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DOE OSTI2025

Search for a massless dark photon in c → u γ ′ decays

Using 7.9 f b − 1 of e + e − collision data collected at s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we search for the massless dark photon with the flavor-changing neutral current processes D 0 → ω γ ′ and D 0 → γ γ ′ for the first time. No significant signals are observed, and the upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the massless dark photon branching fraction are set to be 1.1 × 10 − 5 and 2.0 × 10 − 6 for D 0 → ω γ ′ and D 0 → γ γ ′ , respectively. These results provide the most stringent constraint on the new physics energy scale associated with c u γ ′ coupling in the world, with the new physics energy scale related parameter | C | 2 + | C 5 | 2 < 8.2 × 10 − 17 GeV − 2 at the 90% confidence level. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Observation of D → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) μ + ν μ and test of lepton flavor universality with D → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) ℓ + ν ℓ

By analyzing 7.93 fb − 1 of e + e − collision data collected at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider, we report the observation of the semimuonic decays of D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 μ + ν μ and D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − μ + ν μ with statistical significances of 12.5 σ and 6.0 σ , respectively. Their decay branching fractions are determined to be B [ D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 μ + ν μ ] = ( 2.36 ± 0.2 0 − 0.27 + 0.18 ± 0.48 ) × 10 − 3 and B [ D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − μ + ν μ ] = ( 0.78 ± 0.1 1 − 0.09 + 0.05 ± 0.15 ) × 10 − 3 , where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively, and the third originates from the input branching fraction of K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 → K − π + π 0 or K 1 ( 1270 ) − → K − π + π − . Combining our branching fractions with the previous measurements of B [ D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 e + ν e ] and B [ D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − e + ν e ] , we determine the branching fraction ratios to be B [ D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 μ + ν μ ] / B [ D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 e + ν e ] = 1.03 ± 0.14 − 0.15 + 0.11 and B [ D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − μ + ν μ ] / B [ D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − e + ν e ] = 0.74 ± 0.13 − 0.13 + 0.08 . Using the branching fractions measured in this work and the world-average lifetimes of the D + and D 0 mesons, we determine the semimuonic partial decay width ratio to be Γ [ D + → K ¯ 1 ( 1270 ) 0 μ + ν μ ] / Γ [ D 0 → K 1 ( 1270 ) − μ + ν μ ] = 1.22 ± 0.10 − 0.09 + 0.06 , which is consistent with unity as predicted by isospin conservation. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Study of the light scalar a 0 ( 980 ) through the decay D 0 → a 0 ( 980 ) − e + ν e with a 0 ( 980 ) − → η π −

Using 7.93 fb − 1 of e + e − collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we present an analysis of the decay D 0 → η π − e + ν e . The branching fraction of the decay D 0 → a 0 ( 980 ) − e + ν e with a 0 ( 980 ) − → η π − is measured to be ( 0.86 ± 0.1 7 stat ± 0.0 5 syst ) × 10 − 4 . The decay dynamics of this process is studied with a single-pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the a 0 ( 980 ) line shape in the differential decay rate. The product of the form factor f + a 0 ( 0 ) and the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element | V c d | is determined for the first time with the result f + a 0 ( 0 ) | V c d | = 0.126 ± 0.01 3 stat ± 0.00 3 syst . Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Study of the Decay and Production Properties of D s 1 ( 2536 ) and D s 2 * ( 2573 )

The e + e − → D s + D s 1 ( 2536 ) − and e + e − → D s + D s 2 * ( 2573 ) − processes are studied using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies from 4.530 to 4.946 GeV. The absolute branching fractions of D s 1 ( 2536 ) − → D ¯ * 0 K − and D s 2 * ( 2573 ) − → D ¯ 0 K − are measured for the first time to be ( 35.9 ± 4.8 ± 3.5 ) % and ( 37.4 ± 3.1 ± 4.6 ) % , respectively. The e + e − → D s + D s 1 ( 2536 ) − and e + e − → D s + D s 2 * ( 2573 ) − cross sections are measured, and a resonant structure at around 4.6 GeV with a width of 50 MeV is observed in both processes with a statistical significance of 7.2 σ and 15 σ , respectively. The state is observed for the first time in e + e − → D s + D s 2 * ( 2573 ) − and could be the Y ( 4626 ) found by the Belle oration in the D s + D s 1 ( 2536 ) − final state, since they have similar masses and widths. There is also evidence for a structure at around 4.75 GeV in both processes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Evidence for Two Excited Ω − Hyperons

