The phenomena of nucleation and growth, which fall into the category of first-order phase transitions, are of great importance. They are present everywhere in our daily lives. They enable us to understand and model a vast number of phenomena, from the formation of raindrops, to the gelling of polymers, the evolution of a virus population and the formation of galaxies. Surprisingly, this whole range of phenomena can be described by two seemingly antagonistic approaches: classical nucleation theory, which highlights the atomistic approach of the diffusion process, and the phase-field (PF) approach, which erases the discrete nature of the diffusion process. Although there is an huge quantity of articles and review papers dealing with the problem of first-order phase transition, the subject is so important and vast that it is very difficult to provide nowadays exhaustive syntheses on the subject. The revival over the past 20 years in the condensed matter world of PF approaches such as PF crystal, or the recent development of optimization methods such as gentle ascend dynamics, as well as the emergence of atom probe tomography, have enabled us to better understand the links between these antagonistic approaches, and above all to provide new experimental results to test the limits of both. This renewal has motivated the writing of this review, both to take stock of current knowledge on these two approaches. This review has two distinct objectives: summarizing generic previous models applies to discuss the nucleation, the growth and the coarsening processes. Despite some reviews already exist on these different subject, few of them present the different logical links between these models and their limitations, unifying them within the framework of the theory of macroscopic fluctuations, which has been developed over the last 20 years. In particular, we present the extension of the Cahn–Hilliard formalism to model the nucleation and growth process and we discuss the relevance of the notion of pseudo-spinodal and discuss. Such an extension allows interpreting experiments performed fat from the solubility limit and the spinodal line. Finally, this work proposes some clues to make this unified approach more predictive.

Recent advances in tabletop quantum sensor technology have enabled searches for nongravitational interactions of dark matter (DM). Traditional axion DM experiments rely on sharp resonance, resulting in extensive scanning time to cover a wide mass range. In this work, we present a broadband approach in an alkali-${} ^{21}$Ne spin system. We identify two distinct hybrid spin-coupled regimes: a self-compensation regime at low frequencies and a hybrid spin resonance regime at higher frequencies. By utilizing these two distinct regimes, we significantly enhance the bandwidth of ${} ^{21}$Ne nuclear spin compared to conventional nuclear magnetic resonance, while maintaining competitive sensitivity. We present a comprehensive broadband search for axion-like DM, covering 5 orders of magnitude of Compton frequencies range within $[10^{-2}, \, 10^3]$ Hz. We set new constraints on the axion DM interactions with neutrons and protons, accounting for the effects of DM stochasticity. For the axion–neutron coupling, our results reach a low value of $|g_\mathrm{ann}|\unicode{x2A7D} 3\times 10^{-10}$ in the frequency range $[2\times 10^{-2}, \, 4]$ Hz surpassing astrophysical limits and providing the strongest laboratory constraints in the $[10, \, 100]$ Hz range. For the axion-proton coupling, we offer the best terrestrial constraints for the frequency ranges $[2\times 10^{-2}, \, 5]$ Hz and $[16, \, 7\times 10^{2}]$ Hz.

In recent years, the systems comprising of bosonic atoms confined to optical lattices at ultra-cold temperatures have demonstrated tremendous potential to unveil novel quantum mechanical effects appearing in lattice boson models with various kinds of interactions. In this progress report, we aim to provide an exposition to recent advancements in quantum simulations of such systems, modeled by different 'non-standard' Bose–Hubbard models, focusing primarily on long-range systems with dipole–dipole or cavity-mediated interactions. Through a carefully curated selection of topics, which includes the emergence of quantum criticality beyond Landau paradigm, bond-order wave insulators, the role of interaction-induced tunneling, the influence of transverse confinement on observed phases, or the effect of cavity-mediated all-to-all interactions, we report both theoretical and experimental developments from the last few years. Additionally, we discuss the real-time evolution of systems with long-range interactions, where sufficiently strong interactions render the dynamics non-ergodic. And finally to cap our discussions off, we survey recent experimental achievements in this rapidly evolving field, underscoring its interdisciplinary significance and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

