We introduce the Dreaming L-directional Associative Memory (DLAM), a multi-layer Hebbian architecture in which off-line dreaming and supervised heteroassociative coupling coexist within a single cost function, placing our approach within the framework of energy-based models (EBMs). The replica-symmetric free energy, derived via the Guerra interpolation scheme, yields self-consistency equations governing the order parameters across the control-parameter space. The effective local field decomposes into signal, intra-layer dreaming noise, and inter-layer noise. Dreaming improves retrieval by differentially attenuating high-eigenvalue interference modes of the empirical correlation matrix, suppressing inter-pattern crosstalk while preserving the signal. Dreaming and inter-layer coupling prove synergistic, opening retrieval regions unreachable by either mechanism alone, as confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations for L=3. Their interplay is most pronounced on pattern disentanglement: given a mixture state as input, the network splits the constituent patterns one-per-layer, recovering each modality-specific pattern from a common cue that simultaneously blends noisy evidence from all sensory channels. Phase diagrams are planar projections of the hyperspace (α, T, ρ, t)—where α is the storage load, T the fast-noise temperature, ρ the dataset entropy, and t the sleeping time. In the (ρ, t)-plane, the diagrams reveal a data–computation trade-off: off-line consolidation substitutes for additional training data, extending to heteroassociative architectures a phenomenon previously established for autoassociative networks. Enriching the standard Hopfield model with heteroassociativity and dreaming gives rise to EBMs capable of complex tasks beyond classical pattern recognition, contributing to a modern theory of neural information processing.
HRPPDs are MCP-PMT-based large-area vacuum photon detectors optimised for single-photon detection. They are the baseline photosensors for a classical proximity-focusing RICH (pfRICH) detector, one of the Cherenkov-radiation-based PID sub-systems of the future ePIC experiment at the Electron Ion Collider. In this article, we report on the single photoelectron time resolution of an LAPPD unit, measured to be 87 ps RMS. The measurement was performed by detecting Cherenkov photons produced in a quartz lens by hadrons in the CERN PS test beam in 2022. We also report the results of several magnetic-field test campaigns with LAPPD and HRPPD units carried out at CERN in 2023, 2024, and 2025. We measured the reduction in gain and photon detection efficiency (PDE) in the presence of magnetic fields, together with their partial recovery through optimised electrical biasing of the two MCPs. In addition, we present the results of rate-capability studies performed with an HRPPD unit both in the presence and absence of magnetic fields. Finally, we report preliminary results from two accelerated ageing campaigns conducted with an HRPPD unit in 2025.
Hadronic stars and strange quark stars could coexist within the so-called two-families scenario. In this respect, hadronic matter and strange quark matter correspond to two distinct equilibrium phases described by two different equations of state. We perform here the first detailed Bayesian analysis that makes use of astrophysical and laboratory data in order to constrain the equations of state adopted within the two-families scenario for hadronic and strange quark matter. In particular, in hadronic matter we consider the possible formation of hyperons and delta resonances (beside nucleons) within a class of non linear relativistic mean field models and in quark matter we consider the possible formation of a color-superconducting phase within a bag-like model. Results of the analysis indicate that, while at present both scenarios remain compatible with the data, the comparison of the Bayesian evidences shows a preference for the two-families scenario relative to our purely hadronic one-family baseline. Evaluating whether the data similarly favor the two-families scenario over a one-family model that includes hybrid stars is left to future work. The strength of this preference depends on the adopted dataset: it is moderate when only the most conservative astrophysical constraints are used, and becomes strong once the small-radius object PSR J0614-3329, the light and compact object HESS J1731-347, and the heavy-ion-collision flow data are included. Specifically, the two-families framework naturally relieves the tension between the intermediate-density softness of the equation of state required by small-radius objects, and the high-density stiffness needed to support massive pulsars. Ultimately, future detections of even more massive compact objects, very compact ordinary-mass objects, or precise measurements of two distinct masses with the same radius, would particularly strengthen the preference for two distinct compact-star families.
Elemental Tellurium gained particular attention in recent years due to its properties as high mobility, p-type semiconductor and strong infrared light absorber. Its van der Waals structure allows the combination with silicon as well as with two-dimensional materials giving rise to stacked structures with novel electronic and optical properties. Here we report a method to enhance photodetector performances, in terms of photocurrent and response speed at visible and infrared wavelengths, of Te/n-Si heterojunctions by introducing a topological insulator buffer layer of Bi2Se3 between Te and n-Si substrate. The photocurrent of the obtained stacked structure Te/Bi2Se3/n-Si results respectively 2.7 and 59 times higher than that shown by Bi2Se3/n-Si and Te/n-Si at 7 = 1550 nm when operating in self-powered mode. Moreover, the response time at visible wavelength decreases up to 6 times with respect to Te/n-Si and 2.9 times to Bi2Se3/n-Si. The obtained results are ascribed to the presence of the high mobility surface states of Bi2Se3 topological insulator. The research confirms the success in combining different nanomaterials for wide range wavelength optoelectronic devices and in the use of topological insulators for fast photodetectors.
The Review summarizes much of particle physics and cosmology. Using data from previous editions, plus 3,200 new measurements from 903 papers, we list, evaluate, and average measured properties of gauge bosons and the recently discovered Higgs boson, leptons, quarks, mesons, and baryons. We summarize searches for hypothetical particles such as supersymmetric particles, heavy bosons, axions, dark photons, etc. Particle properties and search limits are listed in Summary Tables. We give numerous tables, figures, formulae, and reviews of topics such as Higgs Boson Physics, Supersymmetry, Grand Unified Theories, Neutrino Mixing, Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Cosmology, Particle Detectors, Colliders, Probability and Statistics. Most of the 118 reviews are updated, including many that are heavily revised. The Review is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 includes the Summary Tables and 96 review articles. Volume 2 consists of the Particle Listings and contains also 22 reviews that address specific aspects of the data presented in the Listings. The complete Review (both volumes) is published online on the website of the Particle Data Group ( pdg.lbl.gov ) and in a journal. Volume 1 is available in print as the PDG Book. A Particle Physics Booklet with the Summary Tables and essential tables, figures, and equations from selected review articles is available in print, as a web version optimized for use on phones, and as an Android app. The PDG API (Application Programming Interface) provides access to the data published in the Review in machine-readable format.
