arXiv subjects

C. Cui

Publications and source records attributed to C. Cui.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Imaging-spectroscopy diagnosis of the giant sloshing spiral in the Virgo cluster with the Einstein Probe Follow-up X-ray Telescope

We performed deep X-ray observations of the Virgo cluster using the Einstein Probe Follow-up X-ray Telescope (EP-FXT) with a total exposure of 295 ks. Leveraging the large field of view (FoV) and low particle background of EP-FXT, the image reveals a giant spiral feature connecting the cold fronts in the northwest and southeast, forming a coherent structure consistent with earlier results from XMM-Newton and Suzaku. We also present two-dimensional maps of temperature, metallicity, and entropy across the Virgo Cluster, covering a FoV of approximately 28.5 arcmin. These maps clearly show a spiral structure with high density, low temperature, high metallicity, and low entropy. The results support a scenario where the spiral morphology arises from gas sloshing driven by a minor merger. Additionally, EP-FXT temperature measurements agree well with XMM-Newton data within uncertainties.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

On the fracture mechanics validity of small scale tests

There is growing interest in conducting small-scale tests to gain additional insight into the fracture behaviour of components across a wide range of materials. For example, micro-scale mechanical tests inside of a microscope (\emph{in situ}) enable direct, high-resolution observation of the interplay between crack growth and microstructural phenomena (e.g., dislocation behaviour or the fracture resistance of a particular interface), and sub-size samples are increasingly used when only a limited amount of material is available. However, to obtain quantitative insight and extract relevant fracture parameters, the sample must be sufficiently large for a $J$- (HRR) or a $K$-field to exist. We conduct numerical and semi-analytical studies to map the conditions (sample geometry, material) that result in a valid, quantitative fracture experiment. Specifically, for a wide range of material properties, crack lengths and sample dimensions, we establish the maximum value of the $J$-integral where an HRR field ceases to exist (i.e., the maximum $J$ value at which fracture must occur for the test to be valid, $J_\mathrm{max}$). Maps are generated to establish the maximum valid $J$ value ($J_\mathrm{max}$) as a function of yield strength, strain hardening and minimum sample size. These maps are then used to discuss the existing experimental literature and provide guidance on how to conduct quantitative experiments. Finally, our study is particularised to the analysis of metals that have been embrittled due to hydrogen exposure. The response of relevant materials under hydrogen-containing environments are superimposed on the aforementioned maps, determining the conditions that will enable quantitative insight.

cs.CE↗

arXiv2025

Non-Markovian dynamics with a driven three-level giant atom in a semi-infinite photonic waveguide

The non-Markovian effects of open quantum systems subjected to external environments are deemed to be valuable resources in quantum optics and quantum information processing. In this work, we investigate the non-Markovian dynamics of a three-level giant atom coupling with a semi-infinite photonic waveguide through multiple coupling points and driven by a classical driving field. We derive the analytical expressions for the probability amplitudes of the driven three-level giant atom and obtain two independent conditions. We find two different types of bound states (including the static bound states and the periodic equal-amplitude oscillating bound states) and discuss the physical origins of the bound states formation. Moreover, we discuss the case of the driven three-level giant atom interacting with the infinite photonic waveguide, where there is only one purely imaginary solution (i.e., only one bound state condition exists) for its complex frequency (coming from the absence of mirror at one end of the waveguide) compared to that of a driven three-level giant atom coupling with a semi-infinite photonic waveguide. With this, we also find two different types of bound states, including the static bound state and the periodic equal-amplitude oscillating bound states. Finally, the above results are generalized to a more general model involving a semi-infinite photonic waveguide coupling with an arbitrary number of noninteracting three-level giant atoms driven by the driving fields. The proposed protocol could provide a pathway to precisely elucidate the non-Markovian dynamics of driven, multi-level giant atoms coupled to semi-infinite or infinite photonic waveguides.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Dressed bound states and non-Markovian dynamics with a whispering-gallery-mode microcavity coupled to a two-level atom and a semi-infinite photonic waveguide

