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Xin Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Xin Zhang.

At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources

Impacts of dark energy on weighing neutrinos after Planck 2015

We investigate how dark energy properties impact the cosmological limits on the total mass of active neutrinos. We consider two typical, simple dark energy models (that have only one more additional parameter than $Λ$CDM), i.e., the $w$CDM model and the holographic dark energy (HDE) model, as examples, to make an analysis. In the cosmological fits, we use the Planck 2015 temperature and polarization data, in combination with other low-redshift observations, including the baryon acoustic oscillations, type Ia supernovae, and Hubble constant measurement, as well as the Planck lensing measurements. We find that, once dynamical dark energy is considered, the degeneracy between $\sum m_ν$ and $H_0$ will be changed, i.e., in the $Λ$CDM model, $\sum m_ν$ is anti-correlated with $H_0$, but in the $w$CDM and HDE models, $\sum m_ν$ becomes positively correlated with $H_0$. Compared to $Λ$CDM, in the $w$CDM model the limit on $\sum m_ν$ becomes much looser, but in the HDE model the limit becomes much tighter. In the HDE model, we obtain $\sum m_ν<0.113$ eV ($95\%$ CL) with the combined data sets, which is perhaps the most stringent upper limit by far on neutrino mass. Thus, our result in the HDE model is nearly ready to diagnose the neutrino mass hierarchy with the current cosmological observations.

astro-ph.CO↗

MIMO Radar Target Localization and Performance Evaluation under SIRP Clutter

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar has become a thriving subject of research during the past decades. In the MIMO radar context, it is sometimes more accurate to model the radar clutter as a non-Gaussian process, more specifically, by using the spherically invariant random process (SIRP) model. In this paper, we focus on the estimation and performance analysis of the angular spacing between two targets for the MIMO radar under the SIRP clutter. First, we propose an iterative maximum likelihood as well as an iterative maximum a posteriori estimator, for the target's spacing parameter estimation in the SIRP clutter context. Then we derive and compare various Cramér-Rao-like bounds (CRLBs) for performance assessment. Finally, we address the problem of target resolvability by using the concept of angular resolution limit (ARL), and derive an analytical, closed-form expression of the ARL based on Smith's criterion, between two closely spaced targets in a MIMO radar context under SIRP clutter. For this aim we also obtain the non-matrix, closed-form expressions for each of the CRLBs. Finally, we provide numerical simulations to assess the performance of the proposed algorithms, the validity of the derived ARL expression, and to reveal the ARL's insightful properties.

stat.AP↗

Maximum Likelihood and Maximum A Posteriori Direction-of-Arrival Estimation in the Presence of SIRP Noise

The maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation techniques are widely used to address the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problems, an important topic in sensor array processing. Conventionally the ML estimators in the DOA estimation context assume the sensor noise to follow a Gaussian distribution. In real-life application, however, this assumption is sometimes not valid, and it is often more accurate to model the noise as a non-Gaussian process. In this paper we derive an iterative ML as well as an iterative MAP estimation algorithm for the DOA estimation problem under the spherically invariant random process noise assumption, one of the most popular non-Gaussian models, especially in the radar context. Numerical simulation results are provided to assess our proposed algorithms and to show their advantage in terms of performance over the conventional ML algorithm.

stat.AP↗

Constraining dark energy with Hubble parameter measurements: an analysis including future redshift-drift observations

Dark energy affects the Hubble expansion rate (namely, the expansion history) $H(z)$ by an integral over $w(z)$. However, the usual observables are the luminosity distances or the angular diameter distances, which measure the distance-redshift relation. Actually, dark energy affects the distances (and the growth factor) by a further integration over functions of $H(z)$. Thus, the direct measurements of the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ at different redshifts are of great importance for constraining the properties of dark energy. In this paper, we show how the typical dark energy models, for example, the $Λ$CDM, $w$CDM, CPL, and holographic dark energy (HDE) models, can be constrained by the current direct measurements of $H(z)$ (31 data in total, covering the redshift range of $z\in [0.07,2.34]$). In fact, the future redshift-drift observations (also referred to as the Sandage-Loeb test) can also directly measure $H(z)$ at higher redshifts, covering the range of $z\in [2,5]$. We thus discuss what role the redshift-drift observations can play in constraining dark energy with the Hubble parameter measurements. We show that the constraints on dark energy can be improved greatly with the $H(z)$ data from only a 10-year observation of redshift drift.

astro-ph.CO↗

Global persistence of geometrical structures for the boussinesq equation with no diffusion

