Condensed Matter Physics
Articles tagged with Condensed Matter Physics
Breaking the 60 K barrier: ambient-pressure nickelate superconductors reach new heights
Researchers have achieved a record-breaking transition temperature of 63 K in ambient-pressure nickelate films, surpassing previous limits. This breakthrough utilizes the 'Gigantic-oxidative Atomic-layer-by-layer Epitaxy' method and showcases enhanced Meissner effect and zero-resistance temperatures.
Water simulation of famous quantum effect reveals unexpected wave patterns
Physicists used a water tank to simulate the Aharonov-Bohm effect, revealing counter-rotating wave patterns that mimic quantum effects. The study showed that adding a vortex causes shifts in wave phase, resulting in rotating lines of zero wave height, or nodal lines.
The once-theoretical skyrmion could unlock supercomputing memory
Researchers have discovered a new understanding of skyrmions, highly stable structures that can be moved with minimal electrical current. This breakthrough has significant implications for nanocomputing and the development of ultra-power-saving devices.
“Why water is special” mystery finally solved.
A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology has identified the underlying cause of water's unique properties, solving a fundamental mystery in science. They have observed water's liquid-liquid critical point, which marks the transition from two distinct liquid states into a single supercritical liquid state.
The depths of Neptune and Uranus may be “superionic”
Researchers discover quasi-one-dimensional superionic state of carbon hydride under extreme pressures and temperatures found deep inside ice giant planets. This finding has implications for heat and electricity movement through planetary interiors and could influence magnetic-field generation.
Graphene ‘nano-aquariums’ reveal atoms’ hidden life in liquids
Researchers have developed a technique to image individual atoms at solid-liquid interfaces in a range of non-aqueous solvents, enabling the study of key chemical processes and catalysts. The 'nano-aquarium' method uses graphene windows to contain tiny liquid cells, allowing for atomic-scale imaging and tracking of millions of atoms.
Quantum switches thrive in deep cold
Researchers from Purdue University and Menlo Microsystems developed a commercial microelectromechanical switch that operates reliably at cryogenic temperatures. The device showed lower operating voltage, lower on-resistance, and strong radio-frequency performance.
Researchers engineer ultrathin lead-free films, advancing piezoelectricity
Researchers break thickness limit for lead-free films, discovering a metastable phase that unlocks latent piezoelectric potential. The films exhibit a piezoelectric coefficient four times higher than conventional forms, paving the way for ultra-miniaturized sensors and devices.
What really controls dynamics in glasses
The study reveals that bonding heterogeneity, rather than geometric similarity, governs relaxation dynamics in glasses. By incorporating electronic structure and chemical interactions, researchers establish a new physical framework for understanding structure-relaxation coupling in glasses.
Press program now available for the world's largest physics meeting
The Global Physics Summit will feature over 12,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics, particle physics, and quantum information science. Registered journalists and public information officers will receive daily emails with information during the meeting.
Towards tailor-made heat expansion-free materials for precision technology
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a hydrogen-absorbing material with negative thermal expansion properties, which can be tuned by adjusting the amount of hydrogen. This finding promises custom high-precision ingredients for precision nanotechnology, addressing volume changes in materials under heating.
Liquid origami: Scientists create microscopic six-pointed stars from tiny droplets
Researchers have discovered that microscopic oil droplets can fold themselves into precise six-pointed star shapes while remaining liquid inside. The team identified the physical mechanism responsible for this unusual geometry, revealing a fundamentally new route for shape change in elastic interfacial crystals.
Theoretical principles of band structure manipulation in strongly correlated insulators with spin and charge perturbations
A new study by MANA demonstrates that strongly correlated insulators can behave differently, allowing spin and charge excitations to exist independently. This enables the creation of new electronic modes that actively modify band structures under external stimuli.
Physicists discover long-predicted ‘clock magnetism’ in an atomically thin crystal
Researchers observed a sequence of exotic magnetic phases in an ultrathin material, realizing a theoretical model of two-dimensional magnetism. The discovery may lead to new technologies by stabilizing magnetic vortices at nanoscale.
