arXiv subjects

L. Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to L. Zhang.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2022

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter--Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter--electron ($χ$-$e$) scattering using the 205.4 kg$\cdot$day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted $χ$-$e$ scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for $m_χ$ larger than 80 MeV/c$^2$ compared to previous germanium-based $χ$-$e$ results. We also present the most stringent $χ$-$e$ cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for $m_χ$ larger than 90 MeV/c$^2$ with heavy mediators and $m_χ$ larger than 100 MeV/c$^2$ with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new $χ$-$e$ detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

A MeerKAT look at the polarization of 47 Tucanae pulsars: magnetic field implications

We present the polarization profiles of 22 pulsars in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae using observations from the MeerKAT radio telescope at UHF-band (544-1088 MHz) and report precise values of dispersion measure (DM) and rotation measure (RM). We use these measurements to investigate the presence of turbulence in electron density and magnetic fields. The structure function of DM shows a break at $\sim 30$ arcsec ($\sim 0.6$ pc at the distance of 47 Tucanae) that suggests the presence of turbulence in the gas in the cluster driven by the motion of wind-shedding stars. On the other hand, the structure function of RM does not show evidence of a break. This non-detection could be explained either by the limited number of pulsars or by the effects of the intervening gas in the Galaxy along the line of sight. Future pulsar discoveries in the cluster could help confirm the presence and localise the turbulence.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Deep underground laboratory measurement of $^{13}$C($α$,$n$)$^{16}$O in the Gamow windows of the $s$- and $i$-processes

The $^{13}$C($α$,$n$)$^{16}$O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture (s-) process in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars and for the intermediate (i-) process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of $E_{\rm c.m.}=$0.24 MeV to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire i-process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60\% down to 15\%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing data sets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the s- and i-processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Towards Efficient RRAM-based Quantized Neural Networks Hardware: State-of-the-art and Open Issues

The increasing amount of data processed on edge and the demand for reducing the energy consumption for large neural network architectures have initiated the transition from traditional von Neumann architectures towards in-memory computing paradigms. Quantization is one of the methods to reduce power and computation requirements for neural networks by limiting bit precision. Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM) devices are great candidates for Quantized Neural Networks (QNN) implementations. As the number of possible conductive states in RRAMs is limited, a certain level of quantization is always considered when designing RRAM-based neural networks. In this work, we provide a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art RRAM-based QNN implementations, showing where RRAMs stand in terms of satisfying the criteria of efficient QNN hardware. We cover hardware and device challenges related to QNNs and show the main unsolved issues and possible future research directions.

cs.ET↗

arXiv2022

Constraints on sub-GeV dark matter boosted by cosmic rays from the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present new constraints on light dark matter boosted by cosmic rays (CRDM) using the 205.4 kg day data of the CDEX-10 experiment conducted at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The Monte Carlo simulation package CJPL\_ESS was employed to evaluate the Earth shielding effect. Several key factors have been introduced and discussed in our CRDM analysis, including the contributions from heavier CR nuclei than proton and helium, the inhomogeneity of CR distribution, and the impact of the form factor in the Earth attenuation calculation. Our result excludes the dark matter--nucleon elastic scattering cross-section region from $1.7\times 10^{-30}$ to $10^{-26}~\rm cm^2$ for dark matter of 10 keV$/c^2$ to 1 GeV$/c^2$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Interplay of itinerant electrons and Ising moments in a hybrid honeycomb quantum magnet TmNi$_3$Al$_9$

The interplay between itinerant electrons and local magnetic moments in quantum materials brings about rich and fascinating phenomena and stimulates various developments in the theoretical framework. In this work, thermodynamic, electric transport, and neutron diffraction measurements were performed on a newly synthesized honeycomb lattice magnet TmNi$_3$Al$_9$. Based on the experimental data, a magnetic field temperature phase diagram was constructed, exhibiting three essentially different magnetic regions. Below ${T_{\rm N}=2.97 \pm 0.02}\ \rm K$ Tm$^{3+}$ moments order antiferromagnetically in zero field. We found that the Tm$^{3+}$ ions form a pseudo-doublet ground state with the Ising-like moments lying normal to the two-dimensional honeycomb layers. Application of a magnetic field along the easy axis gradually suppresses the antiferromagnetic order in favor of an induced ferromagnetic state above the critical field ${B_c=0.92 \pm 0.05}\ \rm T$. In the vicinity of $B_c$, a strong enhancement of the quantum spin fluctuations was observed. The quantum Ising nature of the local moments and the coupling to itinerant electrons are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2022

