Physics Open最新文献

{"title":"Optical modulation and thickness-dependent structural evolution in CuO thin films for PEC-water splitting","authors":"Alaaeldin Mohamed ,&nbsp;Mohamed Sh Abdel-wahab ,&nbsp;Mohamed Egiza ,&nbsp;Mohamed Ragab Diab ,&nbsp;Wael Z. Tawfik ,&nbsp;Ahmed A. Farghali","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Copper oxide (CuO) thin films were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering from a high-purity copper target in an argon–oxygen plasma with a fixed oxygen flow of 20 sccm, and the effect of film thickness (105–410 nm) on structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties was systematically evaluated. X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrate that increasing thickness promotes progressive crystallite growth and microstructural densification, with the average grain size increasing by 28 % from 13 ± 0.5 nm to 17 ± 0.5 nm, accompanied by reduced lattice disorder. These structural improvements directly modulate the optical response, leading to an 18 % narrowing of the optical band gap from 1.98 to 1.62 eV and a 5 % increase in refractive index from 2.7 ± 0.01 to 2.83 ± 0.03, reflecting enhanced optical density and stronger light–matter interaction. Photoelectrochemical measurements further reveal a clear thickness dependence, where the 410 nm CuO film delivers a maximum photocurrent density of approximately −2.8 mA cm⁻² at −1.0 V versus RHE, indicating more efficient charge generation and transport. The results demonstrate that thickness modulation during room-temperature RF sputtering is a key factor linking microstructural evolution with optical and photoelectrochemical performance, enabling rational optimization of CuO thin films for PEC water-splitting applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forecasting new charmonium mass spectra in the framework of the non-relativistic quark model by using AL1 and AL2 potentials","authors":"Weeam S. Albaltan ,&nbsp;R.F. Alnahdi ,&nbsp;Ali A. Alkathiri ,&nbsp;S.A. Abd El-Azeem ,&nbsp;Atef Ismail ,&nbsp;M. Allosh","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100367","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100367","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We examine two phenomenological, non-relativistic <span><math><mrow><mi>q</mi><mover><mi>q</mi><mo>‾</mo></mover></mrow></math></span> potential models (AL1, AL2), which fit the low-lying charmonium spectra. By solving the two-body Schrödinger equation based on Numerov technique, the whole spectrum of these mesons as well as the wavefunctions are obtained. The yielded productions of the wavefunctions and mass spectra using both the distinct models are identical. In the mass range of 2.90–4.30 GeV, we observed many resonant states with vector quantum numbers <em>J</em>^<em>PC</em> = 0⁺⁺, 1⁺⁺, and 3^--. The findings underscore the reliability of the considered AL1 and AL2 potentials in forecasting new charmonium mass spectra.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100367"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Numerical treatment of Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers equation via integration of compact finite difference method with SSP-RK","authors":"Ravneet Kaur ,&nbsp;Geeta Arora ,&nbsp;Homan Emadifar","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, a sixth-order compact finite difference method (CFDM6) is investigated to obtain the numerical solution of Benjamin–Bona–Mahony–Burgers equation (BBMBE). The compact finite-difference technique is used to approximate spatial derivatives at internal points and at the additional nodes. The time derivative is analyzed by a strong stability-preserving Runge–Kutta method of four stages and third order. The stability analysis of the proposed method is conducted to validate its stability. To validate the effectiveness and precision of the proposed method, the error norms <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>L</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> and <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>L</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>∞</mi></mrow></msub></math></span> are calculated for different illustrations. The analytical and numerical solutions from the literature are compared and presented in tables and graphs. The comparison shows that the computed values, are in good agreement, with the exact solution. This justifies the proficiency, precision, and computational implementation of the proposed method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100355"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First-principles investigation of VCu3X4 (X = S, Se, Te) chalcogenides for high-performance optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices","authors":"Issam El Bakkali ,&nbsp;Abdelali Talbi ,&nbsp;Amina Lemnawar ,&nbsp;Smail Amraoui ,&nbsp;Mohamed Louzazni ,&nbsp;Khalid Nouneh","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, the thermoelectric potential of sulvanite compounds VCu₃X₄ (X = S, Se and Te) is investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The exchange-correlation potential was determined using the generalized gradient approximation for solids (GGA-PBEsol). Analysis of the band structures reveals the semiconducting nature with direct band gaps for all the compounds investigated. The analysis of the band structures indicates that all compounds exhibit a semiconducting nature, characterized by a narrow energy gap between the conduction and valence bands, suggesting a pseudo-metallic behavior. Optical properties, such as absorption, dispersion, dielectric functions, energy loss function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, reflectivity, and optical conductivity, were studied within the energy range of 0 to 14 eV. Anisotropic polarization is observed in all compounds, accompanied by strong absorption in the visible and lower ultraviolet spectra, making these materials suitable for optoelectronic applications. Thermoelectric analysis indicates that these compounds exhibit promising performance, at 300 K, the Seebeck coefficients reach approximately 250 