Biomolecules can form condensates through liquid-liquid phase separation(LLPS)to perform biological functions.It is well established that intrinsically disordered proteins play essential roles in driving LLPS,and their conformations tend to adopt more extended states within the dense phase.However,for proteins with folded structures,how the folding of individual chains and phase separation mutually influence each other remains unclear.Here,using the nucleocapsid protein 7(NCp7)of human immunodeficiency virus 1(HIV-1)and its cognate RNA as a model system,we investigated the coupling between protein folding and phase separation through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.We found that the folding of NCp7 into its native structure,which contains two zinc finger(ZF)motifs,increases the multivalency of protein-RNA interactions and promotes their co-condensation.In turn,phase separation further stabilizes the native structure of the protein by facilitating non-native interactions within the condensates,where biomolecule concentration and molecular crowding are high.Additionally,RNA exhibits a highly dynamic structure,which enables it to simultaneously engage in protein interactions and adopt interchain double-stranded helical conformations,thereby mediating a balance between protein-RNA attraction and RNA-RNA repulsion.The results of this work suggest that tuning the folding and stability of individual biomolecules(e.g.,through metal-ion binding)offers an effective route to modulate biomolecular condensation,highlighting a promising strategy for drug design targeting the macroscopic phase behavior of biomolecules.
The radiative mechanism of coherent radio emission has remained an enigma since the discovery of pulsars,even with the emergence of fast radio bursts(FRBs),which exhibit similarities to the single-pulse behavior of pulsars and have opened a new window for deciphering this long-standing mystery.Besides tremendous efforts in modeling,advanced facilities are essential for solving the problem.The authors review the observational break-throughs made with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope(FAST),which are providing pivotal insights into the underlying physics of pulsars and FRBs.This study offers a novel perspective in the era when pulsars meet FRBs,and further investigations are encouraged to utilize the high sensitivity of FAST.
We explain the motivation for proposing the concept and framework of integrable deep learning(IDL),and focuse on a series of advances we have made in IDL algorithms.1.Two-stage PINN methods based on conservation laws,and PINN methods based on the Miura transformation;2.Lax pair-informed neural networks(LPNNs)and DT-LPNN combined with the Darboux transformation;3.Novel convolutional neural network architectures for integrable systems,including pseudo grid-based physics-informed convolutional-recur-rent network(PG-PhyCRNet)and polynomial extractor for rogue wave patterns(PE-RWP).
Magnonic systems based on two-dimensional van der Waals(vdW)magnets offer a versatile platform for hybridizing magnons with photons,phonons,and electrons,promising advancements in information processing.A key challenge,however,is the detection and manipulation of magnons due to their ultra-weak signals in atomically thin samples.To overcome this,we integrate a van der Waals antiferromagnet,CrCl3,with a high-quality-factor active cavity operating at cryogenic temperatures.Utilizing the cavity's gain and self-sustained oscillation,we uncover multiple magnon modes previously inaccessible in conventional measurements.Specifically,we observe two low-damping magnon modes near the acoustic mode of CrCl3,with damping rates three orders of magnitude lower.This exceptionally low damping enables strong cavity photon-magnon coupling,yielding two distinct bistable regions upon magnetic field sweep.Additionally,we also observe a ferromagnetic magnon mode located significantly below the Kittel frequency,twice the antiferro-magnetic-ferromagnetic transition field.Our work establishes a gain-assisted strong-coupling approach as a powerful tool for probing magnon dynamics in two-dimensional vdW magnets,opening new avenues for engineering magnonic states for future information technologies.
The BESⅢ experiment is currently the world's only electron-positron collider operating in the tau-charm physical energy region.Since starting data taking in 2009,BESⅢ has accumulated the world's largest data set in the center-of-mass energy range of 1.84-4.95 GeV,including approximately 10 billion J/ψevents and 3 billion ψ(3686)events,together with extensive data on open-charm hadron pair production near threshold regions.These unique datasets,characterized by high statistics and low background,provide unprecedented experimental conditions for studying light baryon spectroscopy.This article systematically reviews the progress made by BESⅢ in baryon spectroscopy,with a focus on recent breakthrough achievements,including the discovery of excited nucleon states,Λ hyperon states,Σ hyperon states,Ξ hyperon states,and Ω-hyperon states.These results expand the spectrum of baryon excited states and provide crucial experimental support for understanding non-perturbative QCD and resolving the"missing baryon resonances"problem.
