Articles

The Dicke model, describing the cooperative coupling of an ensemble of two-level atoms with a single-mode light field, has a rich phenomenology in quantum optics and quantum information, but its analytical or numerical solution is beyond current reach. Here, a solid-state quantum simulator of an extended Dicke model is achieved using ErFeO₃ crystals, where terahertz spectroscopy and magnetocaloric effect measurements reveal an atomically ordered phase in addition to the expected superradiant and normal phases.

Magnetic ordering in 2D materials represents a promising platform for data storage, computing, and sensing. Here, nanometer scale imaging of few-layer Cr₂Ge₂Te₆ reveals its thickness-dependent magnetic textures such as labyrinth domains and skyrmionic bubbles.

Metallic copper is a potent antimicrobial agent against microorganisms but its coating on high-touch surfaces reduces their optical transparency. Here, a transparent antimicrobial nanostructured copper surface is reported with >99.9 % antimicrobial effectiveness and high transmittance.

Metal-organic frameworks are versatile materials but typically suffer from poor electrical conductivity. Here, a patterning technique allows controlled metal-organic framework growth on predefined areas of functionalized carbon nanotube for increased conductivity.

Giant magneto-thermal resistance has been recently observed in spintronic materials and superconductors, with exciting prospects in thermal management technologies. Here, nonvolatile thermal switching by magnetic field is demonstrated in commercial Sn-Pb solders, with electron thermal conductivity retaining its value even when the field is turned off.

Cyanobacteria convert light and energy into physical movement. Here, the effect of light intensity gradients on the motion of dense bacterial filaments is investigated, revealing self-assembly of 2D and 3D active nematic states, and changes in orientational and velocity order parameters.

Polyorganophosphazenes are macromolecules that selfassemble with antigenic proteins to enable biological functionality. Here, direct imaging by cryogenic electron microscopy reveals the coil structure of their individual chains and compact stiffened coils of their complexes with proteins.

Complex oxides are interesting for their potential to host multiple properties and functionalities by integrating different elements in a single compound, however they are often challenging to stabilize. Here, epitaxial stabilization of LaRuO₃ and NdRuO₃ is demonstrated, revealing an unconventional anomalous Hall effect in NdRuO₃ which is possibly related to a non-coplanar spin texture on the Nd³⁺ sublattice.

Signatures of pressure-induced high-temperature superconductivity in nickelates have sparked great interest in these materials. Here, the sensitivity of Ruddlesden–Popper nickelate formation to in-plane misfit strain is investigated, revealing that tensile strain favours the perovskite structure LaNiO₃, whereas compressive strain stabilizes the La₃Ni₂O₇ phase where high-temperature superconductivity was reported.

Kagome superconductors provide a platform to explore intertwined symmetry-breaking orders, but controversies remain despite intensive experimental and theoretical efforts. Here, a combined density functional theory and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study reveals quantum confinement phenomena on the surface of CsV₃Sb₅, reconciling conflicting observations of time-reversal symmetry breaking between bulk- and surface-sensitive probes.

Smart devices for wound management combine biosensing with drug release. Here, a smart theranostic bandage is reported that can detect pH and uric acid levels and release antibiotics as necessary, all of which can be done remotely.

The high aspect ratio of nanotubes makes them effective for electromagnetic wave absorbing materials. Here, a carbon shell is synthesized on the surface of iron-based nanotubes, achieving a composite with electromagnetic properties and impedance that are suitable for electromagnetic shielding.

Many capacitive materials exist but assessment protocols that allow comparisons between laboratory-scale research and industrial-scale trials are lacking. Here, extremely lean electrolytic testing is proposed as a systematic evaluation framework to assess the performance of diverse battery systems.

The response of a polycrystalline material during loading is strongly dependent on grain-level effects, such as residual stress from plasticity and grain orientation. Here, in-situ three-dimensional X-ray diffraction reveals the role of local and interacting grain stresses in a ferritic steel.

Hole-doped polymer PEDOT:PSS shows high conductivity but the carrier transport mechanism is not yet clarified. Here, broadband optical conductivity spectra are derived using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and far-infrared to-ultraviolet reflection spectroscopy, demonstrating band transport of hole carriers.

Poly-nitrogen units are useful for next-generation high energy density materials but often have poor thermal stability. Here, cyclopentazolate anions are stabilized in a hydrogen-bonded organic framework through self assembly, displaying a decomposition temperature of 153 °C.

Gas-responsive polymers are unconventional smart materials that utilizes specific gases. Here, polydimethylsiloxane elastomers appended with amine groups react with CO₂ leading to gas-induced mechanical reinforcement.

Poor material biocompatibility of implanted medical devices endangers patient safety and impairs device functionality. Here, durable zwitterion grafts attached onto polymeric surfaces via plasma functionalization lead to superhydrophilic materials for safer and more durable devices.

Memory structures are key components of any functional computing device, but achieving persistent storage of information in the form of light is extremely difficult. Here, the authors demonstrate the sequential formation of multiple memory pathways in photochromic crystals via optical near-field interactions.

Doped carbon nanotubes are essential for molecular electronic and energy devices. Here, protonic acids and lithium salts are employed as hole dopants and stabilizers, respectively, to induce thermally stable p-doped states in carbon nanotubes.