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Tao Zhu

Publications and source records attributed to Tao Zhu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Signature of iron line profile from a Kerr-like wormhole

Broad, skewed iron K$α$ emission lines in the X-ray spectra of accreting black holes encode key information about the spacetime geometry of the innermost disk. While the Kerr metric is standard for spin measurements, horizonless alternatives like traversable "Kerr-like" wormholes can mimic many black hole signatures, challenging current data interpretations. We develop a relativistic reflection framework incorporating Kerr-like wormhole geometries to predict iron line distortions and assess the feasibility of distinguishing event horizons from wormhole throats.Using a custom ray-tracing subroutine, we implement two \textsc{XSPEC} modules: \texttt{kwline} for $δ$-function profiles and \texttt{kwconv} for full reflection spectra, parameterized by spin, throat radius, and shape-function coefficients. We compute a dense grid of line profiles and generate synthetic \textit{NuSTAR} spectra with realistic response matrices. By fitting these simulations with canonical Kerr models, we quantify deviations attributable to wormhole geometries.We find that Kerr-like wormholes produce narrower Fe K$α$ lines with suppressed red wings as the throat parameter $λ$ increases. In 50 ks \textit{NuSTAR} simulations ($λ=0.9, a_*=0.998$), simple convolutional models (\texttt{kerrconv}) can mimic the wormhole spectrum. However, self-consistent models like \texttt{relxillCp} result in statistical failure, yielding structured residuals and unphysical parameter pegging (e.g., emissivity $q_{\rm in} \to 10$). We conclude that large-throat wormholes are detectable in high-quality X-ray spectra if analyzed with fully consistent reflection models rather than post-processing approximations.

astro-ph.HE↗

Topologically equivalent yet radiatively distinct orbits in EMRI system

Multiple potential wells for massive test particles, allowing distinct families of bound orbits to coexist, are a characteristic feature of certain exotic compact objects beyond general relativity. Taking the dyonic black hole as a representative example, we demonstrate that such multi-well geometries generically support multiple coexisting branches of bound orbits, in contrast to the single-branch behavior observed in the Schwarzschild spacetime. Crucially, the periodic orbits sharing identical rational rotation number, and hence identical topological indices can nevertheless produce \emph{radiatively distinct} gravitational waves in a representative extreme-mass-ratio inspirals: their amplitude modulation and harmonic content differ because each branch spans different regions of spacetime curvature. These ``topologically equivalent yet waveform-distinguishable'' signatures provide a direct observational probe of strong field gravitational dynamics beyond general relativity, potentially accessible to future space-based gravitational wave detectors.

gr-qc↗

Scalarizations of magnetized Reissner-Nordström black holes induced by parity-violating and parity-preserving interactions

We study spontaneous scalarization of a scalar field in the magnetized Reissner--Nordström spacetime induced by parity-violating and parity-preserving interactions, represented by couplings to the electromagnetic Chern--Simons, gravitational Chern--Simons, and Gauss--Bonnet invariants, respectively. Working in the decoupling limit, we evolve scalar perturbations in the time domain and determine the critical coupling for the onset of tachyonic instability. This allows us to compare, within the same magnetized background, how the external magnetic field affects scalarization induced by parity-violating and parity-preserving interactions. We find that the magnetic field lowers the scalarization threshold in the electromagnetic and gravitational Chern--Simons channels. In the Gauss--Bonnet channel, by contrast, the effect divided into two branches: on the negative-$α$ branch in our convention, corresponding to the standard GB$^{+}$ branch, the magnitude of the critical coupling increases with the magnetic field, whereas on the positive-$α$ branch, corresponding to GB$^{-}$, the critical coupling decreases with the magnetic field but diverges in the limit of vanishing field. The magnetic field also modifies the late-time dynamics and gives rise to Melvin-like modes. When nonlinear couplings are included, the unbounded growth of the linearized theory is replaced by bounded oscillatory evolution. These results show that external magnetic fields affect scalarization induced by parity-violating and parity-preserving interactions in qualitatively different ways, and reveal a pronounced asymmetry between the two Gauss--Bonnet branches.

gr-qc↗

Interacting $k$-essence field with non-pressureless Dark Matter: Cosmological Dynamics and Observational Constraints