Transitions and Origin of the Type-B Quasi-Periodic Oscillation in the Black Hole X-ray Binary MAXI~ J1348--630

The fast transitions between different types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) are generally observed in black hole transient sources (BHTs). We present a detailed study on the timing and spectral properties of the transitions of type-B QPOs in MAXI~J1348--630, observed by \emph{Insight}-HXMT. The fractional rms variability--energy relationship and energy spectra reveal that type-B QPOs probably originate from jet precession. Compared to weak power-law dominated power spectrum, when type-B QPO is present, the corresponding energy spectrum shows an increase in Comptonization component and the need for {\tt\string xillverCp} component, and a slight increase of height of the corona when using {\tt\string relxilllp} model. Therefore, we suggest that a coupled inner disk-jet region is responsible for the observed type-B QPOs transitions. The time scale for the appearance/disappearance of type-B QPOs is either long or short (seconds), which may indicate an instability of disk-jet structure. For these phenomena, we give the hypothesis that the Bardeen-Petterson effect causes disk-jet structure to align with BH spin axis, or that the disappearance of small-scale jets bound by the magnetic flux tubes lead to the disappearance of type-B QPOs. We observed three events regarding the B/C transitions, one of which occurred in a short time from $\sim 9.2$ Hz (C) to $\sim 4.8$ Hz (B). The energy spectral analysis for the other two transitions shows that when type-C QPO is present, the Comptonization flux is higher, the spectrum is harder and the inner radius of disk changes insignificantly. We suggest that type-C QPOs probably originate from relatively stronger jets or corona.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Development of the photo-diode subsystem for the HERD calorimeter double-readout

The measurement of cosmic-ray individual spectra provides unique information regarding the origin and propagation of astro-particles. Due to the limited acceptance of current space experiments, protons and nuclei around the "knee" region ($\sim1\ PeV$) can only be observed by ground based experiments. Thanks to an innovative design, the High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) facility will allow direct observation up to this energy region: the instrument is mainly based on a 3D segmented, isotropic and homogeneous calorimeter which properly measures the energy of particles coming from each direction and it will be made of about 7500 LYSO cubic crystals. The read-out of the scintillation light is done with two independent systems: the first one based on wave-length shifting fibers coupled to Intensified scientific CMOS cameras, the second one is made of two photo-diodes with different active areas connected to a custom front-end electronics. This photo-diode system is designed to achieve a huge dynamic range, larger than $10^7$, while having a small power consumption, few mW per channel. Thanks to a good signal-to-noise ratio, the capability of a proper calibration, by using signals of both non-interacting and showering particles, is also guaranteed. In this paper, the current design and the performance obtained by several tests of the photo-diode read-out system are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay of $^{76}$Ge with a Natural Broad Energy Germanium Detector

A natural broad energy germanium (BEGe) detector is operated in the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) for a feasibility study of building the next generation experiment of the neutrinoless double-beta (0{$νββ$}) decay of $^{76}$Ge. The setup of the prototype facility, characteristics of the BEGe detector, background reduction methods, and data analysis are described in this paper. A background index of 6.4$\times$10$^{-3}$ counts/(keV$\cdot$kg$\cdot$day) is achieved and 1.86 times lower than our previous result of the CDEX-1 detector. No signal is observed with an exposure of 186.4 kg$\cdot$day, thus a limit on the half life of $^{76}$Ge 0$νββ$ decay is set at T$_{1/2}^{0ν}$ $>$ 5.62$\times$10$^{22}$ yr at 90% C.L.. The limit corresponds to an effective Majorana neutrino mass in the range of 4.6 $\sim$ 10.3 eV, dependent on the nuclear matrix elements.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Explainable Empirical Risk Minimization

The successful application of machine learning (ML) methods becomes increasingly dependent on their interpretability or explainability. Designing explainable ML systems is instrumental to ensuring transparency of automated decision-making that targets humans. The explainability of ML methods is also an essential ingredient for trustworthy artificial intelligence. A key challenge in ensuring explainability is its dependence on the specific human user ("explainee"). The users of machine learning methods might have vastly different background knowledge about machine learning principles. One user might have a university degree in machine learning or related fields, while another user might have never received formal training in high-school mathematics. This paper applies information-theoretic concepts to develop a novel measure for the subjective explainability of the predictions delivered by a ML method. We construct this measure via the conditional entropy of predictions, given a user feedback. The user feedback might be obtained from user surveys or biophysical measurements. Our main contribution is the explainable empirical risk minimization (EERM) principle of learning a hypothesis that optimally balances between the subjective explainability and risk. The EERM principle is flexible and can be combined with arbitrary machine learning models. We present several practical implementations of EERM for linear models and decision trees. Numerical experiments demonstrate the application of EERM to detecting the use of inappropriate language on social media.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2022

