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Qingmin Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Qingmin Zhang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The Radioactive Background of the JUNO Calibration System

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) experiment is a reactor antineutrino detector employing 20 kton of ultra-pure liquid scintillator to determine the neutrino mass ordering and to precisely measure oscillation parameters. The total singles background rate from radioactivity is required to be below 10 Hz in the energy range of 0.7-12 MeV within the fiducial volume for reactor neutrino analysis. The calibration system is designed to characterize the detector energy and position responses, while several of its components are located close to the target and may contribute to the background budget. Therefore, extensive material screening and selection are required to construct a low-background calibration system and to ensure that its contribution remains within the design requirements. In this work, a comprehensive study of the radioactive background induced by the calibration system is presented, including material radioactivity measurements using high-purity germanium detectors and neutron activation analysis techniques, detailed Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the background, and comparisons with in-situ detector data to validate the predictions. In this data analysis, dedicated spatial selection methods are developed to isolate calibration-related contributions and to suppress the liquid scintillator background. The total radioactivity contribution from the calibration system is estimated to be less than 76 mHz, which satisfies the requirement of 200 mHz (2% of the total background budget). The results from in-situ data are found to be consistent with the expectations based on material assay and simulation within uncertainties. These results demonstrate that the calibration-induced background is well understood, in agreement between data and simulation, and negligible for reactor antineutrino measurements in JUNO.

physics.ins-det

Observations of a Solar Jet Triggered by Reconnection between Super-penumbral Fibrils and a Mini-filament

Coronal jets are highly dynamic phenomena in the solar atmosphere, yet their driving mechanisms remain an active topic of investigation. In this paper, we report a coronal jet triggered by the interaction between super-penumbral fibrils and a mini-filament, based on coordinated observations from the New Vacuum Solar Telescope (NVST), the Chinese H$\alpha$ Solar Explorer (CHASE), and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The fibrils were anchored between the negative-polarity region of a sunspot and an emerging positive-polarity region associated with a moving magnetic feature (MMF). As the positive polarity migrated outward, the fibrils elongated and interacted with the mini-filament, one of whose footpoints was rooted in pre-existing negative-polarity fields. Intense brightenings at the interaction site, together with changes in the connectivity of the mini-filament footpoint from the pre-existing negative polarity to the sunspot, indicate the occurrence of magnetic reconnection. The event produced a narrow hot jet accompanied by a broader cool component. The cool plasma exhibited a clockwise rotation, providing evidence for the transfer of magnetic twist during reconnection. Persistent magnetic flux cancellation was observed before and during the jet eruption. These observations demonstrate that small-scale magnetic structures, such as MMFs, can significantly influence mini-filament eruptions and highlight the important role of flux cancellation in triggering coronal jet activity.

astro-ph.SR

Three-dimensional evolution of a solar filament with multipoint observations

In this paper, we first devise a geometrical model, featuring a torus-like flux rope based on the shape of 3DCORE model. The global shape of the torus is an ellipse, while the cross sections are circular along the torus. The thinnest point is located between the Sun center and photosphere. Deflections and inclination are considered as well. Using multiwavelength observations from perspectives of Earth, Ahead-STEREO (STA), and Solar Orbiter, we apply the model to three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions and tracking of the filament eruption, which was associated with a flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2024 October 8. The morphology, direction, and true velocity ($\sim$433 km/s) of the eruptive filament are obtained. It is found that the filament propagates nonradially, deflecting slightly eastward by $\sim$10 degrees and significantly southward by $\sim$40 degrees. Trajectory of the filament in the ecliptic plane reveals that the filament moves toward STA. The true direction of the eruptive filament using imaging and spectral observations is mutually verified by 3D reconstructions. The heliocentric distance of the filament increases from $\sim$1.68 to $\sim$2.94 solar radii within 35 minutes. Based on the results of 3D reconstructions, the true speed of the CME leading edge is evaluated to be 1046$-$1145 km/s.