We investigate the dressed bound states (DBS) in an open cavity with a whispering-gallery-mode microring coupled to a two-level atom and a waveguide with a mirror at the right end. We demonstrate that the non-Hermiticity of an open cavity facilitates the formation of the DBS, which consists of the vacancy-like DBS and Friedrich-Wintgen DBS. By deriving analytical conditions for these DBS, we show that when a two-level atom couples to the standing-wave mode that corresponds to a node of the photonic wave function the vacancy-like DBS occur, which are characterized by null spectral density at cavity resonance. Conversely, Friedrich-Wintgen DBS can be realized by continuously adjusting system parameters and indicated by the disappearance of the Rabi peak in the emission spectrum, which is a distinctive feature in the strong-coupling regime. Moreover, we extend our analysis to the non-Markovian regime and find that our results are consistent with those obtained under the Markovian approximation in the wideband limit. In the non-Markovian regime, we analyze DBS for both zero and non-zero accumulated phase factors. For zero accumulated phase factors, the non-Markovian regime exhibits higher peak values and longer relaxation times for vacancy-like DBS compared to the Markovian regime, where the Friedrich-Wintgen DBS are absent in the non-Markovian case. Finally, we establish the correspondence between the energy spectrum and bound state conditions for non-zero accumulated phase factors and analyze the influence of various parameters on non-Markovian bound states. Our work exhibits bound state manipulations through non-Markovian open quantum system, which holds great potential for building high-performance quantum devices for applications such as sensing, photon storage, and nonclassical light generation.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Computational predictions of hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth

A new model is presented to predict hydrogen-assisted fatigue. The model combines a phase field description of fracture and fatigue, stress-assisted hydrogen diffusion, and a toughness degradation formulation with cyclic and hydrogen contributions. Hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth predictions exhibit an excellent agreement with experiments over all the scenarios considered, spanning multiple load ratios, H2 pressures and loading frequencies. These are obtained without any calibration with hydrogen-assisted fatigue data, taking as input only mechanical and hydrogen transport material properties, the material's fatigue characteristics (from a single test in air), and the sensitivity of fracture toughness to hydrogen content. Furthermore, the model is used to determine: (i) what are suitable test loading frequencies to obtain conservative data, and (ii) the underestimation made when not pre-charging samples. The model can handle both laboratory specimens and large-scale engineering components, enabling the Virtual Testing paradigm in infrastructure exposed to hydrogen environments and cyclic loading.

cs.CE↗

arXiv2022

A generalised, multi-phase-field theory for dissolution-driven stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement

We present a phase field-based electro-chemo-mechanical formulation for modelling mechanics-enhanced corrosion and hydrogen-assisted cracking in elastic-plastic solids. A multi-phase-field approach is used to present, for the first time, a general framework for stress corrosion cracking, incorporating both anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms. We numerically implement our theory using the finite element method and defining as primary kinematic variables the displacement components, the phase field corrosion order parameter, the metal ion concentration, the phase field fracture order parameter and the hydrogen concentration. Representative case studies are addressed to showcase the predictive capabilities of the model in various materials and environments, attaining a promising agreement with benchmark tests and experimental observations. We show that the generalised formulation presented can capture, as a function of the environment, the interplay between anodic dissolution- and hydrogen-driven failure mechanisms; including the transition from one to the other, their synergistic action and their individual occurrence. Such a generalised framework can bring new insight into environment-material interactions and the understanding of stress corrosion cracking, as demonstrated here by providing the first simulation results for Gruhl's seminal experiments.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2019

Maximized Lateral Inhibition in Paired Magnetic Domain Wall Racetracks for Neuromorphic Computing

Lateral inhibition is an important functionality in neuromorphic computing, modeled after the biological neuron behavior that a firing neuron deactivates its neighbors belonging to the same layer and prevents them from firing. In most neuromorphic hardware platforms lateral inhibition is implemented by external circuitry, thereby decreasing the energy efficiency and increasing the area overhead of such systems. Recently, the domain wall -- magnetic tunnel junction (DW-MTJ) artificial neuron is demonstrated in modeling to be inherently inhibitory. Without peripheral circuitry, lateral inhibition in DW-MTJ neurons results from magnetostatic interaction between neighboring neuron cells. However, the lateral inhibition mechanism in DW-MTJ neurons has not been studied thoroughly, leading to weak inhibition only in very closely-spaced devices. This work approaches these problems by modeling current- and field- driven DW motion in a pair of adjacent DW-MTJ neurons. We maximize the magnitude of lateral inhibition by tuning the magnetic interaction between the neurons. The results are explained by current-driven DW velocity characteristics in response to external magnetic field and quantified by an analytical model. Finally, the dependence of lateral inhibition strength on device parameters is investigated. This provides a guideline for the optimization of lateral inhibition implementation in DW-MTJ neurons. With strong lateral inhibition achieved, a path towards competitive learning algorithms such as the winner-take-all are made possible on such neuromorphic devices.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2008

Three-dimensional coherent X-ray diffraction imaging of a ceramic nanofoam: determination of structural deformation mechanisms

