Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a new state of quantum matter that could revolutionize space technology. By exposing a custom-made material to high magnetic fields, they triggered an exotic transformation – creating a glowing, liquid-like state of matter.
This phenomenon involves electrons and positively charged “holes” pairing up and spinning in unison, forming unusual structures known as excitons. The team found this phase in a material produced at UC Irvine, which was tested under intense magnetic conditions at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
The new quantum state has several promising properties for space exploration. It is not affected by radiation, making it potentially useful for long-duration spaceflight electronics. This could enable the development of self-charging computers and technologies that can operate in harsh deep-space environments.
The discovery was made possible through a collaboration between UC Irvine researchers and experts at LANL, with support from various institutions worldwide.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251130205501.htm