flow-based clustering and spectral clustering: a comparison

We propose and study a novel graph clustering method for data with an intrinsic network structure. Similar to spectral clustering, we exploit an intrinsic network structure of data to construct Euclidean feature vectors. These feature vectors can then be fed into basic clustering methods such as k-means or Gaussian mixture model (GMM) based soft clustering. What sets our approach apart from spectral clustering is that we do not use the eigenvectors of a graph Laplacian to construct the feature vectors. Instead, we use the solutions of total variation minimization problems to construct feature vectors that reflect connectivity between data points. Our motivation is that the solutions of total variation minimization are piece-wise constant around a given set of seed nodes. These seed nodes can be obtained from domain knowledge or by simple heuristics that are based on the network structure of data. Our results indicate that our clustering methods can cope with certain graph structures that are challenging for spectral clustering methods.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2022

The peculiar spectral evolution of the new X-ray transient MAXI J0637-430

We studied the transient Galactic black hole candidate MAXI J0637-430 with data from Insight-HXMT, Swift and XMM-Newton. The broad-band X-ray observations from Insight-HXMT help us constrain the power-law component. MAXI J0637-430 is located at unusually high Galactic latitude; if it belongs to the Galactic thick disk, we suggest a most likely distance <7 kpc. Compared with other black hole transients, MAXI J0637-430 is also unusual for other reasons: a fast transition to the thermal dominant state at the start of the outburst; a low peak temperature and luminosity (we estimate them at ~ 0.7 keV and <0.1 times Eddington, respectively); a short decline timescale; a low soft-to-hard transition luminosity (<0.01 times Eddington). We argue that such properties are consistent with a small binary separation, short binary period (P ~ 2 hr), and low-mass donor star (M2 ~ 0.2 M_sun). Moreover, spectral modelling shows that a single disk-blackbody component is not a good fit to the thermal emission. Soft spectral residuals, and deviations from the standard L_disk ~ T^4 in relation, suggest the need for a second thermal component. We propose and discuss various scenarios for such component, in addition to those presented in previous studies of this source. For example, a gap in the accretion disk between a hotter inner ring near the innermost stable orbit, and a cooler outer disk. Another possibility is that the second thermal component is the thermal plasma emission from an ionized outflow.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Arecibo and FAST Timing Follow-up of twelve Millisecond Pulsars Discovered in Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey

We report the phase-connected timing ephemeris, polarization pulse profiles, Faraday rotation measurements, and Rotating-Vector-Model (RVM) fitting results of twelve millisecond pulsars (MSPs) discovered with the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) in the Commensal radio Astronomy FAST survey (CRAFTS). The timing campaigns were carried out with FAST and Arecibo over three years. Eleven of the twelve pulsars are in neutron star - white dwarf binary systems, with orbital periods between 2.4 and 100 d. Ten of them have spin periods, companion masses, and orbital eccentricities that are consistent with the theoretical expectations for MSP - Helium white dwarf (He WD) systems. The last binary pulsar (PSR J1912$-$0952) has a significantly smaller spin frequency and a smaller companion mass, the latter could be caused by a low orbital inclination for the system. Its orbital period of 29 days is well within the range of orbital periods where some MSP - He WD systems have shown anomalous eccentricities, however, the eccentricity of PSR J1912$-$0952 is typical of what one finds for the remaining MSP - He WD systems.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Emission Variation of a Long-period Pulsar Discovered by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST)

We report on the variation in the single-pulse emission from PSR J1900+4221 (CRAFTS 19C10) observed at frequency centered at 1.25 GHz using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. The integrated pulse profile shows two distinct components, referred to here as the leading and trailing components, with the latter component also containing a third weak component. The single-pulse sequence reveals different emissions demonstrating as nulling, regular, and bright pulses, each with a particular abundance and duration distribution. There also exists pulses that follow a log-normal distribution suggesting the possibility of another emission, in which the pulsar is radiating weakly. Changes in the profile shape are seen across different emissions. We examine the emission variations in the leading and trailing components collectively and separately, and find moderate correlation between the two components. The inclination angle is estimated to be about 7° based on pulse-width, and we discuss that nulling in this pulsar does not seem to show correlation with age and rotation period.

hep-th↗

arXiv2022

Probing the Galactic Halo with RR Lyrae Stars. II. The Substructures of the Milky Way

