arXiv subjects

Q. Xu

Publications and source records attributed to Q. Xu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

High-temperature behavior of amorphous alumina coatings: Insights from in-situ nanoindentation and X-ray diffraction studies

Further development of nuclear power plant technology relies heavily on materials durability under operating conditions. Estimating the materials performance in the operando tests is crucial. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of thin amorphous nuclear-dedicated Al2O3 coatings deposited by pulsed laser deposition was investigated by nanoindentation over the temperature range of 25-650C. Experimental nanomechanical analysis was supported by MD simulations. The results indicate that the hardness of the amorphous coating experiences a gradual, constant decrease with temperature, while the Young modulus value remains constant in the whole temperature range. Observed phenomena confirm the increasing plasticity of the material and it is postulated to be related to the bond-switching mechanism that accelerates at high temperatures. The post-mortem transmission electron microscopy characterization confirmed that the loaded material was non-crystalline over the entire range of the indentation temperatures. The thermal stability of the structure was further studied in-situ up to 1050C by X-ray diffraction. The implemented methodology allowed us to follow the dynamic process of phase transitions occurring in the material above 650C. First, thermally activated crystallization was observed at 700C. Intermediate alumina phases were present up to 950C, while above this temperature, exclusively the thermodynamically stable alpha-Al2O3 was observed. The in-situ high-temperature characterization of the evolution of thin films boosts the understanding of the application limits of the coating systems at elevated temperatures. The added value is that the paper demonstrates the potential usefulness of combining high-temperature techniques to characterize the complete behavior of thin films at elevated temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

LHCspin: a Polarized Gas Target for LHC

The goal of the LHCspin project is to develop innovative solutions for measuring the 3D structure of nucleons in high-energy polarized fixed-target collisions at LHC, exploring new processes and exploiting new probes in a unique, previously unexplored, kinematic regime. A precise multi-dimensional description of the hadron structure has, in fact, the potential to deepen our understanding of the strong interactions and to provide a much more precise framework for measuring both Standard Model and Beyond Standard Model observables. This ambitious task poses its basis on the recent experience with the successful installation and operation of the SMOG2 unpolarized gas target in front of the LHCb spectrometer. Besides allowing for interesting physics studies ranging from astrophysics to heavy-ion physics, SMOG2 provides an ideal benchmark for studying beam-target dynamics at the LHC and demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous operation with beam-beam collisions. With the installation of the proposed polarized target system, LHCb will become the first experiment to simultaneously collect data from unpolarized beam-beam collisions at $\sqrt{s}$=14 TeV and polarized and unpolarized beam-target collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}\sim$100 GeV. LHCspin has the potential to open new frontiers in physics by exploiting the capabilities of the world's most powerful collider and one of the most advanced spectrometers. This document also highlights the need to perform an R\&D campaign and the commissioning of the apparatus at the LHC Interaction Region 4 during the Run 4, before its final installation in LHCb. This opportunity could also allow to undertake preliminary physics measurements with unprecedented conditions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Notes on the numerical radius for adjointable operators on Hilbert $C^*$-modules

Given a Hilbert module $H$ over a $C^*$-algebra, let $\mathcal{L}(H)$ be the set of all adjointable operators on $H$. For each $T\in\mathcal{L}(H)$, its numerical radius is defined by $w(T)=\sup\big\{\|\langle Tx, x \rangle\|: x\in H, \|x\|=1\big\}$. It is proved that $w(T)=\|T\|$ whenever $T$ is normal. Examples are constructed to show that there exist Hilbert module $H$ over certain $C^*$-algebra and $T_1,T_2\in \mathcal{L}(H)$ with $T_1^2=0$ such that $w(T_1)\ne \frac12 \|T_1\|$ and $\sup\limits_{\theta\in [0,2\pi]}\|\mbox{Re}(e^{i\theta}T_2)\|<w(T_2)$. In addition, a new characterization of the spatial numerical radius is given, and it is proved that $w\big(\pi(T)\big)\le w(T)$ for every faithful representation $(\pi, X)$ of $\mathcal{L}(H)$ and every $T\in\mathcal{L}(H)$. Some inequalities are derived based on the newly obtained results.