Acoustic resonance metasurfaces have emerged as versatile platforms for the precise manipulation of acoustic waves,yet existing designs suffer from fundamental trade-offs among reconfigurability,structural complexity,and resonance quality factors(Q).Here,we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a structural design of acoustic reconfigurable metagratings(ARMs)that achieves a high-Q Fano resonance via transverse translation of a tunable baffle.This mechanism is enabled by dynamic coupling between discrete local dark modes(first-order guided modes)and continuous bright modes(fundamental guided modes)confined within grooves,creating a pronounced Fano resonance.In contrast to traditional static metagratings,this device enables reversible switching between the state of perfect specular reflection and anomalous reflection using only a subwavelength displacement of the tunable baffle.Furthermore,we analytically elucidate the mechanism of Fano resonance in ARMs and derive the expression for the resonance condition.All theoretical predictions are rigorously validated through full-wave simulations and experimental measurements.This work establishes a paradigm for designing high-Q acoustic components with tunable functionality,opening new avenues for applications in ultrasonic sensing and information processing.
Resonances combining high Q-factors with maximal intrinsic chirality offer substantial advantages for optical sensing and chiral emis-sion.Yet the conflicting symmetry requirements for achieving these two attributes have made it challenging for current metasurface designs to realize both simultaneously.In the low-loss limit with background transparency,we reveal that the resonant contribution with-in the polarization subspace inherently manifests as a rank-1 projector.The system completely decouples from the opposite polarization when the coupling vector is strictly parallel to a specific circularly polarized eigenstate.Crucially,this behavior is governed solely by the relative amplitude and phase of the coupling vector rather than the absolute radiation intensity.Thus,we demonstrate that resonant modes coupled to linearly polarized channels with identical coupling strengths and a phase difference of π/2 can simultaneously yield high Q-factors(reaching 2×105)and extreme circular dichroism(CD,up to 0.98).Additionally,we developed a generative adversarial network.Unlike traditional regression methods that merely predict the statistical mean of simple correspondences,the discriminator adversarially compels the generator to capture the complex one-to-many mapping between structures and chiral resonances.Benefiting from the coexistence of high Q-factors and strong CD,the metasurface also realizes excellent chiral refractive-index sensing,achieving a sensitivity of 105 nm/RIU and a figure of merit of 8030.This design establishes a new paradigm for high-performance chiral sensing and polarization-controlled devices.
A significant paradigm shift in condensed matter physics has been precipitated by the emergence of higher-order topological insulators.We design a higher-order Kagome acoustic crystal incorporating balanced gain and loss factors,thereby emulating non-Hermitian char-acteristics.This system exhibits the coexistence of two distinct corner states localized at the same angular positions within a supercell composed of two triangular domains with different topological phases,and the radius of one cylinder can control the frequency of the corner state.By constructing a polygonal structure formed by the expanded and shrunk lattices with distinct topological phases,we theoretically demonstrate that acoustic waves of various frequencies can be selectively trapped at a series of specific angles of this polygon.Moreover,these corner states are locked to the corner order,corresponding to the clockwise or anticlockwise orientation of the polygon,which leads to the higher-order topological rainbow.This work opens a new avenue for guiding and trapping multi-frequency acoustic energy,with potential applications in advanced acoustic devices.
