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Pseudo-electromagnetic fields emerge in inhomogeneous materials. This Review discusses the properties of such fields in the context of 3D topological semimetals, the origin and consequences of pseudo-fields in real materials and their field theory description.
Artificial spin ices are metamaterials displaying fascinating phenomena arising from the collective behaviour of nanoscale magnets. We review recent developments in terms of emergent magnetic monopoles, phase transitions, dynamics and geometries, and discuss future directions for research and potential applications.
The partonic (quark and gluon) structure of protons and neutrons is modified in heavy nuclei. This Review surveys how studies of photon-induced interactions reveal the density distribution of partons in nuclei, thereby probing quantum chromodynamics in high-density environments.
Earth and planetary landscapes are composed of soft matter: amorphous materials that deform in response to broad-spectrum excitations, from fluid turbulence to plate tectonics. This Review surveys complex behaviours of earth materials that challenge existing physics frameworks and may inspire new approaches.
Multi-messenger astrophysics is an emerging discipline that combines the information from cosmic rays, neutrinos, gravitational waves and photons emitted by cosmic sources. This overview of the field highlights its challenges and exciting opportunities.
The emergence of 2D magnetic materials presents a unique opportunity to study magnetism and spintronics devices in new regimes. This Review surveys the basic properties of these materials, methods to read and write their magnetic states, and emerging device concepts.
In this Review, we discuss how quantum states of matter, such as Dirac materials and complex magnetic order, can be created bottom-up by patterning individual atoms on surfaces and subsequently characterized with scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy.
An analogy between wave propagation in hydrodynamics and in optics has yielded new insights into the mechanisms leading to the formation of giant rogue waves on the ocean. We review experimental progress and field measurements in this area.
Understanding entanglement in many-body systems provided a description of complex quantum states in terms of tensor networks. This Review revisits the main tensor network structures, key ideas behind their numerical methods and their application in fields beyond condensed matter physics.
Electron–positron annihilations at centre-of-mass energies between 2.0 GeV and 4.6 GeV at BESIII enabled precision measurements of fundamental constants of the standard model of particle physics, discovered non-standard, multi-quark hadrons and observed a number of unusual properties of standard mesons and baryons.
This Review tackles how soft condensed matter physics can assist in the understanding of complex food systems, by relying on the foundations of established theories on polymers, colloids and surfactants to unravel the properties of food macrocomponents and the challenges associated with this task.
The geometric phase is a deep and influential concept in modern physics and related sciences. This Review briefly discusses its origin, mathematical formulation and various forms, some of which are topological; then elaborates on contemporary optical and condensed-matter applications.
Buckling is the familiar response of thin objects to compression. Less familiar is that small-scale buckles can act as a buffer, enabling objects to access new modes of deformation. This Review illustrates examples of this phenomenon and discusses the physical conditions that make it possible.
Using quantum states of light for imaging both reveals quantum phenomena and enables new protocols that result in images that surpass classical limitations. Such systems require both quantum light sources and often the ingenious use of detector technologies.
Layered black phosphorus and its isoelectronic group IV monochalcogenides have distinctive physical properties arising from their unusual crystal symmetries. This Review discusses some of the interesting physical phenomena, possible device applications and future research directions for this group of materials.
The brain is the quintessential complex system, boasting incredible feats of cognition and supporting a wide range of behaviours. Physics has much to offer in the quest to distil the brain’s complexity to a number of cogent organizing principles.
The Kitaev quantum spin liquid is an exotic phase of matter exhibiting long-range entanglement and emergent Majorana fermions. This Review summarizes the concept and recent progress in realizing Kitaev model physics in transition metal compounds.
Biopolymer networks provide mechanical integrity and enable active deformation of cells and tissues. Here, we review recent experimental and theoretical studies of the mechanical behaviour of biopolymer networks with a focus on reductionist approaches.
This Review describes topological phenomena that can be realized in acoustic and mechanical systems. Methods of symmetry breaking are described, along with the consequences and rich phenomena that emerge.
In this Review, the principles developed for fabricating reliable molecular junctions and tuning their intrinsic properties are examined from the point of view of the electrode, the interface and molecular engineering. The various functionalities demonstrated in molecular junctions through molecular design are discussed, along with the open challenges in the field.