We identify substructures of the Galactic halo using 3,003 type $ab$ RR Lyraes (RRab) with 6D position-velocity information from the SDSS, LAMOST, and Gaia EDR3. Based on the information, we define the separation of any two of the stars in the integrals of motion space and identify substructures by utilizing the friends-of-friends algorithm. We identify members belonging to several known substructures: the Sagittarius stream, the Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage (GES), the Sequoia, and the Helmi streams. In addition to these known substructures, there are three other substructures possibly associated with globular clusters NGC 5272, NGC 6656, and NGC 5024, respectively. Finally, we also find three remaining unknown substructures and one of them has large angular momentum and a mean metallicity $\rm -2.13\,dex$ which may be a new substructure. As for GES, we find that it accounts for a large part of substructures in the inner halo and the range of apocenter distance is from 10 to $34\,\rm kpc$, which suggests that the GES is mainly distributed in the inner halo. The near one-third proportion of the GES and the peak value $20\,\rm kpc$ of the apocenter distances suggest that GES could account for the break in the density profile of the Galactic halo at Galactocentric distance ${\sim}20-25\,\rm kpc$. The similarity of comparing the kinematic properties of Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage with the Hercules-Aquila Cloud and Virgo Overdensity suggests that the three substructures may have similar origins.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

RADiCAL: Precision-timing, Ultracompact, Radiation-hard Electromagnetic Calorimetry

To address the challenges of providing high performance calorimetry in future hadron collider experiments under conditions of high luminosity and high radiation (FCChh environments), we are conducting R&D on advanced calorimetry techniques suitable for such operation, based on scintillation and wavelength-shifting technologies and photosensor (SiPM and SiPM-like) technology. In particular, we are focusing our attention on ultra-compact radiation hard EM calorimeters, based on modular structures (RADiCAL modules) consisting of alternating layers of very dense absorber and scintillating plates, read out via radiation hard wavelength shifting (WLS) solid fiber or capillary elements to photosensors positioned either proximately or remotely, depending upon their radiation tolerance. The RADiCAL modules provide the capability to measure simultaneously and with high precision the position, energy and timing of EM showers. This paper provides an overview of the instrumentation and photosensor R&D associated with the RADiCAL program.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

ATOMS: ALMA Three-millimeter Observations of Massive Star-forming regions -- X. Chemical differentiation among the massive cores in G9.62+0.19

Investigating the physical and chemical structures of massive star-forming regions is critical for understanding the formation and the early evolution of massive stars. We performed a detailed line survey toward six dense cores named as MM1, MM4, MM6, MM7, MM8, and MM11 in G9.62+0.19 star-forming region resolved in ALMA band 3 observations. Toward these cores, about 172 transitions have been identified and attributed to 16 species including organic Oxygen-, Nitrogen-, Sulfur-bearing molecules and their isotopologues. Four dense cores MM7, MM8, MM4, and MM11 are line rich sources. Modeling of these spectral lines reveals the rotational temperature in a range of 72$-$115~K, 100$-$163~K, 102$-$204~K, and 84$-$123~K for the MM7, MM8, MM4, and MM11, respectively. The molecular column densities are 1.6 $\times$ 10$^{15}$ $-$ 9.2 $\times$ 10$^{17}$~cm$^{-2}$ toward the four cores. The cores MM8 and MM4 show chemical difference between Oxygen- and Nitrogen-bearing species, i.e., MM4 is rich in oxygen-bearing molecules while nitrogen-bearing molecules especially vibrationally excited HC$_{3}$N lines are mainly observed in MM8. The distinct initial temperature at accretion phase may lead to this N/O differentiation. Through analyzing column densities and spatial distributions of O-bearing Complex Organic Molecules (COMs), we found that C$_{2}$H$_{5}$OH and CH$_{3}$OCH$_{3}$ might have a common precursor, CH$_{3}$OH. CH$_{3}$OCHO and CH$_{3}$OCH$_{3}$ are likely chemically linked. In addition, the observed variation in HC$_{3}$N and HC$_{5}$N emission may indicate that their different formation mechanism at hot and cold regions.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2022

Mu2e-II: Muon to electron conversion with PIP-II

An observation of Charged Lepton Flavor Violation (CLFV) would be unambiguous evidence for physics beyond the Standard Model. The Mu2e and COMET experiments, under construction, are designed to push the sensitivity to CLFV in the mu to e conversion process to unprecedented levels. Whether conversion is observed or not, there is a strong case to be made for further improving sensitivity, or for examining the process on additional target materials. Mu2e-II is a proposed upgrade to Mu2e, with at least an additional order of magnitude in sensitivity to the conversion rate over Mu2e. The approach and challenges for this proposal are summarized. Mu2e-II may be regarded as the next logical step in a continued high-intensity muon program at FNAL.

hep-ex↗