Ultra-low density polymers, metals, and ceramic nanofoams are valued for their high strength-to-weight ratio, high surface area and insulating properties ascribed to their structural geometry. We obtain the labrynthine internal structure of a tantalum oxide nanofoam by X-ray diffractive imaging. Finite element analysis from the structure reveals mechanical properties consistent with bulk samples and with a diffusion limited cluster aggregation model, while excess mass on the nodes discounts the dangling fragments hypothesis of percolation theory.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Ultrafast, ultrabright, X-ray holography using a uniformly-redundant array

Advances in the development of free-electron lasers offer the realistic prospect of high-resolution imaging to study the nanoworld on the time-scale of atomic motions. We identify X-ray Fourier Transform holography, (FTH) as a promising but, so far, inefficient scheme to do this. We show that a uniformly redundant array (URA) placed next to the sample, multiplies the efficiency of X-ray FTH by more than one thousand (approaching that of a perfect lens) and provides holographic images with both amplitude- and phase-contrast information. The experiments reported here demonstrate this concept by imaging a nano-fabricated object at a synchrotron source, and a bacterial cell at a soft X-ray free-electron-laser, where illumination by a single 15 fs pulse was successfully used in producing the holographic image. We expect with upcoming hard X-ray lasers to achieve considerably higher spatial resolution and to obtain ultrafast movies of excited states of matter.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2005

Progress in Three-Dimensional Coherent X-Ray Diffraction Imaging

The Fourier inversion of phased coherent diffraction patterns offers images without the resolution and depth-of-focus limitations of lens-based tomographic systems. We report on our recent experimental images inverted using recent developments in phase retrieval algorithms, and summarize efforts that led to these accomplishments. These include ab-initio reconstruction of a two-dimensional test pattern, infinite depth of focus image of a thick object, and its high-resolution (~10 nm resolution) three-dimensional image. Developments on the structural imaging of low density aerogel samples are discussed.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2005

Phase Aberrations in Diffraction Microscopy

In coherent X-ray diffraction microscopy the diffraction pattern generated by a sample illuminated with coherent x-rays is recorded, and a computer algorithm recovers the unmeasured phases to synthesize an image. By avoiding the use of a lens the resolution is limited, in principle, only by the largest scattering angles recorded. However, the imaging task is shifted from the experiment to the computer, and the algorithm's ability to recover meaningful images in the presence of noise and limited prior knowledge may produce aberrations in the reconstructed image. We analyze the low order aberrations produced by our phase retrieval algorithms. We present two methods to improve the accuracy and stability of reconstructions.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2005

High-resolution ab initio three-dimensional X-ray diffraction microscopy

Coherent X-ray diffraction microscopy is a method of imaging non-periodic isolated objects at resolutions only limited, in principle, by the largest scattering angles recorded. We demonstrate X-ray diffraction imaging with high resolution in all three dimensions, as determined by a quantitative analysis of the reconstructed volume images. These images are retrieved from the 3D diffraction data using no a priori knowledge about the shape or composition of the object, which has never before been demonstrated on a non-periodic object. We also construct 2D images of thick objects with infinite depth of focus (without loss of transverse spatial resolution). These methods can be used to image biological and materials science samples at high resolution using X-ray undulator radiation, and establishes the techniques to be used in atomic-resolution ultrafast imaging at X-ray free-electron laser sources.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2005

An assessment of the resolution limitation due to radiation-damage in x-ray diffraction microscopy

X-ray diffraction microscopy (XDM) is a new form of x-ray imaging that is being practiced at several third-generation synchrotron-radiation x-ray facilities. Although only five years have elapsed since the technique was first introduced, it has made rapid progress in demonstrating high-resolution threedimensional imaging and promises few-nm resolution with much larger samples than can be imaged in the transmission electron microscope. Both life- and materials-science applications of XDM are intended, and it is expected that the principal limitation to resolution will be radiation damage for life science and the coherent power of available x-ray sources for material science. In this paper we address the question of the role of radiation damage. We use a statistical analysis based on the so-called "dose fractionation theorem" of Hegerl and Hoppe to calculate the dose needed to make an image of a lifescience sample by XDM with a given resolution. We conclude that the needed dose scales with the inverse fourth power of the resolution and present experimental evidence to support this finding. To determine the maximum tolerable dose we have assembled a number of data taken from the literature plus some measurements of our own which cover ranges of resolution that are not well covered by reports in the literature. The tentative conclusion of this study is that XDM should be able to image frozen-hydrated protein samples at a resolution of about 10 nm with "Rose-criterion" image quality.

physics.optics↗