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.
The last two decades has seen quantum thermodynamics become a well established field of research in its own right. In that time, it has demonstrated a remarkably broad applicability, ranging from providing foundational advances in the understanding of how thermodynamic principles apply at the nano-scale and in the presence of quantum coherence, to providing a guiding framework for the development of efficient quantum devices. Exquisite levels of control have allowed state-of-the-art experimental platforms to explore energetics and thermodynamics at the smallest scales which has in turn helped to drive theoretical advances. This Roadmap provides an overview of the recent developments across many of the field's sub-disciplines, assessing the key challenges and future prospects, providing a guide for its near term progress.
Double-electron capture in Gd-152 was searched for over 1336 h with a 286 g GAGG:Ce crystal scintillator at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory of the INFN (Italy). New, improved by four orders of magnitude, limit on the near-resonant 0 nu 2EC capture in Gd-152 was set as lim T-1/2 = 8.1 & times; 10(16) year at 90% C.L. Moreover, for the first time, a laboratory experiment has established a lower limit on the half-life of the allowed 2 nu KL process in the nuclide, with lim T-1/2 = 9.2 & times; 10(16) year at 90% C.L.
The article presents the results of an experimental study on the spectral modes of coherent Cherenkov diffraction radiation in the sub-terahertz frequency range. A long cylindrical Teflon radiator was used as a target. The Advanced Research Electron Accelerator Laboratory linear accelerator, located at the Center for the Advancement of Natural Discoveries using Light Emission Synchrotron Research Institute in Yerevan, has been used as a source of electrons with the energy of 3.6 MeV. The radiation was analysed with Martin-Pupplett interferometer and recorded using full band Schottky barrier diode detectors, designed for frequency bands Q: 33-50 GHz, E: 60-90 GHz, and F: 90-140 GHz. The obtained results are compared with theoretical calculations and demonstrated a good consistency. Cherenkov diffraction radiation offers considerable potential for the development of intense photon sources in the THz and sub-THz frequency ranges, as well as for applications in particle beam diagnostics.
