Articles in 2009

When two single Rydberg atoms—those with electrons in highly excited states—interact, one can be used to control the quantum state of the other. Two independent experiments demonstrate such ‘Rydberg blockade’, an effect that might make long-range quantum gates between neutral atoms possible.

When two single Rydberg atoms—those having electrons in highly excited states—interact, one can be used to control the quantum state of the other. Two independent experiments now demonstrate a ‘Rydberg blockade’, an effect that might make long-range quantum gates between neutral atoms possible.

A systematic demonstration of the generation and focusing of laser-driven high-order harmonics to a near-diffraction-limited spot suggests that scaling this approach to ever higher intensities could be easier than first thought.

The force between molecules deposited on a surface during the growth of an organic film is usually attractive. But for certain metal phthalocyanine molecules, this force can change with temperature from attractive to repulsive, resulting in unusual ordering behaviour.

So-called one-way schemes have emerged as a powerful model to describe and implement quantum computation. This article reviews recent progress, highlights connections to other areas of physics and discusses future directions.

The financial crisis underlines the need for new economic models — models that can only be built by following a truly interdisciplinary approach.

For the new year, we have a new look.

A method for characterizing quantum measurement devices completes the suite of 'tomography techniques', which should enable us to learn all there is to know about a given quantum-physics experiment.

More than 100 years ago, Wilhelm Ostwald predicted that crystalline structures would grow from the melt via a series of unstable states — now this cascade has been observed directly in an inorganic semiconductor.

Economic theory failed to envisage even the possibility of a financial crisis like the present one. A new foundation is needed that takes into account the interplay between heterogeneous agents.

An algorithm that enables a protein's molecular structure to be determined from the faintest of diffraction patterns could increase the potential of next-generation X-ray sources.

The ability to manipulate an individual superconducting vortex represents a powerful tool for studying the dynamics of vortices and the superconductors that support them. It could also lead to the development of a new class of fluxon-based electronics.

Localized electron spins can be manipulated electrically through electric-dipole spin resonance. The ensemble of mechanisms involved has now been brought under the baton of a unifying theoretical description.