which determines how the entropy production is distributed even when the system is driven by an external force. This leads to an emerging Z 2 symmetry responsible for imposing fluctuation-dissipation relations for n-point correlation functions, which matches the standard constraints for the Schwinger-Keldysh effective action.

Fluctuation theorems↗

Photonuclear tomography in ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions

We present a theoretical investigation of photonuclear tomography as a novel technique for probing the internal structure of nuclei. In this approach, ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions (UPCs) serve as a source of intense fluxes of virtual photons, which induce coherent production of vector mesons. By analyzing the probabilities and cross sections of these photon-induced processes, we propose a methodology for reconstructing the spatial distribution of nucleons within the nucleus. Our framework provides a systematic way to access information on the nuclear geometry probed in UPCs, offering new opportunities for studies of nuclear structure using particle production as a probe. Numerical calculations for selected examples illustrate the feasibility and potential of this method.

particle & resonance production↗

Quantum physics of stars

Stars are slowly developing objects; the lifetimes of the different burning phases are determined by the strength of nuclear reactions, which in turn are defined by the quantum structure of the associated nuclei at the threshold and the respective reaction mechanisms. Stars, from the nuclear physics perspective, are cold environments where only a few of the key nuclear reactions have been measured at the actual stellar plasma temperatures. This is also the case for more dynamic astrophysical phenomena from the big bang to stellar explosions. Most of the nuclear reaction rates are therefore based on theoretical extrapolations. A number of discrepancies between these predictions and the associated stellar signatures have been observed, and many may be due to low-energy or near-threshold quantum effects. These effects need to be understood in order to reliably model nuclear reaction processes, not only for stars but also for low-temperature plasma environments such as controlled magnetic or inertial confinement fusion systems, which operate in similar temperature regimes. This review summarizes the various theoretical techniques presently used for deriving reaction rates and discusses possible quantum effects that may impact the reaction cross section near the reaction threshold. These resemble enhanced single-particle and cluster structures near threshold and associated interference effects. New experimental techniques such as deep-underground accelerators or the study of transfer reactions to mimic the quantum-mechanical transition strength, the so-called Trojan horse method, provide ways to directly or indirectly probe the reaction features that determine the reaction rates at stellar energies. Furthermore, this is demonstrated on a number of key nuclear reactions for different nucleosynthesis environments. Finally, current inconsistencies between experimental predictions and observations are discussed.

Models & methods for nuclear reactions↗

Precision measurement of the $Ξ^0_b$ baryon lifetime

A sample of 𝑝⁢𝑝 collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4 fb −1 and collected by the LHCb experiment during LHC Run 2, is used to measure the ratio of the lifetime of the $Ξ^0_b$ baryon to that of the $Λ^0_b$ baryon, 𝑟 𝜏 $≡$ $𝜏_{Ξ^0_b}$$/𝜏_{Λ^0_b}$. The value 𝑟$^{\textrm{Run 2}}_𝜏$ =1.004 ± 0.009 ± 0.006 is obtained, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This value is averaged with the corresponding value from Run 1 to obtain 𝑟 𝜏 =1.004 ± 0.008 ± 0.005. Multiplying by the known value of the $Λ^0_b$ lifetime yields $𝜏_{Ξ^0_b}$ = 1.475 ± 0.012 ± 0.008 ± 0.009 ps, where the last uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the $Λ^0_b$ lifetime. This measurement improves the precision of the current world average of the $Ξ^0_b$ lifetime by about a factor of two, and is in good agreement with the most recent theoretical predictions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Neutron skins probed in proton knockout from neutron-rich nuclei

Proton-induced quasifree knockout reactions provide a powerful probe of nuclear single-particle structure and reaction dynamics in both stable and neutron-rich nuclei. Here, in this work, we develop a unified theoretical framework for the calculation of inclusive (𝑝, 2⁢𝑝) and sequential (𝑝, 3⁢𝑝) reaction cross sections and fragment momentum distributions at intermediate and relativistic energies. The approach is based on a probabilistic extension of Glauber multiple-scattering theory combined with microscopic nuclear densities obtained from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations using Skyrme energy-density functionals. We focus in particular on the sensitivity of total cross sections and longitudinal momentum dispersions to neutron-skin thickness along isotopic chains. Our results indicate that both (𝑝, 2⁢𝑝) and (𝑝, 3⁢𝑝) reactions exhibit a systematic decrease of cross section and momentum width with increasing neutron excess, reflecting enhanced attenuation and surface bias induced by neutron skins. The effect is significantly stronger for two-proton removal, suggesting that (𝑝, 3⁢𝑝) reactions may offer enhanced sensitivity to isovector nuclear structure. These findings establish proton-induced knockout reactions as complementary hadronic probes of neutron skins and the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy.