Altermagnetism has recently emerged as a third fundamental branch of magnetism,distinct from conven-tional ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism(AFM).Characterized by zero net magnetization yet exhibiting time-reversal symmetry breaking and non-relativistic spin splitting in momentum space,altermagnets offer a unique platform for next-generation spintronics.This review highlights the pivotal role of angle-resolved pho-toemission spectroscopy(ARPES)in experimentally validating this phase by directly visualizing its hallmark spin-split electronic bands.We critically examine recent ARPES investigations across a spectrum of representa-tive candidate materials,ranging from the debated d-wave prototype RuO2,where spin splitting remains elusive,to the robust observation of crystal-symmetry-paired spin-valley locking in layered systems such as KV2Se2O and Rb1-δV2Te2O.Furthermore,we discuss the direct detection of giant spin splitting in g-wave compounds like MnTe and high-temperature CrSb,alongside the interplay of altermagnetism with correlated orders in CoNb4Se8.On the other hand,we also discuss the observation of AFM-induced spin splitting in MnTe2,which is not an altermagnet but belongs to an extended category of spin-split antiferromagnet.Finally,we provide an outlook on emerging opportunities,including the use of nano-ARPES for domain imaging,the search for new candidate materials,and the potential for realizing topological superconductivity in altermagnetic heterostructures.
In the pursuit of novel quantum states of matter,con-densed matter physicists have long been fascinated by lat-tice geometries that host flat electronic bands.These bands,characterized by quenched electronic kinetic en-ergy,are a fertile ground for strong electron correlations,leading to a diversity of emergent phenomena,such as unconventional superconductivity,magnetism,and frac-tional quantum Hall effects.
Ultrafast optical spectroscopy was successfully introduced decades ago.Its deep relationship with condensed matter physics profoundly enriched the scientific frontier of light-matter interactions.Previously,materials such as metals,in-sulators,semiconductors,and superconductors were investi-gated,followed by magnetic materials,strongly correlated ma-terials,complex oxides,nano-materials,topological materials,and metamaterials.Marked by the light-matter interactions,the ultrafast spectroscopy of quantum materials[1-3]stands out in the development of ultrafast light sources.
Two-photon double ionization of helium induced by temporally asymmetric attosecond pulses is investigated. For asymmetric attosecond pulses with longer duration, compared to the pi/4 orientation angle for elliptical energy distributions under the symmetric pulses, both the rising and falling edges of the attosecond pulse induce elliptical energy distributions to rotate pi/8 rad around their centers, though in opposite directions. By using the time-dependent perturbation theory, it is found that these inclined elliptical energy distributions reflect that the emission of the two electrons is correlated according to the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the final orientation of energy distribution originates from the contributions of three different pathways. For asymmetric attosecond pulses with shorter duration, compared to the elliptical energy distribution under symmetric pulses, the rising edge induces the two-electron energy distribution away from equal energy sharing, while the falling edge induces two-electron energy distribution toward equal energy sharing. These results may provide new insights into the dynamics of multi-electron processes driven by attosecond pulses.
Emerging electronic, photonic, and mechanical properties exhibited by moir & eacute; superlattices formed through stacking twisted interfaces may revolutionize nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems, yet their impacts remain elusive. Here, we propose and demonstrate a multifunctional nano-opto-electro-mechanical system based on low-tension suspended twisted bilayer graphene. The mechanical properties of this system resemble those of other two-dimensional materials, exhibiting uniform membrane-like structures. Its tunable cavity length spans a broad range, with optical spectral signals significantly enhanced by approximately 8-fold when the length varies by about 50 nanometers. We further demonstrate that the microscopic degrees of freedom in twisted bilayer graphene can be effectively controlled through unique static and dynamic strain mechanisms. This work holds promise for unprecedented manipulation of electrons, photons, and phonons, and advances the development of hybrid quantum devices.
Bloch points and transverse walls can serve as topological boundaries within a magnetic domain wall.Here,we investigate the stability and dynamics of these topological boundaries for potential spintronic applications.Using micromagnetic simulations,we reveal the coexistence regimes of Bloch points and transverse walls in thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.An external in-plane field enables reversible transitions between these states through boundary-mediated Bloch point nucleation and annihilation processes.Under spin-transfer torque,transverse walls exhibit transverse drift and deformation.In contrast,Bloch points move strictly along the domain wall without transverse deflection and feature a Walker breakdown threshold an order of magnitude higher than conventional domain walls.Our findings establish a device concept where binary states correspond to in-plane magnetization orientations separated by mobile topological boundaries,offering new opportunities for spintronic architectures.
