The Majorana zero modes in vortex cores are of extensive interest in the context of topological quantum computing. However, a zero-energy bound state may arise accidentally but is not necessarily a Majorana zero mode. Such accidental zero modes should be carefully ruled out in experiment in order to identify the genuine Majorana zero modes. We show that in a spin-orbital coupled multi-band superconductor, such as the iron-selenide superconductor, accidental zero modes indeed arise in the vortex core if the pairing symmetry is the so-called nodeless d-wave (defined in the absence of spin-orbital coupling). Instead, if the pairing symmetry is s₊₊ or s± with respect to the Fermi pockets split by the spin-orbital coupling, the accidental zero modes do not appear in the limit of weak spin-orbital coupling. Our results are not only important in the experimental identification of Majorana zero modes, but also provide an avenue to pinpoint the pairing symmetry of the iron-selenide superconductor. 

Metal halide perovskites as a new generation of semiconductor optoelectronic materials, have great potential for applications in solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and photodetectors. Typical perovskite photovoltaic devices are mainly based on polycrystalline thin-films. However, the numerous grain boundaries and high defect density in polycrystalline thin films hinder the improvement of device performance. Perovskite thin single-crystalline materials, due to their superior optoelectrical properties such as lower defect density and longer carrier diffusion length compared to polycrystalline thin films, have attracted great attentions in solar cells, photodetectors, X-ray detectors, and lasers. This review systematically introduces the preparation techniques, optimization strategies (component engineering, additive engineering, interface passivation) and device application progress of perovskite thin single-crystalline materials. It focuses on the growth methods and performance regulation of perovskite thin single-crystalline materials. Additionally, it discusses the development of perovskite thin single-crystalline materials as solar cells, photodetectors, X-ray detectors, and as light-emitting devices. Subsequently, it introduces the patterning methods of perovskite thin single-crystal, including inkjet printing and patterning template-induced arraying techniques, as well as the challenges, and looks forward to the future development directions of perovskite thin single-crystal devices.

Recent years have witnessed groundbreaking developments in non-Hermitian systems, which transcend the framework of Hermitian operators in conventional quantum mechanics to reveal new physical laws inherent in complex eigenvalues and non-Hermitian symmetries. Unlike Hermitian systems, non-Hermitian systems achieve unified description of dynamical evolution through the real-imaginary dual structure of complex eigenvalues, manifesting unique phenomena including exceptional points, non-orthogonal eigenstates, and the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). These distinctive properties originate from the non-Hermitian nature of their Hamiltonians, such as pseudo-Hermiticity constraining real spectra, the separation of algebraic-geometric multiplicities in Jordan block structures, and the generalized Brillouin zone theory reconstructing bulk-boundary correspondence. Prototypical models like the HatanoNelson model and non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model demonstrate nonreciprocal hopping and topological responses in complex energy spectra, providing paradigmatic platforms for understanding NHSE and energy band singularities. In symmetry and topological classification, non-Hermitian systems extend the traditional Altland-Zirnbauer tenfold classification to the 38-fold Bernard-LeClair symmetry classes, encompassing pseudo-Hermiticity, chiral symmetry, and combined conjugation-transposition operations. Topological classification progresses through dual approaches: K-theory mapping to Hermitian frameworks and homotopy theory analyzing deformation characteristics of complex band manifolds. Future challenges involve developing universal theories for high-dimensional systems, elucidating crystalline symmetry impacts on classification, and implementing experimental platforms, ultimately advancing applications in open quantum systems, nonequilibrium physics, and novel device engineering.

Two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenides exhibit strong light-matter interactions and pronounced excitonic effects, the study of their excited-state dynamics is essential for advancing both fundamental research and technological applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the investigation of excited-state dynamics in monolayer transition metal chalcogenides and their van der Waals heterostructures. Specifically, we discuss the generation and recombination dynamics of excitons in monolayers, as well as interlayer excitons in heterostructures. Particular emphasis is placed on interlayer charge transfer and the influence of stacking angles and moiré superlattices on excited-state dynamics. Finally, we highlight open questions in the field and provide an outlook on future research directions. 

Halide perovskite materials have emerged as a research hotspot in new energy technologies due to their remarkable advantages in photoelectric conversion efficiency, while three-dimensional (3D)/two-dimensional (2D) perovskite heterojunctions have attracted particular attention owing to their unique band structures and flexible regulation capabilities for carrier behavior. This review focuses on the controllable preparation and performance optimization of 3D/2D halide perovskite heterojunctions. It first summarizes the concept, advantages, and conventional preparation methods of 3D/2D perovskite heterojunctions, including solid-liquid post-spin-coating methods, solid-gas vapor deposition approaches, and solidsolid reaction techniques. Subsequently, effective strategies for enhancing the performance of 3D/2D perovskite heterojunctions through interface engineering, material engineering, and device structure optimization are systematically explored. The review then comprehensively summarizes and evaluates recent research progress in the application of 3D/2D heterojunctions in solar cells and photodetectors. Finally, current challenges regarding the stability and environmental adaptability of 3D/2D perovskite heterojunctions are discussed, along with systematic perspectives on future development trends in this research field. This work aims to provide feasible ideas and optimization schemes for realizing the widespread application of 3D/2D perovskite heterojunctions in photoelectric fields.

