arXiv subjects

Tong-Jie Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Tong-Jie Zhang.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2026

Dual-Backend Multibeam Position Switching Targeted SETI Observations toward Nearby Active Planet-Hosting Systems with FAST

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, lists the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) as one of its key scientific objectives. In this work, we present a targeted SETI observation for 7 nearby active stars utilizing the FAST L-band multibeam receiver, employing a observational strategy that combines position switching with multibeam tracking to balance on-source integration time with the accuracy of the beam response. Using both pulsar and SETI backends, we perform a comprehensive search for narrowband drifting signals with Doppler drift rates within diversified drift rate ranges and channel-width periodic signal with periods between 0.12 and 100 s and duty cycles between 10% and 50%. No credible radio technosignatures were detected from any of the target systems. Based on this null result, we place constraints on the presence of transmitters at a 95% confidence level, ruling out narrowband transmitters with with EIRP above $3.98\times10^8 \,\mathrm{W}$ and periodic transmitter with EIRP above $1.80\times10^{10} \,\mathrm{W}$,respectively, within the observation band.

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arXiv2025

Constraining the Hubble Constant with a Simulated Full Covariance Matrix Using Neural Networks

The Hubble parameter, $H(z)$, plays a crucial role in understanding the expansion history of the universe and constraining the Hubble constant, $\mathrm{H}_0$. The Cosmic Chronometers (CC) method provides an independent approach to measuring $H(z)$, but existing studies either neglect off-diagonal elements in the covariance matrix or use an incomplete covariance matrix, limiting the accuracy of $\mathrm{H}_0$ constraints. To address this, we use a Positive-Definite Covariance Network (PD-CovNet) to simulate the full $33 \times 33$ covariance matrix based on a previously published $15 \times 15$ covariance matrix. Hyperparameters are chosen via leave-one-z-out validation, and performance is benchmarked against a Gaussian-process (GP) baseline. Under identical five-fold cross-validation over redshift groups, we prove that PD-CovNet is a reliable generator of the full covariance compared to the GP baseline. Using this full PD-CovNet-simulated covariance alongside three comparators with different covariance specifications, we constrain $\mathrm{H}_0$ with two independent methods (EMCEE and GP). Across all covariance specifications and both constraint methods, standardized differences and two-sided p-values show no statistically meaningful shift in the central value of the constrained $\mathrm{H}_0$. However, the precision of the constrained $\mathrm{H}_0$ depends on both covariance and method: EMCEE is uniformly more precise than GP once covariance is modeled; within a fixed method, incorporating more covariance reduces precision; and PD-CovNet hyperparameters have a modest effect on uncertainty. These results indicate the importance of accurate covariance modeling in CC-based $\mathrm{H}_0$ constraints.

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arXiv2025

Optimizing Gaussian Process Kernels Using Nested Sampling and ABC Rejection for H(z) Reconstruction

Recent cosmological observations have achieved high-precision measurements of the Universe's expansion history, prompting the use of nonparametric methods such as Gaussian processes (GP) regression. We apply GP regression for reconstructing the Hubble parameter using CC data, with improved covariance modeling and latest study in CC data. By comparing reconstructions in redshift space $z$ and transformed space $\log(z+1)$ , we evaluate six kernel functions using nested sampling (NS) and approximate Bayesian computation rejection (ABC rejection) methods and analyze the construction of Hubble constant $H_0$ in different models. Our analysis demonstrates that reconstructions in $\log(z+1)$ space remain physically reasonable, offering a viable alternative to conventional $z$ space approaches, while the introduction of nondiagonal covariance matrices leads to degraded reconstruction quality, suggesting that simplified diagonal forms may be preferable for reconstruction. These findings underscore the importance of task-specific kernel selection in GP-based cosmological inference. In particular, our findings suggest that careful preliminary screening of kernel functions, based on the physical quantities of interest, is essential for reliable inference in cosmological research using GP.