math.FA↗

arXiv2024

Separated Pairs of Submodules in Hilbert $C^*$-modules

We introduce the notion of the separated pair of closed submodules in the setting of Hilbert $C^*$-modules. We demonstrate that even in the case of Hilbert spaces this concept has several nice characterizations enriching the theory of separated pairs of subspaces in Hilbert spaces. Let $\mathscr H$ and $\mathscr K$ be orthogonally complemented closed submodules of a Hilbert $C^*$-module $\mathscr E$. We establish that $ (\mathscr H,\mathscr K)$ is a separated pair in $\mathscr{E}$ if and only if there are idempotents $\Pi_1$ and $\Pi_2$ such that $\Pi_1\Pi_2=\Pi_2\Pi_1=0$ and $\mathscr R(\Pi_1)=\mathscr H$ and $\mathscr R(\Pi_2)=\mathscr K$. We show that $\mathscr R(\Pi_1+\lambda\Pi_2)$ is closed for each $\lambda\in \mathbb{C}$ if and only if $\mathscr R(\Pi_1+\Pi_2)$ is closed. We use the localization of Hilbert $C^*$-modules to define the angle between closed submodules. We prove that if $(\mathscr H^\perp,\mathscr K^\perp)$ is concordant, then $(\mathscr H^{\perp\perp},\mathscr K^{\perp\perp})$ is a separated pair if the cosine of this angle is less than one. We also present some surprising examples to illustrate our results.

math.OA↗

arXiv2021

Pedersen--Takesaki operator equation in Hilbert $C^*$-modules

We extend a work of Pedersen and Takesaki by giving some equivalent conditions for the existence of a positive solution of the so-called Pedersen--Takesaki operator equation $XHX=K$ in the setting of Hilbert $C^*$-modules. It is known that the Douglas lemma does not hold in the setting of Hilbert $C^*$-modules in its general form. In fact, if $\mathscr{E}$ is a Hilbert $C^*$-module and $A, B \in \mathcal{L}(\mathscr E)$, then the operator inequality $B B^*\le λAA^*$ with $λ>0$ does not ensure that the operator equation $AX=B$ has a solution, in general. We show that under a mild orthogonally complemented condition on the range of operators, $AX=B$ has a solution if and only if $BB^*\leq λAA^*$ and $\mathscr R(A) \supseteq \mathscr R(BB^*)$. Furthermore, we prove that if $\mathcal{L}(\mathscr E)$ is a $W^*$-algebra, $A,B\in \mathcal{L}(\mathscr E)$, and $\overline{\mathscr R(A^*)}=\mathscr E$, then $BB^*\leqλAA^*$ for some $λ>0$ if and only if $\mathscr R (B)\subseteq \mathscr R(A)$. Several examples are given to support the new findings.

math.OA↗

arXiv2019

Seminorm and numerical radius inequalities of operators in semi-Hilbertian spaces

Let $A$ be a positive bounded operator on a Hilbert space $\big(\mathcal{H}, \langle \cdot, \cdot\rangle \big)$. The semi-inner product ${\langle x, y\rangle}_A := \langle Ax, y\rangle$, $x, y\in\mathcal{H},$ induces a seminorm ${\|\cdot\|}_A$ on $\mathcal{H}$. Let ${\|T\|}_A,\ w_A(T),$ and $c_A(T)$ denote the $A$-operator seminorm, the $A$-numerical radius, and the $A$-Crawford number of an operator $T$ in the semi-Hilbertian space $\big(\mathcal{H}, {\|\cdot\|}_A\big)$, respectively. In this paper, we present some seminorm inequalities and equalities for semi-Hilbertian space operators. More precisely, we give some necessary and sufficient conditions for two orthogonal semi-Hilbertian operators satisfy Pythagoras' equality. In addition, we derive new upper and lower bounds for the numerical radius of operators in semi-Hilbertian spaces. In particular, we show that \begin{align*} \frac{1}{16} {\|TT^{\sharp_{A}} + T^{\sharp_{A}}T\|}^{2}_{A} + \frac{1}{16}c_{A}\Big(\big(T^2 + (T^{\sharp_{A}})^2\big)^2\Big) \leq w^4_{A}(T) \leq \frac{1}{8} {\|TT^{\sharp_{A}} + T^{\sharp_{A}}T\|}^{2}_{A} + \frac{1}{2}w^2_{A}(T^2), \end{align*} where $T^{\sharp_A}$ is a distinguished $A$-adjoint operator of $T$. Some applications of our inequalities are also provided.