The generation of optical vortices from nonlinear photonic crystals (NPCs) with spatially modulated second-order nonlinearity offers a promising approach to extend the working wavelength and topological charge of vortex beams for various applications. In this work, the second harmonic (SH) optical vortex beams generated from nonlinear fork gratings under Gaussian beam illumination are numerically investigated. The far-field intensity and phase distributions, as well as the orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectra of the SH beams, are analyzed for different structural topological charges and diffraction orders. Results reveal that higher-order diffraction and larger structural topological charges lead to angular interference patterns and non-uniform intensity distributions, deviating from the standard vortex profile. To optimize the SH vortex quality, the effects of the fundamental wave beam waist, crystal thickness, and grating duty cycle are explored. It is shown that increasing the beam waist can effectively suppress diffraction order interference and improve the beam’s quality. This study provides theoretical guidance for enhancing the performance of nonlinear optical devices based on NPCs.

Research on axion insulators in condensed matter physics has generated widespread attention in recent years. Axion insulators exhibit an electromagnetic response similar to that of the hypothetical elementary particle-axion-proposed in high-energy physics, leading to phenomena such as half-quantized surface Hall conductivity or topological magnetoelectric effects in the system. Recently, transport experiments on three-dimensional magnetic topological insulator heterojunctions and intrinsic magnetic topological insulators like MnBi2Te4 have revealed signatures of the existence of axion insulators. However, precise measurement of the half-quantized electromagnetic response of axion insulators remains challenging. In this review, we summarize the theoretical and experimental progress in axion insulator research within magnetic topological insulating materials. We discuss the excitation of halfquantized edge currents in axion insulators due to the bulk-boundary correspondence, as well as a transport theory based on half-magnetic topological insulators for half-quantized Hall conductivity. Finally, we explore disorder-induced phase transitions in axion insulators, including the universality classes of two-dimensional quantum Hall-like conductivity transitions on the surface, and propose methods to detect axion insulators using the universal characteristics of these phase transitions.

The measurement of cell stiffness is of great significance in many fields such as biology, medicine and materials science. In order to understand the biomechanical properties and functions of cells, this review first discusses the important application fields of measuring cell stiffness, including tissue engineering, cartilage disease diagnosis, cancer diagnosis and drug development. Secondly, five major measurement techniques are introduced in detail: micro-pillar array method, optical tweezers method, magnetic tweezers method, atomic force microscopy measurement method (AFM), biomembrane force probe measurement method, and the potential and challenges of these five technologies in practical applications are prospected. With its nanometer-level spatial resolution and piconewton-level force resolution, AFM has become a powerful and unique tool in the field of cell mechanics measurement. Therefore, this review focuses on the application and importance of AFM technology and its related computational model, the Hertz model of microsphere-cell contact, in this field, and further elaborates on the types and characteristics of various existing AFM instruments, as well as their application performance in cell mechanics measurement

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are highly promising due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties. Currently, the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method is a common approach for large-scale production of SWCNTs. However, the purity and quality of SWCNTs obtained by this method are insufficient, and the electrical properties of the samples are poorly controllable. The coexistence of metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (m-SWCNTs) and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs) limits further applications. To achieve continuous growth of high-quality, high-purity SWCNTs with a controllable electrical property, this paper proposes a method that involves placing a plug to retain SWCNTs in the high-temperature zone for sustained growth and applying an electric field to selectively grow SWCNTs with a single electrical property, ultimately resulting in high-purity semiconducting-enriched SWCNTs. We systematically analyze the purity of SWCNTs and the proportion of s-SWCNTs using optical images, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. This work provides a solution for the large-scale production of high-quality, high-purity SWCNTs and is expected to accelerate the industrial application of SWCNTs.

Terahertz waves are a type of electromagnetic wave between microwaves and infrared waves. Due to its physical properties such as strong penetration, non-ionization and strong absorption, and the ability to achieve non-contact regulation of synaptic transmission, it has shown great application prospects. The synaptic transmission process is closely related to neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the response of terahertz waves to the synaptic transmission process has a guiding role in the prevention and treatment of related diseases. This paper first introduces the physical properties of terahertz waves, biological effects and related concepts of synaptic transmission in detail, and then focuses on the influence of terahertz waves on the synaptic transmission process, namely the presynaptic, synaptic cleft and postsynaptic stages. Finally, the potential application of terahertz waves in the future synaptic transmission process is summarized and prospected.

