Researchers have reviewed metamaterials to emulate Schrödinger dynamics, bridging classical wave physics and quantum phenomena. Such analog enables robust wave manipulation and explores quantum behaviors beyond electronic systems, promising breakthroughs in imaging, sensing, and energy technologies.

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, an international team of physicists from Singapore and China demonstrates how quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBICs) can induce abrupt lateral beam shifts in the terahertz regime. By applying Brillouin zone folding to a compound grating waveguide, the researchers created a QBIC band that enables sudden and significant beam shifts, offering new insights into real-space QBIC properties and potential applications in sensing and wavelength multiplexing.

The formation of a strong coordination structure, [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ often increases direct contact between the solvated H₂O and Zn anodes on the inner Helmholtz layer, which exacerbates undesirable side reactions and dendrite growth, hindering the practical application of aqueous Zn metal batteries. Researchers identify that the solvated H₂O can be effectively minimized by an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) consisting of highly nitrogen-doped amorphous carbon (NC) and perfluorosulfonic acid polymer (Nafion). Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that NC raises the Fermi level of the composite SEI and activates the non-coordinating charge transfer from the SEI to [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺, which leads to ultrafast desolvation of hydrated Zn-ions in the outer Helmholtz layer; while the Nafion framework ensures selective transport channels for Zn ions. Remarkably, the derived NC-Nafion@Zn symmetric cell exhibits a long lifespan (3400 h, 1 mA cm^-2; 2000 h, 5 mA cm^-2); moreover, the NC-Nafion@Zn//Mn₄O₃-carbon nanotubes full battery delivers ultralong cycling stability of 9300 cycles at 2 A g^-1 with a high retention of 91.3%.