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DOE OSTI2025

Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with a coexisting clock using transceivers for synchronization over deployed fiber

Interference between independently generated photons is a key step towards distributing entanglement over long distances, but it requires synchronization between the distantly-located photon sources. Synchronizing the clocks of such photon sources using coexisting two-way classical optical communications over the same fiber that transports the quantum photonic signals is a promising approach for achieving photon-photon interference over long distances, enabling entanglement distribution for quantum networking using the deployed fiber infrastructure. Here, we demonstrate photon-photon interference by observing the Hong-Ou-Mandel dip between two distantly-located sources: a weak coherent-state source obtained by attenuating the output of a laser and a heralded single-photon source. We achieve a maximum dip visibility of 0.58 +/- 0.04 when the two sources are connected via 4.3 km of deployed fiber. Dip visibilities > 0.5 are nonclassical and a first step towards achieving teleportation over the deployed fiber infrastructure. In our experiment, the classical optical communication is achieved with - 21 dBm of optical signal launch power, which is used to synchronize the clocks in the two independent, distantly-located photon sources. The impact of spontaneous Raman scattering from the classical optical signals is mitigated by appropriate choice of the quantum- and classical-channel wavelengths. All equipment used in our experiment (the photon sources and the synchronization setup) is commercially available. Finally, our experiment represents a scalable approach to enabling practical quantum networking with commercial equipment and coexistence with classical communications in optical fiber.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2026

Interference dislocations adjacent to emission spot

We studied interference dislocations (forks) adjacent to an emission spot in an interference pattern. We observed the adjacent interference dislocations in emission of excitons in a monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide and in emission of spatially indirect excitons, also known as interlayer excitons, in a van der Waals heterostructure. Our simulations show that the adjacent interference dislocations appear due to the moiré effect in combined interference patterns produced by constituent parts of the emission spot. In contrast to interference dislocations in coherent states, such as interference dislocations due to quantized vortices in condensates, the appearance of adjacent interference dislocations does not require coherence between the parts of the emission spot, indicating that interference dislocations can be observed in a classical system. Finally, we show that the interference dislocations in classical systems can appear in interference images for various spatially modulated emission patterns.

Leonard, J. R. [Univ. of California, San Diego, CA↗

DOE OSTI2025

Exploring the interference between the atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillation subamplitudes

The interference between the atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillation subamplitudes is said to be responsible for C P violation () in neutrino appearance channels. More precisely, is generated by the interference between the parts of the neutrino oscillation amplitude that are C P even and C P odd: even or odd when the neutrino mixing matrix is replaced with its complex conjugate. This is the interference term, as it gives a contribution to the oscillation probability, the square of the amplitude, which is opposite in sign for neutrinos and antineutrinos and is unique. For this interference to be nonzero, at least two subamplitudes are required. There are, however, other interference terms, which are even under the above exchange, and these are the C P conserving () interference terms. In this paper, we explore in detail these interference terms and show that they cannot be uniquely defined, as one can move pieces of the amplitude from the atmospheric subamplitude to the solar subamplitude and vice versa. This freedom allows one to move the interference terms around, but does not let you eliminate them completely. We also show that there is a reasonable definition of the atmospheric and solar subamplitudes for the appearance channels such that in neutrino disappearance probability there is no atmospheric-solar interference term. However, with this choice, there is a interference term within the atmospheric sector. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2026

