Abstract: We conducted a comprehensive study of the non-equilibrium dynamics of Cooper pair breaking, quasiparticle (QP) generation, and relaxation in niobium (Nb) cut from superconducting radio-frequency cavities, as well as various Nb resonator films from transomon qubits. Using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy in the regime of minimal condensate depletion, we were able to isolate the superconducting coherence and pair-breaking responses. Our results reveal both similarities and notable differences in the temperature- and magnetic field-dependent dynamics of the various Nb samples. Particularly, femtosecond-resolved QP generation and relaxation under an applied magnetic field reveals a clear correlation between non-equilibrium QPs and the quality factor of resonators fabricated by using different deposition methods such as DC sputtering and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. These findings highlight the pivotal influence of fabrication techniques on the coherence and performance of Nb-based quantum devices, which are vital for applications in superconducting qubits and high-energy superconducting radio frequency applications.

Abstract: In this study, we develop an extremal principle governing the far-from-equilibrium evolution of a system composed of structureless particles, utilizing the stochastic generalization of the quantum hydrodynamic analogy with random curvature wrinkles due to the gravitational background noise (GBN). For a classical phase, where quantum correlations decay over distances shorter than the average inter-molecular separation, the far-from-equilibrium kinetic equation can be formulated as a Fokker-Planck equation. We derive the velocity vector in phase space that maximizes the dissipation of a function analogous to energy, termed stochastic free energy. In quasi-isothermal, far-from-equilibrium states without chemical reactions—where elastic molecular collisions dominate—the maximum SFED reduces to Sawada's principle of maximum free energy dissipation. However, in the presence of chemical reactions or significant thermal gradients, this principle is violated, as additional dissipative contributions emerge, linking the true maximum to stochastic free energy dissipation. The study also shows that Malkus and Veronis's principle of maximum heat transfer is a special case of the theory. Generally speaking. as systems strive for maximum SFED, they progress toward equilibrium by transitioning through increasingly ordered states, facilitating self-organization of matter. Nonetheless, the self-organization in fluids and gases is insufficient to form complex living structures, requiring a series of additional conditions such as the need of solid rheological properties, united to the need of information storing. The work highlights synergistic effects and efficiency-enhancing tendencies driving evolution, revealing new analogies between biological and social systems. Furthermore, it suggests that natural intelligence, as well as the consciousness, are inherent characteristics of the universe's physics, though certain side effects of the natural selection complicate the advancement toward efficiency and prosperity. The theory demonstrates that the ordering process is not continuous but experiences catastrophic events and collapses, which lead to the formation of new, more efficient systems. Finally, contemporary social behaviors are analyzed from the standpoint of the theory, including aspects such as monetary inflation control, economic expansion-recession cycles and the alternation between war and peace, providing insights on how to better address current challenges.

Abstract: The full range of effects of strong volcanic eruptions on the electrical characteristics of the atmosphere is not yet fully understood. On April 10, 2023, the largest in recent decades eruption of the Shiveluch volcano in Kamchatka occurred. At the same time, a sharp increase in electron concentration was observed in the F layer of the ionosphere above the volcano. Simultaneously, at a distance of 450 km from the volcano, an intense anomaly was observed in the vertical component of the electric field potential gradient in the surface atmosphere. At this distance, the anomaly could not have been caused by a space charge of volcanic ash. The article examines the atmospheric-electrical effects of a volcanic eruption and proposes a physical mechanism for these phenomena. The formation of strong electric field splash as result of volcano eruption was confirmed by the consecutive Shiveluch volcano eruption on 18 August 2024.

Abstract: Boc(Boc= tert-butoxycarbonyl)-p-nitro-L-phenylalanyl-p-nitro-L-phenylalanine, a dipeptide characterized by acentric symmetry, self-assembles into micro-tapes. This study explores its thermal, structural, and nonlinear optical properties. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals an onset degradation temperature of 190 ºC, with primary and secondary peaks at 202 ºC and 220 ºC, respectively. The crystal structure of the dipeptide was determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K, confirming its crystallization in space group P2 with two molecules per unit cell. Additionally, optical second harmonic generation polarimetry indicates a significant nonlinear optical response, with an effective coefficient (deff) estimated to be at least 0.52 pm/V. This value is only four times lower than that of state-of-the-art phase-matched β-barium borate nonlinear crystals, highlighting the potential of this dipeptide in nonlinear optical applications.

Abstract:

In this paper we consider time as a property of a preparation or a quantum system and investigate whether it is an epistemic property according to Harrigan and Spekkens’ criterion [Found Phys 40, 125–157 (2010)]. To be precise, using a tabletop setup where the predictions of quantum mechanics and general relativity can be combined, we prepare a quantum state such that it is a quantum superposition of the different durations ticked by a quantum mechanical clock moving in spacetime. Such a preparation provides a quantum system that includes time as an intrinsic property. Indeed, changing the weights in the superposition changes the time as an expectation value as well as the possible different clock readings and histories. With a proof similar to the Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph (PBR) theorem [Nature Phys 8, 475–478 (2012)], it is shown that time in quantum theory is not an epistemic notion, but has ontological reality. In fact, the PBR theorem implies an ontic notion of time. Indeed, by proving that the quantum state is a physical property, the PBR theorem requires quantum state reduction to be a physical process. In this case, quantum probabilities are intrinsic probabilities without epistemic origin, and they generate a genuinely new sequence of events. This novelty introduced by quantum probabilities can be interpreted as time. However, although the PBR theorem implies this result, it does not prove it. First, an additional assumption is required to ensure the intrinsic character of quantum probabilities. Second, the PBR theorem is not constructed to prove that time is ontic, but to prove that ψ is ontic. All these issues are discussed in detail in the paper.