Higher-order band topology not only enriches our understanding of topological phases but also unveils pioneering lower-dimensional boundary states, which harbors substantial potential for next-generation device applications. The distinct electronic configurations and tunable attributes of two-dimensional materials position them as a quintessential platform for the realization of second-order topological insulators (SOTIs). This article provides an overview of the research progress in SOTIs within the field of two-dimensional electronic materials, focusing on the characterization of higher-order topological properties and the numerous candidate materials proposed in theoretical studies. These endeavors not only enhance our understanding of higher-order topological states but also highlight potential material systems that could be experimentally realized. 

Antiferromagnets exhibit high-speed spin responses in the terahertz frequency range and robustness against external magnetic fields, making them promising for nextgeneration high-speed, high-density spintronic devices. Recently, two-dimensional van der Waals magnetic systems, which possess rich antiferromagnetic ground states, have gained significant attention and serve as ideal platforms for studying low-dimensional antiferromagnetic physics. Detecting and controlling ultrafast spin dynamics in two-dimensional antiferromagnetic systems will lay the foundation for high-speed spintronic device applications. Antiferromagnets have no net macroscopic magnetization, making traditional optical methods, such as magneto-optical effects, challenging for detecting antiferromagnetic order in equilibrium states. However, in non-equilibrium states, the instantaneous magnetization generated by antiferromagnetic spin dynamics allows the use of time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect to detect coherent spin precession in antiferromagnets. Additionally, techniques such as linear dichroism spectroscopy, terahertz emission spectroscopy, and second harmonic generation have been employed in studying the dynamics of two-dimensional antiferromagnets. This paper introduces recent experimental progress on ultrafast spin dynamics in two-dimensional van der Waals antiferromagnetic systems, and briefly describes the coherent magnon excitations and corresponding mechanisms in two-dimensional antiferromagnets, including inverse magneto-optical effects/stimulated Raman scattering, orbital excitations, and exciton coupling. Furthermore, this paper discusses the critical slowing down of spin dynamics due to spin-lattice coupling effects and the amplification of coherent acoustic phonons.

Image sensors have extensive applications in both industrial and everyday settings. For example, X-ray sensors are widely used in medical imaging and security screening; visible light sensors are essential in facial recognition and smart devices; near-infrared sensors are crucial for biometric identification. Currently, these image sensors mainly utilize photodetectors based on silicon, germanium, or III-V group semiconductors. However, these sensors exhibit certain limitations, such as low light utilization efficiency in color image sensors and the occurrence of moiré patterns. Metal halide perovskites have emerged as a promising material for high-performance photodetectors due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, including high light absorption coefficients, tunable bandgaps, and high defect tolerance. This review summarizes the research advancements in image sensors based on metal halide perovskites, evaluates the current performance gap between these sensors and commercial devices, and suggests potential improvements to bridge this gap.

BiCuXO (X=S, Se, Te), a layered oxide material, has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional electrical transport properties and inherently low thermal conductivity, positioning it as a prospective candidate for high-performance thermoelectric applications. The optimization of material physical properties is intrinsically linked to an in-depth investigation of the crystallographic properties. This study initially presents a meticulous account of the growth procedures for BiCuXO crystals, elucidating the enhancement of electrical transport characteristics through the modulation of carrier concentrations via growth methodologies and elemental doping. A comparative analysis with ceramic samples documented in the literature is also provided. Subsequently, the paper delves into the electrical and thermal transport properties of BiCuXO crystals. The electrical transport properties encompass conductive behavior, scattering mechanisms, and magnetic resistance evolution. The thermal transport performance is mainly studied through inelastic neutron scattering and Raman experiments, combined with first principles calculations to investigate the physical mechanism of its extremely low thermal conductivity. The paper culminates with an exposition on the application of BiCuSeO crystals in photothermal electricity, harnessing the thermoelectric effect. By summarizing the growth methodologies of BiCuXO crystals and examining their electrical, thermal, and photothermal properties, this paper endeavors to offer theoretical insights and experimental guidance for the enhancement of BiCuXO material performance.

Working memory, a cornerstone of human cognition, allows us to temporarily hold and manipulate information. The delayed response experiment is a fundamental tool for understanding working memory. By inserting a delay between the presentation of stimuli and the behavioral decision, researchers can probe the neural mechanisms underlying information maintenance and manipulation during this delay period. This review delves into the delayed response paradigm and introduces attractor dynamics as a potential mechanism for working memory function. We then systematically explore two common methods for analyzing working memory networks: trajectory tracking, and energy landscape and flux theory. Finally, we summarize the key features of these two dynamical approaches and provide an outlook for future directions of working memory research.