We investigate a class of interacting dark energy and dark matter (DM) models, where dark energy is modeled as a $k$-essence scalar field with an inverse-square potential. Two general forms of interaction are considered: one proportional to the Hubble parameter, and another independent of the Hubble parameter, depending instead on combinations of the energy densities and pressures of the dark sectors. {The cosmological evolution is reformulated in terms of an autonomous system of equations, which provides a convenient phase-space parametrization for the numerical integration of the background dynamics and for confronting the models with observations.} The models are tested against a wide range of observational datasets, including cosmic chronometers (CC), BAO measurements from DESI DR2, compressed Planck data (PLA), Pantheon+ (PP), DES supernovae, Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN), and strong lensing data from H0LiCOW (HCW). The analysis shows that the models consistently reproduce all major cosmological epochs and yield statistically competitive results compared to the flat $Λ$CDM model. The models exhibit late-time de-Sitter solutions, ensuring ghost-free evolution, with the Hubble constant in the range $H_0 \sim 67$--$70$ km/s/Mpc.

astro-ph.CO↗

Periodic orbits and their gravitational wave radiations in $γ$-metric

The $γ$-metric, also known as Zipoy-Voorhees spacetime, is a static, axially symmetric vacuum solution to Einstein's field equations characterized by two parameters: mass and the deformation parameter $γ$. It reduces to the Schwarzschild metric when $γ= 1$. In this paper, we explore potential signatures of the $γ$-metric on periodic orbits and their gravitational-wave radiation. Periodic orbits are classified by a rotational number specified by three topological numbers $(z, w, v)$, each triple corresponding to characteristic zoom-whirl behavior. We show that deviations from $γ=1$ alter the radii and angular momentum of bound orbits and thereby shift the $(z, w, v)$ taxonomy. We also compute representative gravitational waveforms for certain periodic orbits and demonstrate that $γ\neq 1$ can induce phase shifts and amplitude modulations correlated with changes in the zoom-whirl structure. In particular, larger zoom numbers lead to increasingly complex substructures in the waveforms, and finite deviations from $γ=1$ can significantly modify these features. Our results indicate that precise measurements of waveform morphology from extreme-mass-ratio inspirals may constrain deviations from spherical symmetry encoded in $γ$.

gr-qc↗

Non-equilibrium Green's function formalism for radiative heat transfer

Radiative heat transfer (RHT) at the nanoscale can vastly exceed the far-field blackbody limit due to the tunneling of evanescent waves, a phenomenon traditionally described by fluctuational electrodynamics (FE). While FE has been exceptionally successful for systems in local thermal equilibrium, its foundational assumptions break down in the growing number of scenarios involving genuine non-equilibrium conditions, such as in active devices or driven materials. This review introduces the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism as a powerful and versatile framework to study RHT beyond these classical limits. Rooted in quantum many-body theory, NEGF provides a unified language to describe energy transport by photons, electrons, and phonons on an equal footing. We first outline the theoretical foundations of the NEGF approach for RHT, demonstrating how it recovers the canonical results of FE in the local equilibrium limit. We then survey recent breakthroughs enabled by NEGF, including: (i) providing a quantum-accurate description of equilibrium RHT that naturally incorporates non-local and finite-size effects, resolving unphysical divergences predicted by local models; (ii) unifying heat transfer channels to reveal the non-additive synergy between radiation, electron tunneling, and phonon conduction at sub-nanometer gaps; (iii) enabling the quantum design of materials and metamaterials with tailored thermal properties through band structure and topological engineering; and (iv) describing active control of heat flow in driven systems, which allows for phenomena like isothermal heat transfer and pumping heat against a temperature gradient.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

Giant Magnetostriction by Design: A First-Principles Screening of Co-based Heusler Alloys

The pursuit of high-performance, rare-earth-free magnetostrictive materials is crucial for advancing technologies in sensing, actuation, and microelectromechanical systems. Heusler alloys represent a promising, yet underexplored, class of materials for this purpose. In this work, we perform a systematic first-principles investigation of the magnetostrictive properties of 25 Co-based full Heusler alloys, Co$_2$YZ (Y = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co; Z = Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Sn). Our screening identifies 10 compounds with large predicted magnetostriction ($|λ_{001}| > 100$~ppm), highlighted by Co$_3$Si with a giant value of -966~ppm. Furthermore, we demonstrate two effective strategies for engineering magnetostriction: (i) tuning the Fermi level, which enhances the magnetostriction of Co$_3$Sn to -905~ppm via Sb doping, and (ii) amplifying the spin-orbit coupling, which boosts the magnetostriction of Co$_2$CrGa to a colossal -1008~ppm through Re substitution. Our analysis reveals a general predictive rule, uncovering a linear relationship between the magnetostriction and the choice of the Y-site transition metal. This work not only identifies novel candidates for magnetostrictive applications but also establishes clear, physically-grounded design principles to accelerate the discovery of new functional magnetic materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Probing Kerr black hole in a uniform Bertotti-Robinson magnetic field through astrophysical quasi-periodic oscillations

