arXiv subjects

C. Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to C. Zhu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Constraints on Sub-MeV Dark Matter from Solar Reflection with DAMIC-M

The Sun acts as a natural dark matter accelerator. Galactic halo particles scattering in the solar plasma emerge with velocities well beyond the Galactic escape speed, providing a boosted flux that extends the kinematic reach of direct detection experiments into the sub-MeV mass regime. We present constraints on solar-reflected dark matter (SRDM) from the DAMIC-M prototype detector using $\sim$1.3~kg-day of data acquired with silicon skipper charge coupled devices (CCDs) at the Modane Underground Laboratory. Exploiting the spatial diffusion signature of low-energy electron recoils, we derive 90% C.L. upper limits on the DM-electron scattering cross section for both heavy- and ultralight-mediator benchmarks, reaching $\bar{\sigma}_e\sim 3.16 \cdot 10^{-37} \rm{cm^2}$ at $0.1$ MeV. For the ultralight mediator, our limits are competitive with the world-leading constraints, achieved with an integrated exposure of $\sim1.3$~kg-day. These results probe the parameter space between stellar-cooling bounds and terrestrial limits from standard halo searches, a region inaccessible to direct detection experiments relying solely on the standard halo flux.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2026

Combination of quasi-isodynamic and piecewise omnigenous magnetic fields

Due to their simultaneous optimization for radial and parallel neoclassical transport, quasi-isodynamic fields have been the main choice of stellarator magnetic configuration for most fusion reactor candidates in recent years. However, achieving a high degree of quasi-isodynamicity often comes at the cost of a strong shaping of the flux surfaces of the stellarator and complex coil geometries. In this work, the concepts of quasi-isodynamicity and piecewise omnigenity are combined to form QI-pwO fields. These fields are quasi-isodynamic in the low-field region of the magnetic surface, whereas they significantly depart from quasi-isodynamicity in the high-field region without sacrificing the neoclassical transport properties of quasi-isodynamic fields. This departure could make it easier to integrate the optimization of neoclassical transport with other physical and technological aspects of a stellarator reactor.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2026

Long-Term Average Impulse and Singular Control of a Growth Model with Two Revenue Sources

This paper analyzes and explicitly solves a class of long-term average impulse control problems and a related class of singular control problems. The underlying process is a general one-dimensional diffusion with appropriate boundary behavior. The model is motivated by applications such as the optimal long-term management of renewable resources and financial portfolio management. A large class of admissible policies is identified over which the agent seeks to maximize her long-term average reward, consisting of a running reward and income from either discrete impulses or singular actions. In addition to the long-term average objective, we will briefly consider the long-term expected total reward functional and its relation to overtaking optimality. Sensitivity analysis with regard to the parameters of the impulse control model are performed. Key connections between the impulse and singular control problems are displayed.

math.OC↗

arXiv2025

Daily Modulation Constraints on Light Dark Matter with DAMIC-M

The flux of Hidden Sector particles from the Galactic halo reaching an underground detector can be significantly attenuated by interactions within the Earth for sufficiently large scattering crosssections. This attenuation gives rise to a characteristic daily modulation in the detection rate, due to Earth's rotation. We present results from a search for such a modulation using a 1.257 kg-day dataset collected with the DAMIC-M Low Background Chamber. A model-independent analysis reveals no significant modulation in the 1e- event rate over periods from 1 to 48 h, highlighting the excellent temporal stability of the detector. In a complementary model-dependent analysis, we target the expected daily modulation signature of Hidden Sector particles, with masses in the range [0.53,2] MeV/c2, interacting with electrons via a dark photon mediator. By leveraging the expected temporal evolution of the signal, we set improved constraints on Dark Matter masses below 1.2 MeV/c2, surpassing our previous limits.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

First Production of Skipper-CCD Modules for the DAMIC-M Experiment

The DAMIC-M experiment will search for sub-GeV dark matter particles with a large array of silicon skipper charge-coupled devices (CCDs) at the Modane Underground Laboratory (LSM) in France. After five years of development, we recently completed the production of 28 CCD modules at the University of Washington, each consisting of four 9-megapixel skipper CCDs. Material screening and background controls were implemented to meet stringent radio-purity targets, while extensive testing was employed to select science-grade CCDs for the modules and confirm their excellent performance after fabrication. Further testing at LSM will select 26 of these modules (${\sim}$350 g active mass) to be installed and operated in the DAMIC-M detector in early 2026.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

NarrLV: Towards a Comprehensive Narrative-Centric Evaluation for Long Video Generation