astro-ph.SR

Characterizing the 3D evolution of two successive CMEs heading for Mercury

We studied two successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the same active region (AR 12994) on 2022 April 15 and propagated toward Mercury. Using multi-view observations, we applied the revised cone model to determine the three-dimensional geometry and the early kinematics of the two CMEs. Our best fit parameters indicate large angular extents of 84 and 86 and propagation directions of 119.0 and 110.4 (measured from the Sun Earth line) for CME1 and CME2, respectively, while that of Mercury is 120.1. The derived axis inclinations are 28 for CME1 and 21 for CME2, consistent with the orientation of the erupting flux ropes in the source region. Height time analysis indicates approximately uniform motion speeds of 636 for CME1 and 696 for CME2, respectively. This paper provides valuable insights for predicting the impact of CMEs heading for Mercury as well as other solar planets in the future.

astro-ph.SR

Herringbone structures during an X-class eruptive flare

In this paper, we report quasi-periodic herringbone structures during the impulsive phase of an X-class flare, coinciding with the distinct acceleration phase of eruptive prominence ejection on 2023 December 31. The prominence propagates non-radially in the southeast direction with an inclination angle of $\sim$35$\fdg$4. The fast coronal mass ejection (CME) at a speed of $\sim$2852 km s$^{-1}$ drives a shock wave and a coronal EUV wave. The herringbone structures lasting for $\sim$4 minutes take place at the initial stage of a group of type II radio burst. The herringbones in the frequency range 20$-$70 MHz are characterized by simultaneous forward-drift and reverse-drift bursts with average durations of $\sim$2.5 s and $\sim$3.1 s. The frequency drift rates of these bursts fall in a range of 1.3$-$9.4 MHz s$^{-1}$ with average values of $\sim$3.6 and $\sim$4.1 MHz s$^{-1}$, respectively. The speeds of electron beams producing the herringbones are estimated to be 0.04$-$0.41 $c$, with average values of $\sim$0.23 $c$ and $\sim$0.11 $c$ for forward-drifting and reverse-drift bursts, respectively. The heights of particle acceleration regions are estimated to be 0.64$-$0.78 $R_{\sun}$ above the photosphere, which are consistent with the height of CME front ($\sim$0.75 $R_{\sun}$) when the shock forms. Quasi-periodic pulsations with periods of 17.5$-$21.3 s are found in the radio fluxes of herringbones, suggesting that electrons are accelerated by the CME-driven shock intermittently.

astro-ph.SR

A General-Purpose and Efficient Machine-Learned Potential for SiC from Ambient to Extreme Environments

Silicon carbide (SiC) polymorphs are widely employed as nuclear materials, mechanical components, and wide-bandgap semiconductors. The rapid advancement of SiC-based applications has been complemented by computational modeling studies, including both ab initio and classical atomistic approaches. In this work, we develop a computationally efficient, general-purpose machine-learned interatomic potential (ML-IAP) capable of multimillion-atom molecular dynamics simulations over microsecond timescales. Using the ML-IAP, we map a broad pressure-temperature phase diagram and the threshold displacement energy distributions for the 2H and 3C polymorphs. Across a benchmark covering conditions from ambient to extreme, including high-pressure/high-temperature states and high-energy cascade damage, tabGAP provides a favorable balance of accuracy, robustness, transferability, and computational cost among the tested empirical and ML-IAPs.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Extreme Ultraviolet Wave and Quasi-periodic Pulsations during an eruptive M-class Flare

In this paper, we report multiwavelength and multipoint observations of the prominence eruption originating from active region 11163, which generated an M3.5 class flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2011 February 24. The prominence lifts off and propagates nonradially in the southeast direction. Using the revised cone model, we carry out three-dimensional reconstructions of the icecream-like prominence. The latitudinal inclination angle decreases from $\sim$60$\degr$ to $\sim$37$\degr$, indicating that the prominence tends to propagate more radially. The longitudinal inclination angle almost keeps constant (-6$\degr$). The highly inclined prominence eruption and the related CME drive an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wave, which propagates southward at speeds of $\sim$381.60 km s$^{-1}$ and $\sim$398.59 km s$^{-1}$ observed in 193 {\AA} and 304 {\AA}, respectively. The M3.5 class flare presents quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs) in soft X-ray, hard X-ray, EUV, and radio wavelengths with periods of 80$-$120 s. Cotemporary with the flare QPPs, a thin current sheet and multiple plasmoids are observed following the eruptive prominence. Combining with the appearance of drifting pulsation structure, the QPPs are most probably generated by quasi-periodic magnetic reconnection and particle accelerations as a result of plasmoids in the current sheet.