In this study, the behavior of high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) is investigated around a Kerr black hole immersed in a uniform Bertotti-Robinson magnetic field. The motion of the test particle is analyzed by determining the geodesic equations and evaluating the corresponding orbital, radial, and vertical epicyclic frequencies. These fundamental frequencies are used to construct the theoretical framework of QPO models based on parametric and forced resonance mechanisms. Observational data obtained from several black hole X-ray binaries (GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564, XTE J1859+226, GRS 1915+105, H1743-322, M82~X-1, and Sgr~A$^{*}$) are used to constrain the black hole parameters through Bayesian inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analyses. For the X-ray binaries GRO J1655-40, GRS 1915+105, H1743-322, and M82~X-1, nonzero values of the dimensionless parameter $b=Bm$ are obtained at the $68\%$ confidence level within the framework of the parametric resonance model, while only upper bounds at the $90\%$ confidence level are obtained for the remaining sources. In contrast, in the case of the forced resonance model, only an upper bound at the $90\%$ confidence interval is obtained for the magnetic field parameter for all considered X-ray binary sources. The analysis indicates that the value of the magnetic field parameter is small but not negligible, producing minor modifications to particle dynamics and epicyclic frequencies. The influence of the magnetic field is further examined through the properties of the innermost stable circular orbit and the radiative properties of the thin accretion disk, including the energy flux and temperature profiles, within the allowed parameter range inferred from the MCMC analysis.

astro-ph.HE↗

Bounding the number of spacetime dimensions from precessing black hole binaries with the third-generation gravitational-wave detectors

In the theories with extra dimensions, gravitational waves can leak into extra dimensions, resulting in a reduction in the amplitude of the observed gravitational waves. Such an effect modifies the standard luminosity distance of gravitational wave sources, which enables constraining extra dimensions by measuring both the luminosity distance and redshift from gravitational wave events. The main purpose of this paper is to assess the capacity of the third-generation gravitational wave detector network, Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer, to constrain the theory of extra dimensions through observations of precessing binary black hole mergers. To this end, we generate a dataset of signals of precessing binary black hole mergers detectable by the detector network with one year of observations. We then employ the Fisher information matrix method for parameter estimation, together with a dark siren approach that obtains the redshift information from the galaxy catalog within a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Our results show that the precession in the binary system can significantly improve the precision of the luminosity distances and narrow their redshift ranges, thus leading to a tighter constraint on the extra dimensions. Based on this approach, we constrain the number of spacetime dimensions $D$ and the screening scale $R_{\rm c}$ of the extra dimensions, obtaining $D = 3.99^{+0.07}_{-0.06}$ and $\log_{10}(R_c/\mathrm{Mpc}) > 3.76$ at $68\%$ credible level. This result improves previous ones from an analysis with GWTC-3 by about one order of magnitude. This work provides theoretical foundations and projected sensitivities for future third-generation gravitational wave observations in exploring the effects of extra dimensions.

gr-qc↗

Maxwell theories along the light track: Null Formalism in extended electrodynamics

We develop a differential-form approach to systematically derive the Newman-Penrose null-tetrad equations for Lorentz-violating extensions of Maxwell electrodynamics. The coordinate-independent nature of differential forms allows the actions and corresponding field equations of the theory to be expressed compactly and enables a systematic and transparent derivation of first-order equations in the Newman-Penrose formalism. Within this formalism, we explicitly present a simple algebraic construction for the gauge invariant extended Maxwell actions that avoids explicit index manipulations up to mass dimension six. The combined scheme of differential-form approach and Newman-Penrose formalism offers an efficient tool for analyzing Lorentz-violating effects on asymptotic photon propagation and polarization.

hep-ph↗

Probing quantum corrected black hole through astrophysical tests with the orbit of S2 star and quasiperiodic oscillations

In this study, we explore the influence of the quantum correction parameter $ξ$ on the motion of particles and the properties of quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) around a quantum-corrected black hole (QCBH). We first analyze the geodesics of a test particle and derive weak-field constraints on parameter $ξ$ from the perihelion precession of orbits, using observations from the Solar System and the S2 star's orbit around $\text{SgrA}^\star$ supermassive black hole in the center of our galaxy. We obtain $ξ\leq 0.01869$ and $ξ\leq 0.73528$ using the analysis of Solar System observations and the orbit of the S2 star around $\text{SgrA}^\star$, respectively. In the strong-field regime, we examine the dynamics of epicyclic motion around astrophysical black holes and, using observational data from four QPO sources and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we determine the upper constraint $ξ\leq 2.086$. Our results provide new insights into the effects of quantum corrections on black hole spacetimes and highlight the potential of QPOs as a probe for testing quantum gravity in astrophysical environments.