DOE CESER 6 GHz Interference Study

DOE CESER has sponsored Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to conduct an objective and independent study of potential 6 GHz interference from outdoor operation of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band on fixed service (FS) microwave communication links operated by electrical sector incumbents in that band. INL is collaborating with University of Notre Dame (UND), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Lockard & White, Southern Company, and AT&T, to gather data with real-world 6 GHz interference experiments and identify (1) the potential for interference from unlicensed devices and (2) the interference necessary to cause harm to the incumbents. In addition to the functional assessment, a security assessment of the FCC mandated Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) System to regulate use of unlicensed 6 GHz standard power devices is also being conducted. A major objective is to create a science-based and defensible methodology used to produce the necessary data and to derive objective conclusions. This proven methodology can then be used to produce objective data and conclusions for other spectrum bands with similar incumbent uses including 4.4 – 4.9 GHz and 7.125 – 7.4 GHz, identified in the reconciliation bill that was adopted on July 4, 2025, as well as the National Spectrum Strategy discussions that are ongoing. This report contains 6 GHz field experiments and findings in the following real-world scenarios with commercial unlicensed standard power (SP) 6 GHz devices regulated by Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC): • University of Notre Dame (UND) Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 spectators, where Wi-Fi operating in 6 GHz has been deployed recently • Southern Company 6 GHz FS microwave link between Columbus and Fortson, Georgia Following are the following key findings from this study. 1. The AFC is under-protective of FS when line-of-sight exists along the path centerline. Data collected at Southern’s 6 GHz fixed link site shows significant erosion of as much as 21.4-24.4 dB of under-protection that can lead to potential service degradation under typical operating conditions. This first key finding is most likely the result of erroneous use of the RF propagation model. INL will collaborate with EPRI and the AFC Functional Requirements Working Group to submit a change request to the WinnForum TS-1014 standard towards correct use of the propagation model by the AFC. 2. There is additive interference effect of about 3 dB from nearly equal power interferers measured from simultaneous operation of two SP AP's operating co-channel with the FS receive from different locations along the path. This second key finding should be used to add the impact of additive interference of operation of multiple APs in the same geographical area, to the next generation of AFCs. INL will collaborate with FCC on the need for the AFC to consider additive interference. We also recommend that additional experiments are conducted on 6 GHz spectrum interference to further improve the AFC operation as the number of outdoor Wi-Fi devices continues to increase. These proposed steps and recommendations will make the co-existence of the incumbents and the 6 GHz outdoor Wi-Fi providers possible without any impact on the incumbents with a win-win outcome for all.

6 GHz↗

DOE OSTI2025

Single-shot magnon interference in a magnon-superconducting-resonator hybrid circuit

Magnon interference is a hallmark of coherent magnon interactions. In this work, we demonstrate single-shot magnon interference using up to four magnon pulses in two remotely coupled yttrium iron garnet spheres mediated by a coplanar superconducting resonator. By exciting one YIG sphere with injected microwave pulses, we achieve coherent energy exchange between the two spheres, facilitating their interference processes, including Rabi-like oscillation with a single pulse, constructive and destructive interference with two pulses, and interference peak sharpening with up to four pulses—analogous to diffraction grating in optical interference. The resulting interference patterns can be precisely controlled by changing the frequency detuning and time delay of the magnon pulses. The demonstration of time-domain coherent control of remote magnon interference opens new pathways for advancing coherent information processing through multi-operation, circuit-integrated hybrid magnonic networks.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2024

Transmission interference fringe ( TIF ) technique for the dynamic visualization of evaporating droplet

Here, the transmission interference fringe (TIF) technique was developed to visualize the dynamics of evaporating droplets based on the Reflection Interference Fringe (RIF) technique for micro-sized droplets. The geometric formulation was conducted to determine the contact angle (CA) and height of macro-sized droplets without the need for the prism used in RIF. The TIF characteristics were analyzed through experiments and simulations to demonstrate a wider range of contact angles from 0 to 90°, in contrast to RIF's limited range of 0–30°. TIF was utilized to visualize the dynamic evaporation of droplets in the constant contact radius (CCR) mode, observing the droplet profile change from convex-only to convex-concave at the end of dry-out from the interference fringe formation. The TIF also observed the contact angle increase from the fringe radius increase. This observation is uniquely reported as the interference fringe (IF) technique can detect the formation of interference fringe between the reflection from the center convex profile and the reflection from the edge concave profile on the far-field screen. Unlike general microscopy techniques, TIF can detect far-field interference fringes as it focuses beyond the droplet-substrate interface. The formation of the convex-concave profile during CCR evaporation is believed to be influenced by the non-uniform evaporative flux along the droplet surface.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2025

Unraveling the Noise: An Investigation Plan for Signal Interference in Hearing Aids

