JPS Hot Topics

Neutral atoms trapped in optical tweezer arrays have attracted significant interest as platforms for quantum computing. The implementation of two-qubit gates, which is crucial for universal quantum computation, is achieved through interactions between Rydberg atoms, where the valence electron of the atom is excited to an orbital with a large principal quantum number. Ytterbium (Yb), […]

 In solids, atoms are arranged in a regular pattern; however, atoms can vibrate from their equilibrium positions through vibrational modes known as phonons. In particular, the circularly polarized vibrational motions of ions are called chiral phonons (note that there is another definition for chiral phonons. In this study, we refer to two-dimensional (2D) rotational phonons […]

Dirac and Weyl semimetals are three-dimensional (3D) topological semimetals in which the conduction and valence bands touch at nodal points with a linear dispersion in the 3D Brillouin zone (BZ). They exhibit characteristic magnetotransport phenomena, negative longitudinal magnetoresistance and a planar Hall effect, resulting from the chiral anomaly. Recently, a layered organic conductor, α-(ET)2I3, exhibited […]

Semimetals are a class of materials characterized by a slight overlap between their conduction and valence bands. Owing to the band structure, the same number of electrons and holes coexist in an ideal semimetal, even at the lowest temperature, giving rise to exotic transport phenomena such as nonsaturating large magnetoresistance. On the other hand, it […]

Magnetic atoms primarily exhibit the properties of magnetic dipoles. In addition to magnetic dipoles general, solid-state spins have electric quadrupoles and magnetic octupoles known as typical multipole degrees of freedom. Magnetic dipoles can be coupled to a magnetic field and are easily detectable. However, directly observing the characteristics of multipoles is challenging because of the […]

Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale, vortex-like collections of magnetic moments that appear in some magnetic materials. These are arranged in a stable, swirling pattern, forming a topologically protected structure, meaning that they cannot be easily destroyed or transformed. This stability, and the ability to be driven by ultra-low currents, make magnetic skyrmions promising for next-generation ultra-low […]

First introduced in 1970, the large-N limit in gauge theories has become a fundamental approach in theoretical physics. Originally developed to understand the strong nuclear force—one of the four fundamental forces of nature—large-N gauge theories have since become critical for addressing challenges in quantum gravity as well. In this study, we examined the thermodynamic properties […]

In recent years, a novel electronic state called the “electronic nematic phase” has attracted much attention. The electronic nematic phase is characterized by rotational symmetry breaking driven by electronic degrees of freedom, such as spins and orbitals, and behaves like a liquid crystal. Iron-based superconductors (IBSs), which are unconventional high-temperature superconductors, are prominent candidates in […]

Dielectric materials are used in various electronic devices, such as capacitors and actuators. At the atomic scale, the positively and negatively charged ions in these devices are displaced from their original positions. Therefore, observing these displacements is essential for improving the performance of electronic devices and developing new dielectric materials. BaTiO3 has a high capacity […]

 Weyl semimetals are a class of materials characterized by the presence of Weyl points where the valence and conduction bands touch linearly. Electrons near these points behave as relativistic fermions called Weyl fermions, contributing to topological magnetoelectric responses, such as the anomalous Hall effect. The concept of chiral gauge field was introduced to understand these […]