gr-qc↗

Gravitational Wave Signatures from Periodic Orbits around a non-commutative inspired black hole surrounded by quintessence

We study gravitational wave emission from periodic orbits of a test particle around a noncommutative-inspired black hole surrounded by quintessence. Using the zoom-whirl taxonomy, which is characterized by three topological numbers $(z, w, v)$, we classify these orbits and calculate several representative gravitational waveforms for certain periodic orbits. We find that the noncommutative parameter $Θ$ and the quintessence field significantly modify both the orbital structure and the emitted waveforms. In particular, increasing $Θ$ leads to a phase shift and a change in amplitude in the waveform, while higher zoom numbers produce more complicated substructures. The characteristic strain spectra peak in the millihertz range, lying within the sensitivity band of the LISA detector. Moreover, the presence of the quintessence field introduces significant modifications to these waveforms, imprinting measurable deviations that could be tested or constrained by future space-based gravitational wave detectors. These results suggest that future space-based gravitational wave missions could probe or constrain noncommutative effects in strong gravitational fields.

gr-qc↗

Gravitational wave signatures from periodic orbits around a Schwarzschild-Bertotti-Robinson black hole

In this paper, we investigate periodic bound orbits and gravitational wave (GW) emission in the Schwarzschild-Bertotti-Robinson (Schwarzschild-BR) spacetime-an exact electrovacuum solution describing a static black hole (BH) immersed in a uniform magnetic field. We explore how the background magnetic field qualitatively alters the BH's gravitational dynamics, affecting timelike geodesics such as the marginally bound orbit (MBO) and the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO). We then analyze periodic bound orbits using the frequency ratio ${ω_φ}/{ω_{r}}$, which characterizes the orbits by their azimuthal and radial motions. Based on the numerical kludge method we further compute the gravitational waveforms emitted from periodic orbits around a supermassive Schwarzschild-BR BH. We show that the background magnetic field significantly changes orbital frequencies, resonance conditions, zoom-whirl structures, and the resulting waveforms. Finally, we examine the frequency spectra in the mHz range and the detectability of these GW signals by computing the characteristic strain via a discrete Fourier transform on the time-domain waveforms, comparing the results with the sensitivity curves of space-based GW detectors such as LISA, Taiji, and TianQin. Our results show that intrinsically magnetic fields modify spacetime and leave observable imprints on extreme mass-ratio inspiral GWs, which may be tested by future observations.

gr-qc↗

ASSESS: A Semantic and Structural Evaluation Framework for Statement Similarity

Despite significant strides in statement autoformalization, a critical gap remains in the development of automated evaluation metrics capable of assessing formal translation quality. Existing metrics often fail to balance semantic and structural information: string-based methods neglect semantics, whereas proof-based approaches offer no graded similarity when proofs fail. To address these issues, we introduce ASSESS (A Semantic and Structural Evaluation Framework for Statement Similarity), which captures syntactic structure by transforming formal statements into operator trees and computes a real-valued similarity score using our novel TransTED (Transformation Tree Edit Distance) Similarity metric by incorporating semantic transformations. For rigorous validation, we present EPLA (Evaluating Provability and Likeness for Autoformalization), a benchmark comprising 1,247 expert-annotated formal statement pairs derived from miniF2F and ProofNet, distinctively labeled for both semantic provability and structural likeness. Experiments on the EPLA benchmark demonstrate that TransTED Similarity surpasses existing methods, achieving state-of-the-art accuracy and Kappa score. The benchmark dataset, code, and detailed experimental results are available at https://github.com/XiaoyangLiu-sjtu/ASSESS.

cs.LG↗

Broadband tunable narrow-linewidth laser based on scattering-enhanced fiber covering E-S-C-L bands

This work demonstrates a broadband tunable narrow-linewidth laser based on scattering-enhanced fiber, covering the E-S-C-L wavelength bands from 1337.47 nm to 1631.39 nm, with a total tuning span of 293.92 nm. The laser employs two semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) centered at 1420 nm and 1550 nm, which are connected into a single ring resonator via polarization multiplexing. Wavelength selection and tunability is realized using an ultra-broadband tunable filter based on a blazed grating. To suppress side longitude modes, an 18-meter-long femtosecond-laser-empowered random scattering fiber is utilized inside the cavity as a feedback medium, yielding an output linewidths between 1.54 kHz and 2.61 kHz. Benefited from the fast response of the galvanometer mirror and short relaxation time of SOAs, wavelength switching time is less than 1 ms under different tuning channels among the wavelength range of near 300 nm. The stable single-longitude-mode operation is maintained across the entire tuning range. The exceptionally broad tuning range and high spectral purity of the laser endow it with significant application potentials across a wide range of fields.