Using e + e − collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19 fb − 1 collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies ranging from 4.13 to 4.70 GeV, we report the first evidence for a new excited Ω − hyperon, the Ω ( 2109 ) − , through the process e + e − → Ω ( 2109 ) − Ω ¯ + + c . c . with a significance of 4.1 σ . The mass and width of Ω ( 2109 ) − are measured to be 2108.5 ± 5.2 stat ± 0.9 syst MeV / c 2 and 18.3 ± 16.4 stat ± 5.7 syst MeV , respectively. We also present evidence for a new production mechanism for the previously identified Ω ( 2012 ) − via the process e + e − → Ω ( 2012 ) − Ω ¯ + + c . c . with a significance of 3.5 σ . Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Observation of the Charmonium Decay η c → γ γ in J / ψ → γ η c

Using ( 2712.4 ± 14.3 ) × 10 6 ψ ( 3686 ) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the decay η c → γ γ in J / ψ → γ η c is observed. We determine the product branching fraction B ( J / ψ → γ η c ) × B ( η c → γ γ ) = ( 5.23 ± 0.2 6 stat ± 0.3 0 syst ) × 10 − 6 . This result is consistent with the lattice QCD calculation ( 5.34 ± 0.16 ) × 10 − 6 from HPQCD in 2023. By using the world-average values of B ( J / ψ → γ η c ) and the total decay width of η c , the partial decay width Γ ( η c → γ γ ) is determined to be ( 11.30 ± 0.5 6 stat ± 0.6 6 syst ± 1.1 4 ref ) keV , which deviates from the corresponding world-average value by 3.4 σ . Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Observation of the W -Annihilation Process D s + → ω ρ + and Measurement of D s + → ϕ ρ + in D s + → π + π + π − π 0 π 0 Decays

We present the first amplitude analysis and branching fraction measurement of the decay D s + → π + π + π − π 0 π 0 , using e + e − collision data collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb − 1 , and report the first observation of the pure W -annihilation decay D s + → ω ρ + with a branching fraction of ( 0.99 ± 0.0 8 stat − 0.07 + 0.05 syst ) % . In comparison to the low significance of the D wave in the decay D s + → ϕ ρ + , the dominance of the D wave over the S and P waves, with a fraction of ( 51.85 ± 7.2 8 stat − 7.90 + 4.83 syst ) % observed in the decay D s + → ω ρ + , provides crucial information for the “polarization puzzle,” as well as for the understanding of charm meson decays. The branching fraction of D s + → π + π + π − π 0 π 0 is measured to be ( 4.41 ± 0.1 5 stat ± 0.1 3 syst ) % . Moreover, the branching fraction of D s + → ϕ ρ + is measured to be ( 3.98 ± 0.3 3 stat − 0.19 + 0.21 syst ) % , and the R ϕ = B ( ϕ → π + π − π 0 ) / B ( ϕ → K + K − ) is determined to be ( 0.222 ± 0.01 9 stat − 0.016 + 0.016 syst ), which is consistent with the previous measurement based on charm meson decays, but deviates from the results from e + e − annihilation and K − N scattering experiments by more than 3 σ . Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Ablikim, M.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Machine-learning-aided cognitive reconfiguration for flexible-bandwidth HPC and data center networks [Invited]

This paper proposes a machine-learning (ML)-aided cognitive approach for effective bandwidth reconfiguration in optically interconnected datacenter/high-performance computing (HPC) systems. The proposed approach relies on a Hyper-X-like architecture augmented with flexible-bandwidth photonic interconnections at large scales using a hierarchical intra/inter-POD photonic switching layout. We first formulate the problem of the connectivity graph and routing scheme optimization as a mixed-integer linear programming model. A two-phase heuristic algorithm and a joint optimization approach are devised to solve the problem with low time complexity. Then, we propose an ML-based end-to-end performance estimator design to assist the network control plane with intelligent decision making for bandwidth reconfiguration. Numerical simulations using traffic distribution profiles extracted from HPC applications traces as well as random traffic matrices verify the accuracy performance of the ML design estimator ( < <#comment/> 9 % <#comment/> error) and demonstrate up to 5 × <#comment/> throughput gain from the proposed approach compared with the baseline Hyper-X network using fixed all-to-all intra/inter-portable data center interconnects.