Here we investigate the so-called temperature patch problem for the incompressible Boussinesq system with partial viscosity, in the whole space $\mathbb{R}^N$ $(N \geq 2)$, where the initial temperature is the characteristic function of some simply connected domain with $C^{1, \varepsilon}$ H{ö}lder regularity. Although recent results in [1, 15] ensure that an initially $C^1$ patch persists through the evolution, whether higher regularity is preserved has remained an open question. In the present paper, we give a positive answer to that issue globally in time, in the 2-D case for large initial data and in the higher dimension case for small initial data.

math.AP↗

Small-time asymptotics for Gaussian self-similar stochastic volatility models

We consider the class of self-similar Gaussian stochastic volatility models, and compute the small-time (near-maturity) asymptotics for the corresponding asset price density, the call and put pricing functions, and the implied volatilities. Unlike the well-known model-free behavior for extreme-strike asymptotics, small-time behaviors of the above depend heavily on the model, and require a control of the asset price density which is uniform with respect to the asset price variable, in order to translate into results for call prices and implied volatilities. Away from the money, we express the asymptotics explicitly using the volatility process' self-similarity parameter $H$, its first Karhunen-Loeve eigenvalue at time 1, and the latter's multiplicity. Several model-free estimators for $H$ result. At the money, a separate study is required: the asymptotics for small time depend instead on the integrated variance's moments of orders 1/2 and 3/2, and the estimator for $H$ sees an affine adjustment, while remaining model-free.

q-fin.MF↗

Determining layer number of two dimensional flakes of transition-metal dichalcogenides by the Raman intensity from substrate

Transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductors have been widely studied due to their distinctive electronic and optical properties. The property of TMD flakes is a function of its thickness, or layer number (N). How to determine N of ultrathin TMDs materials is of primary importance for fundamental study and practical applications. Raman mode intensity from substrates has been used to identify N of intrinsic and defective multilayer graphenes up to N=100. However, such analysis is not applicable for ultrathin TMD flakes due to the lack of a unified complex refractive index ($\tilde{n}$) from monolayer to bulk TMDs. Here, we discuss the N identification of TMD flakes on the SiO$_2$/Si substrate by the intensity ratio between the Si peak from 100-nm (or 89-nm) SiO$_2$/Si substrates underneath TMD flakes and that from bare SiO$_2$/Si substrates. We assume the real part of $\tilde{n}$ of TMD flakes as that of monolayer TMD and treat the imaginary part of $\tilde{n}$ as a fitting parameter to fit the experimental intensity ratio. An empirical $\tilde{n}$, namely, $\tilde{n}_{eff}$, of ultrathin MoS$_{2}$, WS$_{2}$ and WSe$_{2}$ flakes from monolayer to multilayer is obtained for typical laser excitations (2.54 eV, 2.34 eV, or 2.09 eV). The fitted $\tilde{n}_{eff}$ of MoS$_{2}$ has been used to identify N of MoS$_{2}$ flakes deposited on 302-nm SiO$_2$/Si substrate, which agrees well with that determined from their shear and layer-breathing modes. This technique by measuring Raman intensity from the substrate can be extended to identify N of ultrathin 2D flakes with N-dependent $\tilde{n}$ . For the application purpose, the intensity ratio excited by specific laser excitations has been provided for MoS$_{2}$, WS$_{2}$ and WSe$_{2}$ flakes and multilayer graphene flakes deposited on Si substrates covered by 80-110 nm or 280-310 nm SiO$_2$ layer.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Theoretical study on nuclear structure by the multiple Coulomb scattering and magnetic scattering of relativistic electrons

Electron scattering is an effective method to study the nuclear structure. For the odd-$A$ nuclei with proton holes in the outmost orbits, we investigate the contributions of proton holes to the nuclear quadrupole moments $Q$ and magnetic moments $μ$ by the multiple Coulomb scattering and magnetic scattering. The deformed nuclear charge densities are constructed by the relativistic mean-field (RMF) models. Comparing the theoretical Coulomb and magnetic form factors with the experimental data, the nuclear quadrupole moments $Q$ and nuclear magnetic moments $μ$ are investigated. From the electron scattering, the wave functions of the proton holes of odd-$A$ nuclei can be tested, which can also reflect the validity of the nuclear structure model.