Transient Pauli blocking for broadband ultrafast optical switching
This study reveals that a femtosecond laser can induce a rise in electronic temperature, transiently blocking optical absorption and enabling multicolor modulation from a single material platform. The discovery opens a new pathway toward ultrafast, broadband, and energy-efficient photonic devices.
Surprising effects under ion bombardment: the quantum switch
Researchers at TU Wien investigate the surprising effects of ion bombardment on the quantum material 1T-TaS2. They observe a clean and reliable switching behavior, where the material's state is reliably switched after each impact.
Alloy-engineered valleytronics
Researchers have observed a new microscopic mechanism enabling precise control of magneto-optical properties in alloys of two-dimensional semiconductors. The discovery opens up prospects for technological applications in devices exploiting valleytronics.
A “smart fluid” you can reconfigure with temperature
Scientists create a porous silica microrod material that can form dense dispersions in nematic liquid crystals, overcoming the challenge of strong surface anchoring. This enables the reconfigurable self-assembly of micrometer-sized particles, opening up new possibilities for optical and biomedical applications.
Explaining next-generation solar cells
Researchers at ISTA discover perovskites' unique photovoltaic properties rely on structural defects, enabling long-range charge transport. This finding accelerates the transition of next-gen perovskite solar cells to real-world applications.
Last chance to get a hotel discount for the world’s largest physics meeting
The American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit will feature over 10,000 individual presentations on new research in astrophysics and particle physics. Attendees can book discounted hotel rates near the Colorado Convention Center until February 12 to receive a discount.
A new thermoelectric material to convert waste heat to electricity
Researchers have discovered a new thermoelectric material, MoSi2, that can convert waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The material's unique electronic structure and axis-dependent conduction polarity enable it to generate transverse thermopower, paving the way for efficient waste heat recovery systems.
From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
The B-STING silica nanocomposite acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating itself in response to changes in the chemical environment. This material can be used to create biocidal coatings that are safe, durable, and resistant to dirt, with potential applications in medicine and other industries.
Light changes a magnet’s polarity
Scientists at University of Basel and ETH in Zurich successfully changed the polarity of a ferromagnet using a laser beam. The breakthrough method could be used to create adaptive electronic circuits that can be controlled by light.
Light switches made of ultra-thin semiconductor layers
A nanostructure composed of silver and an atomically thin semiconductor layer can be turned into an ultrafast switching mirror device, displaying properties of both light and matter. This discovery could lead to dramatically increased information transmission rates in optical data processing.
Quantum physics: new state of matter discovered
Scientists have found a way to describe topological states in materials where the particle picture breaks down. The discovery sheds light on a new type of behavior, exhibiting spontaneous Hall effect and quantum-critical fluctuations. This finding opens up possibilities for storing quantum information and developing novel sensors.
World's largest physics conference to be held in Denver and online this March
The American Physical Society's Global Physics Summit will convene over 14,000 physicists worldwide for groundbreaking research presentations. The event will feature both in-person and online experiences, including scientific sessions, exhibits, and networking events.
Discovery of a new superfluid phase in non-Hermitian quantum systems
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered a stable superfluid that inherently hosts singularities known as exceptional points. The study reveals how dissipation can stabilize this unique superfluid phase, which features a finite order parameter and emerges deep inside a strongly interacting phase.
New theory suggests we could increase useful energy obtained from sunlight
Physicists at Trinity College Dublin propose a new means of capturing useful energy from light sources like sunlight, lamps, and LEDs. Theoretical analysis may lead to the development of optical devices that can channel light energy into a concentrated beam.
More data, more sharing can help avoid misinterpreting “smoking gun” signals in topological physics
Studies in topological condensed matter physics suggest that presenting larger sets of data and disclosing full study details can mitigate misleading 'smoking gun' claims. By exploring alternative scenarios, researchers can reduce confirmation bias and increase the reliability of findings.
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University researchers capture real-time molecular movies of enzyme catalysis
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University researchers have captured time-resolved structures of an enzyme during its catalytic cycle, revealing dynamics that are nearly impossible to observe by other methods. This breakthrough offers valuable insights into enzyme function and potential applications in molecular design of novel enzymes.