Chen, Xiaoliang (ORCID:0000000278056237)↗

DOE OSTI2021

The Role of Titania Surface Coating by Atomic Layer Deposition in Improving Osteogenic Differentiation and Hard Tissue Formation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Recent studies have focused on modifying implant surface properties to improve bone regeneration and osseointegration. Herein, the role of titania surface coating in enabling dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) differentiation and hard tissue formation is studied. Atomic layer deposition is applied at lower temperature to coat a nanolayer of titania onto hard and soft polybutadiene substrates without altering their moduli, to probe the effects of surface chemistry and substrate modulus. In the absence of titania, DPSCs prefer to attach and proliferate on the hard substrate, where particle-like biomineralization is present after 28 days in culture, whereas no biomineralization is observed on the soft substrate. Applying titania surface coating results in the improvement of adhesion and proliferation, regardless of substrate modulus, whereas cell and substrate moduli remain the same as control without titania coating. Furthermore, templated biomineralization is observed given the bone-like tissue composition by Raman analysis, in consistent with real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showing upregulation of osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP), representing osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the results indicate that titania surface coating improved the ability to nucleate banded collagen fibers which in turn templated mineral deposits, and further induced the osteogenesis of DPSCs, regardless of its substrate modulus.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Benzimidazole Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for High‐performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract Interfaces play a decisive role in perovskite solar cells’ power conversion efficiency and their long‐term durability. Small‐molecule hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) have grabbed enormous attention due to their structural flexibility, material properties, and stabilities, allowing for improved operational durability in perovskite photovoltaics. This study synthesizes and investigates a new class of benzimidazole‐based small molecules, named YJS001 and YJS003 , serving as the HTMs to enable high‐efficiency mixed‐cation mixed‐halide perovskite solar cells. The benzimidazole‐based materials are dopant‐free HTMs composed of donor and acceptor building blocks that are designed to engineer the energy level alignment near the HTM/perovskite interface. Mixed‐cation mixed‐halide perovskites can be grown uniformly on both HTMs with large crystalline grains. It is discovered that the donor‐rich YJS003 ‐based solar cell exhibits a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.09 V with a champion power conversion efficiency of over 20%. Power‐dependent current–voltage characteristics of the solar cells are analyzed, from which the high performance of YJS003's excellent hole mobility and well‐aligned energy level is attributed. This work introduces a new class of benzimidazole‐based small molecules as HTMs, that paves the path for dopant free interface material development for commercialization of perovskite solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Strongly Surface State Carrier‐Dependent Spin–Orbit Torque in Magnetic Topological Insulators

Abstract The topological surface states (TSS) in topological insulators (TIs) can exert strong spin–orbit torque (SOT) on adjacent magnetization, offering great potential in implementing energy‐efficient magnetic memory devices. However, there are large discrepancies among the reported spin Hall angle values in TIs, and its temperature dependence still remains elusive. Here, the spin Hall angle in a modulation‐doped Cr‐Bi x Sb 2− x Te 3 (Cr‐BST) film is quantitatively determined via both transport and optic approaches, where consistent results are obtained. A large spin Hall angle of ≈90 in the modulation‐doped Cr‐BST film is demonstrated at 2.5 K, and the spin Hall angle drastically decreases to 0.3–0.5 as the temperature increases. Moreover, by tuning the top TSS carrier concentration, a competition between the top and bottom TSS in contributing to SOT is observed. The above phenomena can account for the large discrepancies among the previously reported spin Hall angle values and reveal the unique role of TSS in generating SOT.

