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New route for designing topological magnets based on the layer number

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a systematic strategy for designing topological magnets by varying the number of layers in a crystal structure. The new approach, based on homologous series, could lead to new materials with unique magnetic and topological properties for applications in spintronics and quantum technologies.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2026

New quantum materials could dramatically boost the search for dark matter

Researchers identified three unconventional quantum materials that can amplify tiny dark matter signals, outperforming existing detectors. These materials, including titanium diselenide, could detect light dark matter particles with unprecedented sensitivity, potentially unlocking a new frontier in dark matter research.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2026

The optical glow of quantum crystals

Physicists at the University of Basel and Technical University of Munich developed a method to study the internal behavior of Wigner crystals, a fragile quantum state. By illuminating a single atomic layer of tungsten diselenide and measuring reflected light, they observed new optical features revealing collective electron dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 11, 2026

A superconductor's hidden identity revealed

Researchers discovered that niobium diselenide and TaS₂ exhibit two strongly interacting superconducting states, resolving a long-standing mystery about their behavior. This finding provides new insight into superconductivity and could aid in designing better superconducting materials for future technologies.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2026

Quantum research points to future energy and computing technologies

QuVET researchers explore how quantum wave functions move through ultra-thin materials, which could improve solar energy technologies and enable new forms of quantum control. They also manipulate quantum states in materials only a few atoms thick, opening possibilities for energy conversion and future quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

The strange quantum property of tomorrow’s insulator

A European team has successfully observed the 'quantum metric' in a three-dimensional topological insulator, a unique geometric property that enables free electrical conductivity on its surface. This breakthrough could lead to better control of next-generation materials and pave the way for faster data transfer and superconductivity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·TypeNews article·DateMay 27, 2026

Hidden order in quantum chaos: the pseudogap

Physicists used a quantum simulator to study the interaction of electrons in a material with a pseudogap state. They found that subtle magnetic patterns shape this mysterious phase of matter, which appears above the temperature at which it becomes superconducting.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

Quantum ‘alchemy’ made feasible with excitons

A team of researchers from OIST and Stanford University has demonstrated a powerful new alternative approach to Floquet engineering by showing that excitons can produce Floquet effects more efficiently than light. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel quantum devices and materials with significantly lower intensities.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

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.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2026

Electrons lag behind the nucleus

Scientists at ETH Zurich have discovered that electrons in flat layered materials like MXenes respond with a delay to the motion of atomic nuclei. This challenge to the standard Born-Oppenheimer approximation could lead to more precise mathematical models and novel opto-electronic devices.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2026

Journey to the Center of a Quantized vortex

Researchers use ultracold atomic gases to precisely control vortices in a strongly interacting fermionic superfluid, uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that govern their behavior. The study reveals the role of quasiparticles trapped within vortex cores and opens new perspectives for understanding vortex dynamics in superfluids and s...

SourceCNR-INO·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

Ultracold atoms climbing a quantum staircase

Scientists have successfully observed Shapiro steps in ultracold atoms, a quantum effect where atoms cross an extremely thin barrier without energy loss. The study provides unprecedented control over the atoms, allowing for direct probing of microscopic mechanisms and understanding how quantum behavior gives rise to macroscopic phenomena.

SourceCNR-INO·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

Electrons on the fast track

Jülich researchers create model to detect ballistic electrons in two-dimensional materials, enabling the identification of lossless current flow. This breakthrough could lead to the development of robust qubits and energy-efficient circuits.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateOct 31, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025

Harnessing GeSn semiconductors for tomorrow's quantum world

Researchers have discovered remarkable spin-related material properties of Germanium-Tin (GeSn) semiconductors, which may offer advantages over conventional materials in quantum computing and spintronics. GeSn alloys provide low in-plane heavy hole effective mass, large g-factor, and anisotropy, making them promising for qubits and low...

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateOct 6, 2025

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2025

Geometry revealed at the heart of quantum matter

A UNIGE team reveals a previously theoretical geometry that distorts electron trajectories in certain materials, revealing its presence through observation under intense magnetic fields. This discovery opens up new avenues for exploring and harnessing quantum geometry in various materials with major implications for future electronics.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·TypeNews article·DateSep 2, 2025

Graphene reaches ultimate electronic quality — two breakthrough methods push graphene beyond semiconductor limits

Researchers from NUS and The University of Manchester develop two breakthrough methods to overcome electronic disorder in graphene, setting new records for electron mobility. Twist-angle engineering and proximity screening enable the observation of quantum effects in unprecedented conditions.

Wax-assisted exfoliation and dual-surface AlOx encapsulation: significant enhancement of topological phases in MnBi2Te4

Researchers developed a wax-assisted exfoliation method to fabricate high-quality MnBi2Te4 devices with dual-surface AlOx encapsulation. This approach significantly improved the robustness of topological phases in MnBi2Te4, leading to the observation of enhanced axion insulator states and quantum anomalous Hall effects.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

Magically reducing errors in quantum computers

Researchers from The University of Osaka develop a method to prepare high-fidelity 'magic states' for use in quantum computers with less overhead and unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough aims to overcome the significant obstacle of noise in quantum systems, which can ruin computer setups.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2025

Magnetism in new exotic material opens the way for robust quantum computers

Researchers have developed a new type of exotic quantum material that can maintain its quantum properties when exposed to external disturbances, paving the way for robust quantum computers. The breakthrough uses magnetism to create stability, making it an important step towards realising practical topological quantum computing.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2025

Quantum spin model made from nanographene molecules

Empa researchers successfully realized a one-dimensional alternating Heisenberg model with a synthetic material, demonstrating strongly entangled spins and long-range correlations. In contrast, an evenly connected homogeneous chain develops an energy gap, exhibiting strong pairwise bonds and rapidly decreasing correlations.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

Sliding into novel materials: A new frontier in material science

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to transform graphite into novel materials with controlled atomic layers, enabling the creation of tiny electronic memory units. This process, known as 'Slidetronics,' allows for precise manipulation of material properties, opening doors to innovative applications in electronic...

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateFeb 5, 2025

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.