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has revolutionized the performance of hearing aids with functionalities like seamless audio streaming and enhanced auditory functions. However, BLE operates within the highly congested 2.4 GHz frequency band, making it susceptible to signal interference that can degrade performance, reduce audio quality, and impact user experience. This paper documents interference patterns in BLE communication and introduces practical mitigation techniques aimed at improving the reliability of hearing aids. Attack vectors associated with Bluetooth enabled hearing aids include communication jamming, the interception of data between target devices, and GATT handle exploitation. Attackers could also use the vulnerabilities to block communications or intercept sensitive audio streams, posing significant security and privacy risks. These threats compromise two critical components of the CIA triad: (1) availability, by causing persistent connectivity issues, and (2) integrity, by enabling unauthorized data modifications. It is necessary to deal with these problems to ensure hearing aids work well and safely. This study investigates the impact of BLE signal interference on hearing aids, using tools such as HackRF [1], a Python tool to simulate interference scenarios, and Ubertooth [2] to sniff Bluetooth traffic between hearing aids and the device with the application. This paper investigates testing of BLE traffic in search of specific interference patterns that would impact the functionality of hearing aids, including jamming and flooding. This research focuses on developing robust mitigation techniques with the aim of securing BLE-enabled hearing aids against those vulnerabilities.

Baldwin, David [Savannah River National Laboratory↗

DOE OSTI2025

Analyzing the Effects of the Interference between One- and Two-Body Currents on Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering in ACHILLES

Modeling improvements of neutrino–nucleus scattering are an essential aspect of reducing systematic uncertainties for current and future neutrino oscillation experiments. In particular, retaining quantum mechanical effects such as the interference between one-body (1p1h) and two-body (2p2h) currents in our cross-section models is an essential consideration. This work investigates the impact of this interference term on neutrino–argon scattering using the ACHILLES event generator, which directly implements the interference model developed by Lovato, Rocco, and Steinberg. Using fluxes relevant to SBND, the DUNE near detector, and MiniBooNE, charged- and neutral-current event samples are generated and predicted event rates are plotted against a variety of kinematic variables. For events simulated using the SBND flux, it is found that interference contributes approximately 10 \% to the total charged-current event rate, and serves to enhance the quasi-elastic peak. When considering events generated using the DUNE flux, resonance interactions contribute more to the predicted event rate, as the neutrino flux extends out to higher energies. The relative interference contribution subsequently decreases to roughly 7 \%. Neutral-current simulations show a higher rate of neutron knockout. Finally, a comparison of argon-to-carbon cross-section ratios is performed utilizing fluxes from SBND and MiniBooNE.

Pando, Nathan [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2025

Analyzing the Effects of the Interference between One- and Two-Body Currents on Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering in ACHILLES

Pando, Nathan [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Ultra-Wideband Communications: Interference Challenges and Solutions

The idea of ultra-wideband (UWB) communications for short ranges (up to a few tens of meters) has been around for nearly three decades. However, despite significant efforts by the industry, UWB deployment has not yet reached its predicted potential. This article, thus, seeks to rectify this situation by providing a practical examination of UWB interference conditions. Through a spectrum survey of today's wireless environments, we explore the interference that UWB devices may face from a perspective of outage probability in both high- and low-rate configurations. We find that by suppressing interference, the outage probability can be reduced by one or more orders of magnitude. In the non-line-of-sight channels, in particular, we find that both interference suppression and bandwidth expansion are required to support the minimum data rates suggested in the IEEE802.15.4 series of standards. Here, we connect these findings to a recently proposed UWB signaling method based on filter banks and show this method fulfills the above requirements for implementing effective UWB systems.