Che, Xiaoyu↗

DOE OSTI2023

Exchange‐Interaction‐Like Behavior in Ferroelectric Bilayers

Abstract Interlayer coupling in materials, such as exchange interactions at the interface between an antiferromagnet and a ferromagnet, can produce exotic phenomena not present in the parent materials. While such interfacial coupling in magnetic systems is widely studied, there is considerably less work on analogous electric counterparts (i.e., akin to electric “exchange‐bias‐like” or “exchange‐spring‐like” interactions between two polar materials) despite the likelihood that such effects can also engender new features associated with anisotropic electric dipole alignment. Here, electric analogs of such exchange interactions are reported, and their physical origins are explained for bilayers of in‐plane polarized Pb 1−x Sr x TiO 3 ferroelectrics. Variation of the strontium content and thickness of the layers provides for deterministic control over the switching properties of the bilayer system resulting in phenomena analogous to an exchange‐spring interaction and, leveraging added control of these interactions with an electric field, the ability to realize multistate‐memory function. Such observations not only hold technological promise for ferroelectrics and multiferroics but also extend the similarities between ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials to include the manifestation of exchange‐interaction‐like phenomena.

Kavle, Pravin↗

DOE OSTI2024

Highly Responsive Polar Vortices in All‐Ferroelectric Heterostructures

Abstract The discovery of polar vortices and skyrmions in ferroelectric‐dielectric superlattices [such as (PbTiO 3 ) n /(SrTiO 3 ) n ] has ushered in an era of novel dipolar topologies and corresponding emergent phenomena. The key to creating such emergent features has generally been considered to be related to counterpoising strongly polar and non‐polar materials thus creating the appropriate boundary conditions. This limits the utility these materials can have, however, by rendering (effectively) half of the structure unresponsive to applied stimuli. Here, using advanced thin‐film deposition and an array of characterization and simulation approaches, polar vortices are realized in all‐ferroelectric trilayers, multilayers, and superlattices built from the fundamental building block of (PbTiO 3 ) n /(Pb x Sr 1− x TiO 3 ) n wherein in‐plane ferroelectric polarization in the Pb x Sr 1− x TiO 3 provides the appropriate boundary conditions. These superlattices exhibit substantially enhanced electromechanical and ferroelectric responses in the out‐of‐plane direction that arise from the ability of the polarization in both layers to rotate to the out‐of‐plane direction under field. In the in‐plane direction, the layers are found to be strongly coupled during switching and when heterostructured with ferroelectric‐dielectric building blocks, it is possible to produce multistate switching. This approach expands the realm of systems supporting emergent dipolar texture formation and does so with entirely ferroelectric materials thus greatly improving their responses.

Kavle, Pravin↗

DOE OSTI2025

Asymmetry of the Ferroelectric Phase Transition in BaTiO 3

Symmetry changes during phase transformations fundamentally determine the behavior of thermodynamic systems, governing phenomena as diverse as water evaporation, fermion condensation, and epidemic spreading. Phase transitions are conventionally divided into two classes, and this classification is typically assumed to remain invariant upon reversing the transition. Here, an asymmetric phase transformation is uncovered in the ferroelectric–paraelectric transition of single-crystal BaTiO 3 , a model system for first-order transitions. Under slow temperature variation (≤0.1 °C min −1 ), thermodynamic, dielectric, and domain-structure measurements reveal that the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric transition exhibits latent heat, phase coexistence, and a discontinuous order parameter, while these signatures are absent upon cooling. Complementary phase-field simulations demonstrate similar behavior, attributing it to distinct elastic strain energy accumulation and release during heating and cooling. These findings reveal a first-order character upon heating but a second-order-like behavior upon cooling, challenging the conventional paradigm of symmetric phase-transition classification and suggesting new possibilities for ferroelectric-based energy storage.

Hershkovitz, Asaf [Technion-Israel Institute of Te↗

DOE OSTI2026

Nanoscale Compositional and Strain Gradients Enable High‐Speed and Amplitude‐Resolved Pyroelectric Sensing

