Magnetic proximity effects in van der Waals heterostructures provide an optical route to manipulate valley pseudospins in transition-metal dichalcogenides, but abrupt switching of two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnets (FM) l...Magnetic proximity effects in van der Waals heterostructures provide an optical route to manipulate valley pseudospins in transition-metal dichalcogenides, but abrupt switching of two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnets (FM) limits continuous valley modulation. We demonstrate that the proximity-induced valley response of WSe can be modified by engineering the interfacial magnetic environment in WSe-CrBr-CrPS heterostructures. Circularly polarized magneto-photoluminescence reveals robust nonvolatile valley polarization in WSe-CrBr with a pronounced low-field hysteresis tracking CrBr magnetization. Spectroscopy and calculations indicate that spin-selective interfacial charge transfer and orbital hybridization enhance the proximity exchange field and valley Zeeman splitting. Introducing antiferromagnetic (AFM) CrPS weakens the degree of circular polarization modulation and broadens the low-field valley polarization reversal, consistent with an interfacial AFM/FM exchange pinning scenario. These results show that interfacial magnetic engineering can tailor proximity-induced valley responses in 2D heterostructures.
Cells generate and respond to mechanical forces across compartments, with the plasma membrane acting as a nanoscale interface for sensing and transmitting tension. How intracellular forces translate into membrane tension...Cells generate and respond to mechanical forces across compartments, with the plasma membrane acting as a nanoscale interface for sensing and transmitting tension. How intracellular forces translate into membrane tension during dynamic processes such as neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation remains unclear. Here, we combine the mechanosensitive fluorescent probe Flipper-TR with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to map spatiotemporal plasma membrane tension changes in living cells. After validation in HeLa and dHL-60 cells under osmotic perturbation, we apply this approach to primary human neutrophils undergoing NETosis. Membrane tension transiently increases during chromatin decondensation and nuclear swelling within 60 min, followed by a marked decrease after membrane rupture. Prior to rupture, tension is spatially heterogeneous, indicating localized nanoscale mechanical regulation. Cholesterol depletion abolishes the transient increase and reduces heterogeneity without affecting NETosis kinetics. These findings establish the plasma membrane as a dynamic nanoscale reporter of intracellular mechanical stress during NETosis.
Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in metallic nanowires have emerged as powerful candidates for nanoscale optical circuitry, yet their practical application is often limited by significant plasmonic losses and short prop...Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in metallic nanowires have emerged as powerful candidates for nanoscale optical circuitry, yet their practical application is often limited by significant plasmonic losses and short propagation distances. While prior studies have extensively characterized nanowires under ambient conditions, little is known about how extreme external stimuli modify plasmon transport. To address this knowledge gap, we report measurements of SPP propagation with silver nanowires loaded in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) at hydrostatic pressures up to 6 GPa. By increasing the hydrostatic pressure to 6 GPa, we reveal a doubled propagation distance for the same individual nanowire. The pressure dependence suggests a suppression of dominant damping channels, including suppression of electron-phonon scattering and electron-electron scattering, as supported by density functional theory calculations. These results highlight pressure as a novel tuning knob for plasmonic transport and suggest possible applications in high-pressure optical sensing and adaptive plasmonic wave guides.
Su S, Zhan J, Li H
… +17 more, Wang Y, Wang Z, Li X, Liao S, Xu R, Yao J, Li P, Liu Z, Shen D, Zhai K, Yang L, Tao J, Hu J, Cao GH, Wu X, Feng D, Jiang J
Despite extensive progress in iron-based superconductors, how interlayer coupling affects superconductivity remains a key unresolved issue. Here, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we successfully resolve t...Despite extensive progress in iron-based superconductors, how interlayer coupling affects superconductivity remains a key unresolved issue. Here, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we successfully resolve the electronic structure of a surface-decoupled FeAs monolayer in KCaFeAsF, a rare example in iron pnictides. This allows for a direct, side-by-side comparison between the basic FeAs unit and its bulk bilayer counterpart within a single sample. Two distinct superconducting phases are identified: a bulk bilayer phase with Tc ∼ 34 K and a surface-decoupled monolayer phase with a smaller gap vanishing at ∼18 K. In addition to probable enhanced fluctuations in single-layer FeAs, we propose that this Tc difference may originate from either interfacial effect, such as phonon-mediated assistance from the CaF layers or electronic interlayer hopping within the bilayer unit. Our work offers a refined framework for understanding the superconductivity in multilayer iron-based superconductors.