With the rapid development of foundation video generation technologies, long video generation models have exhibited promising research potential thanks to expanded content creation space. Recent studies reveal that the goal of long video generation tasks is not only to extend video duration but also to accurately express richer narrative content within longer videos. However, due to the lack of evaluation benchmarks specifically designed for long video generation models, the current assessment of these models primarily relies on benchmarks with simple narrative prompts (e.g., VBench). To the best of our knowledge, our proposed NarrLV is the first benchmark to comprehensively evaluate the Narrative expression capabilities of Long Video generation models. Inspired by film narrative theory, (i) we first introduce the basic narrative unit maintaining continuous visual presentation in videos as Temporal Narrative Atom (TNA), and use its count to quantitatively measure narrative richness. Guided by three key film narrative elements influencing TNA changes, we construct an automatic prompt generation pipeline capable of producing evaluation prompts with a flexibly expandable number of TNAs. (ii) Then, based on the three progressive levels of narrative content expression, we design an effective evaluation metric using the MLLM-based question generation and answering framework. (iii) Finally, we conduct extensive evaluations on existing long video generation models and the foundation generation models. Experimental results demonstrate that our metric aligns closely with human judgments. The derived evaluation outcomes reveal the detailed capability boundaries of current video generation models in narrative content expression.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2025

Long-Term Average Impulse Control with Mean Field Interactions

This paper analyzes and explicitly solves a class of long-term average impulse control problems with a specific mean-field interaction. The underlying process is a general one-dimensional diffusion with appropriate boundary behavior. The model is motivated by applications such as the optimal long-term management of renewable resources and financial portfolio management. Each individual agent seeks to maximize her long-term average reward, which consists of a running reward and income from discrete impulses, where the unit intervention price depends on the market through a stationary supply rate, the specific mean field variable to be considered. In a competitive market setting, we establish the existence of and explicitly characterize an equilibrium strategy within a large class of policies under mild conditions. Additionally, we formulate and solve the mean field control problem, in which agents cooperate with each other, aiming to realize a common maximal long-term average profit. To illustrate the theoretical results, we examine a stochastic logistic growth model and a population growth model in a stochastic environment with impulse control.

math.OC↗

arXiv2025

Probing Benchmark Models of Hidden-Sector Dark Matter with DAMIC-M

We report on a search for sub-GeV dark matter (DM) particles interacting with electrons using the DAMIC-M prototype detector at the Modane Underground Laboratory. The data feature a significantly lower detector single $e^-$ rate (factor 50) compared to our previous search, while also accumulating a ten times larger exposure of $\sim$1.3 kg-day. DM interactions in the skipper charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are searched for as patterns of two or three consecutive pixels with a total charge between 2 and 4 $e^-$. We find 144 candidates of 2 $e^-$ and 1 candidate of 4 $e^-$, where 141.5 and 0.071, respectively, are expected from background. With no evidence of a DM signal, we place stringent constraints on DM particles with masses between 1 and 1000 MeV/$c^2$ interacting with electrons through an ultra-light or heavy mediator. For large ranges of DM masses below 1 GeV/c$^2$, we exclude theoretically-motivated benchmark scenarios where hidden-sector particles are produced as a major component of DM in the Universe through the freeze-in or freeze-out mechanisms.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Single-Item Continuous-Review Inventory Models with Random Supplies

This paper analyzes single-item continuous-review inventory models with random supplies in which the inventory dynamic between orders is described by a diffusion process, and a long-term average cost criterion is used to evaluate decisions. The class of models have general drift and diffusion coefficients and boundary points that are consistent with the notion that demand should tend to reduce the inventory level. Random yield is described by a (probability) transition function which depends on the inventory-on-hand and the {\em nominal} amount ordered; it is assumed to be a distribution with support in the interval determined by the order-from and the nominal order-to locations of the stock level. Using weak convergence arguments involving average expected occupation and ordering measures, conditions are given for the optimality of an $(s,S)$ ordering policy in the general class of policies with finite expected cost. The characterization of the cost of an $(s,S)$-policy as a function of two variables naturally leads to a nonlinear optimization problem over the stock levels $s$ and $S$ and existence of an optimizing pair $(s^*,S^*)$ is established under weak conditions. Thus, optimal policies of inventory models with random supplies can be (easily) numerically computed. The range of applicability of the optimality result is illustrated on several inventory models with random yields.

math.OC↗

arXiv2022

Design of an arrangement of cubic magnets for a quasi-axisymmetric stellarator experiment