astro-ph.SR

Tracking an eruptive intermediate prominence originating from the farside of the Sun

In this paper, we carry out multiwavelength and multiview observations of the eruption of an intermediate prominence originating from the farside of the Sun on 2023 March 12. The southeast footpoint of the prominence is located in active region (AR) 13252. The eruption generates a B7.8 class flare and a partial halo coronal mass ejection (CME). The prominence takes off at 02:00 UT and accelerates for nearly three hours. Rotation of the southeast leg of the prominence in the counterclockwise direction is revealed by spectroscopic and imaging observations. The apex of the prominence changes from a smooth loop to a cusp structure during the rising motion and the northwest leg displays a drift motion after 04:30 UT, implying a writhing motion. Hence, the prominence eruption is most likely triggered by ideal kink instability. For the first time, we apply the Graduated Cylindrical Shell (GCS) modeling in three-dimensional reconstruction and tracking of the prominence for nearly two hours. Both the source region (110$\degr$E, 43$\degr$N) and northwest footpoint (162$\degr$E, 44$\degr$N) are located. The edge-on and face-on angular widths of the prominence are $\sim$6$\degr$ and $\sim$86$\degr$, respectively. The axis has a tilt angle of $\sim$70$\degr$ with the meridian. The heliocentric distance of the prominence leading edge increases from $\sim$1.26\,$R_{\sun}$ to $\sim$2.27\,$R_{\sun}$. The true speed of the CME increases from $\sim$610 to $\sim$849 km s$^{-1}$.

astro-ph.SR

Transverse Oscillations of Coronal Loops Induced by a Jet-Related Confined Flare on 11 July 2022

In this article, we report the multiwavelength and multiview observations of transverse oscillations of two loop strands induced by a jet-related, confined flare in active region NOAA 13056 on 11 July 2022. The jet originates close to the right footpoint of the loops and propagates in the northeast direction. The average rise time and fall time of the jet are $\approx$ 11 and $\approx$ 13.5 minutes, so that the lifetime of the jet reaches $\approx$ 24.5 minutes. The rising motion of the jet is divided into two phases with average velocities of $\approx$ 164 and $\approx$ 546\,km\,s$^{-1}$. The falling motion of the jet is coherent with an average velocity of $\approx$ 124\,km\,s$^{-1}$. The transverse oscillations of the loops, lasting for 3 $-$ 5 cycles, are of fundamental standing kink mode. The maximal initial amplitudes of the two strands are $\approx$ 5.8 and $\approx$ 4.9 Mm. The average periods are $\approx$ 405\,s and $\approx$ 407\,s. Both of the strands experience slow expansions during oscillations. The lower limits of the kink speed are 895$_{-17}^{+21}$\,km\,s$^{-1}$ for loop\_1 and 891$_{-35}^{+29}$\,km\,s$^{-1}$ for loop\_2, respectively. The corresponding lower limits of the Alfv\'{e}n speed are estimated to be 664$_{-13}^{+16}$\,km\,s$^{-1}$ and 661$_{-26}^{+22}$\,km\,s$^{-1}$.

astro-ph.SR

Failure of a solar filament eruption caused by magnetic reconnection with overlying coronal loops

