What’s New

An alternative to the “standard” quantum spin liquid model, which was constructed as a gauge theory, will be presented. This new framework is a Landau-type effective theory. We will explore both quasiparticle excitations and collective modes, along with their physical implications.

We present recent progress in exploring the detection of superconducting collective modes in NbN, MgB2, and YBa2Cu3O6+x using innovative terahertz spectroscopy techniques. Transient Higgs oscillations and a higher-order nonlinear light-Higgs mode coupling effect were detected in NbN superconductors. In MgB2, the Higgs mode contribution from the dirty 3D pi-band and the Leggett mode contribution were identified. In YBCO samples, a beat pattern in the terahertz signal revealed a coupling effect between the Higgs mode and the mode developed below T*, indicating the pseudogap phase may be a distinct order, not a precursor to superconductivity. This strong coupling effect provides fresh insights into superconductivity and the pseudogap.

On December 20, 2024, the results of the 2024 list of (Alibaba) DAMO Academy Young Fellow were announced, with 15 young Chinese scientists winning the award. Their average age is 34 years old, and they have made significant achievements in various key areas such as integrated optoelectronic chips, affective computing and interaction, the cryosphere of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and temporal sky surveys. Among them, over 60% of the awardees have introduced artificial intelligence into their research fields, achieved breakthroughs through interdisciplinary studies, and demonstrated that young Chinese scientists are at the forefront, actively exploring a new paradigm of “AI for Science.” HKIQST extends our hearty congratulations to our fellow, Prof. Yang Yi. He has made significant strides in clarifying the coupling limit problem between photons and free electrons and has taken a crucial step in enhancing and controlling their interaction. His outstanding work has earned him a prestigious position as one of the Young Fellows at the Alibaba DAMO Academy.