The mysterious metallic phase showing T-linear resistivity and a universal scattering rate $1/\tau = \alpha_\textrm{P} k_\textrm{B} T /\hbar$ with a universal prefactor $\alpha_\textrm{P} \sim 1$ and logarithmic-in-temperature singular specific heat coefficient, the so-called 'Planckian metal phase' was observed in various overdoped high-$T_\textrm{c}$ cuprate superconductors over a finite range in doping. Revealing the mystery of the Planckian metal state is believed to be the key to understanding the mechanism for high-$T_\textrm{c}$ superconductivity. Here, we propose a generic microscopic mechanism for this state based on quantum-critical local bosonic charge Kondo fluctuations coupled to both spinon and a heavy conduction-electron Fermi surface within the heavy-fermion formulation of the slave-boson t–J model. By a controlled perturbative renormalization group analysis, we examine the competition between the pseudogap phase, characterized by Anderson's Resonating-Valence-Bond spin-liquid, and the Fermi-liquid state, modeled by the electron hopping (effective charge Kondo effect). We find a quantum-critical metallic phase with a universal Planckian $\hbar \omega/k_\textrm{B} T$ scaling in scattering rate near an extended localized-delocalized (pseudogap-to-Fermi liquid) charge-Kondo breakdown transition. The d-wave superconducting ground state emerges near the transition. Unprecedented qualitative and quantitative agreements are reached between our theoretical predictions and various experiments, including optical conductivity, universal doping-independent field-to-temperature scaling in magnetoresistance, specific heat coefficient, marginal Fermi-liquid spectral function observed in ARPES, and Fermi surface reconstruction observed in Hall coefficients in various overdoped cuprates. Our mechanism offers a microscopic understanding of the quantum-critical Planckian metal phase observed in cuprates and its link to the pseudogap, d-wave superconducting, and Fermi liquid phases. It offers a promising route for understanding how d-wave superconductivity emerges from such a strange metal phase in cuprates–one of the long-standing open problems in condensed matter physics since 1990s–as well as shows a broader implication for the Planckian strange metal states observed in other correlated unconventional superconductors.

Amidst the escalating environmental concerns driven by global warming and the detrimental impacts of extreme climates, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with refrigeration have reached unprecedented levels. Radiative cooling, as an emerging renewable cooling technology, has been positioned as a pivotal strategy in the fight against global warming. This review examines the theoretical model of radiative cooling emitters and complex practical environment. We first investigate the thermodynamic interactions between environmental factors and the cooling surface, followed by an examination of innovative modulation techniques such as asymmetric/non-reciprocal radiative heat transfer mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in structural design and simulation methodologies for radiative cooling materials at the device level. We then delve into potential applications of radiative cooling materials in various scenarios including energy-efficient construction, personal thermal management, photovoltaic cooling, and dynamic passive daytime radiative cooling materials with seasonal adaptability. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive overview of this technology's strengths and current challenges to inspire further research and application development in radiative cooling technology with a focus on contributing towards energy conservation objectives and promoting a sustainable society.

The phenomena of nucleation and growth, which fall into the category of first-order phase transitions, are of great importance. They are present everywhere in our daily lives. They enable us to understand and model a vast number of phenomena, from the formation of raindrops, to the gelling of polymers, the evolution of a virus population and the formation of galaxies. Surprisingly, this whole range of phenomena can be described by two seemingly antagonistic approaches: classical nucleation theory, which highlights the atomistic approach of the diffusion process, and the phase-field (PF) approach, which erases the discrete nature of the diffusion process. Although there is an huge quantity of articles and review papers dealing with the problem of first-order phase transition, the subject is so important and vast that it is very difficult to provide nowadays exhaustive syntheses on the subject. The revival over the past 20 years in the condensed matter world of PF approaches such as PF crystal, or the recent development of optimization methods such as gentle ascend dynamics, as well as the emergence of atom probe tomography, have enabled us to better understand the links between these antagonistic approaches, and above all to provide new experimental results to test the limits of both. This renewal has motivated the writing of this review, both to take stock of current knowledge on these two approaches. This review has two distinct objectives: summarizing generic previous models applies to discuss the nucleation, the growth and the coarsening processes. Despite some reviews already exist on these different subject, few of them present the different logical links between these models and their limitations, unifying them within the framework of the theory of macroscopic fluctuations, which has been developed over the last 20 years. In particular, we present the extension of the Cahn–Hilliard formalism to model the nucleation and growth process and we discuss the relevance of the notion of pseudo-spinodal and discuss. Such an extension allows interpreting experiments performed fat from the solubility limit and the spinodal line. Finally, this work proposes some clues to make this unified approach more predictive.