direct reactions↗

Upward band gap bowing and negative mixing enthalpy in multi-component cubic halide perovskite alloys

Physical properties intermediate between constituents of alloys can be achieved as downward convex positive bowing, upward concave negative bowing, or zero bowing. Such bowing effects are essential for band gap engineering in semiconductor alloys. Upward band gap bowing effects are rather rare, hindering the exploration on half of the available physical property space of alloys. Part of this being a rare event is related to the need to stabilize an alloy with low mixing enthalpy, so it does not phase separate. Here, in this paper, we find via density functional theory that one can satisfy the simultaneous conditions of negative mixing enthalpy and upward band gap bowing in four-component AB⁢X 3 halide perovskite alloys in the cubic perovskite structure. Such perovskite alloys have the B-site occupied by a mixture of group IVB and IIB elements that have the IVB-𝑠 and IIB-s states in the valence bands and conduction bands, respectively, leaving the delocalized 𝑠 states to strongly repel each other. This 𝑠−𝑠 repulsion leads to the upward band gap bowing and negative mixing enthalpies simultaneously. Remarkably, we identify a perovskite alloy that has a band gap much larger than all its components. Analogous trends of upward band gap bowing and negative mixing enthalpy also appear in the corresponding three-component and two-component AB⁢X 3 halide perovskite alloys. These observations of upward band gap bowing and negative mixing enthalpy will significantly accelerate the design of stable upward band gap bowing alloys in a broad range of material families.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Symmetry-energy expansion with strange dense matter

The quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phase diagram at large densities and low temperatures can be probed using both neutron stars and low-energy heavy-ion collisions. Heavy-ion collisions are nearly isospin-symmetric systems, whereas neutron stars are highly isospin asymmetric since they are neutron rich. The symmetry-energy expansion is used to connect these regimes across isospin asymmetry. However, the current symmetry-energy expansion does not account for strange particles. In this work, we include finite strangeness by redefining the isospin-asymmetry parameter and the symmetry-energy expansion in a way that is consistent with QCD SU(3) flavor symmetry. Furthermore, our new symmetry energy works well beyond typical neutron star central densities and admits a skewness term in the presence of strangeness for the case of weak equilibrium.

Equations of state of nuclear matter↗

Physical properties of 𝑅⁢ Co 2 ⁢Al 8 single crystals (𝑅 = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) : An emerging structure-type for anisotropic Kondo-lattice studies

Systematic investigations of rare-earth (𝑅)-based intermetallic materials are a leading strategy to reveal the underlying mechanisms governing a range of physical phenomena, such as the formation of a Kondo lattice and competing electronic and magnetic anisotropies. Here, in this work, the magnetic, thermal, and transport properties of 𝑅⁢Co 2 ⁢Al 8 (𝑅 = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) single crystals are presented. LaCo 2 ⁢Al 8 is characterized as a Pauli paramagnet, and transport measurements, with the current along and perpendicular to the orthorhombic 𝑐-axis (𝜌 𝑐 and 𝜌 𝑎⁢𝑏 , respectively), reveal a clear electronic anisotropy, with 𝜌 𝑎⁢𝑏 ⁢≈ (4 –7)⁢𝜌 𝑐 at 300K . We show that CeCo 2 ⁢Al 8 is a Kondo lattice for which the Kondo coherence temperature 𝑇$^*_K$, deduced from broad maximums in 𝜌 𝑐 and 𝜌 𝑎⁢𝑏 at ≈ 68 and 46 K, respectively, is also anisotropic. This finding is related to a possible underlying anisotropy of the Kondo coupling in CeCo 2⁢ Al 8 . The Pr- and Nd-based materials present strong easy-axis anisotropy (𝑐-axis) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) orders below 𝑇 = 4.84 and 8.1K , respectively. Metamagnetic transitions from this AFM to a spin-polarized paramagnetic phase state are investigated by isothermal magnetization measurements. The Sm-based compound is also an easy-axis AFM with a transition at 𝑇 = 21.6K .

