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Quantum material opens new path for studying unusual electronic behavior

Researchers have developed a novel quantum material that can naturally enable the study of non-Hermitian dynamics, a phenomenon where systems exhibit unusual behaviors. The material, a magnetic topological insulator, allows for the creation of electronic networks with direction-dependent connections, enabling the accumulation of states...

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

A new way to guide light, undeterred

A new system developed by Penn researchers allows light to be guided through tiny crystals with minimal scattering or reflection. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and controllable photonic chips, enabling faster data transmission and reduced errors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Lifting the veil of topological censorship

A recent study has lifted the veil of topological censorship by revealing a meandering conduction channel that can carry quantized bulk current. The researchers identified mechanisms that allow for tuning between qualitatively different microscopic implementations, challenging traditional theories.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2024

Photonic topological phase transition achieved by material phase transition

A team of researchers from NTT Corporation and Tokyo Institute of Technology has successfully achieved photonic topological phase transition by material phase transition. This breakthrough demonstrates the possibility to change the photonic topological phase in a reconfigurable manner, paving the way for novel research fields and promi...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

A breakthrough on the edge: One step closer to topological quantum computing

A team of experimental physicists has achieved a breakthrough in topological quantum computing by inducing superconducting effects in edge-only materials. This discovery could lead to the development of stable and efficient quantum computers, with potential applications in fields like quantum computing and technological advancements.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024

Can a computer chip have zero energy loss in 1.58 dimensions?

Theoretical physicists at Utrecht University have discovered that fractals might hold the key to making electric currents flow without energy loss. By growing fractal structures on top of semiconductors, scientists have created materials with zero-dimensional corner modes and lossless one-dimensional edge states.

SourceUtrecht University, Faculty of Science·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2024

Quantum precision: A new kind of resistor

Researchers developed a new measurement method that significantly improves the accuracy of electrical resistance measurements, leveraging the Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect. The method allows for precise measurements at high currents and without an external magnetic field, making it suitable for advanced applications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

Current takes a surprising path in quantum material

Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 3, 2023

New material could hold key to reducing energy consumption in computers and electronics

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a thin film of a unique semimetal material that can generate more computing power and memory storage while using significantly less energy. The study, published in Nature Communications, has important findings about the physics behind its unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

ToCoTronics extended

Physicists from Würzburg's ToCoTronics CRC have made groundbreaking discoveries in topological materials, including indene and bismuthene. The renewed funding will focus on shaping these materials into nanostructures using lithographic methods.

Destroying the superconductivity in a kagome metal

Scientists at RMIT University and partner organisation confirm electric control of superconductivity and giant anomalous Hall effect in the kagome metal CsV₃Sb₅. Proton intercalation modulates carrier density, allowing for tuning of Fermi surfaces and potentially realizing exotic quantum phase transitions.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

A new experiment pushes the boundaries of our understanding of topological quantum matter

Researchers clarify key aspects of thermal Hall effect in magnetic insulator, reaching novel conclusions and advancing understanding of topological quantum matter. The study utilizes ruthenium chloride to demonstrate the first example of a magnetic insulator exhibiting the thermal Hall effect from quantum edge modes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

New hybrid structures could pave the way to more stable quantum computers

Researchers at Penn State have created a two-dimensional heterostructure by combining a topological insulator with a monolayer superconductor, demonstrating topological superconductivity and Ising-type superconductivity. The hybrid structure could pave the way for more stable quantum computers and explore Majorana fermions.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Topological materials become switchable

Researchers have successfully switched on and off topological states in a material, exploiting the interaction of electrons to manipulate their behavior. The discovery opens up new possibilities for technical applications, including quantum computers and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Light-induced topological states

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have created light-induced topological states in zinc arsenide, exhibiting unusual behavior where electrical currents flow along the surface. This work explores the possibility of creating topological semimetals and manifesting new physical properties by light control.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPhysical Review B·DateSep 12, 2022

A breakthrough in magnetic materials research could lead to novel ways to manipulate electron flow with much less energy loss

Scientists have discovered new magnetic interactions in TbMn6Sn6, a Kagome layered topological magnet, which could be used to customize electron flow and reduce energy loss. The material's unique structure and electronic band structure make it an ideal candidate for quantum computing, magnetic storage media, and high-precision sensors.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 18, 2022

Topological superconductors: fertile ground for elusive Majorana ('angel') particle

Researchers investigate the search for Majorana fermions in iron-based superconductors, which could enable topological quantum computing and ultra-low energy electronics. The existence of Majorana zero-energy modes in topological superconductors makes them a promising candidate material for realizing these technologies.