Two-dimensional (2D) MoO nanoflakes offer metallic conductivity and multiband structure, but their controlled growth remains limited by coupled precursor transport and reduction chemistry. Here we establish a programmabl...Two-dimensional (2D) MoO nanoflakes offer metallic conductivity and multiband structure, but their controlled growth remains limited by coupled precursor transport and reduction chemistry. Here we establish a programmable chemical vapor deposition approach with precisely timed H introduction, decoupling precursor transport from surface reduction. This temporal gating yields thickness-controlled (5-30 nm), highly crystalline single-crystal MoO nanoflakes. Time-resolved optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy reveal a stepwise MoO to MoO pathway involving MoO-like intermediates. Adjusting the H/Ar ratio controls nucleation density, lateral size, and thickness. The same timing principle also guides the 2D growth of WO and CrO. Temperature-dependent Hall measurements show nonlinear Hall behavior and, in thinner flakes, sign reversal of the Hall coefficient, providing direct evidence for bipolar transport with thickness-dependent electron-hole balance. This temporal gating approach provides a general strategy for nonlayered oxide growth and advances understanding of multicarrier transport in MoO.
Single-atom catalysts have demonstrated great potential in addressing dual-electrode challenges in Li-S batteries, while the role of substrate curvature remains elusive. Herein, we report the regulation of electronic pro...Single-atom catalysts have demonstrated great potential in addressing dual-electrode challenges in Li-S batteries, while the role of substrate curvature remains elusive. Herein, we report the regulation of electronic properties of Co single-atomic catalysts by modulating the curvature of carbon nanotube supports, thereby accomplishing distinct yet complementary optimization in both the cathode and anode. At the cathode, the curved single-atom catalyst manages to enhance polysulfide capture and accelerate sulfur redox kinetics; over the Li anode, it promotes uniform Li deposition by facilitating Li transport and regulating nucleation behavior. Consequently, reciprocal optimization of both electrodes enables the Li-S full cell to deliver a discharge capacity of 1122.2 mAh g at 0.2 C. This work reveals distinct roles of curvature-modulated single-atomic mediators at the S cathode and Li anode, offering insights into the development of Li-S batteries.
Sodium metal anodes are plagued by uncontrolled dendrite growth and electrolyte depletion due to sluggish interfacial ion transport and nonuniform nucleation. Scaffold materials that combine sodiophilic sites with fast l...Sodium metal anodes are plagued by uncontrolled dendrite growth and electrolyte depletion due to sluggish interfacial ion transport and nonuniform nucleation. Scaffold materials that combine sodiophilic sites with fast lateral diffusion pathways can potentially resolve both issues, yet integrating these two functions into a single architecture remains challenging. Herein, we develop a vacuum pyrolysis strategy to fabricate a hollow CoSb/C scaffold that, upon electrochemical activation, produces sodiophilic Co nanoparticles and a NaSb superionic conductor, effectively suppressing local aggregation and enhancing kinetic reversibility. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) observations reveal that the resulting bifunctional interface facilitates the formation of a thin, amorphous, and mechanically robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which remains stable and suppresses electrolyte degradation throughout prolonged cycling. The scaffold delivers a Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% and stable cycling over 1200 h, and NaV(PO)-based full cells retain 84% capacity after 1000 cycles at 5 C.
Group IV materials, such as Si and Ge, are widely used in quantum information devices due to their CMOS compatibility and excellent transport properties. However, their indirect band gaps hinder optical spin control such...Group IV materials, such as Si and Ge, are widely used in quantum information devices due to their CMOS compatibility and excellent transport properties. However, their indirect band gaps hinder optical spin control such as initialization or readout via photons. In this work, we establish a pathway toward optically addressable group IV quantum dots, realizing them in SiGe with a hexagonal crystal structure. This material benefits from a direct band gap with wavelength emission that is tunable through the Ge content. The hexagonal SiGe quantum dots are realized here as axial heterostructures within branched nanowires, enabling precise geometric control and a high crystal quality. Nanometer-sharp heterointerfaces are achieved without defect formation, indicating a fully elastic relaxation of the lattice mismatch. Geometric phase analysis and computational simulations validate this behavior. These results show the feasibility of hexagonal SiGe quantum dots, providing a promising platform for integrating optical control into group IV quantum architectures.