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arXiv2025

FLRW Kinematic-Induced Measurement of the Hubble Constant from Cosmic Chronometer and Redshift Drift Observations

We present a geometric embedding method that exploits the exact kinematic relation $\dot{z} = H_0(1 + z) - H(z)$ to transform redshift misalignment between Cosmic Chronometer (CC) and Sandage-Loeb (SL) datasets into fundamental constraints in observable space. The approach recognizes that $H_0$ encodes the orientation of the FLRW observational plane defined by $(z, H(z), \dot{z})$ coordinates, enabling direct algebraic determination without parametric assumptions or interpolation schemes. Validation using available CC measurements and forecasted redshift drift data from FAST, CHIME, SKA, and ELT demonstrates 1.9\% precision for optimal data combinations, yielding $H_0 = 66.26 \pm 1.26$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$ while maintaining complete cosmological model independence. While no actual SL measurements currently exist, requiring us to rely on simulations for validation, our geometric constraints show superior resilience against sparse redshift coverage compared to Gaussian Process (GP) methods, which exhibit systematic biases and large uncertainties when datasets lack substantial overlap. This kinematic framework establishes geometric embedding as a robust tool for precision cosmological measurements, offering a fundamentally different approach to $H_0$ determination through pure observational analysis based on FLRW kinematic principles. The full potential of this method awaits implementation with real SL measurements from next-generation facilities.

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arXiv2025

Theoretical Radio Signals from Radio-Band Gravitational Waves Converted from the Neutron Star Magnetic Field

Gravitational waves (GWs) can convert into electromagnetic waves in the presence of a magnetic field via the Gertsenshtein-Zeldovich (GZ) effect. The characteristics of the magnetic field substantially affect this conversion probability. This paper confirms that strong magnetic fields in neutron stars significantly enhance the conversion probability, facilitating detectable radio signatures of very high-frequency (VHF, $\left(10^6-10^{11}\mathrm{~Hz}\right)$) gravitational waves. We theoretically identify two distinct signatures using single-dish telescopes (FAST, TMRT, QTT, GBT) and interferometers (SKA1/2-MID): transient signals from burst-like gravitational wave sources and persistent signals from cosmological background gravitational wave sources. These signatures are mapped to graviton spectral lines derived from quantum field theory by incorporating spin-2 and mass constraints, resulting in smooth, featureless profiles that are critical for distinguishing gravitational wave signals from astrophysical foregrounds. FAST attains a characteristic strain bound of $h_c<10^{-23}$, approaching $10^{-24}$ in the frequency range of $1-3\mathrm{~GHz}$ with a 6-hour observation period. This performance exceeds the $5 σ$ detection thresholds for GWs originating from primordial black holes (PBHs) and nears the limits set by Big Bang nucleosynthesis. Additionally, projections for SKA2-MID indicate even greater sensitivity. Detecting such gravitational waves would improve our comprehension of cosmological models, refine the parameter spaces for primordial black holes, and function as a test for quantum field theory. This approach addresses significant deficiencies in VHF GW research, improving detection sensitivity and facilitating the advancement of next-generation radio telescopes such as FASTA and SKA, which feature larger fields of view and enhanced gain.

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arXiv2025

Estimating Cosmological Parameters and Reconstructing Hubble Constant with Artificial Neural Networks: A Test with covariance matrix and mock H(z)

In this work, we reconstruct the H(z) based on observational Hubble data with Artificial Neural Network, then estimate the cosmological parameters and the Hubble constant. The training data we used are covariance matrix and mock H(z), which are generated based on the real OHD data and Gaussian Process(GP). The use of the covariance matrix propagates the correlated uncertainties and improves training efficiency. Using the reconstructed H(z) data, we first determine the Hubble constant and compare it with CMB-based measurements. To constrain cosmological parameters, we sample on the reconstructed data and calculate the corresponding posterior distributions with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Through comprehensive statistical comparisons, we demonstrate that the parameter estimation using reconstructed samples achieves comparable statistical accuracy to the result derived from real OHD data.

