Nature Physics

Nature Physics, Published online: 26 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01399-6

It has long been assumed that the quantum statistics of light are preserved when photons interact with plasmons. An analysis of the scattering process shows that this is not always the case, as light can mix and match different plasmonic pathways.

Nature Physics, Published online: 25 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01391-0

Most systems exhibiting topological superconductivity are artificial structures that require precise engineering. Now, a layered material shows tantalizing signs of the phenomenon.

Nature Physics, Published online: 25 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01376-z

Scanning tunnelling microscopy provides evidence for topological superconductivity in a naturally occurring transition metal dichalcogenide material.

Nature Physics, Published online: 21 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01356-3

Current quantum computers do not have error correction, which means noise may prevent them outperforming classical devices in useful tasks. An analysis of quantum optimization shows that current noise levels are too high to produce a quantum advantage.

Nature Physics, Published online: 21 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01368-z

The cell cortex stiffens during cell division, facilitating the necessary shape changes. Microrheology measurements now reveal that the rest of the cell interior actually softens, in a process that probably involves two key biomolecules trading roles.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01369-y

The evolution of many-body magnetic spin systems is influenced by many factors, including inhomogeneity and the presence of interfaces. These effects have now been measured in a far-from-equilibrium binary mixture of ultracold gases.

Nature Physics, Published online: 18 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01350-9

A state that breaks time-reversal symmetry is observed in the normal phase above the superconducting critical temperature in a multiband superconductor. This could be explained by correlations between the Cooper pairs formed in different bands.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01382-1

Molecular spin qubits that can be controlled electrically are typically susceptible to decoherence. Holmium molecular spins provide a solution by combining robust coherence with strong spin–electric coupling.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01358-1

At high pressure and temperature, water forms two crystalline phases, known as hot ‘black’ ices due to their partial opaqueness. A detailed characterization of these phases may explain magnetic field formation in giant icy planets like Neptune.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01365-2

Integrating quantum technology with existing telecom infrastructure is hampered by a mismatch in operating frequencies. An optomechanical resonator now offers a strain-mediated spin–photon interface for long-distance quantum networks.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01355-4

Through chemical design, the spins in molecular nanomagnets may be used as electrically tunable qubits. Electrical control of molecular distortion enables manipulation of the quantum spin state while suppressing decoherence from magnetic fields.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01344-7

Atoms in a semiconductor can have non-zero nuclear spins, creating a large ensemble with many quantum degrees of freedom. An electron spin coupled to the nuclei of a semiconductor quantum dot can witness the creation of entanglement within the ensemble.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01351-8

Measurements of the phase diagram of water reveal first-order phase transitions to face- and body-centred cubic superionic ice phases. The former is suggested to be present in the interior of ice giant planets.

Nature Physics, Published online: 14 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01364-3

Quantum networks require a connection between quantum memories and optical links, which often operate in different frequency ranges. An optomechanical device exploiting the strain dependence of a colour-centre spin provides such a spin–optics interface at room temperature.

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01384-z

The measure of a cell

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01375-0

On our bookshelf

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01389-8

The duality of a multitude

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01387-w

Double superconductivity

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01385-y

Origami octopus

Nature Physics, Published online: 06 October 2021; doi:10.1038/s41567-021-01388-9

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