math.FA↗

arXiv2019

Numerical radius inequalities concerning with algebraic norms

We give an expression for a generalized numerical radius of Hilbert space operators and then apply it to obtain upper and lower bounds for the generalized numerical radius. We also establish some generalized numerical radius inequalities involving the product of two operators. Applications of our inequalities are also provided.

math.FA↗

arXiv2017

Insertion Magnets

Chapter 3 in High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) : Preliminary Design Report. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is one of the largest scientific instruments ever built. Since opening up a new energy frontier for exploration in 2010, it has gathered a global user community of about 7,000 scientists working in fundamental particle physics and the physics of hadronic matter at extreme temperature and density. To sustain and extend its discovery potential, the LHC will need a major upgrade in the 2020s. This will increase its luminosity (rate of collisions) by a factor of five beyond the original design value and the integrated luminosity (total collisions created) by a factor ten. The LHC is already a highly complex and exquisitely optimised machine so this upgrade must be carefully conceived and will require about ten years to implement. The new configuration, known as High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), will rely on a number of key innovations that push accelerator technology beyond its present limits. Among these are cutting-edge 11-12 tesla superconducting magnets, compact superconducting cavities for beam rotation with ultra-precise phase control, new technology and physical processes for beam collimation and 300 metre-long high-power superconducting links with negligible energy dissipation. The present document describes the technologies and components that will be used to realise the project and is intended to serve as the basis for the detailed engineering design of HL-LHC.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2014

Ballistic transport in graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition

In this letter we report the observation of ballistic transport on micron length scales in graphene synthesised by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Transport measurements were done on Hall bar geometries in a liquid He cryostat. Using non-local measurements we show that electrons can be ballistically directed by a magnetic field (transverse magnetic focussing) over length scales of ~μm. Comparison with atomic force microscope measurements suggests a correlation between the absence of wrinkles and the presence of ballistic transport in CVD graphene.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Discontinuous Galerkin method for fractional convection-diffusion equations

We propose a discontinuous Galerkin method for convection-subdiffusion equations with a fractional operator of order $\alpha (1<\alpha<2)$ defined through the fractional Laplacian. The fractional operator of order $\alpha$ is expressed as a composite of first order derivatives and fractional integrals of order $2-\alpha$, and the fractional convection-diffusion problem is expressed as a system of low order differential/integral equations and a local discontinuous Galerkin method scheme is derived for the equations. We prove stability and optimal order of convergence O($h^{k+1}$) for subdiffusion, and an order of convergence of ${\cal O}(h^{k+1/2})$ is established for the general fractional convection-diffusion problem. The analysis is confirmed by numerical examples.

math.NA↗

arXiv2011

Conductivity of LaAlO/SrTiO3 Interfaces made by Sputter Deposition

We have investigated the properties of interfaces between LaAlO3 films grown on SrTiO3 substrates singly terminated by TiO2. We used RF sputtering in a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere. The films are smooth, with flat surfaces. Transmission Electron Microscopy shows atomically sharp and continuous interfaces while EELS measurements show some slight intermixing. The elemental ratio of La to Al measured by EDX is found to be 1.07. Importantly, we find these interfaces to be non-conducting, indicating that the sputtered interface is not electronically reconstructed in the way reported for films grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition because of the different interplay between stoichiometry, mixing and oxygen vacancies.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Crystal fields, disorder, and antiferromagnetic short-range order in Yb0.24Sn0.76Ru

We report extensive measurements on a new compound (Yb0.24Sn0.76)Ru that crystallizes in the cubic CsCl structure. Valence band photoemission and L3 x-ray absorption show no divalent component in the 4f configuration of Yb. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) indicates that the eight-fold degenerate J-multiplet of Yb3+ is split by the crystalline electric field (CEF) into a Γ7 doublet ground state and a Γ8 quartet at an excitation energy 20 meV. The magnetic susceptibility can be fit very well by this CEF scheme under the assumption that a Γ6 excited state resides at 32 meV; however, the Γ8/Γ6 transition expected at 12 meV was not observed in the INS. The resistivity follows a Bloch- Grüneisen law shunted by a parallel resistor, as is typical of systems subject to phonon scattering with no apparent magnetic scattering. All of these properties can be understood as representing simple local moment behavior of the trivalent Yb ion. At 1 K, there is a peak in specific heat that is too broad to represent a magnetic phase transition, consistent with absence of magnetic reflections in neutron diffraction. On the other hand, this peak also is too narrow to represent the Kondo effect in the Γ7 ground state doublet. On the basis of the field-dependence of the specific heat, we argue that antiferromagnetic shortrange order (possibly co-existing with Kondo physics) occurs at low temperatures. The long-range magnetic order is suppressed because the Yb site occupancy is below the percolation threshold for this disordered compound.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2010