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arXiv2025

Model-independent measurement of the Hubble Constant and the absolute magnitude of Type Ia Supernovae

In this work, we propose a cosmological model-independent and non-local method to constrain the Hubble Constant $H_0$. Inspired by the quasi cosmological model-independent and $H_0$-free properties of the `shifted' Hubble diagram of HII galaxies (HIIGx) defined by Wei et al. (2016), we joint analyze it with the parametric type Ia supernova (SN Ia) Hubble diagram (e.g. the joint-lightcurves-analysis sample, JLA) and get a Bayesian Inference of Hubble constant, $H_0 = 71 \pm 20\ \mathrm{km\ s^{-1}\ Mpc^{-1}}$. Although with large uncertainty, we find that $H_0$ is only strongly degenerate with the B-band absolute magnitude ($M_B$) of SN Ia but almost independent on other nuisance parameters. Therefore the accuracy can be simultaneously improved by a tight constraint of $M_B$ through a cosmological and $H_0$ independent way. This method can be extended further to get more-literally non-local results of $H_0$ by using other Hubble diagrams at higher redshifts.

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arXiv2025

Polarization Properties of the Electromagnetic Response to High-frequency Gravitational Wave

Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) can be generated by gravitational waves (GWs) within a magnetic field via the Gertsenshtein effect. The conversion probability between GWs and EMWs can be enhanced by inhomogeneities in the electron density and magnetic field within the magnetized plasma of both the Milky Way (MW) and the intergalactic medium in the expanding Universe. Polarized GWs can induce polarized EMWs, and the polarization properties of these EMWs can be altered by Faraday rotation as they propagate through magnetized plasma. Additionally, the polarization intensity of the EMWs may be weakened due to depolarization effects. In this study, we calculate the enhanced GW-EMW conversion in inhomogeneous magnetized plasma during the propagation of GWs through the Universe and our galaxy. We analyze the polarization states of the EMWs generated by polarized GWs and discuss the depolarization effects induced by the medium's irregularities, as well as the differential Faraday rotation occurring in multilayer polarized radiation. Our work provides alternative methods for detecting GWs and exploring their polarization states, and potentially constraining the parameters of the possible GW sources, especially the primordial black hole, contributing to the advancement of very-high-frequency GW detection and research.

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arXiv2025

Multibeam SETI Observations toward Nearby M dwarfs with FAST

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) targeted searches aim to observe specific areas and objects to find possible technosignatures. Many SETI researches have focused on nearby stars and their planets in recent years. In this paper, we report a targeted SETI observations using the most sensitive L-band Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) toward three nearby M dwarfs, all of which have been discovered exoplanet candidates. The minimum equivalent isotropic radiant power of the lower limit from the three sources we can detect is $6.19 \times 10^{8}$ W, which is well within the reach of current human technology. Applying the multibeam coincidence matching (MBCM) blind search mode, we search for narrowband drifting signals across 1.05-1.45 GHz in each of the two orthogonal linear polarization directions. An unusual signal at 1312.50 MHz detected from the observation toward AD Leo originally piqued our interest. However, we finally eliminate the possibility of an extraterrestrial origin based on much evidence, such as the polarization, frequency, and beam coverage characteristics.

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arXiv2025

Constraints on Baryon Density from the Effective Optical Depth of High-Redshift Quasars

We present constraints on the baryonic matter density parameter, $Ω_b$, within the framework of the $Λ$CDM model. Our analysis utilizes observational data on the effective optical depth from high-redshift quasars. To parameterize the photoionization rate $Γ_{-12}$, we employ a Bézier polynomial. Additionally, we approximate the Hubble parameter at high redshifts as $H(z)\approx 100hΩ_m^{1/2} (1+z)^{3/2}$ km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$. Confidence regions are obtained with $h=0.701\pm0.013$ and $Ω_m = 0.315$, optimized by the Planck mission. The best-fit values are $Ω_b =0.043^{+0.005}_{-0.006}$ and $Ω_b = 0.045^{+0.004}_{-0.006}$, corresponding to an old data set and a new data set, respectively. And we test the non-parametric form of $Γ_{-12}$, obtaining $Ω_b = 0.048^{+0.001}_{-0.003}$. These results are consistent with the findings of Planck at the 1 $σ$ confidence level. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of quasar datasets in constraining $Ω_b$, eliminating the need for independent photoionization rate data. This approach provides detailed cosmic information about baryon density and the photoionization history of the intergalactic medium.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Redshift drift effect through the observation of HI 21cm signal with SKA

