Theoretical physics articles from across Nature Portfolio

Quantum networks require a synergistic integration of terrestrial infrastructure employing optical fibers and wireless free-space communication technologies. In their study, the authors numerically investigate a satellite-based entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation across diverse freespace communication channels, such as diffraction or turbulence, finding that entanglement preservation endures throughout the downlink (satellite-to-ground) propagation for over 1000 km.

Leggett modes can occur when superconductivity arises in more than one band in a material and represent oscillation of the relative phases of the two superconducting condensates. Now, this mode is observed in Cd₃As₂, a Dirac semimetal.

Large efforts have been placed on topological phases in non-Hermitian systems, where the appearance of exceptional points (EPs) and nontrivial Berry phase gather great interest. This study proposes an exhaustive classification framework for EPs, which connects eigenstate switching and Berry phase and reveals topological phase transitions accompanying EPs.

Quantum hypothesis testing—the task of distinguishing quantum states—enjoys surprisingly deep connections with the theory of entanglement. Recent findings have reopened the biggest questions in hypothesis testing and reversible entanglement manipulation.

A misleading image in a medical textbook could have life and death implications, but some disciplines can deploy myth and metaphor to convey their science through art.

Supersymmetric quantum field theories have special properties that make them easier to study. This Comment discusses how the constraints that supersymmetry places on renormalization group flows have been used to study strongly coupled field theories.

The study of complexity of unitary transformations has become central to quantum information theory and, increasingly, quantum field theory and quantum gravity. A proof of how complexity grows with system size demonstrates the power of a geometric approach.