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Random collisions between particles usually generate disorder in a system. But under certain conditions, particles in suspended in a liquid subjected to periodic shear forces can collide in a way that leads to fewer subsequent collisions and less disorder.
Unlike most rocks, calcium carbonate at geothermal hotsprings grows at a visible rate, thus enabling a comparison between time-lapse photography, mathematical models and simulations of the growth dynamics.
Quantum spin Hall insulators are new states of matter that were recently predicted and observed. A theoretical work now explores distinct experimental manifestations resulting from the exotic behaviour that characterizes these structures.
Seeding a free-electron laser with pulses from a high-harmonic UV-light source increases its output intensity by three orders of magnitude. This approach has the potential to generate temporally coherent light at wavelengths down to the all-important ‘water window’, vital for studying biological samples.
The one-dimensional case of the so-called ‘Wigner crystal’ phase of electrons—long predicted but previously only seen in two-dimensional electron systems—has finally been observed, in a carbon nanotube.
A comprehensive survey of data from the Galileo spacecraft suggests that the principle mechanism of ultra-relativistic electron acceleration in Jupiter’s magnetosphere arises from their gyro-resonant interaction with whistler waves, in contrast with conventional understanding.
A powerful coherent diffractive X-ray imaging technique could enable next generation synchrotrons and free-electron lasers to study much larger samples than previously thought possible.
A collection of bosonic particles, such as liquid helium or ultracold gases, can condense into a ground state in which the atoms flow as a ‘superfluid’ without scattering. Magnetic materials further illustrate the generality of the effect, as described in this review.
At a zero-temperature phase transition from one ordered state to another, fluctuations between the two states lead to quantum critical behaviour that can lead to unexpected physics. Metals with ‘heavy’ electrons often harbour such weird states.
Quantum magnetism describes systems of magnetic spins in which quantum mechanical effects dominate, often in surprising ways. This review article covers phase transitions between these states, including quantum criticality and entangled electron states.
An experimental study of a ‘dimeric’ single-molecule magnet—consisting of two coupled half-wheels of spin 7/2 each—provides evidence for quantum interference between the two sub-systems.
Froths and foams are complex structures, particularly those that disappear irreversibly. Superconducting froth, however, can be reversibly controlled by several external parameters, so it may help quantify froth dynamics across different systems.
A more comprehensive understanding of coupled quantum systems could soon be in reach with a capacitance-based scanning probe technique that explores the behaviour and interaction of individual dopant atoms in a semiconductor.
Sophocles had it right, the Rolling Stones made a friendly amendment and Linus Pauling detailed the conceptual mechanism for finding novel materials that will define and revolutionize the future.
In this month's issue, we present our first 'Focus' — a collection of specially commissioned review and opinion pieces — on the topic of quantum phase transitions.
The electron is responsible for charge and spin transport in conventional metals. In contrast, the existence of well-defined electronic excitations in the metallic state of high-temperature superconductors is highly debated.