The nature of enhanced superconductivity in monolayer FeSe still waits for consensus. Finding FeSe-derived bulk superconductors to mimic the monolayer is critical for elucidating the essence of high Tc. Here we report a new high-temperature superconductor, (THA)xFeSe, synthesized by electrochemical intercalation with an expanded c-axis parameter of approximately 18.4 & Aring;. Bulk superconductivity is characterized by superconducting diamagnetization with the transition temperature Tc = 42.0 K as well as resistance transition with Tconset=50.7 K. Detailed analysis of the electronic transport behavior reveals that (THA)xFeSe shares nearly identical strong two-dimensional characteristics and significant superconducting fluctuations with monolayer FeSe. Combining the density functional theory calculations with experimental results, this study constructs the phase diagram for FeSe-derived superconductors and analyzes the evolution of Tc with the electron doping levels. These findings bridge the gap between monolayer and bulk FeSe-derived superconductors, opening a new avenue for enhancing Tc in the FeSe system.
Quantum interference,which usually occurs in some symmetric molecular rings,has great potential for the re-alization of high-performance thermoelectric conversion.Twisting molecular rings in molecular junctions provides a unique approach to tuning quantum interference,thus enabling the development of high-performance molecular thermoelectric devices.In this work,using density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function method,we investigate the spin-dependent thermoelectric properties of a Cr(pyz)4(pyz=pyrazine)magnetic molecule sandwiched between two ferromagnetic zigzag graphene nanoribbon(ZGNR)electrodes.The results show that twisting between the pyrazine rings and graphene electrodes can significantly enhance the electronic conductance and the Seebeck coefficient.The main reason is that twisting can modulate quantum interference:it enhances the transmission of spin-up electrons via constructive spin interference,thus increasing the conductance;meanwhile,it induces sharp antiresonances for spin-down electrons via destructive spin interfer-ence,thus enhancing the Seebeck coefficient.In addition,twisting can also strengthen phonon scattering,leading to a lower phonon thermal conductance.Combining these factors,we find that the thermoelectric performance can be effectively regulated and greatly improved in twisted Cr(pyz)4-based heterojunctions:the ZspT exceeds 4 at 300 K and reaches 6 at 340 K.
Cancer cell invasion through physically confined spaces is governed by the biophysical interplay between morphological plasticity and mechanical constraints. A fundamental but unresolved question is how cells sustain efficient movement under such confinement without compromising their global volume homeostasis. Here, using a Matrigel-overlay quasi-three-dimensional system, we show that confinement-enhanced migration does not arise from static structural changes, but from a reorganization of volume-surface dynamics accompanied by changes in cellular mechanical state. To quantify this reorganization, we introduce a volume-surface dynamic correlation coefficient, . This metric decreases significantly during confined migration, indicating a state of weak coupling between volume regulation and surface remodeling. Perturbations of processes essential for both motility and volume homeostasis consistently increase , despite affecting cell behavior through distinct routes. Together, these findings identify weak volume-surface coupling as a dynamic descriptor of efficient migration under confinement.
Chromium nitride (CrN) is a prototypical correlated antiferromagnet in which magnetic ordering is concomitant with a structural transition in its bulk form, yet its low-energy electronic structure in thin films remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate high-quality epitaxial CrN/MgO (001) thin films using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Transport measurements reveal that the films remain metallic and undergo a magnetic transition without detectable structural distortion. ARPES directly resolves a shallow electron-like band crossing the Fermi level (EF), forming a small Fermi surface that persists across the N & eacute;el temperature (TN). A pronounced redistribution of spectral weight is observed, which may be related to the magnetic transition. Comparison with first-principles calculations shows that electronic correlations are essential to reproduce the observed band topology, establishing epitaxial CrN as a correlated antiferromagnetic (AFM) metal. These results help understand the interplay between magnetism, correlations, and lattice constraints in CrN, offering an example of tailoring electronic and magnetic properties in correlated AFM thin films.