99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

DOE OSTI2025

Tunable phononic quantum interference induced by two-dimensional metals

Harnessing quantum interference among bosons provides opportunities due to their longer coherence time than fermions. Fano resonance, an example of quantum interference between discrete and continuous states, is marked by an asymmetric lineshape. While photon-based Fano resonance has enabled high-sensitivity molecule sensing, phonon-based Fano resonance remains underexplored because of ineffective interference between discrete phonons and electronic continuum. In this work, we report phonon-based Fano resonance in a graphene/2D Ag/SiC heterostructure, arising from frequency and lifetime matching between discrete and continuous phonons of SiC. The observed Fano asymmetry is tunable over two orders of magnitude, surpassing previously reported phonon-based systems. The 2D Ag layer restructures the interfacial SiC and facilitates resonant scattering to enhance Fano asymmetry, which is unattainable in conventional Ag. We further demonstrated that this Fano resonance allows ultrasensitive molecule detection at the single-molecule level. Our work highlights phonon-based Fano resonance, opening avenues for engineering quantum interference with phonons.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

DOE OSTI2025

Time-reversed Young’s experiment: Deterministic, diffractionless second-order interference effect

The classic Young’s double-slit experiment exhibits first-order interference, producing alternating bright and dark fringes shaped by the diffraction effect of the slits. In contrast, here we demonstrate that its time-reversed configuration generates an ideal, deterministic second-order ‘ghost’ interference pattern free from diffraction and first-order effects with the use of only a position-fixed detector. The pattern’s size is governed by the dimensions of the ‘effectively extended light source’ formed by point emitter(s). Beyond highlighting the nonreciprocal physics between the two configurations, this system unlocks a range of novel phenomena inaccessible in traditional double-slit experiments. These include fully programmable, digitized interference fringe formations and the ability to align the pattern plane with the source plane on the same side of the setup. Remarkably, our proposed experiment achieves these outcomes without relying on nonclassical correlations or quantum entanglement. Here, by restoring time-reversal symmetry and eliminating diffraction, our theoretical analysis reveals that this approach offers exciting potential for advancing optical imaging and sensing technologies with improved transverse and longitudinal phase-shift sensitivity and resolution limit beyond current limitations.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Enhanced quantum efficiency from optical interference in alkali antimonide photocathodes: Modeling and experimental results

We present measurements of enhanced quantum efficiency (QE) in thin film alkali antimonide photocathodes from optical interference in the cathode-substrate multilayer. Modulations in the spectral response are observed over a range of visible wavelengths and are shown to increase the QE by more than a factor of two at specific wavelengths. We present a model describing the QE modulations based on the three step photoemission process incorporating cases of both constant density of states and density functional theory-derived density of states and show that the calculated results are in good agreement with the measurements. Model predictions demonstrate that QE can be enhanced by more than a factor of 5 by optimization of cathode and substrate layer thicknesses. Additionally, these calculations reveal that optical interference can yield higher quantum efficiencies in thin films compared to thick, optically dense films. We model the QE vs excitation wavelength of multiple alkali antimonide compounds at different thicknesses. We then discuss the advantages of this interference effect for electron accelerators.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Laser interference structuring of Cu for adhesive joining of HVAC equipment

Due to potential energy and cost savings benefits, adhesive joining has been recently considered for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. HVAC adhesive bonding requires cost-effective and adequate surface preparations of adherents. Here, this article investigates the use of abrasion, traditional single-beam laser, and a laser-interference technique as surface preparations of copper surfaces. Surface morphology is characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Effective submicrometer peak-to-valley structuring with a periodicity of ∼2.7μ⁢m was demonstrated for laser-interference processing. Single-lap shear tests were conducted for 89 joints made with bondline thicknesses of 0.15 and 0.3 mm. Data on process variables and measured variables included open-time, bond length, maximum load, displacement at failure, shear lap strength, and failure mode. A statistical analysis was conducted on each lot to determine the lower limit with 95% confidence intervals for displacements at failure and shear lap strengths. A comparison is presented between the properties of laser-structured joints with respect to those prepared by abrasion, which is considered the baseline surface preparation technique. Based on this comparison, one single-beam laser technique and two laser-interference techniques were shown to exhibit vastly superior performance over the joints made with abraded specimens.

