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Unlocking the secrets of diamond: new insights into nitrogen-vacancy center formation

Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to increase the density and depth of nitrogen-vacancy centers in type-Ib diamonds through controlled temperature and orientation. This study advances our understanding of diamond materials and opens up new possibilities for cutting-edge scientific and technological applications.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

When D turns to F, quantum matter is A-plus

Researchers have found that certain materials can exhibit D-wave effects, entangled with other quantum states, allowing for efficient coupling at higher temperatures. This breakthrough bridges condensed matter physics subfields and could enable practical applications of quantum computing.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2023

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2023

Physicists demo method for designing topological metals

Researchers from Rice University and partners identified three promising candidate materials using a new framework that cross-references information in a database of known materials with theoretical calculations. The method could help explore strongly correlated topological matter, a large and largely uninvestigated landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Pristine quantum criticality found

A team of physicists from Rice University and colleagues discovered that quantum fluctuations may give rise to topological phases of matter. The study used magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements to show that the material CeRu4Sn6 is quantum critical without fine-tuning.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 24, 2021

Rice U. physicists discover new type of quantum material

Researchers predict creation of 'Weyl-Kondo semimetal,' a quantum material with unique properties, and demonstrate its existence through modeling. The discovery has significant implications for understanding high-temperature superconductivity and strongly correlated materials.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2017

It's never too cold for quantum

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding quantum critical points, which occur at absolute zero and are responsible for phase transitions. The new findings reveal that quantum fluctuations play a crucial role in these phenomena, even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2017

Entropy landscape sheds light on quantum mystery

Researchers precisely measured the entropy of a cerium copper gold alloy to shed light on high-temperature superconductivity and similar phenomena. The study provides new evidence about the possible causes of these phenomena near a quantum critical point, where electrons fluctuate between two different quantum states.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2017

Heavy fermions get nuclear boost on way to superconductivity

Physicists have discovered that nuclear effects help bring about superconductivity in YRS, a composite material of ytterbium and rare earth elements. This finding provides further evidence that unconventional superconductivity arises from quantum criticality and exposes the role of nuclear spins in exposing electronic quantum criticality.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2016

Evidence mounts for quantum criticality theory

A new study by Rice University and international collaborators adds to the growing evidence for a theory that explains high-temperature superconductivity and heavy fermion physics through quantum fluctuations. The research observed a sharp Fermi surface reconstruction, consistent with theoretical predictions of unconventional quantum c...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2015

Quantum criticality observed in new class of materials

Physicists at Rice University have discovered a new class of materials that exhibit quantum criticality, a phenomenon closely related to high-temperature superconductivity. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of heavy fermion metals, which could lead to a broader understanding of quantum criticality.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 4, 2014

Ultracold experiments heat up quantum research

Researchers at the University of Chicago experimentally demonstrate quantum criticality in ultracold atoms, a phenomenon that may connect the atomic realm to deep questions of cosmology. This breakthrough could lead to simulations of the early universe by studying systems in states of quantum criticality.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2012

Quantum fractals at the border of magnetism

Physicists at Rice University report a simple scaling behavior in electronic excitations of a related material, providing direct evidence of large-scale electronic consequences of quantum critical effects. The study reveals that variables from classical physics cannot explain all observed macroscopic properties at quantum critical points.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2010

Physicists offer new theory for iron compounds

Researchers propose a theoretical framework to explain the complex quantum behavior of iron pnictides, a class of high-temperature superconductors. The theory predicts specific changes in electron-electron interactions and phase transitions, opening up new avenues for studying quantum criticality.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2009

Quantum effects make the difference

Scientists have discovered a new phase transition in metal YbRh2Si2 at absolute zero, revealing additional changes to electronic properties. This study extends our understanding of phase transitions and is relevant to complex systems like high-temperature superconductors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2007

Magnetic transistor could 'dial in' quantum effects

Physicists propose a nanoscale magnetic probe to study entanglement at a quantum critical point, potentially leading to breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductivity. The probe could provide controlled and tunable settings for studying quantum effects, including spin waves and electron tunneling.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2005

Pigeonholing quantum phase transitions

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the behavior of materials at quantum critical points, a stage where materials change phases. The new classification system has shed light on the relationship between quantum criticality and high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 5, 2003