nucl-th↗

Testing models of vacuum energy interacting with cold dark matter

We test the models of vacuum energy interacting with cold dark matter and try to probe the possible deviation from the $Λ$CDM model using current observations. We focus on two specific models, $Q=3βHρ_Λ$ and $Q=3βHρ_c$. The data combinations come from the Planck 2013 data, the baryon acoustic oscillations measurements, the type-Ia supernovae data, the Hubble constant measurement, the redshift space distortions data and the galaxy weak lensing data. For the $Q=3βHρ_c$ model, we find that it can be tightly constrained by all the data combinations, while for the $Q=3βHρ_Λ$ model, there still exist significant degeneracies between parameters. The tightest constraints for the coupling constant are $β=-0.026^{+0.036}_{-0.053}$ (for $Q=3βHρ_Λ$) and $β=-0.00045\pm0.00069$ (for $Q=3βHρ_c$) at the $1σ$ level. For all the fit results, we find that the null interaction $β=0$ is always consistent with data. Our work completes the discussion on the interacting dark energy model in the recent Planck 2015 papers. Considering this work together with the Planck 2015 results, it is believed that there is no evidence for the models beyond the standard $Λ$CDM model from the point of view of possible interaction.

astro-ph.CO↗

Terahertz Saturable Absorption in Superconducting Metamaterials

We present a superconducting metamaterial saturable absorber at terahertz frequencies. The absorber consists of an array of split ring resonators (SRRs) etched from a 100nm YBaCu3O7 (YBCO) film. A polyimide spacer layer and gold ground plane are deposited above the SRRs, creating a reflecting perfect absorber. Increasing either the temperature or incident electric field (E) decreases the superconducting condensate density and corresponding kinetic inductance of the SRRs. This alters the impedance matching in the metamaterial, reducing the peak absorption. At low electric fields, the absorption was optimized near 80% at T=10K and decreased to 20% at T=70K. For E=40kV/cm and T=10K, the peak absorption was 70% decreasing to 40% at 200kV/cm, corresponding to a modulation of 43%.

physics.optics↗

Interface coupling in twisted multilayer graphene by resonant Raman spectroscopy of layer breathing modes

Raman spectroscopy is the prime non-destructive characterization tool for graphene and related layered materials. The shear (C) and layer breathing modes (LBMs) are due to relative motions of the planes, either perpendicular or parallel to their normal. This allows one to directly probe the interlayer interactions in multilayer samples. Graphene and other two-dimensional (2d) crystals can be combined to form various hybrids and heterostructures, creating materials on demand with properties determined by the interlayer interaction. This is the case even for a single material, where multilayer stacks with different relative orientation have different optical and electronic properties. In twisted multilayer graphene samples there is a significant enhancement of the C modes due to resonance with new optically allowed electronic transitions, determined by the relative orientation of the layers. Here we show that this applies also to the LBMs, that can be now directly measured at room temperature. We find that twisting does not affect LBMs, quite different from the case of the C modes. This implies that the periodicity mismatch between two twisted layers mostly affects shear interactions. Our work shows that Raman spectroscopy is an ideal tool to uncover the interface coupling of 2d hybrids and heterostructures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Polytypism and Unexpected Strong Interlayer Coupling of two-Dimensional Layered ReS2

The anisotropic two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) layered materials, with both scientific interest and potential application, have one more dimension to tune the properties than the isotropic 2D materials. The interlayer vdW coupling determines the properties of 2D multi-layer materials by varying stacking orders. As an important representative anisotropic 2D materials, multilayer rhenium disulfide (ReS2) was expected to be random stacking and lack of interlayer coupling. Here, we demonstrate two stable stacking orders (aa and a-b) of N layer (NL, N>1) ReS2 from ultralow-frequency and high-frequency Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and first-principles density functional theory calculation. Two interlayer shear modes are observed in aa-stacked NL-ReS2 while only one interlayer shear mode appears in a-b-stacked NL-ReS2, suggesting anisotropic-like and isotropic-like stacking orders in aa- and a-b-stacked NL-ReS2, respectively. The frequency of the interlayer shear and breathing modes reveals unexpected strong interlayer coupling in aa- and a-b-NL-ReS2, the force constants of which are 55-90% to those of multilayer MoS2. The observation of strong interlayer coupling and polytypism in multi-layer ReS2 stimulate future studies on the structure, electronic and optical properties of other 2D anisotropic materials.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

$B_{s,d}-\bar{B}_{s,d}$ mixings and $B_{s,d}\to\ell^+\ell^-$ decays within the Manohar-Wise model