This study presents the findings of using the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope to measure redshift drift via the HI 21cm signal, employing semi-annual observational interval within redshift around z $\sim$ 1 with main goal is to directly gauge the universe's expansion acceleration rate with millimeter-per-second (mm/s) precision. The SKA can detect over a billion HI 21cm emissions from individual galaxies to the redshift z $\sim$ 2 and thousands of absorption lines from Damped Lyman-alpha (DLA) systems against bright quasars to the redshift z $\sim$ 13, with the sensitivity limit of 100 mJy. By utilizing SKA's high spectral resolution settings (0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.01 Hz) to detect redshift drift, particularly focusing on the 0.001 and 0.002 Hz configuration, one aims to achieve the necessary mm/s in precision measurement by the 0.5-year observation period. The velocity drift rate, crucially determined by the two operational regimes within 0.01 to 0.21 mm/s and 0.031 to 0.17 mm/s, respectively, exceeds the theoretical accuracy limit of 1.28 mm/s. The analysis thoroughly restricts cosmological parameters related to dark energy using the Sandage-Loeb (SL) signal from the HI 21cm emission and absorption lines. It estimates $\rm H_0$ of about 70 km/s/Mpc, $\rm Ω_m$ near 0.3, with w close to -1, $\rm w_0$ around -1, and $\rm w_a$ approaching -0.1. These results strongly endorse the SL effect as an effective method for confirming cosmic acceleration and exploring the dark sector in real-time cosmology with the SKA.

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arXiv2024

A Stochastic Approach to Reconstructing the Speed of Light in Cosmology

The Varying Speed of Light (VSL) model describes how the speed of light in a vacuum changes with cosmological redshift. Despite numerous models, there is little observational evidence for this variation. While the speed of light can be accurately measured by physical means, cosmological methods are rarely used. Previous studies quantified the speed of light at specific redshifts using Gaussian processes and reconstructed the redshift-dependent function $c(z)$. It is crucial to quantify the speed of light across varying redshifts. We use the latest data on angular diameter distances $D_A(z)$ and Hubble parameters $H(z)$ from baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and cosmic chronometer measurements in the redshift interval $z\in[0.07,1.965]$. The speed of light $c(z)$ is determined using Gaussian and deep Gaussian processes to reconstruct $H(z)$, $D_A(z)$, and $D^{\prime}_A(z)$. Furthermore, we conduct comparisons across three distinct models, encompassing two renowned VSL models. We get the result of the parameters constraints in the models (1) for the ``$c$-c" model, $c_0=29492.6 \pm^{6.2}_{5.3} \mathrm{~km} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$. (2) For the ``$c$-cl" model, $c_0=29665.5 \pm^{11.2}_{11.4}\mathrm{~km} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $n=0.05535 \pm^{0.00008}_{0.00007}$. (3) For the ``$c$-CPL" model, $c_0=29555.7 \pm^{13.3}_{13.2} \mathrm{~km} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $n=-0.0607 \pm 0.0001$. Based on our findings, it may be inferred that Barrow's classical VSL model is not a suitable fit for our data. In contrast, the widely recognized Chevallier-Polarski-Linder (CPL) VSL model, under some circumstances, as well as the universal ``c is constant" model, demonstrate a satisfactory ability to account for our findings.

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arXiv2024

Reconstruction of the dark energy scalar field potential by Gaussian process

Dark energy is believed to be responsible for the acceleration of the universe. In this paper, we reconstruct the dark energy scalar field potential $V(ϕ)$ using the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ through Gaussian Process analysis. Our goal is to investigate dark energy using various $H(z)$ datasets and priors. We find that the selection of prior and the $H(z)$ dataset significantly affects the reconstructed $V(ϕ)$. And we compare two models, Power Law and Free Field, to the reconstructed $V(ϕ)$ by computing the reduced chi-square. The results suggest that the models are generally in agreement with the reconstructed potential within a $3σ$ confidence interval, except in the case of Observational $H(z)$ data (OHD) with the Planck 18 (P18) prior. Additionally, we simulate $H(z)$ data to measure the effect of increasing the number of data points on the accuracy of reconstructed $V(ϕ)$. We find that doubling the number of $H(z)$ data points can improve the accuracy rate of reconstructed $V(ϕ)$ by 5$\%$ to 30$\%$.