Sabau, Adrian S. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (O↗

DOE OSTI2026

Light storage, retrieval, and controllable interference in an atomic tripod system

Highly efficient quantum memories are essential for advancing quantum information processing technologies, including scalable quantum computing and quantum networks. We experimentally demonstrate a light storage and retrieval protocol in a tripod system using an ensemble of laser-cooled 87 Rb atoms. The tripod system, which consists of three ground states and an excited state, offers rich dynamics: its use to coherently store and retrieve a weak probe pulse in the 87 Rb 𝐹 = 1 ground-state manifold leads to the interference of two spin-wave excitations during storage time that translate to an interference in the peak intensity of the retrieved probe pulse. Our work shows that these interferences, which manifest when varying the pulse sequence or energy level structure, can be controlled experimentally by varying the storage time, optical phase, and magnetic field strength. Theoretical simulations exhibit excellent agreement with the experimental results. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the rich dynamics and versatile capabilities of atomic tripod systems for light storage and retrieval, with key advantages over conventional Λ systems, highlighting the potential of atomic tripod systems for applications in quantum information processing, quantum synchronization, and atomic memory protocols.

Coherent control↗

DOE OSTI2026

Quantum Interference in Two-Atom Resonant X-ray Scattering of an Intense Attosecond Pulse

We theoretically investigate resonant x-ray scattering from two noninteracting Ne+ ions driven by an intense attosecond pulse using a nonrelativistic, QED-based time-dependent framework. Our model includes Rabi oscillations, photoionization, Auger decay, and quantum interference among elastic scattering and resonance fluorescence pathways. We analyze how the total scattering signal depends on pulse intensity, atomic configuration, and initial electronic state. We find that the total resonant scattering yield exceeds its nonresonant counterpart; the angular dependence of the signal qualitatively resembles a two-atom structure factor; and the visibility of interference fringes is sensitive to pulse area and the initial electronic state. Only a subset of final states reached via resonance fluorescence exhibits interference, determined by the indistinguishability of photon emission pathways. Fringe visibility is maximized in the linear scattering regime, where ionization is minimal and resonance fluorescence pathways can be largely indistinguishable. These results highlight optimal conditions for applying ultrafast resonant x-ray scattering to single-particle imaging.

Venkatesh, Akilesh↗

DOE OSTI2026

Evidence of Spin-Interference Effects in Exclusive 𝐽/𝜓 → 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − Photoproduction in Ultraperipheral Heavy-Ion Collisions

Here, we report the first evidence of spin interference in exclusive 𝐽/𝜓 → 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − photoproduction in ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions at STAR at $\sqrt{𝑠_{𝑁⁢𝑁}}$ = 200 GeV. In Au + Au collisions, a negative cos⁡(2⁢𝜙) modulation is found for 𝑝 𝑇 < 120 MeV/𝑐 with a significance of 3.2⁢𝜎, while the isobar data (Ru + Ru, Zr + Zr) show a consistent negative modulation with a significance of 1.9⁢𝜎, opposite in sign to that in 𝜌 0 → 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − photoproduction. This establishes for the first time that the interference sign is controlled by the spin structure of the final-state daughters, resolving the ambiguity present in the all-boson 𝜌 0 channel. The compact 𝐽/𝜓 probes gluon distributions at perturbative scales, resulting in a weaker modulation and providing stringent constraints on color glass condensate calculations. These findings demonstrate that spin-dependent interference in heavy vector mesons provides a new, experimentally accessible handle on gluon structure beyond traditional cross-section measurements.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Electronic interactions in Dirac fluids visualized by nano-terahertz spacetime interference of electron-photon quasiparticles

Ultraclean graphene at charge neutrality hosts a quantum critical Dirac fluid of interacting electrons and holes. Interactions profoundly affect the charge dynamics of graphene, which is encoded in the properties of its electron-photon collective modes: surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Here, we show that polaritonic interference patterns are particularly well suited to unveil the interactions in Dirac fluids by tracking polaritonic interference in time at temporal scales commensurate with the electronic scattering. Spacetime SPP interference patterns recorded in terahertz (THz) frequency range provided unobstructed readouts of the group velocity and lifetime of polariton that can be directly mapped onto the electronic spectral weight and the relaxation rate. Our data uncovered prominent departures of the electron dynamics from the predictions of the conventional Fermi-liquid theory. The deviations are particularly strong when the densities of electrons and holes are approximately equal. The proposed spacetime imaging methodology can be broadly applied to probe the electrodynamics of quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