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By tuning the geometry of a two-dimensional sonic crystal, its one-dimensional helical edge states become gapped and zero-dimensional topological corner states emerge. The band topology is thus manifested in a hierarchy of dimensions.
The second-order topological states—chiral hinge states—are predicted in axion insulators, ferromagnetic insulating materials with quantized electromagnetic response. The authors predict such states to occur in Sm-doped Bi2Se3.
The same type of polymer network deforms cell membranes inward, to absorb external material, and outward, to facilitate signal transmission. Experiments and theory show that these deformations are regulated by membrane tension and network mesh size.
A scattering resonance associated with quasi-bound diatomic levels trapped behind the centrifugal barrier has been observed in a quantum-degenerate potassium gas. Various measurements reveal the d-wave character of the collisions.
An interferometer device demonstrates the interference of fractional quantum Hall effect edge states. This is a big step towards braiding non-Abelian anyons.
Two-state micropatterns offer a unique platform to study cell migration. An equation of motion is inferred from a large ensemble of trajectories, revealing key differences in the nonlinear dynamics of healthy and cancerous cells.
In situ measurements based on coherent X-ray spectroscopy are performed during the epitaxial growth of gallium nitride films, revealing a memory effect in the arrangement of islands formed on successive crystal layers.
A spectral study on a ferromagnet/superconductor heterostructure reveals the interaction between the spin-wave excitations in a magnetically ordered system (magnons) and the magnetic flux quanta formed in a superconductor (fluxons).
In the early Universe, fluctuations in the neutrino density produced a distinct shift in the temporal phase of sound waves in the primordial plasma. The size of this phase shift has now been constrained through baryon acoustic oscillation data.
A molecule placed in an optical microcavity behaves as a model two-level quantum system, as demonstrated via laser extinction and interaction with single photons.
Euglenids are unicellular swimmers that undergo striking cell body deformations, interpreted variously as locomotive or functionally redundant. Experiments now suggest that these deformations enable adaptation to a fast crawling mode when the cells are confined.
Symmetry labels of materials under certain space groups can be used to indicate their band topology. Integrating that into first-principles band-structure calculations, new topological materials with a diversity of topological phenomena are discovered.
Repeated error correction creates a logical qubit encoded in the hybrid state of a superconducting circuit and a bosonic cavity, which is shown to be fully controllable under a universal single-qubit gate set.
The authors use surface acoustic waves, focused in a Gaussian geometry, to manipulate the spin state of divacancy defects in silicon carbide via mechanical driving. They demonstrate that shear strain is important in controlling the spin transitions.
Actomyosin networks with rapid turnover self-organize within droplets, forming a dynamic steady-state with persistent flows. The networks exhibit homogeneous, density-independent contraction, implying that active stress scales with viscosity.
Complex networks with identical topology may exhibit different dynamics. A systematic analysis of signal propagation in networks reveals the existence of three specific dynamic regimes that connect topological features to dynamic patterns.
Parity-breaking antisymmetric spin exchange interaction is reported in clusters of five qubits within superconducting circuits. This allows the creation of chiral spin dynamics, with potential for future quantum simulations of chiral molecules.
Detailed neutron scattering, magnetic susceptibility and muon spin relaxation studies indicate the absence of long-range magnetic order in the quantum magnet TbInO3 down to 0.46 K— an observation consistent with quantum spin liquid behaviour.
Efficient photon pair sources connecting visible and telecommunication spectral regions are essential for viable long-distance fibre optic quantum communication architectures. A nanophotonic device is presented that allows kilometre-scale time–energy entanglement as an application.
A spectroscopic study of strontium titanate provides a method for transferring the vibrational energy of a low-frequency phonon mode to higher-frequency modes, with the potential to access elusive ‘silent’ modes.