Microwave-assisted biorefineries
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All-optical superconducting qubit readout
The rapid development of superconducting quantum hardware is expected to run into substantial restrictions on scalability because error correction in a cryogenic environment has stringent input–output requirements. Classical data centres rely on fibre-optic interconnects to remove similar networking bottlenecks. In the same spirit, ultracold electro-optic links have been proposed and used to generate qubit control signals, or to replace cryogenic readout electronics. So far, these approaches have suffered from either low efficiency, low bandwidth or additional noise. Here we realize radio-over-fibre qubit readout at millikelvin temperatures. We use one device to simultaneously perform upconversion and downconversion between microwave and optical frequencies and so do not require any active or passive cryogenic microwave equipment. We demonstrate all-optical single-shot readout in a circulator-free readout scheme. Importantly, we do not observe any direct radiation impact on the qubit state, despite the absence of shielding elements. This compatibility between superconducting circuits and telecom-wavelength light is not only a prerequisite to establish modular quantum networks, but it is also relevant for multiplexed readout of superconducting photon detectors and classical superconducting logic.
Photo-assisted technologies for environmental remediation
Industrial processes can lead to air and water pollution, particularly from organic contaminants such as toluene and antibiotics, posing threats to human health. Photo-assisted chemical oxidation technologies leverage light energy to mineralize these contaminants. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms and efficiencies of photo-assisted advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment and photothermal technologies for air purification. The integration of solar energy enhances degradation efficiency and reduces energy consumption, enabling more efficient remediation methods. We evaluate the technological aspects of photo-assisted technologies, such as photo-Fenton, photo-persulfate activation, photo-ozonation and photoelectrochemical oxidation, emphasizing their potential for practical applications. Finally, we discuss the challenges in scaling up photo-assisted technologies for specific environmental remediation needs. Photo-assisted technologies have demonstrated effectiveness in environmental remediation, although large-scale applications remain constrained by high costs. Future potential applications of photo-assisted technologies will require that technology selection be tailored to specific pollution scenarios and engineering processes optimized to minimize costs.
Fabrication and modulation of flexible electromagnetic metamaterials
Flexible electromagnetic metamaterials are a potential candidate for the ideal material for electromagnetic control due to their unique physical properties and structure. Flexible electromagnetic metamaterials can be designed to exhibit specific responses to electromagnetic waves within a particular frequency range. Research shows that flexible electromagnetic metamaterials exhibit significant electromagnetic control characteristics in microwave, terahertz, infrared and other frequency bands. It has a wide range of applications in the fields of electromagnetic wave absorption and stealth, antennas and microwave devices, communication information and other fields. In this review, the currently popular fabrication methods of flexible electromagnetic metamaterials are first summarized, highlighting the electromagnetic modulation capability in different frequency bands. Then, the applications of flexible electromagnetic metamaterials in four aspects, namely electromagnetic stealth, temperature modulation, electromagnetic shielding, and wearable sensors, are elaborated and summarized in detail. In addition, this review also discusses the shortcomings and limitations of flexible electromagnetic metamaterials for electromagnetic control. Finally, the conclusion and perspective of the electromagnetic properties of flexible electromagnetic metamaterials are presented.
A 50-spin surface acoustic wave Ising machine
Time-multiplexed spinwave Ising Machines have unveiled a route towards miniaturized and low-cost combinatorial optimization solvers but are constrained in the number of spins by nonlinear spinwave dispersion. In contrast, surface acoustic waves offer an intrinsically linear dispersion and high thermal stability. Here, we demonstrate an all-to-all, fully programmable, 50-spin Ising machine using a surface acoustic wave delay line and off-the-shelf microwave components. Our device solves random 50-spin MAX-CUT problems with a single run compute time of 10 ms and a figure of merit of 55 solutions s−1 W−1 reaching success probability of 84% for 99%-accurate solutions on 0.5-density matrices. Moreover, it demonstrates 4–5 orders of magnitude better thermal stability than optical Coherent Ising Machines while having similar scalability potential. Our results illustrate the general merits of wave-based time-multiplexed Ising machines operating in the microwave domain as compact, energy-efficient, and high-performance platforms for commercially feasible combinatorial optimization solvers.
Progress on intelligent metasurfaces for signal relay, transmitter, and processor
Pursuing higher data rate with limited spectral resources is a longstanding topic that has triggered the fast growth of modern wireless communication techniques. However, the massive deployment of active nodes to compensate for propagation loss necessitates high hardware expenditure, energy consumption, and maintenance cost, as well as complicated network interference issues. Intelligent metasurfaces, composed of a number of subwavelength passive or active meta-atoms, have recently found to be a new paradigm to actively reshape wireless communication environment in a green way, distinct from conventional works that passively adapt to the surrounding. In this review, we offer a unified perspective on how intelligent metasurfaces can facilitate wireless communication in three manners: signal relay, signal transmitter, and signal processor. We start by the basic modeling of wireless channel and the evolution of metasurfaces from passive, active to intelligent metasurfaces. Integrated with various deep learning algorithms, intelligent metasurfaces adapt to cater for the ever-changing environments without human intervention. Then, we overview specific experimental advancements using intelligent metasurfaces. We conclude by identifying key issues in the practical implementations of intelligent metasurfaces, and surveying new directions, such as gain metasurfaces and knowledge migration.
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