GaAs-based nanowires hosting active quantum heterostructures provide a promising route toward monolithic integration of single-photon sources on silicon, a key requirement for scalable quantum photonics. However, ultrath...GaAs-based nanowires hosting active quantum heterostructures provide a promising route toward monolithic integration of single-photon sources on silicon, a key requirement for scalable quantum photonics. However, ultrathin axial quantum-emitter formation is often hindered by facet-dependent growth dynamics and rotational twins, which induce lateral overgrowth and compromise interface abruptness. Here, we develop InGaAs-based quantum emitters by tailoring facet evolution via dilute Sb incorporation, which efficiently suppresses twins and promotes confined axial insertion at the growth-front facet. This approach significantly enhances the probability of obtaining abrupt, few-nanometer-thin quantum dots at the nanowire tip. Single-nanowire optical spectroscopy reveals intense, spatially localized emission from the active region with lifetimes as short as (0.51 ± 0.02) ns, and second-order photon-correlation measurements consistently exhibit pronounced antibunching with (0) < 0.4, confirming single-photon emission. These results establish a strong correlation between twin density and axial heterostructure formation, identifying defect control as a key factor in realizing monolithically integrated nanowire single-photon sources.
DNA nanotechnology has advanced beyond sequence design toward precise control of local substructures, such as single-stranded gaps and branched motifs, whose configuration governs mechanical stability and function. Howev...DNA nanotechnology has advanced beyond sequence design toward precise control of local substructures, such as single-stranded gaps and branched motifs, whose configuration governs mechanical stability and function. However, quantitative interrogation of these dynamic elements at the single-molecule level under native solution conditions remains challenging. Here, we present a quasi-static nanopore scanning strategy that enables deterministic electrical imaging of DNA substructures. Using surface-tethered dual-gap DNA scaffolds, we demonstrate that ionic blockade amplitudes from unstructured single-stranded branches scale with high linearity (R = 0.998) over nearly an order of magnitude in length (10-81 nt), achieving 5-nucleotide resolution. In contrast, base-paired architectures (hairpins and aptamers) exhibit pronounced nonlinear amplification. This work establishes nanopore scanning as a quantitative electrical imaging modality for simultaneous readout of branch length and topology, providing a foundation for quality control, structural validation, and real-time monitoring of complex DNA nanodevices.
Hemoglobin has recently gained attention as a potential building block for amyloid-based biomaterials. However, the lack of atomic-level structural information has hindered its rational engineering. Here, we present atom...Hemoglobin has recently gained attention as a potential building block for amyloid-based biomaterials. However, the lack of atomic-level structural information has hindered its rational engineering. Here, we present atomic structures of hemoglobin amyloid fibrils determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The structure of a new polymorph (PM2), together with the previously reported PM1, reveals that hemoglobin fibrillization is driven by the β-subunit. Using virtual fitting and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that the homologous α-subunit cannot adopt the amyloid fold due to steric clashes and electrostatic incompatibilities under acidic conditions (pH 2.0), particularly the introduction of positively charged histidine residues within the amyloid core. In contrast, the β-subunit forms stable fibrils, as its sequence enables favorable hydrophobic packing and electrostatic compatibility. Our findings thus provide the atomic-level explanation for subunit-specific amyloid formation in hemoglobin and establish a structural foundation for designing nanomaterials from this widely available agricultural byproduct.