μV/K, the power factors lie in the range of 7.5–10.12 × 10¹¹ W/m K² s, and the calculated figure of merit (ZT) values are 0.75–0.76. At 800 K, the Seebeck coefficients remain high (∼237–244 μV/K), power factors increase significantly, and ZT values rise to 0.78–0.79, highlighting their potential for efficient energy conversion. The effective masses of holes and electrons were also calculated from the band dispersions. These findings demonstrate the dual application potential of VCu₃X₄ (X = S, Se, Te), compounds in both thermoelectric and optoelectronic devices, opening avenues for multifunctional energy-efficient technologies, including waste-heat recovery and renewable energy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combustion-synthesized ultrafine SrTiO3 nanocrystals with low-temperature sintering and multifunctional properties for LTCC applications","authors":"N. Bincy Joseph ,&nbsp;N.J. Simi ,&nbsp;J.K. Thomas ,&nbsp;V.V. Ison","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanocrystalline SrTiO₃ was synthesized using a single-step modified combustion process, producing phase-pure perovskite powder suitable for low-temperature ceramic processing. Remarkably, the material achieved a high relative density of 99.2% at a sintering temperature of only 890 °C<strong>,</strong> without the use of any sintering additives. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction confirmed a cubic perovskite phase with an average crystallite size of 16 nm<strong>,</strong> which was consistent with the TEM observations showing uniformly distributed nanoparticles with clear lattice fringes, indicating high crystallinity. XPS analysis verified the expected oxidation states of Ti⁴⁺ and Sr²⁺ and revealed oxygen-vacancy-related components in the O 1s spectrum, correlating well with the material's optical behavior. The optical band gap was determined to be 3.07 eV, and the strong blue photoluminescence emission originated from vacancy-induced defect states within the TiO₆ octahedra. Thermal stability assessed through DTA–TGA showed no significant weight loss up to 900 °C<strong>,</strong> confirming robust thermochemical behavior. The sintered ceramics exhibited a dielectric constant of <strong>εᵣ ≈</strong> 50, a loss factor of tan δ ≈ 0.3 at 5 MHz<strong>,</strong> and a low temperature coefficient of permittivity (T_CK ≈ 0.505 ppm °/C<strong>).</strong> The combination of nanoscale features, excellent densification at reduced temperature, oxygen-vacancy-driven luminescence, and favorable dielectric properties highlights nanocrystalline SrTiO₃ as a strong candidate for advanced LTCC (Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Weak abnormal vibration monitoring of multiple reference sensors for OPGW lines based on TOC optimization","authors":"Ying Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui Meng ,&nbsp;Tianlong Bu ,&nbsp;Hanpeng Kou ,&nbsp;Helen Law","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the limitations of existing fiber-optic sensing technologies in capturing weak-amplitude, high-precision forward-looking vibration data streams, this study proposes a novel prediction method based on a tornado optimizer with Coriolis force optimization. This method predicts abnormal vibration signals in optical-fiber composite overhead ground wire lines. The processing flow for multiple reference signals within the TOC-CNN-LSTM algorithm is theoretically derived. The hyperparameters are initialized, followed by fitness evaluation, algorithm state updates, and iterative optimization to output the global optimal solution. Experiments are conducted on a 220-kV transmission line in eastern Inner Mongolia, with six sensors providing multi-point reference signal inputs. The experimental results indicate that the predicted outcomes for both training and test sets closely align with actual measurements, exhibiting high accuracy. Compared to traditional algorithms, the proposed method demonstrates smaller prediction errors, superior stability, and enhanced reliability in error distribution analysis. Finally, ten datasets are processed using five algorithms, with runtime, accuracy, root mean square error, and relative percent difference metrics compared. The GA-BP algorithm achieved the shortest runtime with 14.892 s, while BOA-CNN-LSTM required the longest with 85.281 s. In terms of accuracy, the algorithms achieved 82.136 %, 90.652 %, 94.901 %, 95.633 %, and 97.846 %, respectively. The TOC-CNN-LSTM algorithm yielded optimal performance for 97.846 % accuracy, with an root mean square error of 0.420 % and relative percent difference of 5.156 %. Its comprehensive superiority confirms significant engineering application potential for distributed multi-point abnormal vibration monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Livestock meat as a bioindicator of natural radionuclide exposure and cancer risk near the Manyoni uranium deposit, Tanzania","authors":"G.W. Mlay ,&nbsp;M.I. Kaniu ,&nbsp;L.W. Njenga ,&nbsp;K.D. Njoroge ,&nbsp;M.J. Gatari ,&nbsp;K.K. Kilel ,&nbsp;I.J. Lugendo","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100373","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2026.100373","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Naturally occurring radionuclides associated with uranium mineralization can enter terrestrial food chains and pose potential radiological risks to exposed populations. This study evaluated livestock meat as a bioindicator of natural radionuclide exposure in communities surrounding the Manyoni uranium deposit in central Tanzania. Activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were measured in livestock meat collected from four villages at varying distances from the mineralized zone, with a control site located outside the influence of uranium-bearing formations. Gamma spectrometric analysis revealed elevated U- and Th-series radionuclide concentrations in villages close to the deposit, particularly Mwanzi. To assess potential health implications, annual committed effective ingestion doses and excess lifetime cancer risks were estimated based on consumption of livestock meat. The pooled ingestion dose for