Exploring the spin-resolved Hofstadter spectrum in the presence of interactions is challenging. Now, a series of magnetic phase transitions are observed as individual Hofstadter bands are filled, allowing the exchange interactions to be mapped out.

Integrating an electronic device with a cavity can cause the electrons to couple to photons strongly enough to form hybrid modes. Now, the cavity effects induced by intrinsic graphite gates are shown to modify the low-energy properties of graphene.

Typical quantum error correcting codes assign fixed roles to the underlying physical qubits. Now the performance benefits of alternative, dynamic error correction schemes have been demonstrated on a superconducting quantum processor.

When free electrons emit light, an entangled electron–photon state is created. Here measurements of the correlated multiparticle system have been used to produce non-classical photonic states.

Two decades ago this month, Nature Physics published its first issue. We reflect on the past and look into the future.

Names of measurement units often honour notable scientists and are seemingly immune to change. Richard Brown and Juris Meija explore the legacy of this tradition.

In our very first issue we published eight research papers, on topics ranging from condensed matter physics to atom interferometry. Two decades on, we look back at those works and hear from their authors.

In this comment, we consider how artificial intelligence tools are reshaping the way mathematical research is conducted and discuss how future developments of this technology will transform mathematical practice.

Improvements in qubit performance are essential for the development of large-scale quantum computing devices. Sustained progress requires a broad approach combining physics, materials science, and engineering mindsets.