Comparing ultrastable lasers at 7 × 10−17 fractional frequency instability through a 2220 km optical fibre network

Ultrastable lasers are essential tools in optical frequency metrology enabling unprecedented measurement precision that impacts on fields such as atomic timekeeping, tests of fundamental physics, and geodesy. To characterise an ultrastable laser it needs to be compared with a laser of similar performance, but a suitable system may not be available locally. Here, we report a comparison of two geographically separated lasers, over the longest ever reported metrological optical fibre link network, measuring 2220 km in length, at a state-of-the-art fractional-frequency instability of 7 × 10−17 for averaging times between 30 s and 200 s. The measurements also allow the short-term instability of the complete optical fibre link network to be directly observed without using a loop-back fibre. Based on the characterisation of the noise in the lasers and optical fibre link network over different timescales, we investigate the potential for disseminating ultrastable light to improve the performance of remote optical clocks.

Topological One-Way Edge States in an Air-Hole Honeycomb Gyromagnetic Photonic Crystal

Topological one-way edge states have attracted increasing attention because of their intriguing fundamental physics and potential applications, particularly in the realm of photonics. In this paper, we present a theoretical and numerical demonstration of topological one-way edge states in an air-hole honeycomb gyromagnetic photonic crystal biased by an external magnetic field. Localized horizontally to the edge and confined in vertical direction by two parallel metallic plates, these unique states possess robust one-way propagation characteristics. They are strongly robust against various types of defects, imperfections and sharp corners on the path, and even can unidirectionally transport along the irregular edges of arbitrary geometries. We further utilize the one-way property of edge states to overcome entirely the issue of back-reflections and show the design of topological leaky wave antennas. Our results open a new door towards the observation of nontrivial edge states in air-hole topological photonic crystal systems, and offer useful prototype of robust topological photonic devices, such as geometry-independent topological energy flux loops and topological leaky wave antennas.

Fundamental Physics and Computation: The Computer-Theoretic Framework

The central goal of this manuscript is to survey the relationships between fundamental physics and computer science. We begin by providing a short historical review of how different concepts of computer science have entered the field of fundamental physics, highlighting the claim that the universe is a computer. Following the review, we explain why computational concepts have been embraced to interpret and describe physical phenomena. We then discuss seven arguments against the claim that the universe is a computational system and show that those arguments are wrong because of a misunderstanding of the extension of the concept of computation. Afterwards, we address a proposal to solve Hempel’s dilemma using the computability theory but conclude that it is incorrect. After that, we discuss the relationship between the proposals that the universe is a computational system and that our minds are a simulation. Analysing these issues leads us to proposing a new physical principle, called the principle of computability, which claims that the universe is a computational system (not restricted to digital computers) and that computational power and the computational complexity hierarchy are two fundamental physical constants. On the basis of this new principle, a scientific paradigm emerges to develop fundamental theories of physics: the computer-theoretic framework (CTF). The CTF brings to light different ideas already implicit in the work of several researchers and provides a new view on the universe based on computer theoretic concepts that expands the current view. We address different issues regarding the development of fundamental theories of physics in the new paradigm. Additionally, we discuss how the CTF brings new perspectives to different issues, such as the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics and the foundations of cognitive science.

First Helicon Plasma Physics and Applications Workshop

The First Helicon Plasma Physics and Applications Workshop was held on September 23−24, 2021, through Zoom Cloud Meeting, instead of in an on-site gathering, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was convened by Rod Boswell (IOC) and Guangnan Luo (LOC), and organised by Lei Chang’s group. The workshop attracted 110 registrations and ∼100 online audiences from ∼30 affiliations. There were 33 presentations covering the various fundamental physics of helicon plasma and its applications to space electric propulsion, material processing, and magnetic confinement fusion. This paper highlights the presentations, discussions, and perspectives given in the workshop, serving as reference for the helicon community.

Testing the Kerr Black Hole Hypothesis with GRS 1716-249 by Combining the Continuum Fitting and the Iron-line Methods

The continuum-fitting and the iron-line methods are currently the two leading techniques for measuring the spins of accreting black holes. In the past few years, these two methods have been developed for testing fundamental physics. In the present work, we employ state-of-the-art models to test black holes through the continuum-fitting and the iron-line methods and we analyze three NuSTAR observations of the black hole binary GRS 1716-249 during its outburst in 2016–2017. In these three observations, the source was in a hard-intermediate state and the spectra show both a strong thermal component and prominent relativistic reflection features. Our analysis confirms the Kerr nature of the black hole in GRS 1716-249 and provides quite stringent constraints on possible deviations from the predictions of general relativity.

Two Design Options for Compact Linear Accelerators for High Flux Neutron Source

We describe and compare two optimized design options of RF linear accelerators with different resonant frequencies at 162.5 MHz (f0) and 325 MHz (2∙f0). The RFQ + DTL linacs have been designed to provide 13 MeV acceleration to a proton beam for achieving a fast neutron yield of not lower than 1013 n/s via 9Be(p, n)9B reaction in pulsed-mode operation. Our design studies show that none of the two options is better than the other, but that the choice of operating frequency will mainly be determined by the accelerator length and RF cost consideration. This study can serve as a basis for the design of an initial stage of a new high brilliance Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS), aiming to use neutron scattering techniques for studying material properties in fundamental physics, materials science, nuclear energy, as well as for industries and societal challenges.

Evaluation of the use of the Moodle Platform for Fundamental Physics Lectures at University

Almost all countries in the world use E-Learning as a teaching medium. Moodle is a Learning Management System (LMS), a free, open-source platform designed to assist educators in creating online courses with dynamic interaction opportunities. In this study, an evaluation of the use of Moodle was carried out, especially in fundamental physics courses (Newton's Law). Evaluation is given by distributing online questionnaires using Google Forms as a database to store answers, collect feedback, and as statistical software to provide analysis of the effect of using Moodle according to students' opinions or perspectives. The study results show that students experience problems in taking tests/quizzes using SEB due to the instability of the internet signal. One of the reasons is that students also have to join the exam zoom simultaneously. Meanwhile, the Newton's Law material provided is very contextual and rich in sample questions, including providing student feedback which is considered good.