the villages surrounding the Manyoni mineralized zone was 0.128 ± 0.006 mSv·y⁻¹, below the ICRP public exposure limit but above global average ingestion doses from natural radionuclides. ²²⁶Ra was the dominant contributor to ingestion dose and exhibited significant spatial variability. These findings demonstrate that livestock meat effectively integrates environmental radionuclide exposure and can serve as a practical bioindicator in uranium-bearing regions. The results underscore the importance of routine food-chain monitoring to support radiological protection and public health planning in areas targeted for future uranium development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100373"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Activity concentration levels of natural radionuclides in soils of Anambra State, South-east Nigeria","authors":"Charles C. Ajaero ,&nbsp;Christian N. Madu ,&nbsp;Chukwuebuka C. Okafor ,&nbsp;Valentine E. Nnadi ,&nbsp;Festus A. Otunomo","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100361","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100361","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Much focus has not been paid to mapping of radionuclides in sedimentary formation in Nigeria. Thus, the relevance of this study which measured (mapped) the activity levels of radionuclides in the soils of Anambra State, Nigeria. Anambra State underlain by a younger sedimentary formation was chosen, as radionuclides levels in soils of older, consolidated sedimentary rocks and Basement complex rocks in Nigeria have been studied. The study measured radionuclides in soils of a predominantly sedimentary geologic formations much under-studied in Nigeria, and assessed how seasonal changes influences natural radionuclides levels in soil. The study was conducted for the dry and wet seasons of 2022. The study area, Anambra, was stratified into two geological formations, and twenty sampling points used. The major study objective is to determine the activity level of the radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226) in the soil and; determine whether there is variation between the seasons (dry and wet). Our results show that there were variations in the levels of radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226) between the dry and wet seasons based on the geologic formation. The levels of the radionuclides are generally higher in dry season than the wet season (U-238, Th-232, K-40, Ra-226). This was attributed to lack of moisture, which dampens gamma radiation. The study also showed that the levels of U-238 and Th-232 were significantly higher than their respective UNSCEAR (2000) population weighted averages in Ayamelum (Imo Shale), while they were significantly lower in the other locations- Orumba North (Imo Shale), Anambra East and Aguata (Nanka Shale). The levels of Ra-226 levels were significantly higher than UNSCEAR (2000) population weighted averages in all the locations. However, the levels of K-40 in all the locations were significantly lower than the population weighted averages. The study results also showed that statistically, the levels of U-238, Th-232 and Ra-226 in the soils varied between the two seasons (wet and dry). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the level of K-40 between the two seasons. The result finding therefore implies that season influences the levels of U-238, Th-232 and Ra-226 in the soils. Environmental factors may also be influencing the significant variations in radionuclides levels (U-238 and Th-232) in soils at different locations of the study area underlain by the same geologic formation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 100361"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probing neutron star interiors through mass-radius relations and the equation of state using piecewise polytrope","authors":"B. Bringen ,&nbsp;D.P. Girma ,&nbsp;D.D. Bakwa ,&nbsp;E.K. Makama","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We present a novel framework for probing neutron star interiors by combining piecewise polytropic equations of state with mass-radius constraints. Solving the TOV equations across density regimes, we generate mass-radius curves and compare them with NICER and gravitational wave data. Our analysis highlights how different polytropic segments influence neutron star properties, particularly within the <span><math><mrow><mn>1.4</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>3.5</mn><msub><mi>M</mi><mo>⊙</mo></msub></mrow></math></span> range. This approach constrains the pressure-density relation at supranuclear densities and suggests potential exotic matter phases. The results agree and enable more precise interpretation of forthcoming observations, advancing neutron stars as probes of extreme-density physics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144917220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"2×1010 n/s DD-neutron yield achieved in a compact RF-ion-source-driven neutron generator","authors":"Zhenqing Zhu ,&nbsp;Yuzhong Qian ,&nbsp;Mengmeng Li ,&nbsp;Xin Tao ,&nbsp;Bing Hong ,&nbsp;Renli Zhu ,&nbsp;Xiancai Meng ,&nbsp;Lizhen Liang ,&nbsp;Chundong Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100341","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.physo.2025.100341","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center has developed a high-yield compact deuterium-deuterium neutron generator for neutron imaging based on a RF ion source. After multiple technical iterations, a maximum neutron yield of 2.09 × 10¹⁰ n/s has been successfully achieved. Furthermore, the neutron yield has stably operated above 1 × 10¹⁰ n/s for 3 h, with an effective operating time exceeding 99.8 %. This result lays a solid technical foundation for the application of neutron imaging in the future and marks the first reported neutron source based on a RF ion source to achieve a neutron yield exceeding 10¹⁰ n/s.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":36067,"journal":{"name":"Physics Open","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 100341"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}