physics.optics↗

Hybrid integrated narrow linewidth laser with external distributed optical feedback from a silicon strip waveguide

External optical feedback via Rayleigh scattering from an integrated microresonator or an optical fiber has been demonstrated to significantly narrow the intrinsic linewidth of semiconductor lasers. Wavelength matching between the lasing cavity and the external high-Q microresonator is required to accumulate Rayleigh scattering based optical feedback. Optical fiber can provide Rayleigh scattering based optical feedback for any lasing wavelength. However, optical fibers hundreds of meters or even kilometers long are required for the accumulation of Rayleigh scattering based optical feedback, hindering the integration of narrow linewidth lasers. Here, we present an integrated scheme that collects distributed feedback signal with weak wavelength dependence by exploiting surface radiation in a silicon waveguide. The effects of waveguide width on the intensities of the surface radiation and distributed optical feedback signal are first numerically analyzed by introducing a collection coefficient. Numerical calculations show that a 1 μm-wide strip waveguide yields optimal performance for excitation and collection of distributed optical feedback, which is also experimentally verified by measuring the feedback signal with an optical frequency-domain reflectometry. Benefitting from the enhanced distributed optical feedback that is 34.72 dB higher than that in a single-mode fiber, the hybrid integrated laser demonstrates an intrinsic linewidth of 1.52 kHz, a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 74.71 dB, and a frequency noise of 24.44 Hz2/Hz. Furthermore, within a maximum allowable wavelength tuning range of 2.342 nm, the linewidth narrowing ratio depends little on the wavelength for all the waveguides with different widths.

physics.optics↗

Epicyclic motion and accretion disk around a charged black hole in Einstein-ModMax theory with a quintessence field

We investigate the epicyclic motion of charged test particles and the associated quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) around a weakly magnetized black hole surrounded by quintessence within the framework of Einstein-ModMax theory. We analyze the dynamics of charged particles on circular orbits and derive the corresponding radial and vertical epicyclic frequencies. The influence of the nonlinear electrodynamics parameter, magnetic coupling, dyonic charge, and quintessence state parameter on the innermost stable circular orbit and epicyclic frequencies is examined in detail. Using the forced resonance model, we compare the theoretical predictions of high-frequency QPOs with observational data from several X-ray binary systems. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis is employed to constrain the black hole parameters and assess the role of weak magnetization and nonlinear electrodynamics effects. This analysis indicates that QPO observations tightly constrain the black hole mass and orbital radius while placing stringent upper bounds on the ModMax coupling, magnetic interaction, and dyonic charge. In addition, we study the radiative properties of the accretion disk and analyze the effects of the model parameters on the disk flux and temperature profiles. These findings suggest that the observed QPOs are consistent with general relativity in the strong-field regime, allowing only small deviations associated with Einstein-Maxwell theory in the presence of a quintessence field.

gr-qc↗

Signatures of Quantum-Corrected Black Holes in Gravitational Waves from Periodic Orbits

We investigate gravitational wave emission from periodic timelike orbits of a test particle around a loop quantum gravity-inspired Schwarzschild black hole. The spacetime is characterised by a holonomy-correction parameter that modifies the radial metric component while preserving asymptotic flatness and the classical location of the horizon. The bound geodesics are systematically classified using the zoom--whirl representation labelled by three integers $(z,w,v)$. Gravitational waveforms are computed within a numerical framework that combines exact geodesic motion with the quadrupole approximation, which is suitable for extreme mass ratio inspirals. We demonstrate that the quantum corrections lead to distinct phase shifts, amplitude variations, and modifications to the harmonic structure of the waveforms, with increasingly complex features for orbits with larger zoom numbers. The corresponding frequency spectra and characteristic strain peak, which fall within the millihertz band, are within the sensitivity ranges of space-based detectors such as LISA, Taiji, and TianQin. For specific orbital configurations and values of the quantum-correction parameter, the characteristic strain exceeds the projected detector noise, indicating potential observability. Our results demonstrate that gravitational waves from periodic orbits provide a sensitive probe of quantum-corrected black hole spacetimes in the strong-field regime.

gr-qc↗