Quantum simulation technology utilizes controllable experimental systems to study the properties and evolution of quantum physical models of interest. In the research of topological materials, to overcome the limitations of three-dimensional spatial dimensions, researchers have proposed a quantum simulation method known as synthetic dimensions. This approach realizes effective synthetic dimensions by coupling different modes of a particle's independent degrees of freedom (such as the frequency or polarization of photons) in a specific manner. When combined with real geometric dimensions, this method enables the simulation of unique properties of higher-dimensional topological materials beyond three dimensions.

The integration of near-infrared genetically encoded reporters (NIR-GERs) with photoacoustic (PA) imaging offers a promising approach for visualizing deep-tissue-specific functions (e.g., metabolism, neural activity) at high resolution. However, one critical limitation lies in the PA response intensity of the probes. Directed evolution methods enable iterative optimization of probe performance by expressing mutant NIR-GER genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) colonies, yet challenges persist in directly quantifying PA signals at the individual colony level, coupled with inefficiencies and low precision in screening. Existing PA microscopy-based screening platforms rely on mechanical scanning with single-element transducers, requiring several minutes per sample. This prolonged imaging duration exacerbates photobleaching and colony dissolution while failing to correct quantification errors caused by colony morphology and illumination heterogeneity, thereby hindering the development of novel PA probes.

All-solid-state ring-laser gyroscopes (RLGs) offer advantages such as long lifespan, strong environmental adaptability, and compact structure. However, over the past few decades, the development of all-solid-state active RLGs has faced two core challenges: intense mode competition caused by the homogeneous broadening of the gain medium, and the lock-in effect limiting sensitivity at low rotational speeds. This research aims to reduce laser mode competition in the non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) by utilizing Nd:YAG crystal with high wavefront-distortion combined with laser feedback interferometry, thereby achieving stable bidirectional lasing operation. Additionally, by leveraging the non-degenerate characteristic of the intrinsic polarization modes in the NPRO under the influence of a magnetic field, a non-zero beat frequency is obtained, thus eliminating the lock-in effect in the RLG. Ultimately, this work presents the construction of a miniaturized all-solid-state active RLG. Relevant research results were recently published in Photonics Research, Volume 13, Issue 4, 2025.[Danqing Liu, Changlei Guo, Chunzhao Ma, Weitong Fan, Xuezhen Gong, Zhen Zhang, Wenxun Li, Jie Xu, Kui Liu, Hsien-Chi Yeh, "All-solid-state miniature laser gyroscope based on a single monolithic non-planar ring oscillator," Photonics Res. 13, 897 (2025)]

The quest for time-frequency precision has evolved significantly since 3500 BC, transitioning from rudimentary tools like sundials and hourglasses to today's optical atomic clocks, which now boast the highest precision among the seven fundamental physical quantities. These clocks play indispensable roles in generating standard time, advancing fundamental scientific research, and enabling space-based experiments. Despite achieving remarkable milestones—such as an error margin of one second over tens of billions of years—high-precision optical atomic clocks remain constrained by bulkiness, complexity, high costs, and portability challenges, limiting their practical deployment in non-laboratory environments.