In recent years, the systems comprising of bosonic atoms confined to optical lattices at ultra-cold temperatures have demonstrated tremendous potential to unveil novel quantum mechanical effects appearing in lattice boson models with various kinds of interactions. In this progress report, we aim to provide an exposition to recent advancements in quantum simulations of such systems, modeled by different 'non-standard' Bose–Hubbard models, focusing primarily on long-range systems with dipole–dipole or cavity-mediated interactions. Through a carefully curated selection of topics, which includes the emergence of quantum criticality beyond Landau paradigm, bond-order wave insulators, the role of interaction-induced tunneling, the influence of transverse confinement on observed phases, or the effect of cavity-mediated all-to-all interactions, we report both theoretical and experimental developments from the last few years. Additionally, we discuss the real-time evolution of systems with long-range interactions, where sufficiently strong interactions render the dynamics non-ergodic. And finally to cap our discussions off, we survey recent experimental achievements in this rapidly evolving field, underscoring its interdisciplinary significance and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

Amidst the escalating environmental concerns driven by global warming and the detrimental impacts of extreme climates, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with refrigeration have reached unprecedented levels. Radiative cooling, as an emerging renewable cooling technology, has been positioned as a pivotal strategy in the fight against global warming. This review examines the theoretical model of radiative cooling emitters and complex practical environment. We first investigate the thermodynamic interactions between environmental factors and the cooling surface, followed by an examination of innovative modulation techniques such as asymmetric/non-reciprocal radiative heat transfer mechanisms. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in structural design and simulation methodologies for radiative cooling materials at the device level. We then delve into potential applications of radiative cooling materials in various scenarios including energy-efficient construction, personal thermal management, photovoltaic cooling, and dynamic passive daytime radiative cooling materials with seasonal adaptability. In conclusion, we provide a comprehensive overview of this technology's strengths and current challenges to inspire further research and application development in radiative cooling technology with a focus on contributing towards energy conservation objectives and promoting a sustainable society.

Solitons in relativistic field theories are not necessarily topologically charged. In particular, non-topological solitons—known as Q-balls—arise naturally in nonlinear field theories endowed with attractive interactions and internal symmetries. Even without stabilizing internal symmetries, quasi-solitons known as oscillons, which are long-lived, can also exist. Both Q-balls and oscillons have significant applications in cosmology and particle physics. This review is an updated account of the intriguing properties and dynamics of these non-topological solitons and quasi-solitons, as well as their important roles in early-Universe scenarios and particle physics models.

Two-dimensional (2D) material (graphene, MoS₂, WSe₂, MXene, etc)/group-III nitride (GaN, AlN, and their compounds) hetero-structures have been given special attention, on account of their prospective applications in remarkable performance broadband photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, memristors, hydrogen sensors, etc. The utilization of advantages of the above two kind materials provides a solution to the dilemma of the degradation of device performance and reliability caused by carrier mobility, contact resistance, lattice mismatch, interface, and other factors. Therefore, the summary of the recent progress of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures is urgent. In this work, it elaborates on interface interaction and stimulation, growth mechanism and device physic of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures. Initially, it investigates the properties of the hetero-structures, combining the theoretical calculations on interface interaction of the heterojunction with experimental study, particularly emphasizing on interface effects on the performance of hetero-materials. The structure modification (band alignments, band edge position, synergetic work function and so on) at interface contributes to the outstanding properties of these hetero-structures. Subsequently, the growth of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures is introduced in detail. The problems solved by the advancing synthesis strategies and the corresponding formation mechanisms are discussed in particular. Afterwards, based on the 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures, extending from optoelectronics, electronics, to photocatalyst and sensors, etc, are reviewed. Finally, the prospect of 2D material/group-III nitride hetero-structures is speculated to pave the way for further promotion.