Failure of a filament eruption caused by magnetic reconnection between the erupting filament and the overlying magnetic field has been previously proposed in numerical simulations. It is, however, rarely observed. In this study, we report the reconnection between an erupting filament and its overlying coronal loops, that results in the failure of the filament eruption. On 2023 September 24, a filament was located in active region 13445. It slowly rose, quickly erupted, rapidly decelerated, and finally stopped, with an untwisting motion. As a failed eruption, the event is associated with an M4.4 flare but no coronal mass ejection. During the eruption, the filament became bright, and the overlying loops appeared first in the high-temperature channels. They have average temperatures of ~12.8 and ~9.6MK, respectively, indicating that both of them were heated. Two sets of new loops, separately connecting the filament endpoints and the overlying loop footpoints, then formed. Subsequently, the heated overlying loops were seen sequentially in the low-temperature channels, showing the cooling process, which is also supported by the light curves. Plasmoids formed, and propagated bidirectionally along the filament and the overlying loops, indicating the presence of plasmoid instability. These results suggest that reconnection occurs between the erupting filament and the overlying loops. The erupting filament eventually disappeared, with the appearance of more newly-formed loops. We propose that the reconnection between the erupting filament and the overlying loops ruins the filament completely, and hence results in the failed eruption.

astro-ph.SR

Tracking an eruptive prominence using multiwavelength and multiview observations on 2023 March 7

In this paper, we carry out multiwavelength and multiview observations of the prominence eruption, which generates a C2.3 class flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME) on 2023 March 7. For the first time, we apply the revised cone model to three-dimension reconstruction and tracking of the eruptive prominence for ~4 hrs. The prominence propagates non-radially and makes a detour around the large-scale coronal loops in active region NOAA 13243. The northward deflection angle increases from ~36 degrees to ~47 degrees before returning to ~36 degrees and keeping up. There is no longitudinal deflection throughout the propagation. The angular width of the cone increases from ~30 degrees and reaches a plateau at ~37 degrees. The heliocentric distance of the prominence rises from ~1.1 to ~10.0 solar radii, and the prominence experiences continuous acceleration (~51 m/s^2) over two hours, which is probably related to the magnetic reconnection during the C-class flare. The true speed of CME front is estimated to be ~829 km/s, which is ~1.2 times larger than that of CME core (prominence). It is concluded that both acceleration and deflection of eruptive prominences in their early lives could be reproduced with the revised cone model.

astro-ph.SR

Association between a Failed Prominence Eruption and the Drainage of Mass from Another Prominence

Sympathetic eruptions of solar prominences have been studied for decades, however, it is usually difficult to identify their causal links. Here we present two failed prominence eruptions on 26 October 2022 and explore their connections. Using stereoscopic observations, the south prominence (PRO-S) erupts with untwisting motions, flare ribbons occur underneath, and new connections are formed during the eruption. The north prominence (PRO-N) rises up along with PRO-S, and its upper part disappears due to catastrophic mass draining along an elongated structure after PRO-S failed eruption. We suggest that the eruption of PRO-S initiates due to a kink instability, further rises up, and fails to erupt due to reconnection with surrounding fields. The elongated structure connecting PRO-N overlies PRO-S, which causes the rising up of PRO-N along with PRO-S and mass drainage after PRO-S eruption. This study suggests that a prominence may end its life through mass drainage forced by an eruption underneath.

astro-ph.SR

Observation of a large-scale filament eruption initiated by two small-scale erupting filaments pushing out from below

Filament eruptions often result in flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Most studies attribute the filament eruptions to their instabilities or magnetic reconnection. In this study, we report a unique observation of a filament eruption whose initiation process has not been reported before. This large-scale filament, with a length of about 360 Mm crossing an active region, is forced to erupted by two small-scale erupting filaments pushing out from below. This process of multi-filament eruption results in an M6.4 flare in the active region NOAA 13229 on 25th February 2023. The whole process can be divided into three stages: the eruptions of two active-region filaments F1 and F2; the interactions between the erupting F1, F2, and the large-scale filament F3; and the eruption of F3. Though this multi-filament eruption occurs near the northwest limb of the solar disk, it produces a strong halo CME that causes a significant geomagnetic disturbance. Our observations present a new filament eruption mechanism, in which the initial kinetic energy of the eruption is obtained from and transported to by other erupting structures. This event provides us a unique insight into the dynamics of multi-filament eruptions and their corresponding effects on the interplanetary space.