In recent years, metal halide perovskite materials have made great scientific progress in the field of light detection, photoelectric conversion, and light emission due to their excellent optical and electrical properties (such as high absorption coefficient, long carrier diffusion length, small exciton binding energy, high defect tolerance, and adjustable band gap, etc.), and low-cost solution preparation process. In recent decades, scientific research on the preparation and optimization of perovskite single crystals has been promoted driven by their advantages compared to polycrystalline perovskite films. These advantages include longer carrier lifetime, higher carrier mobility, longer diffusion length, and lower trap density. High-quality halide perovskite single crystals have been widely used in important applications such as photodetection. This review focuses on the recent advancements in photodetector technology using various forms and chemical compositions of halide perovskite single crystals, including single crystal bulks and single crystal thin films. Firstly, we systematically review the preparation and optimization progress of halide perovskite single crystals, with a focus on the latest progress in triple cations hybrid perovskite single crystals. After that, a comprehensive introduction was given to the research status of various types of photodetectors based on perovskite single crystals. Finally, the current challenges and future development prospects in the research field of halide perovskite single crystal photodetector are summarized in order to promote rapid progress and development in this field.

The two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) Janus materials have different atomic species on both sides to ensure their structural asymmetry and inherent out-of-plane polarizations. A novel 2D vdW Janus material, GeS, was found to develop ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) with low energy consumption and high response speed. Based on our first-principles calculations, it is found that the Janus GeS bilayers own three stacking modes, and their lateral sliding and vertical displacement can both modulate the electron transport in GeS bilayer-based tunnel junctions. In addition, the FTJ based on GeGe-contacting GeS bilayer exhibits the highest on/off ratio. Our study expands the concept of sliding ferroelectricity to a new class of 2D vdW Janus materials and reveals the possible resistance switching mechanism of these materials in real devices. Furthermore, it provides theoretical guidance for the design of low-energy-consumption and fast-switching nanodevices based on 2D vdW Janus materials.

Living cells constantly sense and respond to environmental changes. Transcription, the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, serves as a critical bridge between external signals and gene expression, ultimately shaping cellular behavior. To unravel the transcription dynamics and the relationship between input signals and gene expression out-put, various transcription models have been developed. This review explores these common models, their computational frameworks, and the resulting distributions for mRNA number and transcriptional event duration, which offer valuable insights into input-output relationships and underlying response mechanisms. We further analyze how different promoter types, chromatin environments, and network motifs influence these relationships. Finally, we probe how information theory can be applied to systems with near-maximum channel capacity to reveal the dynamic range of transcription factor concentrations, input-output dynamics, and the link between these factors and gene expression distribution. Through these multifaceted analyses, we identify key regulators of dynamic input-output relationships and gain deeper insights into how genes respond to transcription factor signals. Quantitative studies of input-output relationships hold promises for identifying key regulatory factors, predicting changes in gene expression patterns, and designing interventions to manipulate cellular functions and behavior.

In ultracold Fermi gases, by adjusting the strength of spin orbit coupling to match Fermi energy, many novel quantum effects can be generated. In the past few decades, scholars have conducted extensive theoretical and experimental research on Fermi gases induced by one-dimensional spin orbit coupling. Compared with high-dimensional spin orbit coupling, one-dimensional spin orbit coupling, although relatively simple, is the most reliable and feasible tool for exploring basic quantum physical phenomena in experiments. This paper systematically summarizes the interesting physical phenomena of Fermi gas under one-dimensional spin orbit coupling in theoretical work. Including theoretical research on dynamic oscillation and soliton effect, topological superfluid, Majorana edge state, ferromagnetic phase transition, and quantum phase. How to achieve spin orbit coupling and observe singular phenomena in experiments is a hot and difficult research topic. We summarize several common experimental schemes and detection methods. Finally, we look forward to the research on Fermi gas induced by one-dimensional spin orbit coupling. One dimensional spin orbit coupling can provide reference for abecedarians and contribute to the study of multi body system regulated by spin orbit coupling. This paper aims to provide a reference for abecedarians in cold atomic physics to gain a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms of multi-body systems under spin orbit coupling.

Singlet fission is a photophysical process in organic materials where a photoexcited singlet exciton splits into two triplet excitons. This process has gained a lot of interest in the past decade for enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion. Precious work identified a crucial intermediate state in singlet fission, and the construction of the wave function for this correlated triplet-pair state poses a significant challenge. This article serves as a comprehensive introduction to theoretical models designed for constructing the wave function of the correlated triplet-pair. Subsequently, we delve into an exploration of the intricate effects of vibrational, orbital, and spin interactions on the formation and dissociation of the intermediate state. Finally, we conclude with a succinct summary of the challenges anticipated to shape the landscape of future theoretical research in this field.