Two-dimensional (2D) chiral perovskites offer a promising magnetic-field-free framework for spin-selective light-matter interactions. Yet, the influence of organic cations on Rashba-related spin effect has not been well...Two-dimensional (2D) chiral perovskites offer a promising magnetic-field-free framework for spin-selective light-matter interactions. Yet, the influence of organic cations on Rashba-related spin effect has not been well comprehended. In this work, we demonstrate that the alloying of achiral and chiral spacers provides an efficient approach to modulating spin-selective phenomena in 2D chiral perovskites. Mixed-spacer films with achiral -butylammonium spacers in a chiral methylbenzylammonium lattice exhibit enhanced chiroptical activity and spin-dependent optical responses compared the films with achiral or chiral organic cations. Based on the density functional theory and femtosecond circularly polarized transient absorption measurements, it is unveiled that spacer alloying perturbs the local structural environment and modifies Rashba-related band-edge asymmetry, resulting in a larger spin-selective transient response asymmetry and an enhanced optical Stark effect. It is elaborated that achiral-chiral spacer alloying can regulate Rashba-related spin-selective phenomena in 2D chiral perovskites and lead to coherent spin-optoelectronic functioning.
Spatially periodic modulations of the superconducting gap have been recently reported in diverse materials and are often attributed to the exotic superconducting state of Cooper-pair density waves (PDWs). An alternative...Spatially periodic modulations of the superconducting gap have been recently reported in diverse materials and are often attributed to the exotic superconducting state of Cooper-pair density waves (PDWs). An alternative mechanism, termed pair-breaking scattering interference (PBSI), was proposed to produce gap modulations without invoking PDWs. Here, we search for signatures of PBSI in bulk FeSe, which hosts no PDWs, using scanning tunneling microscopy with superconductive tips, enabling enhanced energy resolution and Josephson tunneling. Subsurface magnetic scatterers with Yu-Shiba-Rusinov states and reduced Josephson current are identified in FeSe, around which we observe particle-hole symmetric gap modulations. Those modulations have wavevectors consistent with intrapocket PBSI. We further demonstrate that phase-referenced quasiparticle interference imaging offers an independent and direct probe of PBSI beyond gap mapping. These results establish that gap modulations commonly attributed to PDWs can arise from PBSI, motivating further investigation of the intriguing gap modulation phenomenology.
The geometric phase, such as the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase, is widely employed in metasurfaces for broad functionalities. Conventional studies dominantly rely on the linear dependence of the PB phase on the orientati...The geometric phase, such as the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase, is widely employed in metasurfaces for broad functionalities. Conventional studies dominantly rely on the linear dependence of the PB phase on the orientation angle of the meta-atoms. Although some previous studies indicate the breakdown of such a linear dependence, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of PB phases, unveiling the nonnegligible role of coupling among adjacent meta-atoms. From the perspective of quasi-normal modes (QNMs), we demonstrate that the PB phase is solely related to the far-field radiation polarizations of the QNMs excited, decided by both meta-atom orientations and their mutual coupling. We experimentally demonstrate these effects using a meticulously designed grating, aligning closely with our theoretical predictions. This study establishes a systematic framework for rigorous PB phase analysis, broadening the horizon for the high-precision characterization of meta-optical devices.
C-H terminated nanometer scale diamonds ( = 1 to 15 nm) are synthesized from 1-fluoroadamantane at high pressure (6-8 GPa) and high temperature (500-1500 °C) in a multianvil press. High resolution transmission electron m...C-H terminated nanometer scale diamonds ( = 1 to 15 nm) are synthesized from 1-fluoroadamantane at high pressure (6-8 GPa) and high temperature (500-1500 °C) in a multianvil press. High resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray absorption spectroscopies demonstrate the excellent crystallinity and atomically flat C-H terminated surfaces of nanodiamonds with (111) and (110) facets. The importance of hydrogen to the synthesis of nanodiamond and its faceting is discussed. Following vacancy generation, annealing and oxidation of the nanodiamonds, optically detected magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance coherence times ( = 0.9 and 2.1 μs) of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are measured. The obtained values are equivalent to the shallow NV centers (depth <10 nm) in bulk diamond crystals and larger nanocrystals prepared by mechanical milling.