astro-ph.SR

Spectral and Imaging Observations of a C2.3 White-Light Flare from the Advanced Space-Based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) and the Chinese H$α$ Solar Explorer (CHASE)

Solar white-light flares are characterized by an enhancement in the optical continuum, which are usually large flares (say X- and M-class flares). Here we report a small C2.3 white-light flare (SOL2022-12-20T04:10) observed by the \emph{Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory} and the \emph{Chinese H$α$ Solar Explorer}. This flare exhibits an increase of $\approx$6.4\% in the photospheric Fe \textsc{i} line at 6569.2\,Å and {$\approx$3.2\%} in the nearby continuum. The continuum at 3600\,Å also shows an enhancement of $\approx$4.7\%. The white-light brightening kernels are mainly located at the flare ribbons and co-spatial with nonthermal hard X-ray sources, which implies that the enhanced white-light emissions are related to nonthermal electron-beam heating. At the brightening kernels, the Fe \textsc{i} line displays an absorption profile that has a good Gaussian shape, with a redshift up to $\approx$1.7 km s$^{-1}$, while the H$α$ line shows an emission profile though having a central reversal. The H$α$ line profile also shows a red or blue asymmetry caused by plasma flows with a velocity of several to tens of km s$^{-1}$. It is interesting to find that the H$α$ asymmetry is opposite at the conjugate footpoints. It is also found that the CHASE continuum increase seems to be related to the change of photospheric magnetic field. Our study provides comprehensive characteristics of a small white-light flare that help understand the energy release process of white-light flares.

astro-ph.SR

Transverse oscillation of prominence and filament induced by an EUV wave from the farside of the Sun

In this paper, we report our multi-angle observations of the transverse oscillation of a prominence and a filament induced by an EUV wave originating from the farside of the Sun on 2014 September 1. The prominence oscillation was simultaneously observed by both Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft and Extreme-UltraViolet Imager (EUVI) onboard the Behind Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft. The speed of the shock travelling in the interplanetary space exceeds that of the EUV wave, and the coronal dimming area experiences minimal growth. This indicates that the shock wave is driven by the CME, while the EUV wave freely propagates after the lateral motion of the CME flanks has stopped. The observed oscillation direction of the prominence, determined through three-dimensional reconstruction, further supports this point. Moreover, The detailed investigation of the oscillations in the prominence and filament induced by the EUV wave reveals initial amplitudes of 16.08 and 2.15 Mm, periods of 1769 and 1863 s, damping time scales of 2640 and 1259 s, and damping ratios of 1.49 and 0.68, respectively. The radial component of magnetic field, as derived from the prominence and filament oscillation measurements, was estimated to be 5.4 G and 4.1 G, respectively. In turn, utilizing the onset times of both the prominence and filament oscillation, the average speeds of the EUV wave are determined to be 498 km s$^{-1}$ and 451 km s$^{-1}$, respectively.

astro-ph.SR

Circular-ribbon flares and the related activities

In this paper, I will present the recent progress on circular-ribbon flares (CRFs) and their related activities, including coronal jets, filaments, CMEs, radio bursts, coronal dimmings, and coronal loop oscillations. Owing to the prevalence of 3D magnetic null points and the corresponding fan-spine topology in the solar atmosphere, CRFs are regularly observed in UV, EUV, and H$α$ passbands. Spine reconnection and fan reconnection around the null points are predominantly responsible for the energy release and subsequent particle acceleration. Slipping reconnection at QSLs may explain the sequential brightening or rapid degradation of the circular ribbons. Periodic or quasi-periodic acceleration and precipitation of nonthermal particles in the chromosphere produce observed QPPs of CRFs in multiple altitudes as well as wavelengths. Like two-ribbon flares, the injected high-energy particles result in explosive evaporation in circular and inner ribbons, which is characterized by simultaneous blueshifts in the coronal emission lines and redshifts in the chromospheric emission lines. Homologous CRFs residing in the same active region present similar morphology, evolution, and energy partition. The peculiar topology of CRFs with closed outer spines facilitates remote brightenings and EUV late phases, which are uncommon in two-ribbon flares. Besides, CRFs are often accompanied by coronal jets, type III radio bursts, CMEs, shock waves, coronal dimmings, and kink oscillations in coronal loops and filaments. Magnetohydrodynamics numerical simulations are very helpful to understand the key problems that are still unclear up to now. Multiwavelength and multipoint observations with state-of-the-art instruments are enormously desired to make a breakthrough.