Magnetic ordering induces Jahn–Teller effect in spinel-type compounds
A team of researchers at Waseda University has discovered a new correlation between spins, orbitals, and lattice distortions in spinel-type compounds. Magnetic ordering can trigger Jahn-Teller distortions through spin-orbit coupling.
New superconducting thin film for quantum computer chips
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science have created a new superconducting thin film from iron telluride, suitable for quantum computing applications. The film's unique crystal structure, resulting from intentional misalignment of atomic layers, reduces lattice distortion and enables low-temperature superconductivity.
Seeing inside smart gels: scientists capture dynamic behavior under stress
Researchers investigate poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel structure and function under mechanical forces and heat, revealing changes in electrical conductivity and internal structure. The study provides valuable insights for developing smart polymers and understanding their functional mechanisms.
Physicists explore optical launch of hypersound pulses in halide perovskites
Researchers have developed a method to generate and detect sound waves at sub-terahertz frequencies using optically driven devices. The discovery was made possible by launching shear hypersound pulses with exceptionally large amplitudes in metal halide perovskites.
Lead-free alternative discovered for essential electronics component
Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a lead-free alternative to essential electronics component ferroelectric materials. By applying mechanical strain, they enhanced lead-free ferroelectrics, opening possibilities for devices and sensors implanted in humans.
Kono awarded American Physical Society’s Isakson Prize
Kono recognized for his contributions to optical physics, light-condensed matter interactions and photonic applications of nanosystems. His research explores how light interacts with materials at the nanoscale, potentially leading to new technologies in electronics and quantum communication.
Quantum hall effect goes 3D: scientists unveil new topological state in weyl semimetals
Researchers propose a 3D quantum anomalous Hall effect in Weyl semimetals, revealing unique boundary states and transport properties. The discovery completes the Hall effect family in three dimensions, holding promise for applications in low-power electronics and programmable devices.
Recent progress in nickelate superconductors
Researchers achieved first superconductivity in nickel-based superconductors in 2019, with critical temperatures reaching up to 80 K in bilayer La₃Ni₂O₇ under high pressure. Recent breakthroughs enable superconductivity at ambient pressure via strain engineering.
When electrons sing in harmony — and sense the shape of their home
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discovered quantum coherence and interference patterns in CsV₃Sb₅, defying single-particle physics expectations. The crystal's geometry influences the collective quantum behavior of electrons, potentially leading to new materials with tunable resonance.
New structure for the electron highway
Researchers have developed a topological insulator that exhibits the Quantum Spin Hall Effect even at significantly higher temperatures than previous materials. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of energy-efficient and powerful devices, with potential applications in established semiconductor technology.
A perfect shape for varying circumstances
The study reveals that certain rectangular shapes allow chloroplasts to achieve both efficient light capture at high density and enough space for shifting during strong light avoidance. The natural geometry of Elodea cells matches the predicted optimal shapes well, with a balance between packing and flexibility.
Unexpectedly high heat transfer in the nanoworld
Researchers found that heat transfer values increase dramatically at distances less than ten nanometres, exceeding theoretical predictions by a factor of one hundred. This phenomenon challenges current understanding of heat transfer in the nanometre range.
Opening doors to smarter devices and safer drugs, UH crystals expert controls crystal formation
A UH crystals expert has shown how to bend and twist crystals without physical force, using a molecule called a tautomer. This discovery has potential applications in drug delivery and material properties, such as optoelectronics and soft robotics.
Supersolid spins into synchrony
Researchers discovered that supersolid matter synchronizes its spin and rotation under external magnetic fields, enabling the study of exotic quantum behavior. The findings provide a powerful tool for probing quantum systems and may hold implications for understanding cosmic phenomena like neutron star glitches.
BESSY II: Phosphorous chains – a 1D material with 1D electronic properties
Researchers at BESSY II successfully demonstrated the one-dimensional electronic properties of phosphorus chains through experimental analysis. Calculations predict a phase transition from semiconductor to metal as the density of the chain array increases.