For a half-century, the Efros-Shklovskii (ES) law has been a powerful framework for describing conduction in disordered systems featuring a Coulomb gap. Here, we examined the validity of the ES law at the ultimate 2D thi...For a half-century, the Efros-Shklovskii (ES) law has been a powerful framework for describing conduction in disordered systems featuring a Coulomb gap. Here, we examined the validity of the ES law at the ultimate 2D thickness limit by investigating the low-temperature transport of three single-atom-thick crystalline systems based on the √3×√3-Au reconstruction on a Si(111) surface. Structural disorder was represented by three distinct configurations: (i) random network of domain walls (α-Au phase), (ii) inhomogeneous Au-Cu solid solution, and (iii) random 2D gas of Tl adatoms atop the crystalline layer. We found that only the domain-wall-disordered α-Au phase exhibits temperature dependence of the conduction described by the ES law. In contrast, the other two configurations display typical metallic behavior.
The O3-type NaNiFeMnO layered oxide cathode is appealing for building low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but the insufficient specific capacity limits its practical application. Elevating the charging cutoff voltage t...The O3-type NaNiFeMnO layered oxide cathode is appealing for building low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but the insufficient specific capacity limits its practical application. Elevating the charging cutoff voltage to trigger the anionic redox reaction (ARR) effectively boosts capacity, yet balancing capacity and cycling stability remains challenging. Herein, we propose a Na-O-Mg/Ti electronic configuration modulation strategy to synergistically enhance capacity and cycling stability by activating reversible ARR. The tailored configuration weakens σ hybridization to activate more lattice oxygen for charge compensation, while enhancing π hybridization to regulate the oxygen oxidation depth and promote oxygen redox reversibility. The reversible anionic redox reaction drives electron transfer on oxygen, thus alleviating O-O repulsion during deep desodiation and fundamentally mitigating detrimental phase transition. Benefiting from the special electronic configuration, the modified material showcases a synergetic enhancement in both specific capacity and cycling stability, exhibiting great application potential.
Spatially confined β-adrenergic receptor-cAMP nanodomain signaling depends on scaffolded protein-protein interactions (PPIs), yet converting such nanointerfaces into cell-active disruptor peptides remains challenging. He...Spatially confined β-adrenergic receptor-cAMP nanodomain signaling depends on scaffolded protein-protein interactions (PPIs), yet converting such nanointerfaces into cell-active disruptor peptides remains challenging. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A)-filamin A complex in human cardiac tissue that is disrupted in dilated cardiomyopathy. To target this interaction, we developed a nanodomain-resolved AlphaFold3 workflow integrating interface-recurrence filtering, orthogonal docking, and peptide-binding site inference to define a tractable binding region. This approach identified a filamin A docking sequence spanning R2520-H2528, which was optimized to RLVSNHSLH and rendered cell-permeant by N-terminal polyarginine tagging. In ventricular cardiomyocytes, the peptide reduced PDE4A-filamin A proximity and selectively attenuated β-adrenergic cAMP signaling in cytosolic and sarcolemmal compartments, measured by FRET biosensors. This work establishes a potential transferable strategy for translating predicted scaffolded PPI nanointerfaces into functional disruptor peptides and highlights compartmentalized signaling complexes as actionable targets for selective cellular modulation.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is attractive for molecular diagnostics, but direct sensing in unprocessed whole blood is hindered by biofouling and poor operational stability. Here, we report a biomimetic-SERS...Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is attractive for molecular diagnostics, but direct sensing in unprocessed whole blood is hindered by biofouling and poor operational stability. Here, we report a biomimetic-SERS platform integrating vancomycin-responsive structure-switching aptamers and a self-assembled lubricin (PRG-4) antifouling layer on a nanostructured plasmonic nanoslide. The aptamer provides molecular recognition, while the hydrated glycocalyx-mimicking lubricin layer suppresses nonspecific adsorption from blood and preserves access of vancomycin to the sensing interface. The sensor enables direct vancomycin detection in unprocessed whole blood with subnanomolar sensitivity and retains analytical performance after 3 weeks of storage. It also shows proof-of-concept operational stability, retaining 75% peak intensity across six measurement cycles over more than 5 weeks. Although repeated 20 min UV-Ozone cleaning reduces calibration sensitivity, the nanoslide maintains qualitative detection capability and SERS activity, supporting its potential for point-of-use therapeutic drug monitoring.