The usage of permanent magnets to shape the confining magnetic field of a stellarator has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for non-planar coils. As a proof-of-concept for this idea, we have developed a procedure for designing an array of cubic permanent magnets that works in tandem with a set of toroidal-field coils to confine a stellarator plasma. All of the magnets in the design are constrained to have identical geometry and one of three polarization types in order to simplify fabrication while still producing sufficient field accuracy. We present some of the key steps leading to the design, including the geometric arrangement of the magnets around the device, the procedure for optimizing the polarizations according to the three allowable magnet types, and the choice of magnet types to be used. We apply these methods to design an array of rare-Earth permanent magnets that can be paired with a set of planar toroidal-field coils to confine a quasi-axisymmetric plasma with a toroidal magnetic field strength of about 0.5 T on axis.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2022

Untangling the Dueling Expert Witnesses: Comparing Ensemble Methods in Pennsylvania's Redistricting Plans

Ensembles of random legislative districts are a valuable tool for assessing whether a proposed district plan is an outlier or gerrymander. Expert witnesses have presented these in litigation using various methods, and unsurprisingly, they often disagree. Recent open source methods now permit independent validation of expert witness testimony. Here, we compare ensembles for the Pennsylvania House and Congressional districts calculated using "Redist" and "Gerrychain" further incorporating constraints restricting county and municipal boundary splitting, as required by Pennsylvania for legal plans. We compare results to expert witness testimony submitted by Republican and Democratic parties. We confirm some of the testimony but could not reproduce all of it, struggling with metrics based on a heuristic "sum of votes index" rathern than a straightforward average of metrics across multiple elections. We recommend against relying on analytics based on summing votes from multiple elections to create vote incides and derivative metrics as these are inherently poorly behaved. To promote transparency, we recommend that where possible, expert witness testimony be based solely on publicly available election data as opposed to proprietary data closely held by political parties.

cs.CY↗

arXiv2022

Fluctuation Spectroscopy of Two-Level Systems in Superconducting Resonators

Superconducting quantum computing is experiencing a tremendous growth. Although major milestones have already been achieved, useful quantum-computing applications are hindered by a variety of decoherence phenomena. Decoherence due to two-level systems (TLSs) hosted by amorphous dielectric materials is ubiquitous in planar superconducting devices. We use high-quality quasilumped element resonators as quantum sensors to investigate TLS-induced loss and noise. We perform two-tone experiments with a probe and pump electric field; the pump is applied at different power levels and detunings. We measure and analyze time series of the quality factor and resonance frequency for very long time periods, up to 1000 h. We additionally carry out simulations based on the TLS interacting model in presence of a pump field. We find that loss and noise are reduced at medium and high power, matching the simulations, but not at low power.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Stellarator coil design using cubic splines for improved access on the outboard side

In recent years many efforts have been undertaken to simplify coil designs for stellarators due to the difficulties in fabricating non-planar coils. The FOCUS code removes the need for a winding surface and represents the coils as arbitrary curves in 3D. In the following work, the implementation of a spline representation for the coils in FOCUS is described, along with the implementation of a new engineering constraint to design coils with a straighter outer section. The new capabilities of the code are shown as an example on HSX, NCSX, and a prototype quasi-axisymmetric reactor-sized stellarator. The flexibility granted by splines along with the new constraint will allow for stellarator coil designs with improved accessibility and simplified maintenance

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2020

Geometric concepts for stellarator permanent magnet arrays

The development of stellarators that use permanent magnet arrays to shape their confining magnetic fields has been a topic of recent interest, but the requirements for how such magnets must be shaped, manufactured, and assembled remain to be determined. To address these open questions, we have performed a study of geometric concepts for magnet arrays with the aid of the newly developed MAGPIE code. A proposed experiment similar to the National Compact Stellarator Experiment (NCSX) is used as a test case. Two classes of magnet geometry are explored: curved bricks that conform to a regular grid in cylindrical coordinates, and hexahedra that conform to the toroidal plasma geometry. In addition, we test constraints on the magnet polarization. While magnet configurations constrained to be polarized normally to a toroidal surface around the plasma are unable to meet the required magnetic field parameters when subject to physical limitations on the strength of present-day magnets, configurations with unconstrained polarizations are shown to satisfy the physics requirements for a targeted plasma.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2019

On the Modelling of Impulse Control with Random Effects for Continuous Markov Processes

The use of coordinate processes for the modelling of impulse control for general Markov processes typically involves the construction of a probability measure on a countable product of copies of the path space. In addition, admissibility of an impulse control policy requires that the random times of the interventions be stopping times with respect to different filtrations arising from the different component coordinate processes. When the underlying Markov process has continuous paths, however, a simpler model can be developed which takes the single path space as its probability space and uses the natural filtration with respect to which the intervention times must be stopping times. Moreover, this model construction allows for impulse control with random effects whereby the decision maker selects a distribution of the new state. This paper gives the construction of the probability measure on the path space for an admissible intervention policy subject to a randomized impulse mechanism. In addition, a class of polices is defined for which the paths between interventions are independent and a further subclass for which the cycles following the initial cycle are identically distributed. A benefit of this smaller subclass of policies is that one is allowed to use classical renewal arguments to analyze long-term average control problems. Further, the paper defines a class of {\em stationary}\/ impulse policies for which the family of models gives a Markov family. The decision to use an $(s,S)$ ordering policy in inventory management provides an example of an impulse policy for which the process has i.i.d.~cycles and the family of models forms a Markov family.