The quantum door mystery: Electrons that can’t find the exit
Electron behavior in solid materials has been puzzling scientists, but a new study reveals that energy alone is not enough for them to escape. The discovery of doorway states explains why different materials exhibit unique behaviors despite similar electron energy levels.
Quantum crystals offer a blueprint for the future of computing and chemistry
Researchers at Auburn University have developed a new class of materials that allows for tunable electron delocalization, enabling applications in quantum computing, catalysis, and advanced electronics. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as energy transfer, bonding, and conductivity.
A new type of light-controlled non-volatile memory
Researchers have developed a new type of light-controlled non-volatile memory, leveraging circularly polarized terahertz light pulses to switch between two stable states. This breakthrough offers promising candidates for stable and robust data storage.
Superconductivity distorts the crystal lattice of topological quantum materials
Scientists observed tiny but spontaneous distortions in the crystal lattice of Cu_xBi_2Se_3 as it entered a superconducting state. This marks the first clear evidence of a topological superconductor coupling to the crystal lattice, advancing understanding of exotic electronic states.
Watching bandgaps in motion - attosecond interferometry of solids
Using extreme ultraviolet high-harmonic interferometry, researchers tracked changes in the electronic bandgap of silica glass and magnesium oxide under strong laser excitation. The study found a shrinking bandgap in silica and a widening bandgap in magnesium oxide.
Nanoscale X-ray imaging unveils bulk altermagnetism in MnTe
Scientists have successfully observed altemagnetic domains in bulk samples of MnTe, a candidate altermagnet, using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy. The study provides experimental evidence for the bulk nature of altermagnetism and establishes X-ray nanoimaging as a powerful method for identifying altermagnetic order.
Novel technique shines light on next-gen nanomaterials: how MXenes truly work
Researchers discovered how individual MXene flakes behave at the single-flake level, revealing changes in conductivity and optical response. The new spectroscopic micro-ellipsometry technique allowed for non-destructive measurements of individual MXene flakes, providing fundamental knowledge needed to design smarter technologies.
From engines to nanochips: Scientists redefine how heat really moves
Researchers at Auburn University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a unified statistical theory of heat conduction that explains the unusual ways heat moves in tiny materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for the design of nanochips, AI processors, and advanced energy technologies.
New organic molecule set to transform solar energy harvesting
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new class of organic molecules that can efficiently separate charges through Mott-Hubbard physics, enabling the creation of high-performance solar cells. This breakthrough could lead to the fabrication of lightweight and low-cost solar panels from a single material.
Supercritical fluids once thought uniform found to contain liquid clusters
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology experimentally demonstrated the existence of nanometer-sized liquid clusters in supercritical fluids, overturning the prevailing notion of a single phase. These clusters persisted for up to an hour and have significant implications for industrial processes and natural environments.
Self-doped molecular Mott insulator for bilayer high-temperature superconducting La3Ni2O7
Researchers propose a self-doped molecular Mott insulator model for La3Ni2O7, connecting strong correlations and interlayer coupling to its superconducting properties. The material's unique bilayer structure leads to localized atomic orbitals forming symmetric and antisymmetric molecular orbitals.
Multi-label classification" algorithm solves the challenging problem of one-dimensional strong correlation
A joint research team developed a multi-label classification algorithm to solve the spectral function of one-dimensional Bose gases at arbitrary interaction strengths. The algorithm successfully captured power-law behavior at spectral thresholds, validating nonlinear Luttinger liquid theory predictions.
Outstanding postdoctoral researchers honored with 2025 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists
The Blavatnik Regional Awards recognize exceptional postdoctoral researchers in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Chemical Sciences. Veena Padmanaban, Valentin Crépel, and Xiao Xie are this year's winners, honored for groundbreaking discoveries in cancer cell biology, condensed matter physics, and chemical biology tools.
Physicists create a new kind of time crystal that humans can actually see
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a new type of time crystal that can be observed directly under a microscope and even by the naked eye. The team used liquid crystals to achieve this feat, which could lead to technological applications such as counterfeiting prevention and data storage.