The frequency response of pyroelectric sensors is fundamentally governed by thermal time constant (τth, determined by thermal mass and thermal conductance) and electrical impedance arising from film capacitance and readout circuit. Conventional bulk LiTaO3 detectors are optimized for high responsivity at low modulation frequencies (0.1-10 Hz), possessing a large τth that thermally averages rapid temperature oscillations at elevated modulation frequencies, limiting fidelity in resolving dynamic varying thermal signals. Here, compositional and strain gradients are introduced into 100-nm-thick relaxor-ferroelectric films reducing τth to ≈2 µs and producing built-in potentials (≈1.45 V or 145 kV cm-1) that enhance the pyroelectric coefficient and suppress the dielectric constant. This enables complementary dual-mode operation by enhancing current-mode electrical responsivity and improving the voltage-mode figure of merit - advantageous for superior temperature resolution (ΔTmin ≈ 30 µK). The responsivity peak shifts to near 1 kHz (>2500-times higher than conventional bulk sensors), with measurable responsivity extending to a carrier frequency of 100 kHz and amplitude-resolved detection at modulation frequencies up to 15 kHz. These results establish nanoscale internal-field engineering can reshape electro-thermal trade-off in pyroelectric thin films toward zero-bias, high-thermal-sensitivity, and amplitude-resolved thermal sensing across a wide frequency bandwidth.

Lin, Ching‐Che↗

DOE OSTI2022

Insights into Heterogeneous Catalysts under Reaction Conditions by In Situ/Operando Electron Microscopy

The advancement of clean energy and environment depends strongly on the development of efficient catalysts in a wide range of heterogeneous catalytic reactions, which has benefited from transmission electron microscopic techniques in determining the atomic-scale morphologies and structures. However, it is the morphology and structure under the catalytic reaction conditions that determine the performance of the catalyst, which has captured a surge of interest in developing and applying in situ/operando transmission electron microscopic techniques in heterogeneous catalysis. The major theme of this review is to highlight some of the most recent insights into heterogeneous catalysts under the relevant reaction conditions using in situ/operando transmission electron microscopic techniques. Rather than a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of in situ/operando techniques, this review focuses on the insights into the atomic-scale/nanoscale details of various catalysts ranging from single-component to multicomponent catalysts under heterogeneous catalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic reaction conditions involving both gas–solid and liquid–solid interfaces. Here, this focus is coupled with discussions of the correlation of the atomic, molecular, and nanoscale morphology, composition, and structure with the catalytic properties under the reaction conditions, shining light on the challenges and opportunities in design of nanostructured catalysts for clean and sustainable energy applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Multispectral Quantitative Phase Imaging Using a Diffractive Optical Network

As a label‐free imaging technique, quantitative phase imaging (QPI) provides optical path length information of transparent specimens for various applications in biology, materials science, and engineering. Multispectral QPI measures quantitative phase information across multiple spectral bands, permitting the examination of wavelength‐specific phase and dispersion characteristics of samples. Herein, the design of a diffractive processor is presented that can all‐optically perform multispectral quantitative phase imaging of transparent phase‐only objects within a snapshot. The design utilizes spatially engineered diffractive layers, optimized through deep learning, to encode the phase profile of the input object at a predetermined set of wavelengths into spatial intensity variations at the output plane, allowing multispectral QPI using a monochrome focal plane array. Through numerical simulations, diffractive multispectral processors are demonstrated to simultaneously perform quantitative phase imaging at 9 and 16 target spectral bands in the visible spectrum. The generalization of these diffractive processor designs is validated through numerical tests on unseen objects, including thin Pap smear images. Due to its all‐optical processing capability using passive dielectric diffractive materials, this diffractive multispectral QPI processor offers a compact and power‐efficient solution for high‐throughput quantitative phase microscopy and spectroscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

From Copper to Basic Copper Carbonate: A Reversible Conversion Cathode in Aqueous Anion Batteries

Abstract Dual‐ion batteries that use anions and cations as charge carriers represent a promising energy‐storage technology. However, an uncharted area is to explore transition metals as electrodes to host carbonate in conversion reactions. Here we report the reversible conversion reaction from copper to Cu 2 CO 3 (OH) 2 , where the copper electrode comprising K 2 CO 3 and KOH solid is self‐sufficient with anion‐charge carriers. This electrode dissociates and associates K + ions during battery charge and discharge. The copper active mass and the anion‐bearing cathode exhibit a reversible capacity of 664 mAh g −1 and 299 mAh g −1 , respectively, and relatively stable cycling in a saturated mixture electrolyte of K 2 CO 3 and KOH. The results open an avenue to use carbonate as a charge carrier for batteries to serve for the consumption and storage of CO 2 .

Gallagher, Trenton C.↗