math.OC↗

arXiv2017

First-principles study of optical, elastic anisotropic and thermodynamic properties of TiN under high temperature and high pressure

The optical, elastic anisotropic and thermodynamic properties of TiN in the NaCl (B1) structure are analyzed in detail in the temperature range from 0 to 2000 K and the pressure range from 0 to 20 GPa. From the calculated dielectric constants, a first order isostructural phase transition between 29 and 30 GPa is found for TiN. The absorption spectra exhibit high values ranging from the far infrared region to the ultra-violet one. The anisotropy value of Young's modulus of TiN is smaller than that of c-BN at 0 GPa and the anisotropy of TiN clearly increases with an increase of pressure. The effects of pressure and temperature on the bulk modulus, Grüneisen parameter, Gibbs free energy, and Debye temperature are significant. The Grüneisen parameter of TiN is much larger than that of c-BN. At temperatures below 1000 K, TiN's heat capacity is much larger than that of c-BN.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2016

Modified Fermi Energy of Electrons in a Superhigh Magnetic Field

In this paper, we investigate the electron Landau-level stability and its influence on the electron Fermi energy, $E_{\rm F}(e)$, in the circumstance of magnetars, which are powered by magnetic field energy. In a magnetar, the Landau levels of degenerate and relativistic electrons are strongly quantized. A new quantity $g_{n}$, the electron Landau-level stability coefficient is introduced. According to the requirement that $g_{n}$ decreases with increasing the magnetic field intensity $B$, the magnetic-field index $β$ in the expression of $E_{\rm F}(e)$ must be positive. By introducing the Dirac$-δ$ function, we deduce a general formulae for the Fermi energy of degenerate and relativistic electrons, and obtain a particular solution to $E_{\rm F}(e)$ in a superhigh magnetic field (SMF). This solution has a low magnetic-field index of $β=1/6$, compared with the previous one, and works when $ρ\geq 10^{7}$~g cm$^{-3}$ and $B_{\rm cr}\ll B\leq 10^{17}$~Gauss. By modifying the phase space of relativistic electrons, a SMF can enhance the electron number density $n_e$, and decrease the maximum of electron Landau level number, which results in a redistribution of electrons. According to Pauli exclusion principle, the degenerate electrons will fill quantum states from the lowest Landau level to the highest Landau level. As $B$ increases, more and more electrons will occupy higher Landau levels, though $g_{n}$ decreases with the Landau level number $n$. The enhanced $n_{e}$ in a SMF means an increase in the electron Fermi energy and an increase in the electron degeneracy pressure. The results are expected to facilitate the study of the weak-interaction processes inside neutron stars and the magnetic-thermal evolution mechanism for megnetars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Continuous Inventory Models of Diffusion Type: Long-term Average Cost Criterion

This paper establishes conditions for optimality of an $(s,S)$ ordering policy for the minimization of the long-term average cost of one-dimensional diffusion inventory models. The class of such models under consideration have general drift and diffusion coefficients and boundary points that are consistent with the notion that demand should tend to decrease the inventory level. Characterization of the cost of a general $(s,S)$ policy as a function $F$ of two variables naturally leads to a nonlinear optimization problem over the ordering levels $s$ and $S$. Existence of an optimizing pair $(s_*,S_*)$ is established for these models. Using the minimal value $F_*$ of $F$, along with $(s_*,S_*)$, a function $G$ is identified which is proven to be a solution of a quasi-variational inequality provided a simple condition holds. At this level of generality, optimality of the $(s_*,S_*)$ ordering policy is established within a large class of ordering policies such that local martingale and transversality conditions involving $G$ hold. For specific models, optimality of an $(s,S)$ policy in the general class of admissible policies can be established using comparison results. This most general optimality result is shown for the classical drifted Brownian motion inventory model with holding and fixed plus proportional ordering costs and for a geometric Brownian motion inventory model with fixed plus level-dependent ordering costs. However, for a drifted Brownian motion process with reflection at $\{0\}$, a new class of non-Markovian policies is introduced which have lower costs than the $(s,S)$ policies. In addition, interpreting reflection at $\{0\}$ as "just-in-time" ordering, a necessary and sufficient condition is given that determines when just-in-time ordering is better than traditional $(s,S)$ policies.

math.OC↗