Abstract: In this paper we propose new entropy of the apparent horizon $S_h=(1/\beta)\arctan(\beta S_{BH})$, where $S_{BH}$ is the Bekenstein--Hawking entropy. As parameter $\beta\rightarrow 0$ one comes to the Bekenstein--Hawking entropy. This allows us to consider the generalised Friedmann--Lema\^{i}tre--Robertson--Walker (FLRW) equations for the barotropic matter fluid with $p=w\rho$ for arbitrary equation of state parameter $w$. We obtain the matter pressure $p$ and density energy $\rho$ corresponding to the apparent horizon. The modified Friedmann's equations are found. The addition term in the second modified Friedmann's equation plays the role of a dynamical cosmological constant. The dark energy density, pressure and the deceleration parameter are found. It was shown that at some parameters $w$ and $\beta$ we can have two phases, acceleration and deceleration or the eternal inflation. The model under consideration by using the holographic principle describes the universe inflation. Thus, we consider the holographic dark energy model with the generalised entropy of the apparent horizon. New cosmology based on the generalized entropy can be of interest for a description of inflation and late time of the universe evolution.

Abstract: The high speeds seen in rapidly rotating pulsars after supernova explosions present a longstanding puzzle in astrophysics. Numerous theories have been suggested over the years to explain this sudden "kick" imparted to the neutron star, yet each comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. Key explanations for pulsar kicks include hydrodynamic instabilities in supernovae, anisotropic neutrino emission, asymmetries in the magnetic field, binary system disruption, and physics beyond the Standard Model. Unraveling the origins of pulsar kicks not only enhances our understanding of supernova mechanisms but also opens up possibilities for exploring new physics. In this brief review, we will introduce pulsar kicks, examine the leading hypotheses, and explore future directions for this intriguing phenomenon.

Abstract:

The exact nature of gravity remains unknown and widely debated despite the established theory of gravity (ETG) being more than a hundred years old. This paper presents a new theory on the cause of gravity and its effects. It demonstrates the shortcomings in the existing theory, including the lack of a full explanation of how matter warps space-time, the medium that fills empty space throughout the universe, as well as some inconsistency regarding the mechanism that causes one object to move towards another one. The new theory is then presented in two parts, starting with a description of the conditions necessary for one object to attract another one, followed by full details of the movement mechanism that is triggered when these conditions exist. The theory provides a complete explanation of gravity and its effect on matter.

Abstract: Hawking’s cosmology logically leads to an observed multiverse. This article argues it a superposition of at least three 3-dimensional universes in a 4-dimensional space, which each have two overlapping dimensions with the observed universe. For there is nothing outside it that could disturb the superposition, it could last forever. This explains why dark matter yields a linear decrease of gravity with distance to visible mass at large radii in galaxies. To prove this, all contributions of visible matter in the disks and bulbs, calculated by the SPARC team, have been recalculated to verify the brightness and gas density are correctly interpreted. Lelli and Mistele showed the common way to project dark matter halos around galaxies cannot be valid. Since application of General Relativity would need these halos too, it must be modified with additional terms. Bekenstein’s TeVeS does this. Using TeVeS, a decay of the contribution of dark matter to gravity with the expansion of space is confirmed. This explains the rapid development of large galaxies in the early universe that is reported by Labbé. A new prediction method for rotation velocities that works at all radii in galaxies is offered. It is 25% more accurate than MOND and TeVeS.

Abstract: With the wide application of UAVs in modern intelligent warfare and civil fields, the demand for C-UAS technology is increasingly urgent. Traditional detection methods have many limitations in dealing with "low, slow, and small" targets. This paper presents a pure laser automatic tracking system based on Geiger mode avalanche photodiode (Gm-APD). Combining the target motion state prediction of the Kalman filter and the adaptive target tracking of Camshift, a Cam-Kalm algorithm is proposed to achieve high-precision and stable tracking of moving targets. The system also introduces two-dimensional Gaussian fitting and edge detection algorithms to automatically determine the target's center position and the tracking rectangular box, improving the automation of target tracking. The experimental results show that the system designed in this paper can effectively track UAVs in a 70 m laboratory environment and 3.07 km to 3.32 km long-distance scene and has low center positioning error and MSE. This technology provides a new solution for real-time tracking and ranging of long-distance UAVs, shows the potential of pure laser in long-distance "low-slow-small" target tracking, and provides essential technical support for C-UAS technology.