Garcia, Fernando A. [Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames,↗

Environmental factors have a greater influence on photosynthetic capacity in C 4 plants than biochemical subtypes or growth forms

Our understanding of how photosynthetic capacity varies among C 4 species and across growth and measurement conditions remains limited. We collated 1696 CO 2 response curves of net CO 2 assimilation rate (A/C i curves) from C 4 species grown and measured at various environmental conditions and used these data to estimate the apparent maximum carboxylation activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (V pmaxA ) and CO 2 -saturated net photosynthetic rate (A max ), two key parameters describing photosynthetic capacity. We examined how V pmaxA and A max vary with species-specific traits, growth and measurement conditions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Regulation of Transpiration and Whole‐Tree Crown Conductance in Tropical Forests

We found a consistent, emergent relationship between tropical tree crown conductance and its sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit across diverse species and sites. This reveals convergent stomatal–hydraulic regulation alongside distinct drought sensitivities among plant functional types.

Rahman, Mizanur [Pacific Northwest National Labora↗

Animal-associated jumbo phages as widespread and active modulators of gut microbiome ecology and metabolism

Huge phages are widespread in the biosphere, yet their prevalence and ecology in the human gut remain poorly characterized. Here, we report Jug (jumbo gut) phages with genomes of 360 to 402 kilobase pairs that comprise ~1.1% of the reads in human gut metagenomes, and are predicted to infect Bacteroides and/or Phocaeicola. Although three of the four major groups of Jug phages shared >90% genome-wide sequence identity, their large terminase subunits exhibited only 38 to 57% identity, suggesting horizontal acquisition from other phages. Over 1500 genomes of Jug phages were recovered from human and animal gut metagenomes, revealing their broad distribution, with largely shared gene content suggestive of frequent cross-animal-host transmission. Jug phages displayed high gene transcription activities, including the gene for a calcium-translocating P-type ATPase not detected previously in phages. These findings broaden our understanding of huge phages and highlight Jug phages as potential major players in gut microbiome ecology.

Chen, LinXing [University of Science and Technolog↗

CUPID, the Cuore upgrade with particle identification

CUPID, the CUORE Upgrade with Particle Identification, is a next-generation experiment to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0 νββ ) and other rare events using enriched Li 2 100 MoO 4 scintillating bolometers. It will be hosted by the CUORE cryostat located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. The main physics goal of CUPID is to search for 0 νββ of 100 Mo with a discovery sensitivity covering the full neutrino mass regime in the inverted ordering scenario, as well as the portion of the normal ordering regime with lightest neutrino mass larger than 10 meV. With a conservative background index of 10 −4 cts/(keV·kg·yr), 240 kg isotope mass, 5 keV FWHM energy resolution at 3 MeV and 10 live-years of data taking, CUPID will have a 90% C.L. half-life exclusion sensitivity of 1.8 · 10 27 yr, corresponding to an effective Majorana neutrino mass ( m ββ ) sensitivity of 9–15 meV, and a 3σ discovery sensitivity of 1 · 10 27 yr, corresponding to an m ββ range of 12–21 meV.

Alfonso, K. [Virginia Polytechnic Institute and St↗

A gravity-based mounting approach for large-scale cryogenic calorimeter arrays

Cryogenic calorimeters are among the leading technologies for searching for rare events. The CUPID experiment is exploiting this technology to deploy a tonne-scale detector to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of 100 Mo. The CUPID collaboration proposed an innovative approach to assembling cryogenic calorimeters in a stacked configuration, held in position solely by gravity. This gravity-based assembly method is unprecedented in the field of cryogenic calorimeters and offers several advantages, including relaxed mechanical tolerances and simplified construction. To assess and optimize its performance, we constructed a medium-scale prototype hosting 28 Li 2 MoO 4 crystals and 30 Ge light detectors, both operated as cryogenic calorimeters at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (Italy). Despite an unexpected excess of noise in the light detectors, the results of this test proved (i) a thermal stability better than ±0.5 mK at 10 mK, (ii) a good energy resolution of Li 2 MoO 4 cryogenic calorimeters, (6.6 ± 2.2) keV FWHM at 2615 keV, and (iii) a Li 2 MoO 4 light yield measured by the closest light detector of 0.36 keV/MeV, sufficient to guarantee the particle identification requested by CUPID.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