Large optical anisotropy is paramount for advancing light manipulation in modern optic. Therefore, there has been an intensive search for materials exhibiting giant optical anisotropy. However, the reported in-plane birefringence of most materials remains relatively low, posing substantial limitations for applications in integrated optics and polarization-sensitive technologies. Here we present a systematic investigation of the in-plane anisotropic properties of the quasi -one-dimensional van der Waals crystal-Ta₂NiSe₅, employing spectroscopic ellipsometry, angle-resolved polarization Raman spectroscopy, azimuth-dependent reflectance difference microscopy and angle-dependent electronic and optoelectronic techniques. Notably, our study reveals a record-breaking giant in-plane birefringence of up to 2.0 across the visible to infrared spectral region, representing the highest value reported among van der Waals materials to date. Meanwhile, the physical origin of this extraordinary optical anisotropy is elucidated through first-principles calculations, attributing it to the synergistic effects of significant polarizability contrast and the quasi-one-dimensional crystal arrangement. Furthermore, photodetectors based on Ta₂NiSe₅ flakes exhibit remarkable performance, including a broad photoresponse spanning 520–2000 nm, ultrafast response time of 75 μs, a pronounced dichroic ratio of up to 1.89 and high-resolution polarized light imaging capabilities. Our work not only highlights the immense potential of Ta₂NiSe₅ for next-generation polarization-sensitive optoelectronic devices but also inspire innovative approaches for next-generation ultracompact integrated photonics based on quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals materials.

Pyrochlore oxides with chemical formula of A2B2O7 exhibit a diverse range of electronic properties as a representative family of quantum materials. These properties mostly stem from strong electron correlations at the transition metal B site and typical geometrical frustration effects on the pyrochlore lattice. Furthermore, the coupling between the magnetic moments of the rare-earth A site and the conduction electrons at the B site, along with the relativistic spin-orbit coupling particularly affecting the 4d/5d electrons at the B site, gives rise to the topological characteristics of the correlated electrons. This review paper focuses on the metal-insulator transitions in pyrochlore oxides as evidence of the strong electron correlation, which is highlighted as a rich source of intriguing charge dynamics coupled with frustrated spin-orbital entangled magnetism.

We demonstrate how the initial state of ultracold atoms in an optical lattice controls the emergence of ergodic dynamics
as the underlying spectral structure is tuned into the quantum chaotic regime. Distinct initial states' chaos threshold values in terms of tunneling as compared to interaction strength are identified, as well as dynamical signatures of the chaos transition, on the level of experimentally accessible observables and time scales.

Electromagnetic resonant systems, such as cavities and LC circuits, are widely used to detect ultralight boson dark matter and high-frequency gravitational waves. However, the narrow bandwidth of single-mode resonators necessitates multiple scan steps to cover broad frequency ranges. By incorporating a network of auxiliary modes via beam-splitter-type and non-degenerate parametric couplings, we enable broadband detection with an effective bandwidth of each scan matching the order of the resonant frequency, while maintaining a strong signal response. In heterodyne upconversion detection, where a background cavity mode transitions into another due to a potential background source, multiple orders of the source frequency can be probed with high sensitivity without tuning the cavity frequency. Consequently, our method allows for significantly deeper exploration of the parameter space within the same integration time compared to single-mode detection.

Abstract: A measurement of off-shell Higgs boson production in the H^*→ZZ→ 4l decay channel is presented. The measurement uses 140 fb^-1 of proton-proton collisions at √s=13 TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider and supersedes the previous result in this decay channel using the same dataset. The data analysis is performed using a neural simulation-based inference method, which builds per-event likelihood ratios using neural networks. The observed (expected) off-shell Higgs boson production signal strength in the ZZ→4l decay channel at 68% CL is 0.87^+0.75_-0.54 (1.00^+1.04_-0.95). The evidence for off-shell Higgs boson production using the ZZ→4l decay channel has an observed (expected) significance of 2.5σ (1.3σ). The expected result represents a significant improvement relative to that of the previous analysis of the same dataset, which obtained an expected significance of 0.5σ. When combined with the most recent ATLAS measurement in the ZZ→2l2ν decay channel, the evidence for off-shell Higgs boson production has an observed (expected) significance of 3.7σ (2.4σ). The off-shell measurements are combined with the measurement of on-shell Higgs boson production to obtain constraints on the Higgs boson total width. The observed (expected) value of the Higgs boson width at 68% CL is 4.3^+2.7_-1.9 (4.1^+3.5_-3.4) MeV.