In this paper, we perform a complete one-loop computation of the short-distance Wilson coefficients for $B_{s,d}-\bar{B}_{s,d}$ mixings and $B_{s,d}\to\ell^+\ell^-$ decays in the Manohar-Wise model, which extends the SM scalar sector by a colour-octet and weak-doublet scalar. Based on these calculations, combined constraints on the model parameters are derived from the current flavour data, including the $B_{s,d}-{\bar{B}}_{s,d}$ mixings, $B_{s,d}\toμ^+μ^-$, $B\to X_sγ$, $B\to K^{\ast}γ$, $B\toργ$, and $Z\to b \bar{b}$ decays. The future sensitivity to the model is also explored in the observables achievable with $50~{\rm fb}^{-1}$ of LHCb and $50~{\rm ab}^{-1}$ of Belle-II data. We find that the Manohar-Wise model could explain the current data, especially when the couplings of the charged colour-octet scalars to quarks are complex, with the resulting $χ^2_{\rm min}$ being significantly smaller than that of the SM. Finally, we investigate correlations among the two isospin asymmetries $Δ(K^*γ)$ and $Δ(ργ)$, as well as the averaged time-integrated branching ratios $\bar{\mathcal B}(B_{s,d}\to μ^+μ^-)$; some of them are found to be quite strong and could, therefore, provide further insights into the model, once more precise experimental measurements and theoretical predictions for these observables are available in the future.

hep-ph↗

Strong gravitational lensing constraints on holographic dark energy

Strong gravitational lensing (SGL) has provided an important tool for probing galaxies and cosmology. In this paper, we use the SGL data to constrain the holographic dark energy model, as well as models that have the same parameter number, such as the $w$CDM and Ricci dark energy models. We find that only using SGL is difficult to effectively constrain the model parameters. However, when the SGL data are combined with CBS (CMB+BAO+SN) data, the reasonable estimations can be given and the constraint precision is improved to a certain extent, relative to the case of CBS only. Therefore, SGL is an useful way to tighten constraints on model parameters.

astro-ph.CO↗

Redshift drift constraints on f(T) gravity

We explore the impact of the Sandage-Loeb (SL) test on the precision of cosmological constraints for $f(T)$ gravity theories. The SL test is an important supplement to current cosmological observations because it measures the redshift drift in the Lyman-$α$ forest in the spectra of distant quasars, covering the "redshift desert" of $2 \lesssim z \lesssim5$. To avoid data inconsistency, we use the best-fit models based on current combined observational data as fiducial models to simulate 30 mock SL test data. We quantify the impact of these SL test data on parameter estimation for $f(T)$ gravity theories. Two typical $f(T)$ models are considered, the power-law model $f(T)_{PL}$ and the exponential-form model $f(T)_{EXP}$. The results show that the SL test can effectively break the existing strong degeneracy between the present-day matter density $Ω_m$ and the Hubble constant $H_0$ in other cosmological observations. For the considered $f(T)$ models, a 30-year observation of the SL test can improve the constraint precision of $Ω_m$ and $H_0$ enormously but cannot effectively improve the constraint precision of the model parameters.

astro-ph.CO↗

Fingertip in the Eye: A cascaded CNN pipeline for the real-time fingertip detection in egocentric videos

We introduce a new pipeline for hand localization and fingertip detection. For RGB images captured from an egocentric vision mobile camera, hand and fingertip detection remains a challenging problem due to factors like background complexity and hand shape variety. To address these issues accurately and robustly, we build a large scale dataset named Ego-Fingertip and propose a bi-level cascaded pipeline of convolutional neural networks, namely, Attention-based Hand Detector as well as Multi-point Fingertip Detector. The proposed method significantly tackles challenges and achieves satisfactorily accurate prediction and real-time performance compared to previous hand and fingertip detection methods.

cs.CV↗

Iso-oriented monolayer α-MoO3(010) films epitaxially grown on SrTiO3(001)

The ability to synthesis well-ordered two-dimensional materials under ultra-high vacuum and directly characterize them by other techniques in-situ can greatly advance our current understanding on their physical and chemical properties. In this paper, we demonstrate that iso-oriented α-MoO3 films with as low as single monolayer thickness can be reproducibly grown on SrTiO3(001) (STO) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy ( (010)MoO3 || (001)STO, [100]MoO3 || [100]STO or [010]STO) through a self-limiting process. While one in-plane lattice parameter of the MoO3 is very close to that of the SrTiO3 (aMoO3 = 3.96 Å, aSTO = 3.905 Å), the lattice mismatch along other direction is large (~5%, cMoO3 = 3.70 Å), which leads to relaxation as clearly observed from the splitting of streaks in reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) patterns. A narrow range in the growth temperature is found to be optimal for the growth of monolayer α-MoO3 films. Increasing deposition time will not lead to further increase in thickness, which is explained by a balance between deposition and thermal desorption due to the weak van der Waals force between α-MoO3 layers. Lowering growth temperature after the initial iso-oriented α-MoO3 monolayer leads to thicker α-MoO3(010) films with excellent crystallinity.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