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arXiv2024

A Non-parametric Reconstruction of the Hubble Parameter $H(z)$ Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Networks

Accurately measuring the Hubble parameter is vital for understanding the expansion history and properties of the universe. In this paper, we propose a new method that supplements the covariance between redshift pairs to improve the reconstruction of the Hubble parameter using the OHD dataset. Our approach utilizes a cosmological model-independent radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) to describe the Hubble parameter as a function of redshift effectively. Our experiments show that this method results in a reconstructed Hubble parameter of $H_0 = 67.1\pm9.7~\mathrm{km~s^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$ , which is more noise-resistant and fits better with the $Λ$CDM model at high redshifts. Providing the covariance between redshift pairs in subsequent observations will significantly improve the reliability and accuracy of Hubble parametric data reconstruction. Future applications of this method could help overcome the limitations of previous methods and lead to new advances in our understanding of the universe.

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arXiv2023

SETI at FAST in China

Since the commencement of the first SETI observation in 2019, China's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence program has garnered momentum through domestic support and international collaborations. Several observations targeting exoplanets and nearby stars have been conducted with the FAST. In 2023, the introduction of the Far Neighbour Project(FNP) marks a substantial leap forward, driven by the remarkable sensitivity of the FAST telescope and some of the novel observational techniques. The FNP seeks to methodically detect technosignatures from celestial bodies, including nearby stars, exoplanetary systems, Milky Way globular clusters, and more. This paper provides an overview of the progress achieved by SETI in China and offers insights into the distinct phases comprising the FNP. Additionally, it underscores the significance of this project's advancement and its potential contributions to the field.

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arXiv2023

Polarization Criterion in Targeted SETI Observation

In this paper, we propose a novel method for distinguishing extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) signals from radio frequency interference (RFI) by leveraging polarization features. We exploit the sinusoidal variation of the linearly polarized components of Stokes parameters with the parallactic angle as a characteristic signature of ETI signals, while such linearly polarized components remain relatively stable for terrestrial RFI. Typically, a minimum of 4-8 hours of observation time is required to detect these sinusoidal variations. The polarization approach in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) also enables us to study the radio stellar bursts emitted by M-type stars as ancillary science, which is relevant to assessing the habitability of exoplanets. Compared to the frequency drift method, the polarization method effectively reduces the required observation time for signal identification while improving the signal identification process.

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arXiv2023

A solution to continuous RFI in narrowband radio SETI with FAST: The MultiBeam Point-source Scanning strategy

Narrowband radio search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) in the 21st century suffers severely from radio frequency interference (RFI), resulting in a high number of false positives, and it could be the major reason why we have not yet received any messages from space. We thereby propose a novel observation strategy, called MultiBeam Point-source Scanning (MBPS), to revolutionize the way RFI is identified in narrowband radio SETI and provide a prominent solution to the current situation. The MBPS strategy is a simple yet powerful method that sequentially scans over the target star with different beams of a telescope, hence creating real-time references in the time domain for cross-verification, thus potentially identifying all long-persistent RFI with a level of certainty never achieved in any previous attempts. By applying the MBPS strategy during the observation of TRAPPIST-1 with the FAST telescope, we successfully identified all 16,645 received signals as RFI using the solid criteria introduced by the MBPS strategy. Therefore we present the MBPS strategy as a promising tool that should bring us much closer to the first discovery of a genuine galactic greeting.

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arXiv2023

The most sensitive SETI observations toward Barnard's star with FAST

Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has been mainly focused on nearby stars and their planets in recent years. Barnard's star is the second closest star system to the sun and the closest star in the FAST observable sky which makes the minimum Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) required for a hypothetical radio transmitter from Barnard's star to be detected by FAST telescope a mere 4.36x10^8 W. In this paper, we present the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) telescope as the most sensitive instrument for radio SETI observations toward nearby star systems and conduct a series of observations to Barnard's star (GJ 699). By applying the multi-beam coincidence matching (MBCM) strategy on the FAST telescope, we search for narrow-band signals (~Hz) in the frequency range of 1.05-1.45 GHz, and two orthogonal linear polarization directions are recorded. Despite finding no evidence of radio technosignatures in our series of observations, we have developed predictions regarding the hypothetical extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) signal originating from Barnard's star. These predictions are based on the star's physical properties and our observation strategy.

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