Superconductivity at 2.3 K in the misfit compound (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2

The structural misfit compound (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2 is reported. It is a superconductor with a Tc of 2.3 K. (PbSe)1.16(TiSe2)2 derives from a parent compound, TiSe2, which shows a charge density wave transition and no superconductivity. The crystal structure, characterized by high resolution electron microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction, consists of two layers of 1T-TiSe2 alternating with a double layer of (100) PbSe. Transport measurements suggest that the superconductivity is induced by charge transfer from the PbSe layers to the TiSe2 layers.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Superconductivity in CuxBi2Se3 and its implications for pairing in the undoped topological insulator

Bi2Se3 is one of a handful of known topological insulators. Here we show that copper intercalation in the van der Waals gaps between the Bi2Se3 layers, yielding an electron concentration of ~ 2 x 10^20cm-3, results in superconductivity at 3.8 K in CuxBi2Se3 for x between 0.12 and 0.15. This demonstrates that Cooper pairing is possible in Bi2Se3 at accessible temperatures, with implications for study of the physics of topological insulators and potential devices.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Andreev reflection and spin polarization measurement of Co/YBCO junction

We report temperature dependent Andreev reflection measurements of Co/ Y$_{1}$Ba$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7-δ}$ (YBCO) heterostructure samples with junction areas of 1 $μ$m diameter. Modelling of the 5-70 K conductivity data according to a modified Blonder-Tinkham-Klapwijk theory yields a spin polarization in Co film amounting to 34% which is almost constant up to 70 K. The YBCO films have been grown by pulsed laser deposition on sapphire substrates. The Co films are deposited by thermal evaporation on YBCO. The film is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction measurements which shows YBCO is grown in (001) direction.The critical current density, 5 x 10$^{6}$ A/cm$^{2}$, in YBCO remains nearly constant after deposition of Co at zero field and 77 K.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2009

Extreme Sensitivity of Superconductivity to Stoichiometry in FeSe (Fe1+dSe)

The recently discovered iron arsenide superconductors, which display superconducting transition temperatures as high as 55 K, appear to share a number of general features with high-Tc cuprates, including proximity to a magnetically ordered state and robustness of the superconductivity in the presence of disorder. Here we show that superconductivity in Fe1+dSe, the parent compound of the superconducting arsenide family, is destroyed by very small changes in stoichiometry. Further, we show that non-superconducting Fe1+dSe is not magnetically ordered down to low temperatures. These results suggest that robust superconductivity and immediate instability against an ordered magnetic state should not be considered as intrinsic characteristics of iron-based superconducting systems, and that Fe1+dSe may present a unique opportunity for determining which materials characteristics are critical to the existence of superconductivity in high Tc iron arsenide superconductors and which are not.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2008

High-dimensional Z' phenomenology at hadron colliders

We study the phenomenology of a Z'-boson field coupled to hypercharge. The Z' propagator has a non-trivial Källén-Lehmann spectral density due to the mixing with a higher dimensional inert vector field. As a consequence detection possibilities at hadron colliders are reduced. We determine the range of parameters where this field can be studied at the Tevatron and the LHC through its production cross section via the Drell-Yan mechanism.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2007

Structures of the reduced niobium oxides Nb12O29 and Nb22O54

The crystal structure of Nb22O54 is reported for the first time, and the structure of orthorhombic Nb12O29 is reexamined, resolving previous ambiguities. Single crystal x-ray and electron diffraction were employed. These compounds were found to crystallize in the space groups P2/m (a = 15.7491(2) A, b = 3.8236(3) A, c = 17.8521(2) A, beta = 102.029(3)) and Cmcm (a = 3.8320(2) A, b = 20.7400(9) A, c = 28.8901(13) A) respectively and share a common structural unit, a 4x3 block of corner sharing NbO6 octahedra. Despite different constraints imposed by symmetry these blocks are very similar in both compounds. Within a block, it is found that the niobium atoms are not located in the centers of the oxygen octahedra, but rather are displaced inward toward the center of the block forming an apparent antiferroelectric state. Bond valence sums and bond lengths do not show the presence of charge ordering, suggesting that all 4d electrons are delocalized in these compounds at the temperature studied, T = 200 K.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