astro-ph.SR

A Statistical Study of Solar White-Light Flares Observed by the White-light Solar Telescope of the Lyman-alpha Solar Telescope on the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S/LST/WST) at 360 nm

Solar white-light flares (WLFs) are those accompanied by brightenings in the optical continuum or integrated light. The White-light Solar Telescope (WST), as an instrument of the Lyman-alpha Solar Telescope (LST) on the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), provides continuous solar full-disk images at 360 nm, which can be used to study WLFs. We analyze 205 major flares above M1.0 from October 2022 to May 2023 and identify 49 WLFs at 360 nm from WST observations, i.e. with an occurrence rate of 23.9%. The percentages of WLFs for M1 - M4 (31 out of 180), M5 - M9 (11 out of 18), and above X1 (7 for all) flares are 17.2%, 61.1%, and 100%, respectively, namely the larger the flares, the more likely they are WLFs at 360 nm. We further analyze 39 WLFs among the identified WLFs and investigate their properties such as white-light enhancement, duration, and brightening area. It is found that the relative enhancement of the white-light emission at 360 nm is mostly (>90%) less than 30% and the mean enhancement is 19.4%. The WLFs' duration at 360 nm is mostly (>80%) less than 20 minutes and its mean is 10.3 minutes. The brightening area at 360 nm is mostly (>75%) less than 500 arcsecond2 and the median value is 225. We find that there exist good correlations between the white-light enhancement/duration/area and the peak soft X-ray (SXR) flux of the flare, with correlation coefficients of 0.68, 0.58, and 0.80, respectively. In addition, the white-light emission in most WLFs peaks around the same time as the temporal derivative of SXR flux as well as the hard X-ray emission at 20 - 50 keV, indicative of Neupert effect. It is also found that the limb WLFs are more likely to have a greater enhancement, which is consistent with numerical simulations.

astro-ph.SR

Simultaneous observations of a breakout current sheet and a flare current sheet in a coronal jet event

Previous studies have revealed that solar coronal jets triggered by the eruption of mini-filaments (MFs) conform to the famous magnetic-breakout mechanism. In such scenario, a breakout current sheet (BCS) and a flare current sheet (FCS) should be observed during the jets. With high spatial and temporal resolution data from the SDO, the NVST, the RHESSI, the Wind, and the GOES, we present observational evidence of a BCS and a FCS formation during coronal jets driven by a MF eruption occurring in the active region NOAA 11726 on 2013 April 21. Magnetic field extrapolation show that the MF was enclosed by a fan-spine magnetic structure. The MF was activated by flux cancellation under it, and then slowly rose. A BCS formed when the magnetic fields wrapping the MF squeezed to antidirectional external open fields. Simultaneously, one thin bright jet and two bidirectional jet-like structures were observed. As the MF erupted as a blowout jet, a FCS was formed when the two distended legs inside the MF field came together. One end of the FCS connected the post-flare loops. The peak temperature of BCS was calculated to be 2.5 MK. The length, width and peak temperature of FCS was calculated to be 4.35-4.93 Mm, 1.31-1.45 Mm, and 2.5 MK, respectively. The magnetic reconnection rate associated with the FCS was estimated to be from 0.266 to 0.333. This event also related to a type III radio burst, indicating its influence on interplanetary space. These observations support the scenario of the breakout model as the trigger mechanism of coronal jets, and flux cancellation was the driver of this event.

astro-ph.SR